₦airaland Forum

hotmomma:
Hello, pls I intend travelling next yr to USA with my son who would be a yr plus for summer to visit my elder sis with her family. I have never travelled out before and I work with d fed govt. I wanna use my leave period to embark on the journey. Please I need advise on what to have on ground, best time to apply and if I have a good chance of getting the visa. I just want to go on a visit, hubby won't be going with us.

Dear madam,
What you need to have on ground is simple: study this thread from the first page. As you read, you will see how to assess yourself, fill the application forms with the truth about your circumstances and ties, and prepare to defend it in all simplicity at the interview. After you have studied about 20 pages here, you can already begin to fill the form. I recommend you fill it gradually, don't rush it, don't rush to submit. It is good you are preparing early. Visiting the US is easy, once you are truthful and meet their requirements.
Wish you all the best.

Royals1:
.


Does dt mean if I av a sibling over there I should lie dt I don't av.

Sir, do not lie under any circumstances.
It means you should work on your ties in Nigeria, and how you explain those ties.

Ciao

opeobats:
Hello I need your advice. I applied for a visiting visa on the 25th of August and it has been receieved for review by an ECO. Just found out this evening that I was awarded the ptdf scholarship. My dilemma is what do I do now? Would I have to withdraw my current ongoing application and re-apply for a student visa?

Please how long would it take for me to get back my passport if I have to withdraw my application?

Thanks.

Yes, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Whether to withdraw your current application or wait for it to be decided depends on you and how soon you need to resume school. Read back a bit to get an idea of the recent timelines for processing UK visas.
Keep in mind that applying for the student's visa will also take some time and has it's own requirements. (If you are a frequent visitor to UK, your application may be decided faster, if you are a first time applicant, expect them to exhaust the 15 working days stipulated and perhaps more: they will be notifying you as they proceed).

For withdrawing your application, it may take up to 10 days (read back, I can't remember exactly what I read earlier). It could also be much faster if you are a frequent UK visitor and your visa application is being processed in the BDHC or BHC in Lagos or Abuja.

inspiredbelieve:
Dear All,

Please I need your help.... Lemme use bullet points.
Kindly help.

Not sure, but if I were in your shoes, I will contact the embassy/consulate by email, LagosNIV@state.gov and if they reply saying it is okay, I will print that reply and take it along with me to the interview.

justwise:
Anybody with a solution to this post? Please help

OP should check her bank balance to see if she has been debited. If not, she can retry the transaction. If yes, she needs to contact her bank for advice.

uchevolata:
Hello House,

Please can anyone tell me what supporting documents to apply for a drop box for visa renewal.

Like work documents etc and?

Thanks in advance

I have never done dropbox before, but it looks to me like "if documents are not looked at at the interview, why would they be needed for dropbox?" I am sure that when you go through the dropbox process, you will be told what documents you need to submit: e.g. visa fee payment receipt, etc.

lightdream:
Thank you.all my debit master card not going through Gtb, UBA.Ecobank.

Get a Dollar Debit Card. And speak to your bank to authorize the transactions you want to use the card(s) for.

mrszez:
No i didnt inform thw VO cos the agent said not to. But the one on my passport is correct.

"4. You need to correct that "mistake" in your next application, by coming clean about your records.
5. Read this thread thoroughly and you will see that other people have made the same mistake (and similar ones) in the past and have been advised on how to correct it. "

LadyGuinivere:
Welcome to part 2 of this thread, part 1 is now boggy and too long for newbies to read through. (Although the info there is priceless and Must/Ought to be read by any serious applicant.

@Gurus.
It seems the links usembassy.gov links aren't working today. Please help check if the urls are still valid. Thanks.

Yjc07:
Hello LagosNIV, I've been filling the DS-160 Form for almost 8 days now I'm unable to complete it each time I gets to Work / Education / Training stage Session Timed Out!. Please what do I do? because I already schedule appointment at the Embassy Abuja for 5th September but still unable to submit my application. I need urgent help please!!!quote author=LagosNIV post.

Sir, when I started up my application process, it was clearly written that I needed to complete the form before scheduling the interview. Perhaps the text has changed now, but same is the advice on page 1 of this thread. This kain pressure could have been avoided.
My2kobo. Try another computer, try another internet access (if using GPRS, some network will be showing 4G or H, and will be giving you less than snail speed). I guess you have tried different browsers already. Is your antivirus up to date? Try restarting your computer. If you are using any of those virus laden torrent, stop them. If your computer is shared, "unshare" it.

irenmwinfo:
Please house help me on this. My Aunty sent me money to process my passport. She's a distance family member but wants to sponsor my U.K visiting visa. While she's will ne going back soon to the U.k possibly next week, she told me she'll get me letter of invitation and other documents to back it up for my visa. My question is, what documents can I as the applicant prepare here because am still unemployed. I just finished my NYSC last year November. Please your response will do alot better. I want to make sure all documents are properly prepared. Thanks.

