alutaa:

Depend on your present area of specialization right now. There are so many certification that you can do but it all depend on where you are right now (in term of knowledge and specialization) and where you want to be in the future.So, if you provide a background info of what you have now ( like system admin, sql etc), i can give my humble opinion about certification.

But, please note, from my experience, people dont really care about certification. They care more of what you can bring to the table in term of experience.

my brother am good in computer but i have economics background. i have BSc in economics from naija university. i also want to know how the experience is going to play role here because all my work experience is in the area of business management and they were all in naija. am in los angeles side now

alutaa:

Seconded..............

Work is good but at the same time we need to pay attention to retirement plan. Honestly, most of us (including me) dont know much about retirement planning. So, whoever know anything about 401K plans and other retirement plan out there should help us out.

hello aluta plz do you have any idea on how and which IT certification one can do in california to get a good JOB?

[quote author=seal777][b]WELCOME TO HOUSTON, WELCOME TO AMERICA.

Now i can truly welcome myself to America, having done with ALL my documentation processes.

1. GREEN CARD 30th day ( delivered 21st day but was returned due to incomplete address ).

2. Social Security Card 25th day ( having told to return to SS office after 21 days in US....).

3. Applied for State ID and Drivers License having told to return after 30 days in the US and Scheduled for Behind the Wheel test 28th May at the DPS office( not learners permit as advised by veterans in America who even took a bet with me that I WILL FAIL THE BEHIND THE WHEEL TEST ).

4. Took and pass the Computer test same day i applied for the Drivers license and got my State ID same day ( plastic copy came in the mail after 10 days ).

5. Since i drive very well before i left Naija, I walk around the streets on regular basis and watch drivers observe the various traffic signals and rules, read the traffic handbook and research on the internet using various YOU TUBE VIDEOS available in preparing for the test.

6. 28th May , i was at the DPS office for my Behind the wheel test and I PASSED CLINICALLY ( without attending any driving school or previous behind the wheel training from anyone in America ). I was given a print out copy while i expect the plastic copy in less than 2 weeks.


LESSON 1. I noticed there are too many negative thoughts from those we refer to as " VETERANS " in the US, most especially those who find things very hard / difficult when they arrived the US in their days ( with or without genuine documents ). They tend to limit the extent of how far we can go as new immigrant with " LIMITED OR NO EXPERIENCE " of the American system.

LESSON 2. Not all those who live in America actually knows America as i was shocked in learning that majority of the rules and procedures i read on the internet was very true while majority of the ideas been sold to me here by those who are suppose to know ( 10 - 35 yrs in the American system ) are not only false but lack substance in its entirety.

LESSON 3. Never associate or listen to anyone who rather than encourage you in achieving a mission, discourage you by giving you million reasons why such can not be done. There are too many negativity thoughts in our peoples mind here in America and such are capable of undermining the successes of intelligent, educated and forward looking immigrants who left Naija with the will and mission to succeed in America.

LESSON 4. Survival in America is based on the power of information, which is readily available on the internet. Learn to research very vigorously for information, make calls to information's numbers and get first hand information from the source and not rely on HEAR SAY.

If you are convinced beyond reasonable doubt you can achieve a feat, go ahead and give it a try ( having made necessary preparations and caution taken ), you are better of failing at the first attempt than not trying at all for the fear of failure or result of discouraging tales from those around you.

HUMAN WISDOM IS LIMITED BUT WITH GOD, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE.[/b][/quote

you are absolutely right my man! i believes all you said wholeheartly because i experienced same here in california

jonnywalker: @adeso please my visa expires on june 6 so if by june 6 weve not solve the problem,wat happen? or as far as im here de expiration date wont count?thanks

forget the expiring date in ur visa stamp from naija and stop panicing cos ur visa is valid for one year from the date of ur entry into the united states. check the arrival stamp. u need to relax cos u cant get any job without ur ssn but ur visa is ur greencard until the arrival of the card. just make sure u dont miss the appointment and u can always reschedule even if u missed it. just stay calm cos u have no problem.

