₦airaland Forum

ToluwalekeA:
Please has anybody been able to fill educational history on the DS160 recently. The educational history isn't coming up in their portal. Anybody with the same issue.Asking on behalf of a brother

This section is very important so try contacting their help line if such case persists.

lalavita:
It wasn’t on my form. Just fill the sections that come up on your form completely.

What?
Educational history was not on your form?

You sure you filled the DS 160 correctly?
Kindly go back to the form and fill it . you are supposed to click a radio button for those details to come out.

Not filling that section in the eyes of the VO simply means you have no degree .

amb001:
Again, the section where they asked if you have worked or contributed to a social, professional body...Does not filling anything affect ones profile. I can't seem to remember being active in any such bodies or make i lie there?

You know the DS 160 ..what you fill , must be able to defend and sometimes, with proof.

Focus on what you have done and that's sufficient.

Mykaelolalekan:
Good day NL family, I have just received my I 20 and I am supposed to travel alone but my wife has insisted that we go together with the kids. I have informed my school of my decision and they requested that I show proof of funds for additional 16k usd before another I20 will be issued to include my family member. I have 11 million in my account which I have used to obtain the initial I20. The only fund available now is my mum treasury bill investment of circa 15m naira.

My worries is that I am in my early 40's, will it sound nice to the school and the VO to be sponsored by aged parent considering my age and family status

Lol
I grinned @ my wife insisted we go together.. She no wan hear story that touches the soul.
You have to let her know that her joining you reduces your chances of approval by over 40%.(especially if you're going for a Masters program)

If she insists after this, then by all means proceed

The school should accept treasury bills . Attach it with your SOA and send!

Bunmip:
Hello house,

I tried to secure an appointment but its showing no available appointment date. I tried to check few minutes again and still shows the same thing and also says i am approaching the maximum number of time.

Please how many times can someone check for appointment date? please i need advice on when next i can check again.

Chill dates will open up

Mudicua:
Hello everyone

Thanks to all who contribute o this thread. The information here is massive.
Congrats to those who have gotten their visas.
Favor and grace to those in the process of going for their interviews.
and renewed hope to those who have been denied, but plan to try again.

Pleasseeeeee I need all your help here.
I am filling my DS-160 form and i need to know how to go about the following:

1. The part of address where you will be staying in the US.
2. Who is paying for your trip?

1. For address, I picked one of the school housing units to fill the form, (while I may eventually get off campus housing) please what do you guys think?

2. With regards to the person paying for the trip, I have the option of co-sponsorship of my brother and our family friend, self, as well as $11k assistanship from the school. Now my brother has about N6m and our family friend has about N3m and I have about same amount too.
On my i20 it says self, family and friends and the school assistanship as source of funding.
Now should I fill my brother as person paying for the trip being the person with the higher amount of cash here. However, what happens to the others involved in the sponsoring? Please how do i explain this. (I no sabi dagbo and I no even fit think am even f some persons say na the way... I no do)

Kindly help ooo, I have paused my DS-160 and awaiting answers from the experts and gurus in the house.

@LagosismyHome
@sharwama
@Time2win
@Mayorsmart005
@Brown2Green
Please kindly assist me.
All others too abeg all your inputs will be appreciated.

Meanwhile my proposed transcript is on the way for y'all contributions as well.
Thank you very much.

1) put the school address if you have no accommodation yet.

2) the ideal contact person is the officer on your I20
3) Your sponsor . if you put self, make sure you go with your personal SOA else, put the details of your sponsor

During your interview, you can mention all your sponsors and present their respective SOA.

Wretch32:
Congratulations to all who had approved visas recently

My only concern is we’ve not had a lot of approved transcripts thus far for students who are not funded somehow

It’s a big concern, funding isn’t very easy to get
And I don’t see partial funding as even enough going by recent events here

The truth is, if you're very well prepared , the VO will have a hard time giving you a denial with or without funding.
They are humans! always remember that.

segunbolawole:
What of Funding from Godmother, total expense 28k, funding available 47k (2k scholarship inclusive)

Don't call that funding.
Call it SOA from Godmother.
Funding is your 2k scholarship.

