₦airaland Forum

wintabotom:
@Esther52190 hello based on my experience i was denied in december for not taking mY ielts to the embassy, please its either you get a letter from the school stating why the English test was waived and how they verified your English proficiency (since your BSc was studied in Englis) or you just do a TOEFL or IELTS to be safe.

There is no need taking a letter if it is stated on the I20.
Your case was that it requested English proficiency on your first I20.

Esther52190:
Hello guys,
I was exempted from toefl but I wrote gre and was given admission. Do I need to write toefl exam for visa interview?

As far as the school waived it, then you're good.
It will be expressly stated on your I20 that you are proficient so the VO will see that.

Amyfid12:
Before my interview, i posted my proposed interview transcript, and you said my responses were apt and i concluded that i was on the right track.The closing balance on the SOA was $45,000.

I understand how you feel and I'm really sorry about the outcome. But that's not the end of the world.
You should prep up and refire! Good enough , same VO cannot interview you twice.

This was what I saw that made me say it was apt.

ME: I chose WCU because I'm interested in an ongoing research by Prof xxxx on Improving maternal and child health outcomes in undeserved populations. And at present, my community is undeserved haelthwise, cos we've had an increase in maternal and infant deaths. Also, WCU mandates it's MPH students to complete a 6 credits, 300hrs community service course called Applied Learning Experience. That's when students apply public health knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real world public health problems. Its an avenue for students to interact with their community. This exposure will be of help to me when I return to Nigeria cos it will enable me plan and implement public health programs

Amyfid12:
Good morning lovely people. It's been a week i was denied visa at the US embassy in Abuja. To say i was devastated is an understatement. I thank God for the support system i have in terms of family and friends that encouraged me that all things will work together for my good. I had to come out here to get advice on how i went wrong. I applied to 6 schools, 5 admits and all for Masters in Public health. They offered me admission without funding. I reached out to them but there was no assurance i will be given a GA position. I decided to go for West Chester University, Pennsylvania and the total amount on my I-20 is $29,525. My aunt who resides in US is my sponsor. I prepared well for my interview and ensured my documents were complete. Below is my interview transcript on 24th May:

ME: Good morning
VO: Good morning, pass me your passport and I-20
ME: Sure
VO: Why did you choose this school?
ME: I chose this school because i'm interested in an ongoing research by Prof xxxx on xxxxxxx. Also, the school mandates it's MPH students to complete a 6 credits, 300 hours community service course called Bleep. ( The VO cuts in)
VO: What do you do?
ME: I'm a pharmacist working with xxxxxxxxx
VO: Who is your sponsor?
ME: My aunt by name xxxxxxxxx
VO: types for some seconds and handed a green paper to me, that it will explain my denial of Visa.

All these, didn't last up to 5 minutes. I was shocked because i expected questions on Why US? Why MPH? What are your plans after the MS program? Can i see your SOA? which she didn't ask me.
Please, where did i go wrong? Mind you, i didn't stutter cos i prepared well for this interview. My school starts in August and i don't know what to do.

This is my perspective:

Funding had a major role to play in the VO's decision.
But the reverse could have been the case if you were going to a top school with such or more deficit. Mind you, I said Top school not Top program.
Like the person that had over 40k deficit but for a top 10 school. He was approved.


Secondly, since you know you have no funding, you need to Sell yourself with any given opportunity.
Why this school?
'I was interested in an ongoing research ' has become hackneyed. I think you should have done better as it made the first impression for the VO.
BTW, what was the closing balance on the SOA?

segunbolawole:
Thank You, but I'm asking in respect to what the VO will consider it as

You still don't get it.
STEM stands for Science, Technology , Engineering and Mathematics.
Some courses have intensive level of Analysis and Computation and are classified under STEM e.g (Business Analytics)
So if you're interested in knowing if your course falls under STEM, do some research.

The VO has no business with whether your Course is STEM.

The VO's job is to approve or deny Visa based on documents presented.

dipseacon:
Please what are my chances of getting Visa? I'm currently in my final year at Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture. But I have gotten admission at East Tennesse State University to study Nursing, would they require a proof that I am in a school over here? And like I asked earlier what are my chances of getting Visa?

Ok from Agriculture to Nursing?

Only you can explain to the VO why you made such switch.
That is a key factor on whether you would get a Visa.

segunbolawole:
Hello, please is MS in Project Management and Operations a STEM course?

It depends on your school and how they offer the course. I know some MBA that are STEM.
So you would have to clarify this from your Graduate Coordinator or from the website.