nkkystel:
Thanks Chike, you share the same name with my fiance when is ur travelling date and how did u book ur flight @ the airport or via wakanow,

hi nkkystel. long time. please u guys can fly direct to ohio to save cos unless u are planning to stay in atlanta. i used new york as my destination before and during interview but i went to los angeles direct. what u have to do is to tell the immigration at the port of entry that u have changed your mind in respect to your host and let him enter new address where they will send the documents to you and believe me u will get all in less than 7 working days. no delay cos of change of destination.
@chyzkworld plz connect me again same time cos i missed ur call the other day. am sorry.

alutaa:


@Loco

Pls, provide your email address so that i can send a mail to you

plz can u mail me IT course that can be done easily either online or on campus with greater employment and higher wage possiblity? my email address is chirpywest@live.co.uk and am in los angeles. or you can drop the idea here.






//

delishpot:

Thanks for the reply, I have looked through I even cut and paste my confirmtn number from the page they sent after I submitted there is no o,1,I,B,in my number. The number is quite clear, I even went to the forgot confirmation number page and it gave the same message.

just check your surname letter by letter and ur year of birth if ur confirmation number is ok

chykezworld: nwanne nwoke...hw is studies n ur wify...welcome back..tnx for ur concern towards my case....imela

my brother. Call me on Sunday @11pm naija time cos there are things we need to figure out

Guys am back in nairaland now. I wa busy with studies here in the state but I can contribute now

jidex001:

Yes.. He has to do it.

they dont ask of police report once you have your visa. i did my police report around 24th of november and i entered united states on 12th march and they asked nothing regarding police report.

hello my people, am happy for all the prayers regarding my checking out of naija. am gr8ful to you guys.you people really made it happened through your prayers. am happy for those that are current, praying for you all cos i dont want anyone to miss this beautiful opportunity.
@all that had successful interview congrats alot my people and welcome to America. Nkystel am happy for you and your hubby my dear.
Gentiger, am happy for you man, you can holla me on 9092780527 cos i dont have your number and we still need to be networking here in America cos u are my closest neighbor here in LA.
@junkerhill, am cool here and i wish you good luck. i reported from inside the aircraft with my blackberry and not laptop. and i switched off immediately i send my write up.
ojisara my man, am happy for you bro. you guys can also holla me here if there is need.
@spoondar, i got united flight ticket@ $787.2 for 2tickect( mine and my wife) but its friends and family ticket.

junkerhill: Before I forget again, my brother Chirpywest and his beloved wife boarded a plane to LA 3 day ago, since then no one has heard from him. I pray all is well. Gentiger, chirpywest is your closest neighbour, has there been any news from him to us?

hello brothers and sisters, sorry i wasnt able to post anything since i arrived here in LA, its cos my black berry battery went flat and the adopter here(i mean the electric socket is not same with the one we are using in naija) so i was unable to charge. we transited smoothly via united airline, did our immigration clearance @Houston and proceeded to LA with another aircraft from the same united and finally arrived LA airport at about 9:45 am LA time.LA have 2hrs difference from Houston. i bought my ticket with less than $400 USD each courtesy of a friend of my host who gave us friends and family slot. will connect later.

Hello my people,
This is chirpywest reporting right inside the united airline boeing 777-200 @MMA,Lagos. Am heading to Los Angeles. I will talk to you guys later.

nija@50:
this is the 4th time i have been refused a u.s visa in the last one and half years,even after haven travelled to usa for more than eight times in the last 5 years.iam 100% sure i did not break any rules.i have valid visas to many other countries including u.k and canada.my questions are ,
1)what could be the possible reasons?
2)is there any way to find out the reasons?
3)is there any right to appeal?
4)how do i correct this problem if there is any?
5)is there a general problem recently with people who say they are going to buy cars?because thats what i do.
6)how many times can one reapply in a year?

thanks for your candid suggestions






0

They see u as a deperado. I advise u not to apply for some years to come.

nifty: to the guys who just got approved a friend just had successful interviews too and he said the embassy didnt keep his passport but was asked to drop it off himself at lekki, wen i won the embassy kept the passport and i was asked to pick up in lekki is this a new practise to drop off passport your self at vfs global in lekki?