Why would your 'godmother' want to fund you?

segunbolawole:
Seems PhD spplicnats are easily granted visa, what of those going for masters, please share your experience o, let's know what's up... Congratulations Sir

Not true.
PhD go with full funding..
Your chances are higher for approval MSC or PhD if you have good funding.

Mayorsmart005:
Visa Interview @Abuja Embassy today, May 21.

My appointment was for 7:30am and I got there few minutes before this time. First was the warm welcome received from the "staple-your-documents guys" who almost did not allow the cab I boarded to park before opening the car door. "Bros, there's a special order of arrangement required for your documents, else they will send you back" others too were saying different things...I just said OK while I walked away. On getting in, I was amazed at the number of people already there...Pastors with collars, Revd Fathers in their robes, VIO in uniform, grandpas and grandmas, people wearing all manners of job ID cards. I joined the queue, had some documents checked, proceeded for biometrics and all the other kind of checks. All these took time, but was very orderly.

Finally, we got in and joined the interview queue. While waiting, I was watching what was going on in windows 6, 7, 8 and 9 where interviews were conducted. While the VOs in the other windows took their time to hear what people had to say, before either granting or denying them, the lady in window 6 hardly spent 2minutes before issuing blue paper to people...she was just dishing it out in less than 2 minutes. I prayed not to be interviewed by her. As usual, in less than two minutes, she handed the woman in my front a blue paper and called for the next which happened to be me (perhaps, I prayed amiss). In my mind, I just said, "Holy Spirit, take control".

Me: Good morning ma

VO: Good morning (while she stretched her hand for my passport and I-20). She stared at my I-20 for about 5 seconds

VO: Why are you going to the US?

Me: I'm going for my Doctorate degree in Chemistry at Florida International University.

VO: How did you know about the school?

Me: I made a search online about my research interest and the research of Dr. X of Florida International University appealed to me the most...(I still had more to say but she interrupted with the next question)

VO: Where did you have your previous degrees?

Me: University of Ilorin.

VO: So what will this degree do for you?

Me: Currently, I am a Lecturer in XYZ University and bagging this....(again, she interrupted with the next question)

VO: Are you married?

Me: Yeah, with a kid.

VO: Will your wife be joining you?

Me: She currently works here, so for now, I'll be going alone.

VO: Typed for a while and said "I have approved your visa."

Me: Thank you (with an American smile)

She then handed me the small congratulatory white paper and the one for the pick up locations. It's true you hardly hear the other things said after approval...I just knew she mentioned something like I-20. Others? I no hear am o.

Appreciation.
I might not have personally interacted with everyone on this platform but I have either directly or indirectly benefitted from the materials and information you shared here. They have really been of help. I am sincerely grateful and just want to use this opportunity to say a big "Thank You".

To God alone be all the glory!

Congrats man

Munix:
Hello Gurus, Please if 'Family Fund' is stated on my i-20 for sponsorship after my scholarship, can I go to the interview with a company bank statement?
Thanks

Except the bank statement is linked to your family, there will be serious concern.
So Kindly have a document that reconciles both

pragya2017:
Good Morning Good peeps of Nairaland. Thank God for the approval so far.

I want to ask if I can go with my son(He is a baby of about 10 months) for the visa interview. The reason am asking is that he doesn't need a Visa because he has a blue passport and since I will be going for the interview with my wife(F2) because we all intend traveling together.

Thank you

You're not expected to go with them .

denniece1:
Hello house, my Visa was approved minutes ago at the Lagos Consulate. I would post my transcript later today.
I want to appreciate everyone for inputs to this thread, they were really helpful.

Nice one man.

LagosismyHome:
Where did you hear or read that anyone needs to return an i20 back to the school? What does the school need it for ?.....