Sir, Since you are currently awaiting employment, try spend a little of your time reading back a few pages, if not the whole thread.It will do you a lot of good towards your application, and you will be able to ask more specific questions if you decide to go ahead to apply.

mrszez:
House , pls i need your help. I applied for visit visa in march this year but was denied. I notice then they was mistake in my date of birth. The agent i use then made a mistake. Pls i want to reapply next month. Pls how do i go about it since am applying myself and the dirth of birth wahala. Please i need your kind advise.

1. Did you bring up this "mistake" in your March interview? Did the VO take note to correct it?
2. Is the date of birth in your passport reflect this same "mistake"?
3. @Bolded. The US takes the truth very seriously and your visa application is your responsibility.
4. You need to correct that "mistake" in your next application, by coming clean about your records.
5. Read this thread thoroughly and you will see that other people have made the same mistake (and similar ones) in the past and have been advised on how to correct it.

ddonsly:
Hi bigbus,

Please do you have anyone I could contact in BDHC who will be able to help me retrieve my passport. I need my passport back like yesterday mehn.. Thanks

No. Don't know anyone. When I did make the move to retrieve my passport some time ago, I visited the BDHC in VI twice, wrote letter, wrote email etc, until finally they let me in and attended to me.

nikkycool:
Hello house,I was denied visa today and wants to apply for UK almost immediately cos I want to spend my leave days outside Nigeria.Can I apply for UK visa next week.Thank you.

Yes you can. Read up the UK visa section. There are different requirements and it's a different process.

LazzyH:
i had N900k on my account then i took a loan from the company i work. i have been to the uk 2014 to 2015. i am going for a vacation and visiting a friend. and by early next year lets say march i will be going for a course in the uk like i did 2014 and 2015. i was hoping i apply for a 2 years visa application so that i wont have to reapply again.
i have 1.7m in my account.

thank you...
I intend spending from the 1m on my account, flight and my visa fees and the 7ook is for next yyear...

How to pay has been answered separately.
The calculations are beyond my competence, with reference to the lodgement of N1m in your account. Since you have travel history to UK (hope your visits were short and prompt) some ECO may overlook/understand your explanation, but others (many?) may not.

An ECO may consider the current recession and conclude that can not "have" a loan inflow in your account as majority funding for consideration for a 2 year visa/vacation. The visa fee for 2 years no be small, don't give them any reason to ask you to re-apply. If I were in your shoes, I would move out the N1m for it's purpose and apply for 6 months now, or wait a little and combine my vacation with the next course, and sort out the financial documentation before then.

You can read more in previous posts on this thread. The gurus may have other advice.

ekpotek:
.

My current visa issued in March 2017 was at UKVI01 (Victoria Island, Lagos). My passport only spent 5 days in BDHC. If you actually want to authenticate where your visa stamp was placed on your passport, kindly check the embossment seal on the visa. The seal on my visa is British Deputy High Commission (see image). So any one out there with a visit visa issued by SHEFFIELD should check the imprint on the seal stamped on the visa and let us know. I guess this will put a seal to this discussion. Thanks

My SHEFO visa embossment bears HOME OFFICE, UK VISA SECTION.

Solatium:
For the fact Sheffield was indicated on your visa does not mean it was printed and fixed on your passport in Sheffield,it means the approval was given in Sheffield where bulk of visas are processed and it will carry a Sheffield reference number,.....Are u saying those who got decision and got their passports back in a week also had their passports sent to Sheffield?

Sir,
As I said, I can only speak about my own case. And I explained, BDHC said my passport was in Sheffield. Shikena.
I may not be able to follow their logic but I would expect them to know better the difference between "issued" and "approved". However they do it now, I don't know.
I have received DHL from Midlands UK in 24 hours. And I know also that visas can be approved and issued in Lagos/Abuja; even though it's rarer nowadays and likely it will bear the correct issuing office.

tmoneyluvsu:
Thanks for your helpful response, I've two accounts which are funded most times, can I use an account that's not mine,maybe a friend account?

Yes, you can ask your friend to book for you.
Or you can try search for those options that don't require credit cards. Read the "fine print", some may give other conditions: e.g. "deposit by transfer required two weeks before arrival date", or "if you don't show up or contact them before 6p.m on arrival date, the booking will be cancelled" etc.