Did vfs @ lekki collected ur friend's passport cos this is strange?

adesojiaderemi@:
15 bachelor's degree majors with starting pay of $50,000-plus
By Susan Ricker, CareerBuilder Writer

Four-year college graduates will earn $1 million more in their lifetime than those with a high-school diploma*, but some college graduates will get a head start on reaching that six-figure advantage. The National Association of Colleges and Employers released the starting salaries by academic major for bachelor's degree graduates.
The list below includes the 15 top-paying majors with average starting pay of more than $50,000 a year. The list also notes the change in pay from 2011 to 2012. All starting pay levels listed increased by at least 2 percent, an encouraging sign that the job market is improving for college grads.

1. Computer engineering**
Average starting pay in 2012: $70,400
Average starting pay in 2011: $67,800
Percent change: 3.8

2. Chemical engineering
Average starting pay in 2012: $66,400
Average starting pay in 2011: $64,100
Percent change: 3.6

3. Computer science
Average starting pay in 2012: $64,400
Average starting pay in 2011: $62,100
Percent change: 3.7

4. Aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineering
Average starting pay in 2012: $64,000
Average starting pay in 2011: $59,100
Percent change: 3.6

5. Mechanical engineering
Average starting pay in 2012: $62,900
Average starting pay in 2011: $60,500
Percent change: 4.0

6. Electrical/electronics and communications engineering
Average starting pay in 2012: $62,300
Average starting pay in 2011: $60,000
Percent change: 3.8

7. Civil engineering
Average starting pay in 2012: $57,700
Average starting pay in 2011: $56,200
Percent change: 2.5

8. Finance
Average starting pay in 2012: $57,300
Average starting pay in 2011: $54,800
Percent change: 4.6

9. Construction science/management
Average starting pay in 2012: $56,600
Average starting pay in 2011: $55,000
Percent change: 2.9

10. Information sciences and systems
Average starting pay in 2012: $56,100
Average starting pay in 2011: $54,000
Percent change: 3.9

11. Economics (business/managerial)
Average starting pay in 2012: $55,800
Average starting pay in 2011: $53,500
Percent change: 4.3

12. Business administration/management
Average starting pay in 2012: $55,200
Average starting pay in 2011: $53,000
Percent change: 4.2

13. Accounting
Average starting pay in 2012: $52,900
Average starting pay in 2011: $50,800
Percent change: 4.1

14. Nursing
Average starting pay in 2012: $52,200
Average starting pay in 2011: $50,300
Percent change: 3.8

15. Marketing/marketing management (including marketing research)
Average starting pay in 2012: $51,000
Average starting pay in 2011: $48,700
Percent change: 4.7

* According to the National Association of College and University Business Officers (as of October 2012)

** Information from the NACE January 2013 Salary Survey

Bros, I have BSc in Economics from Nigerian university and will be coming to US soon, what's the chance and can it still play the above role?

@jidedon and gunners, congrats. Am happy for u guys

@femo:

Gud evenin house i pray may God continue to bless us in
dis forum.pls house i need your contribution~first entry edv and kcc
form we filled married wit my 3yrs old daughter infact we got married
2009 b4 first entry edv so married is geniue and confirm. We did our
introduction in d year 2008 we av album photos and registry big album
photos bt we dnt av courtship pictures why bekos i dnt like taken
picture b4 so my quest is during interview if co ask where is our
courtship pictures pls what do u expect me to say?pls house contribute
my interview is in 2wks Tyme

@ femo, u got no problem at all for the fact that ur marriage existed before EDV, they may not even ask of that as they didn't even ask me of any pic be it traditional,wedding or courtship. Infact my bag was not even opened at all nomatter that I was interviewed by window 16 lady. But incase they ask u, just tell them the truth. Other documents will be ok. Don't worry.
@akaniman and asin-adoke, big congrats to you people. Am happy for what God is doing here and what He will continue to be doing. All of u must find favour IJN.
@ Gentiger my man, welcome to LA, am happy for u. I will be heading to LA any moment from now.plz connect me in facebook with christchibuezeu@yahoo.ca plz remember its yahoo.ca not yahoo.com and I will be glad to have every nairalander as a friend.
@ Spoondar, we are covered.

jidex001: Forum.. I am sorry for the late response.