You didn't see the part where he said his school requested for it to be shipped back to them ?

amb001:
For entity paying for trip on DS160, I put SELF even though I'm using a loan and receiving sponsorship from uncle/guardian. Am I correct?

Again, i put NO in "Have you made specific plans for trip?" Am I correct?

Hope you have SOA to show for yourself?
VO can ask any question you know..

No is fine.

Onedaka:
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The number you need can only be gotten after you're done with the form.

MasterforceII:
Visa approved this morning at the Lagos consulate.
Got to the embassy around 5:30am for a 6:30am appointment. Joined the queue, did my biometrics and proceeded Window 2 for my interview. My interview was very short. This is my transcript as I remember:

V.O: Good morning.
Me: Good morning. How was your weekend.
V.O: Very well. Can you pass your documents please?
*passes documents and she examines them for about 10 seconds
V.O: So How did you get to know about this school?
Me: When I decided to apply to graduate school, I made research online about schools that offered research on grid integration of renewable energy resources and I came about Auburn University, amongst others.
V.O: How many other schools did you apply to?
Me: 8
V.0: Have you heard from all?
Me: No. I haven't heard from 3 schools.
V.O: How many schools have you been admitted to?
Me: 3 schools.
V.O: Can you name the schools you haven't heard from?
Me: I haven't heard from Iowa State, Virginia Tech and RPI.
V.O: Okay. Are you married?
Me: No.
V.O: Are you single?
Me: Yes I am.
V.O: Do you have any kids?
Me: No I dont.
V.O: Do you have any relative in the US?
Me: Yes, an aunt.
V.O: Where in the US is she?
Me: She's in Louisiana.
V.O: Congratulations, your visa will be ready in 3 days. You can pick it up at this location. You'll get a text from us when it is ready. Have a nice day.

Lol. To think I prepared all weekend to talk about my research and that wasn't even asked at all. Wasn't asked for GRE or Toefl scores or my funding. Felt rather anticlimatic as I was ready to answer questions about my research. lol. But regardless, I give thanks to God.

Grateful for this thread as it was very helpful in my preparation. Goodluck to everyone and see you in Trumpland or whoever owns the land in 2020.

Congrats man.
You got full funding?

gbeje:
Please, if a company's SOA is submitted for I-20 processing but the sponsor's letter/promissory letter states the name and relationship (uncle) of the sole owner/signatory of the business, what fund provider name is the school likely to write on the I-20? Company's name or account owner's name?
Also, which selection is appropriate in this case while filling the ds-160 under "who is paying for your trip?" Organization or other relative?
Thank you.

Some schools don't state the personal details of the sponsors on I20. So you have to find out if your school does .

You can notify the International office that you did prefer the details lifted from your financial support statement not the SOA.

toluene1234:
@Brown2Green, @lagosismyhome and others . Please help go through this transcript for corrections and improvements.
Mock transcript with VO

ME: Good morning madam/sir
VO: Good morning to you, pass me your Passport and I-20
ME: Passed the documents as requested
VO: What do you want to do in the US?
ME: I am going to the US to pursue my Master degree in Information Security and Assurance

1)
VO: Why did you choose to study in the US instead of Nigeria?
ME: No Nigerian University offers Master of Science in Cybersecurity or information security and Assurance, most notable members of Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria CSEAN and professionals I know in Nigeria had their educations in the US in addition to that A friend of mine who is a HR consultant told me that foreign certificates especially in America always have an edge over local certificates because of the technical skills and experience they bring to the job market.




VO: Which School?
ME: Johnson and Wales University Providence, Rhode Island

2)
VO: How many Schools did you apply to and mention them?
ME: I applied to 5 Schools, namely Northeastern University Boston, Rochester Institute of Technology New York, University of Houston Victoria Texas and Southern New Hampshire University Manchester.