LazzyH:
hello, good morning and happy sunday to u all

Please I need to understand some issues concerning UK visa application
I have been to the uk before for a professional course that last 2 weeks Scotland.
N300k monthly is what i make and i have N600 TO N900k on my account and took a loan of 1m with document from my company show show for it. but its not for traveling just have some project i am handling.
i intend spending just N500k or less.


please justwise advice me and check for any mistake. fees for 2years UK Visa is alomst N200k now...
USD 458 PLUS EXTRA USD 75 = USD 533 = N196K

whats the difference in visa centres ikeja and VI

please feel free to ask me all necessary questions concerning this here and thank you very much....

Sir,
Please don't forget that with truecaller app, or biometrics submitted for sim registration, you should be more wary of personal info submitted to the public.
@bolded: what of flight tickets.
@your bank balance; unless you have a good history of travelling and/or good turnover on your bank accounts, or other circumstances to explain the need for a two year visa, I will suggest you stick to six months visa.
I suppose the entry and exit of the N1m are clear in your bank statement: you can include comments on it in a letter of introduction; read back. Think of the mind of the ECO and don't give room for them to deny you based on some unexplained cashflow. It is up to you demonstrate the sincerity of your visa application.

@Ikeja/VI difference. Feel free to read back a few pages.

LazzyH:
HOW I DO PAY MY VISA FEE ONLINE?
i bank with eco bank and have online internet banking facility
i intend paying tomorrow being monday 28th of august 2017

thank you, may God bless ur efforts

Best bet, use a Dollar denominated debit card (Visa or Mastercard). If you don't have one, get a trusted relative to assist you, or wait till you get one.
Second bet, confirm from your bank whether you can make international payments online with your card. (Ask them also the amount/limit.)

seyewest:
After praying ask yourself these questions ...
''Why do I want to visit U.S''
''Why is it a must I must visit U.S''
''Financially am I capable''
''Do I have the require ties''
''Why am I even scared of 2 mins interview?''

Expect nothing and you will avoid disappointment.
@OP, don't get worked up; visa is for US visit to spend, spend, spend what you have earned, earned here. Since you pray, keep in mind that the visa is not a ticket to heaven. Be open to accepting whatever outcome as God's Will for you at the moment.

Stick to the truth, and the truth will set you free.

You cannot pray a lie. ~Mark Twain

Tawakalituolas:
Good afternoon house,I'm new here.pls,I will need an answer to the questions I'm going to ask.my first question: I'm planning of traveling to US for vacation next year march can go for my interview this year? Secondly,i'm engaged and I have a 3 years old daughter but I'm not taking her along.I hope the VO won't say the child is too small to leave.

Can you be interviewed this year? I think yes. After filling the form, you will see available interview dates. Actually, by the time you finish filling, you might find out that the nearest available interview dates are in November or December. It depends on the number of applicants, and they advise people to apply early. (If you think the available dates are too early for you, you can then wait and schedule later.)

3 years old is not too small: grandma/aunt can take care of her. But hope you are not planning an extended vacation! And hope you have good reasons for wanting to go and enjoy a vacation alone without taking your only daughter along. That said, you need to worry more about your ties to Nigeria (or your country of residence) and your ability to demonstrate them. For what constitutes ties, read through the thread and assess based on your personal circumstances.

james87871:
Thanks i understand better . Have been making arrangement with wakanow for dubai and will be route to Kenya then back to Nigeria then might visit Ghana as well this month hope it does not mean if I make the whole trip same month September I don't want any thing to disturb when ever I want to to re apply ? Please I would be waiting for your reply . Thanks again for the contribution

If your visit to Ghana is for travel history, I suggest you rethink it since you are going to Dubai and Kenya.
If you love travelling, holidaying, tourism, then it is cool. But sir, don't spend all your accumulated leave in one go. You can visit Ghana next year or for Christmas. (You can't spend your leave and have it.)

akyinka:
Hello house, pls help me with the question below

I think you include family during the process of booking an appointment. If you had not included her earlier, I do not know if you can include her now: but going the way slots for interviews are rationed, you might need to reschedule your appointment.
What to do? Submit your applications forms, then see if you can add family to be interviewed together. If that option is no longer available..... I don't even know if you rescheduling will make it available, but at least you can reschedule in order to have the same interview date/time.
Keep in mind that you can only reschedule once per visa fee receipt.

Brightingsus:
Ok, if you ask me, I will be of the inclination that visit visas are stamped in the applicant's home country/country of application. This is only adopting logic. I do not know the fact. It is not part of your freedom of information, so they do not owe it to tell applicants where visas are stamped.