Simcha:
Hello Nairalanders! I want to apply for the F-1 visa but I can't sponsor myself neither my parents can. But I got a USA citizen as a friend who can sponsor my school fees. My questions are, can she be allowed to be my sponsor? What documents of the sponsor are needed to be presented to the consulars? Do I need to pay university tuition fees first as a requirement to get the F-1 visa? Thanks!

Don't deceive yourself bro. Even Americans find it very tough keeping up with the cost of schooling if not for the various aids and benefits the government make available . The worst mistake you would make is go to the US relying on a Friend.
You'll only increase the population of people on the streets.
If you have not done so, go and write GRE and do your research on schools and courses that fund.
Our desperation is what got us here in the first place.

Kyankee101:
This isn’t meant to
Upset anyone but it’s the honest truth. I would advise anyone intending to study in the USA right now to save your money and use in towards other things or other schools. The political environment doesn’t want foreigners except highly skilled programs doctors, engineers, nursing and other science related program. If you get approved good luck but that is a few in a thousand. It just breaks my heart to see how much money people waste to fill this documentation when they had no chance in the first place.

STEM students have the advantage because their skills are sought after the most in the US. But you don't have to discourage people. Everyone has a different journey!
My friend studying human resource management is currently interning at Microsoft. Yes! Microsoft.

So you want to say she should have stayed back here and dwell on her first degree that would have gotten her no where?
I think this advice is for people planning to run into the streets. Because with a degree from the USA, there are a thousand and one opportunities waiting on a global scale.

JoeBazz:
Go through the link below and read about how GRE is becoming irrelevant year after year.

https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2019/05/wave-graduate-programs-drop-gre-application-requirement

Tell that to the VO

D5000y:
Hi Guys, well done for all your contributions so far! My deficit is $27k and my SOA is carrying N15m. Is this okay for visa interview, please?

It is ok.
You got funding yeah?

Nehemiah77:
Good day everyone.Thank you all for what you doing here. This trend is very informative,I've learnt a lot.

Please I have a question. The total cost of my Msc is 32,712(tuition:16,680 Living expenses:16,032) I got a GA(19,392. Full tuition waiver and little monthly stipends). I have a deficit of 13,330(4.7million naira). Can my uncle's SOA of 6million naira be sufficient to secure a visa?

Yes it sure can.

Timm89:
Thanks man. For me it was quite brief. I guess i crammed my answers and found my self stuttering in my bid to remember my exact lines.

I also don't wanna rush to make another appointment, i actually want to know when it is safest to re-try knowing that appointment dates are fast becoming a struggle this days. Thanks again.

PM me let's talk about it

AgreatMan:
Just as a side note, a lot of programs are starting to dump GRE and this standardized test myth might not hold water in a few years.

This is a graph of top 50 US schools. The percentage shows the number of programs who have dropped GRE requirements for their respective courses and that number is growing year over year.

If it's not pure madness, I don't see what someone going to study public admin is doing with GRE.

The exam doesn't correlate with ability to publish papers in graduate school; it doesn't account for the number of times a candidate wrote it; it also doesn't consider the financial constraints that applicant had while writing it. The more money u can through around on practice material, d better for u. all it does is get alot of Asian kids in who quite a lot of times don't look as bright as their GRE suggests when the heat is on.

In all these, it is not wise for one to go to the embassy without taking any standardized test .

And only a handful of schools are in support of the GRExit movement. So GRE is here to stay.

heeedreeez:
My brother, It has really being an herculean task... Even with PhD admission...However, the struggle continues.

I know right?
God will help us all.

jossywayne:
Sorry for the denial. First mistake you make is not to get a funding from the school that gave you the admission. Try and get fund and apply again. All the best to you. Which embassy do u went to?

To get funding for engineering programs before arrival is almost impossible. Especially for Msc.

keji157:
No, I don't.

A post graduate degree here with some experience would have been of a great boost for you towards getting a graduate school admission.
PM me let me see full details of your profile.

Timm89:
Hi house. Please I got denied today� (F1). How soon can I reapply?

Sorry about that.

Drop your transcript and get advise before running to reapply.

US is not running.

keji157:
My i20 has been shipped already and Sevis fee paid for. What do you think can be done?


I had a 3rd class in first degree and I wasnt really interestedin Botany reason why I decided to get another degree in digital Media which am more interested in.

Your Sevis fee is valid for a year.
Do you have professional experience in your intended field?

dejakif:
Thank you very much for the response, What document am i mearnt to take along?