3)
VO: Why Johnson and Wales University?
ME: I chose JWU because of their timely feedback and responses to all correspondences compared to other schools, JWU course curriculum are exciting and the concept of co-op program is the most attractive part that fascinated my interest to the school, you are not only earning a degree but also a real life experience at the companies. JWU tuition is relatively affordable compared to other schools and also cost of living in providence city . Encouraging testimonies from alumni also contributed immensely to my decision making. The last but not the least JWU provided an opportunity to prepare for various industry security certifications, including the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor) and SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) to set oneself apart from the competition, which is not available in other schools
VO: How do you come across these schools?
ME: I attended an educational fare organized by BCIE British Canadian International Education in Lagos around 2017. There were some of the school representatives that came for the fare. I got to know about the school. I undergone more researches on the school via usanews.com and google.com
VO: Why Information Security and Assurance?
ME: There has been significant increase in data security breaches across organizations and government establishments, many of these perpetrators have gone unnoticed leaving no traces behind. In Nigeria, Government agencies and private institutions are trying hard to combat cybercrimes that is prevalent in our emerging economy. There is a popular one YAHOO YAHOO, they are black hackers that attack organizations and individual accounts to steal vital information to attack and use against them. This will continue as long as our society depends on information system over the networks. There are efforts to combat this menace by Governments security agencies and other companies but limited cyber security professionals to combat this menace. I see a big opportunity in this field to join other security experts to fight cybercrimes. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in every organizational systems, hijack, and steal organizational information assets, on daily basis I see a big opportunity to join fight cybercrimes and ensure maximum security in our cyberspace

4)
VO: What is your plan after graduation/what will this course do for you after graduation?
ME: after taking Digital/Computer Forensics and Investigation, with practical experience, and upon completion of my program, I will return home to work with government agencies and private organizations to help fight cybercrimes and protect information assets. this will boost my chance to work with Government security agencies in Nigeria



VO: What course will you be taking at JWU?
ME: I will be taking 12 courses totaling 36 credit courses, namely, Digital/Computer Forensics and Investigation, securing virtualized and cloud infrastructure, Network security and cryptography, Computer security, Software security, Hacking countermeasures etc
VO: Tell me your study plans?
ME: After resumption , I will register 3 courses for first semester and 3 courses for second semester, upon completion of my first year, I will engage in co-op experience to practice what I learnt in the classroom which reports is expected of us from the school. Before the completion of my second year, I will enroll; write industrial security certification examination to boost my employability in the job market. Upon my graduation I will come home to position myself for job at any organization of my choice


5)
VO: Who will be accompanying you in this journey?
ME: At this time no one will be accompanying me but would want my spouse join me later in my program because I don’t think I would be able to stay that long without her before I return back to Nigeria


6)
VO: When did you graduate?
ME: 2010
VO: What have you been doing?
ME: After graduation I stayed behind in .... City where I taught for a year before embarking on my compulsory NYSC, I finished NYSC in 2012. I started working at .......company since 2012 till date.



VO: Who is paying for your education?
ME: My uncle will be sponsoring my graduate education throughout my entire stay in the US
VO: What does he do?
ME: He is a business man, he has a printing press company in Lagos, Ado Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti and Ilorin, he does printing for Governments, Higher Institutions, Educational materials for Secondary and primary schools, events etc
VO: Why will your uncle spend so much on you for your graduate education?
ME: My uncle is more or less like a father, I lived with him, he trained me throughout my secondary and university educations, since my parent retired as a civil servant, he has always promised to sponsor my education outside the country where his own children had their educations whenever I am ready. All his children are married and well placed; I and other cousins are the one benefitting from his wealth. So spending so much on us is nothing to him
VO: Take back your I-20, you will need it at the POE.
ME: Thanks

I will appreciate you guys to scrutinise this transcript and put additional questions you think can be asked.

My interview is in 2weeks

1) I think you'll be selling yourself short starting with 'No Nigerian University offers that. ' it is well known that there are lots of online courses and certification available with Labs too' So start with something better.