Well, my current visit visa was issued in Sheffield. It says so on the visa. My previous visas were issued in Nigeria (in the days of the black and red VFS bags).
Furthermore, I needed my passport back (similar long delays then) and I went to BDHC to retrieve it. (Two days back and forth before they let me in and a nice competent authority attended to me.) They couldn't give it back, but were able to check and told me specifically that the visa was issued in Sheffield some days back: it still took another week or so for it to arrive in Nigeria and TLS (all couriered via UPS). I can only speak of my own experience; but I think that if you receive your passport with a visa issued in Shefo, your passport has visited UK and while you were waiting.
Part of the delays seemed to be caused by the courier time and logistics. #JustMyTake, #NotForArgument(s).

tmoneyluvsu:
Pls gurus in the house,does the fact that my salary comes late ,like on 10th sometimes affects my visa application?
And also, can I receive cash up to 300k in my Acc without been accused of lump sum.
I earn 325k per month.

Your monthly earnings will reflect in your salary account. I don't think the date matters much, as long as it is consistent, coming from your company's account and you have your payslips.
For the extra 300k (cash or not), any departure from the regular activities in the account may call for more scrutiny. It may be worthwhile to include a comment/explanation of this inflow in a letter or in the space for additional info in your form. (It may not matter at all, if it is insignificant compared to the monthly turnover of your account, or if you spend it out of your account similar such that it does not "boost the balance".

fnor:
Please I need answers. Thank you

If you got a visa in 2014 while you were unemployed, I suppose your other circumstances would have favoured the UK granting those visas. Though each visa application is considered afresh, your previous experience should be helpful and good use of past visa should count in your favour. As to your application, the gurus here may have other input, but I suppose you may be able to include the farmland among your properties (including the documents of ownership).

eee777:
hi anyone can tell why my friend was denied a visa. He was to attend a two weeks conference in the US. At the embassy the young dark in complexion lady asked what he is going to do in the US & he answered nicely and the lady stretched her hand asking him to bring out "invitation letter" . He brought out the conference stuff & the girl replied No this is not it. It was at this point he goofed up. He was denied visa. He called his brother in US & the guy said it is the print out doc written "product & pricing" carrying info such as conference date/venue, check in check out , hotel amount, conference duration. I want to know if this is truly the invitation stuff because his brother keeps arguing & angry since. Na truth me wan dig out so. Thanks

Perhaps only your friend, aided his friend and his brother, are the only ones that can provide you with the truth of the matter. Consider asking him to post his transcript here, so that people can offer comments on what went wrong or right.
This "dark in complexion lady", was she inside the embassy or outside?

Tinybabs:
Apology. I was banned in 2006 because I used a fake document (arranged by an agent) . That happens immediately I left school and desperate to find something doing. I decided to travel abroad for a greener pasture so a friend introduced me to this guy and this circumstance happened, although I was not ban immediately. In 2010, I was working with a finance house and I felt am eligible for a visiting then, so I applied but did not revealed that I had once applied. Thus I was banned, Am married now with two kids and a mid cadre management officer. I must say that I still don't know how to apply online,but I have learnt my lesson. I earnestly wants to take my kids to witness stuffs they have seen in cartoon and winter etc. I really need advice.

Sir, If you were banned in 2010 (following the narrative above), and for 10 years (following initial post), then your 10years ban is in force till 2020. Best for you to wait till 2021 before contemplating UK visit. You can take your kids to other places with Winter and Cartoon themed parks in the meantime.

sanmyor84:
Hello house. Please I need help. When I filled my Ds-160 form, my passport was rejected, but on the confirmation page, it says I must bring a passport photograph satisfying the requirements to the interview.
However, I later saw another thing in the appointment letter that those who failed to upload their passports would be turned back to reschedule their appointment.. Please has anyone been in this shoe before? Am I safe to take the passport with me to interview and ignore the information on the appointment letter, or what should I do?

@Bolded. No.
How to amend your current situation has been discussed and posted on this thread several times. (I don't know it by heart, and no time to fish it out for you. Just read back a bit. I think it came up again within the last 6 pages.)

Abeehorlar:
I will advise you disvirgin your passport by sending it through ABC bus that pass through, borders like Cotonou, Togo and Ghana

If you read past experiences related in this thread, you will see that this is not only useless, but could be the undoing of the applicant. Moreover, "sending" is as fraudulent as fake stamps! Perhaps it's sarcasm sha.
@OP, People with no travel experience get visas: read the thread and assess yourself. You can postpone your interview, you can forget your current visa fee, but once you misrepresent once (just one falsehood) and your jeopardize your future visa applications.

oladeyle:
Hello house, someone should please help me confirm this Dubai work visa
Name:

Bros, remove your personal data sharp sharp. Play safe, stay safe!