I left my phone @ home that why I have not spoken since.

My Visa was approve.

I got to the embassy @ 6:15am.. I waited till 9:45am before I was called in. Collected the payment slip, when thru the security and straight to the hall where interview is being conducted. I paid payment, submitted mine document. And I was waiting for my number to be call. I meet couple of guys.. We just started chatting like as if we have know each other for long time. With great believe that our visa has being approved. Suddenly my number beep @ counter 13 about 12 :15pm.

Me: Good afternoon Sir.
Co: Good afternoon and how are u doing.
Me: fine and u.
Co: Raise up ur hand...bla bla bla.
Me: yes I do.. Finger print.
Co: Wat do U do.
Me: Schooling and working.
Co: What d name of sch
Me: lasu sch of part time.
Co: he ask about my work.
Me: I told him designation at work
Co: he ask full meaning of my designation.
Me : I told him.
Co: Hope u are finding it easy.
Me: yes and it cool.
Co: He asked that what d relationship btw the person I am going to stay with and I.
Me: family friend.
Co: where is ur parent.
Me: lagos.
Co: do u stay wit them.
Me: Yes.
Co: he asked about how many brother and sister I have.
Me: 3brothers and 1sister.
Co : just said congratulation.. And he gave me d white sheet. On how to pay d 165dollars.

The co was already tired.. We were just about 4 of us remaining.

Glory be to God almighty. Big thanks to my name sake jidedon, leripa and to other great people in this forum

Jidex001, u got no reason to be sorry, we are very happy that finally Ur testimony is here. Big congtas bro and may the good Lord provide for ur smooth transition IJN, once again, congratulations.

Gentiger:

Heading to Los Angeles through Turkey Airline. I had to put off other travel arrangements to meet up with important schedules.

Gentiger, journey mercy is my wish.I will also be heading to LA soonest

Spoondar: We are living Kenya in May but if there will be no re run on the election we will get out in April hahahahahaha we want to elect our president choice before we get out.

Spoondar, if to say obama's father is alive, He should be voted but cos he is gone, u guys should vote for any credible one but incase they are troublesome like the previous contestants, u pple can vote for CHIRPYWEST LOLz, I will fly this month, infact soonest.
@junkerhill my man, catch u soon in US.

[/b][b]

ManTiger: I'mCool: I suggest grinded melon, small quality Garri Ijebu,Elubo Oyo, Aboniki cos of cold and some stuffs..
Joining you soon.

@mantiger, this man need food items not ABONIKI.
@ido,every food items must be dried.just dry them, no need of NAFDAC Number bro. Safe trip.

Tiwalad:

Thanks Jidex001....I've got a couple of other questions though. I don't reside in Nigeria,should my police report be
from the country I reside or from Nigeria. I've been out of Nigeria for 2-3 years. Also how long does the medicals take,
can i get it in a couple of days?

U must get police clearance certificate from any country u've lived up to 6months from the age of 16 till date

f-geemomen:
I want to first of all thank God for my situation because it has taught me how to be tolerant and patient. I had my interview on 4th February and was issued a green sheet to return on 8th February for my VISA, on arrival I was told my VISA was not ready, the took the sheet and handed me a white sheet putting me on Administrative Processing. On my first filling for DV 2013 I mistakenly typed 1990 instead of 1987 as date of birth so I knew they wanted to verify that I wasn't a criminal cos I wrote the correct date on the DSP form and swore an affidavit. I was soo sad and frustrated. I didn't give up, I still psyched myself, prayed and fasted. On last thursday 28th March I read abt some forumites who were also on AP and had been called. I tapped into their success and at 12:00 pm I was called by the American embassy in Ghana asking me to come to the embassy on Monday at 1pm with my letter and the passport. I went there today and we went tru the normal security checks. I was called up to one of the CO and I was asked to present my passport and that all my documents were ok. She re-issued me with a new green sheet asking me to return on friday for my VISA. I thank God for all he has done for me and I also thank all members that continue to help pple out there like me. God bless you all...to all those on AP, you will be called and you shall all be issued VISA's IJN. Sori 4 my long story tho I hope someone wud learn from my story.....