You can talk about the real time hands on experience in research and technology which the United States boasts as top in the world and how such is valuable back here.

2-3)How many admits did you get?
You just mentioned some badass schools that ideal for your course of study on your lists. So you have to think it through how your response would be. As much as possible, avoid generic responses especially in questions relating to why this school and why this course?

You should start by stating the opportunities to have certifications in various programs in addition to your degree, and flow to other valid points. Try to start with your right foot cus VO does not have time to wait for you to build your thoughts.


4) seeing you graduated 9 years ago, it is expected you have taken time to build your professional career . This is your strength for home tie so don't play with it.

You can say ' I will be resuming full duties at my place of work and look at working with top government agencies in tackling the issues with vulnerabilities and bla bla bla...
Make sure you grab the gist ..

5) if your program is a maters program, your family has no business with travelling and they are expected to be your home tie. Your response to this question is a no no from my point of view. Kindly let the VO know that all arrangements has been put in place to take care of your family back here and more so, you wouldn't be spending much time before getting back to your family.
Only PhD students can take the courage to state that their family will come later on due to the span of their programs.

6) organize that response.. They can see it on your DS 160 so just give it a perfect summery. . ' I completed my NYSC in 2012 and have been working since then. I am currently bla bla.....'

For your course it is almost impossible to get funding before arrival.
( what's the total expense on the I20?)

All the best bro.

Arebjosh:
any help on dis pls

You mean to say mock interview transcript?

Ekunsgreat:
we know but that day I felt the vo wanna grant my visa but I didn’t talk very well ..my friend is there..I just need favor

I know right?

How many schools did you apply to?
How many admits?
Why this school?

The questions is to check how thorough you were in your research and decision.

You need extra research and grace to ace an interview with red flagged schools.

All the best.

Ekunsgreat:
lol all we need is favor and visa

Funny enough that's why the denial rate is over 99%.
You think the VO doesn't know?

Let me believe everyone that applied there were ignorant.

Even if you need a way out, don't make it look so obvious .

Nutshell44:
Wow. You went to embassy without SOA. Like that’s even more important than your school certificate cos they hardly ever ask for it. You made the mistake there. Next time go with it. But I hope you know VIU is a one building school and it is partially accredited. I know this cos I have actually seen the school while visiting Virginia.
Goodluck

That school and Lincoln is a way out for agents.

Most I had conversation with have similar response and so with their transcripts..
'My cousin referred me to the school'

Like seriously?

The school is not as good as UI for God's sake!

Ifesinachi22:
God bless you for your prompt response.
I don't stay in either Abuja or Lagos.
I stay in Enugu.
How do i attend their courses?
Can it be done online?

I want to apply for Spring 2020. Will i still meet up since it's a full year membership?
What if i drop Minnesota that has membership as a pre requisite for admission

All Minnesota needs is your membership and I believe you can achieve that. Registration is around 30k. And if they call for seminars you can find time to attend .

You certainly shouldn't apply or hope on only one school. It is ideal to apply to at least 3 CHOICE schools. So by all means, drop Minnesota if they don't fall into your plans.
Spring generally has very low funding. Hope you know that?

You can PM me if you have further concerns.

Ifesinachi22:
Good afternoon everyone.

I recently sent an email to Minnesota State university Mankato, about my intent to apply. They replied that less than 10% of Nigerian applicants got their Visa after getting admitted.
They said they will not review my application if am not registered with EducationUsa and send proof of registration to them.

Please who has registered for this EducationaUsa?
How do i go about it? I searched the website but didn't get anything meaningful.

Am Considering three Schools.
1. Minnesota State University
2. Uta Valley University
3. Weber State University.

Maybe if time permits, I'll add
4. University of South Dakota.

Is any of this schools a red Flag?
Has anyone been admitted in any of them on this Forum before?

God bless you all.

Expects to hear from you.

EduUSA requires annual membership fee and a sum for registration.