Passport – All original passports including old and expired.
DS 160 form copy.
US embassy Visa interview appointment confirmation copy.
Form i797A or B (H1B approval notice) – Original is best. If not possible, then carry color copy of i797 approval.
Form i129 (H1B application) copy – Carry color or Black and white copy of form i-129.
H1B LCA copy – Carry color or Black and white copy of LCA posting.
Statement of account
Last 3 months payslips..
Landed documents (if available)

Take any relevant document that can prove strong home tie.

keji157:
Good morning everyone. I recently gained admission at the East Tennessee State University study Digital Media as my second degree. I already had a first degree from the university of Ibadan in 2014. My i20 has been shipped but am still in doubt if Vo will accept or reject my Visa application cos I already had a first degree.

Kindly DON'T go for a second Bsc.

You have a very high possibility of getting straight denial.

dejakif:
Hello Guys,

I just got an appointment Interview for US VISA, a friend working in the US invited me but i am sponsoring myself as i have a good job here in Nigeria and a family of 2.

This is the first time i will be going for an interview but I have traveled to China about 4years ago (Spent 4 months in china), sponsored by the Chinese embassy. I have a new passport as the one i used to travel to china already expired.

What are the possible questions that will be asked during the interview & what documents should i take along to the interview?

Where you've traveled to and what you went to do there.
What do you do for a living?
How much do you earn?
Home tie.. Family, Job, investment
How long will you be there?
And questions about the person that invited you.

wintabotom:
Please note that the school wrote the embassy to apologise for this omission . They also confirmed in the letter that they had waived the English proficiency because i had my BSC in English and also confirmed that i also sent my IELTS result. For the 2nd interview i agree i wasnt coordinated.. i had a serious issue at home so I wasnt in the right mind on that day. I still have all the copy of the letter sent to the embassy from the school.

I am sorry about what happened ok.
The VO works 100% with what is stated on the transcript. That's why it is advised to request for a new transcript if what is stated is obviously different from what is presented. The VO has a target to attend to a lot of people within a short span of time and might not have the time to start requesting for individual documents.

Please take your time for your next interview.
I am always here to give my little moral support.

camobri:
was angry after reading people's transcript. Me not even going dia people, they will come look for me in Nigeria. yeye people. how can you deny someone cos of IELTS after a waiver was given by school?

First, never conclude based on what you read here. Only the VO knows what was said and what happened.

Secondly, the transcript shew that the person needed to show English proficiency . So it was 100% the person's fault for not going with proof of proficiency.

The VO has a reason for denying approval.

Davidkking:
So my uncle is giving me his company's bank statement...... not really a company Sha but he own a small ware house where he sells electronics.......he is the only person running the business, no share holders or anything and the SOA of his business has #50 million in it and that is what I'm going with......my tuition and fee is $26000.......hope the SOA would be accepted?...... considering that it's not a personal SOA?

If it is a business account, you must have a financial statement stating the amount he is willing to support you with.

Jerido:
Good morning Great ones in the house. I really need your help all. The school i got admission into in fall 2018 with still valid Sevis ID after i was denied visa at the embassy gave me another admission again this fall 2019 different from the formal sevis ID after my I-20 had been approved. Pls, what can i do and which Sevis ID can i use to process my visa application. Thanking you in anticipation for your help.

The new one. You can change your Sevis Id on the website where you registered your previous Id.

wintabotom:
Good evening

@fairheart @justwise and other experienced members please should i try again this fall. If i hve a better and more articulated transcript, do you think i have a chance? Please dont forget that i was denied 2ce..

PS i am going with my daughter.

Before going for your next interview, you need to get a good drill.

For the delivery , I think you got some benefits that you were not supposed to get as a noncitizen.

Response to ' why this school?' was not convincing at the second interview.
Also you should consider Canada express entry as a backup since you have a family.

sambasten:
Please any current MTSU or ETSU engineering technology student in the house? Attention needed e shaanu aje

Saleh don give funding?

Time2win:
I wonder where you got this from. ICES is for canada

NACES is for America . Thanks for the correction.

You can do this without coming out rude.

Munix:
What are you saying bro, are you saying I can't have an Uncle who is not from my father's tribe?
If you don't have a response biko leave it

I just want to know if the VO will not be particular about it

Na you sabi.

Munix:
Good morning House,
, do I need to consider TRIBE?

Una don come again .

Don't expect to get any response to this question.
You don't come on a platform viewed by even the VO and start asking this type of question.

ProYouWebsiteUK:
Thanks a lot

You're always welcome dearie