Geemomen, don't apologize for long story cos its to the glory of God. The one I hate is denial long story. We love u guys and we thank God that all in AP is testimony now. Go and live ur american dream but plz! Plz!! Plz!!! Don't do too much whatz up there so u can meet ur target sooner

Spoondar: Well Gentiger had already mentioned or rather assured me that am good to go its just that i got one with the same issue as mine thats why i post it. Hey am feeling at home there already even if i dont know you by face am feeling your are a brother from another mother so lets keep in touch ok

Very ok my dear. When do u plan to take off? Cos mine is more than near ooh.

Spoondar: Me loving it Chirpywest. By the way my immigration envelope is written POE Minneapolis but am not going there anymore heading south of US.

Its great Spoondar, we are 100% safe cos they will give us another form to fill at the POE and the address there replaces the one in immigration envelop for sure. If u are in doubt ask chirpywest's new host in LA and he will tell u that he had the experience and there was no problem

Imcool: We're doing pretty good Chirpywest and thanks 4 checking on me. Since u're cool too, it implies WEAREBOTHCOOL. Making final preparations to bail out of Naija... HOUSTON... HERE COMES UR LONG AWAITED IMCOOL & WIFEY!

Hahahahahah . I love this IMCOOL. Texas have no option than to welcome Imcool and Wife. Go and have dominion.

nero xp: @ chirpywest my man,am very happy dat GOD can rememba me in a tym lyk dis.I never expected dat kind of interview which didn't even last upto a minuite I swear,nd GOD jst design a sharp nd briefest interview for me,Geez!! Til now,its jst lyk a dream to me nd my people re askin me y I dnt wana celebrate.but I jst told dem dat am nt yet sure if dat was a proper interview,abi na jst a prelimenary interview awaitin a proper one.
Arlighton,Texas...here I come,nd To GOD be all de glory nd Honour.We all re marchin Dangerously forward nd must receive our visas in JESUS NAME,AMEN...my mum Decreed dat as long as dis forum exists,No member of dis forum shall be denied Visa.I was suprised nd didn't knw hw she came abt dis forum.She's very strong in prayer,nd as she has spoken,so shal it be In JESUS NAME,AMEN...

My man NEro Xp, u can celebrate as mighty as u want cos its not in dream but for real ur visa is real. Ur mum must be a faithwoman and believe me as she said it, so shall it be. No 2ways about it. U are welcome and enjoy ur success.

Spoondar: Are you going to Texas like NeroXp? Which City? I will be going to North Texas to be precise City of Allen. Who in the house is heading to the North side of Texas, how many are we?

Spoondar! Its like the entire house is heading to Texas.I will be heading to LA in california but I will do immigration clearance in Houston before proceeding to LA. I changed my POE as well as my host cos I planned to stay in NY before but I changed my mind now and I may head to IRVINE in Texas after my GC and SSN.if I don't hit my TARGET @LA. We will crown you the queen of the house live in the state. u won't escape it.

ojisalara:

ok, thanks

Am trying to access the PM you sent me via nairaland. Still on it. Don't worry u will testify like my man Nero xp

ojisalara:

I will definitely say what I do..Like I work for 12 hours and my job include bla bla bla

What do you think?

Don't prolong your interview yourself, just believe in what IMCOOL said.
@IMCOOL how is ur family? Am also cool man.

Spoondar: kwakwakwakwakwakwakwakwa kwakwakwakwakwakwakwa

Hahahahha@ SPOONDAR, u laughed in CHIKEN language but above is how we laugh in Nigeria. Lol! I love ur happiness, Nero we are glad u had one of the simplest interview. Maybe we will fly 2gether in the united airline. Which city and when do u plan to jet out?
Once again, CONGRATS