We have Education USA Lagos and Abuja. Its all over the web. Search 'Education USA Nigeria'

You choice of schools are great.

Visa Interview will be seamless if you're a member of EDU USA because you must have gotten sufficient knowledge about the whole application process from the program. Hence, the need of membership from Minnesota.

Phrance:
Good day all,
Am very new here, someone refer me to this page after my visa was denied on Friday.
This is the conversation ;
Vo: pass me ur visa and I-20
Vo: wat program are you going for in usa
Me: MBA accounting in VIU
Vo: why VIU
Me: my cousin introduce the sch to me. And my personal research shows the school have values align with my choice of career.
Vo: are you marry
Me: no but am engage
Vo: so where is your fiance
Me: she is a medical student doing her Houseman ship here in Nigeria
Vo: oh that's very nice. So aunt will sponsor you.
Me: yes, she has been in support of my career.
Vo: ok good (he started typing.... And stop)
Vo: but ur I-20 shows nephew.
Me: it's error from the school, I saw it late after my appointment have been booked.
Vo: so do you have her SOA
Me: I didn't bother to request it since the school already verify the account.
The VO now close the window call another colleague (maybe his supervisor) and they discuss for long. The open the window again and told me my visa cannot be granted for now.
I ask him why, he said it's in the yellow form.

Please house what else can I do at the moment, I need advice

VIU is red flagged.
I don tire to talk am.

Anyone that wants to hear this should hear

danfad:
Good afternoon, pls I just got admitted for a PhD in geology into the University of North Dakota but the department didn't offer me any form of funding but I was told to contact my supervisor who facilitated my admission. I will like to know what are my chances without funding. I have contacted the supervisor but no response yet. I can get a statement of account from a family friend and also raise small cash for visa application, what are my chances.

PhD without funding is crazy mehn!

You have to have a very strong statement of account and if possible, a personal account with good cash.

Try to get funding.

Leone26:
Baba you can't compare the school you chose with these other 2 schools at all. Even your reason is weak. Someone asked you here if you were admitted to the other schools, you didn't reply. You really need to be convincing on why you went with Lincoln.

I hope he listens

beejhay69:
Peril...ko.. Periwinkle ni.
Grass2Grace, u sha like arguments sha!...me no get time for that B/S.
Today is sunday bro...lets go praise tha most HIGH.
Cheers.

Cheers to you too

beejhay69:
ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOD FACTOR.
ITS NEVER BY GREEN/RED FLAG SCHOOLS.
CONGRATS MOJEEZY!

Anyone takes this information at his peril.

Even God says wisdom is profitable to direct .

Ekunsgreat:
my transcribe went like this..I was denied on 16 this month ..please correct me cause I want refire by fall semester which is August
Me :good morning
Vo:Good morning
Vo:pass me your form i120 and password
Vo:which school
Me : Lincoln University to Pursue my master in Human Resources management
Vo:why this course
Me:I choose this course cause I want to be a lecturer,manager ,administrator..I’m a person that have passion for people growth and development and Human Resources management play a very crucial role in an organization,so studying this course will help me to perform multiple functions in an organization or institution such as recruiting an imployee,supporting student through advisory,training ,reward
Vo:what your educational background
Me:I’ve bachelor degree in accounting education in 2014
Vo: how many school did you apply to
Me :3 Kansas State University,Texas State University ,Lincoln University
Vo: why Lincoln
Me :I chose it cause it’s the first among all that gave me admission and it’s has best corriculum that fit my degree and during my finding about the school I discover Lincoln dedicated in training students basic and practical knowledge needed for them to be a professional in there fields
Vo:which courses will you b taken and when will you be attending classes in a week
Vo: what you do for now
Me:I teach
Vo : who’s your sponsor
Me :my dad
Vo: sorry you are not blabla

Don't hurry to reapply sha. That's my advice.

Lincoln is a red flag university as well as Virginia International

Time2win:
Another assumption. Only few fund themselves for US education cos it's very expensive.

I hear