₦airaland Forum

Little question:

Once the Visa status changes to 'issued' on the passport tracker, can we go for pick up? Or we have to wait to receive an email first before we can go pick up the passport?

Firefox01:
I think the issue lies with your husband.

I agree. VOs deny this a lot in interviews but I think having relatives in the US actually counts against you (especially first degree relatives like spouses, parents and siblings).

And to cap things off, I'm assuming the husband got an F1 to study an MBA, after which he was meant to return to Nigeria, but he actually stayed to resume another course of study. I don't know how much of a factor this was, but it definitely should count against her as well.

Way forward? She has an excellent profile and is likely genuine. A PhD is a clear upward trend in her career. Her husband's travel history counts against her, so she needs more than just work ties at the moment. Any Kids? That would help in the way of family ties. Or having the husband return and attend the visa interview together could help as well.

Posting transcript for posterity, cause there seems to be a paucity of J1 applicants in Nigeria.

Me: Good morning Ma'am
V. O : pass me your passport and DS2019 please
Me: Here. How's your day going?
V.o: Fine. Thank you.
I see here you're going for surgical research at *** medical school
Me: Yes ma'am. I'm going to conduct surgical research at ***, the largest teaching hospital of ***.
V.O: What type of surgery?
Me: General surgery. Our research at *** is focused on obesity and metabolism. Basically, we are trying to develop non invasive therapies for the treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This is important research and we could win the nobel prize (joking with a chuckle).. Gets cut off..

V. O: Who is paying for this?
Me: My cousin and her husband will be paying for my program.
V. O: Cousin? (I heard husband)
Me: Cousin not Husband�
V.O: (chuckles) I said Cousin not husband
Me: Smiles
V.O: What does she do?
Me: She owns one of the biggest neonatal photography companies in ***. They take beautiful neonatal and infant photography.


V. O: What do you do here in Nigeria?
Me: I'm a medical doctor. Graduated medical school in June, since then been working remotely with ***, performing basic literature review to help build up my basics for resumption of my research.

V.O: What are your plans after you complete your program?
me: My ultimate goal is to pursue an academic career in cardio-thoracic surgery. During my career, research will be needed so hopefully this program will give me the skills I'll need throughout my career.
Concretely, upon completion of my program, I'm returning to Nigeria to pursue a cardio-thoracic surgery residency. During my residency, I plan to continue conducting research. Infact, I already spoke to the ministry of health and TETFUND about the possibility of spearheading research into 'metabolism and its influence on the incidence of sudden cardiac death' and I was told that I would need extensive research experience, publications in high impact journals, and participation in notable academic projects. So I plan to be as productive as possible in the US, so as to...
(Flings a book about *'my rights while working in the US'* at me)

As I read the title, I come smile, talk..
Thank you ma'am (my smile come reach Jericho under my mask, but I stayed composed, I no fit come fall my hand, I'm a doctor)

She typed for 13 hours, come say 'I'll be approving your Visa'

I asked some questions about transiting through some schengen countries and she answered courteously. I thanked her and left with my white paper and book.

I was calm and confident all through, articulating my answers slowly and precisely which was weird because she refused everybody before me and I thought she was going to refuse me as well. But God showed up for me sha.

To God be the glory.

DISCLAIMER: This post is meant for genuine students.

There is no doubt that Grace plays a big role in getting an approval.

However, let's not attribute everything to grace and fail to see the emerging pattern here.

The VOs do NOT want to deny you a Visa. Infact, they want to approve you but the law and their training dictates that they assume you are an immigrant till you prove you aren't. So when you're denied, they are not saying 'Bleep off, we don't want you in our country' it's more like 'I believe you're trying to illegally immigrate, try the legal immigration route instead or convince me that you're a non-immigrant'.

This hurts me so much because I've seen genuine students denied because of the sins of visa abusers.

Now to the concept of ties, You must have ties to Nigeria to be considered a non-immigrant.

You see some of these people with Jobs they have worked at for more than 3 years with a work leave getting approved? Yes, it's grace but it's also Work ties.
For instance, today I saw a woman get approved who has been at a workplace for 15 years, and trust me her interview wasn't spectacular. Infact, she wasn't even vibing with the VO, but she had strong work ties and the program she was going for was plausibly going to improve her career. Hence, she was approved.

So if you're Jobless, are you screwed? Not necessarily.
Family ties - Are you married? Do you have older family members depending on you for care?(please be careful about telling fantastical stories that the VO would call bullshit on immediately)
What of dependent children?
Demonstrating that you have family in Nigeria you can't possibly abandon helps your case.

Social ties - Do you lead an an organization here in Nigeria that would suffer in your prolonged absence? Are you a prominent member of your community that a lot of people depend on? What of your church or political party? Is there anything there that would compel you to return?

Try as you may, some people may not have plausible ties.
Then your plans for the future come into play.
What steps have you taken to secure your future in Nigeria (at the completion of your program) ?
You may have no ties now to Nigeria but you can be able to convince the VO that you plan to return by applying for a position here in Nigeria that would be provisionally accepted pending your program completion. (This is just an example).

If you have no ties or plausible compelling future plans, then your profile becomes really important.

Young, straight outta high school applying to a bachelors? Likely genuine student, more likely to be approved than someone in their late 20s, 10 years out of high school, being doing a 'computer diploma program' in the interim applying for the same bachelors.

Mid 20s, recently graduated (best months after graduation), going for a masters in a course related to their bachelors, likely to be approved regardless of ties compared to someone in their 30s, years post bachelors, masters in sth totally unrelated and no career benefit.

My point is Grace plays a huge role but we need to learn to analyze people's profiles when they are approved.

Check in this order
1. Ties
2. Plans
3. Profile

Adedapomola1993:
Sorry I need to know if its possible to apply for a student visa while waiting for the i20 form,or I need some information on the i20 form to apply

Yeah. I believe you need the SEVIS ID while completing the DS-160 and on the CGI portal as well

Fragileclown:
Hello guys, Please i need some help and advice on this situation. My sponsor is using his business account for me cos that’s where he has enough money. Issue is the last time he received funds in the account was March 2021. So there hasn’t been much inflow because he experienced some sort of decline in his business but there’s enough money in the account still. Now he told he is expecting a lump sum of about 80million on Monday, whereas my f1 visa interview is scheduled for next week Thursday. My question is do i get a statement of account from him before he receives the lump sum or should i get the statement after he receives the money??. Note: the account has enough funds as at now before the lump sum is gonna enter, issue is just that there’s hasn’t been inflow since March 2021. Pls guyss respond, I’m confused

Definitely get it before the lump sum, so it doesn't look like you're packing funds to make your bank statement look better.

HRprof:
Your father sponsoring you could be the problem. someone that have work for 10 yrs should have saved enough be able to sponsor himself abroad for anything. when you plan to study abroad co expected you to have save for your study not your father. my 2 cent

What are you talking about? 8

jojoey:
I'm not quite sure about the conditions for an F2 Visa but you can always tell the V.O that your husband will come to visit from time to time because of his business, not like he's coming to stay there permanently.

I agree with you. The problem is that 'coming to visit from time to time' is not F2, that's B1/B2 and that's what I've been trying to communicate.

Infact, applying for an F2 means the F2 bearer is a dependent. In this case, her husband is her sponsor and is also the prospective F2. how can your sponsor be your dependent? That's a denial straight away on an otherwise immaculate application.

The advice is don't apply F2 for the husband. What she needs him for is covered and plausible under B1/B2

Derronecks:
Please is anybody experiencing such issues or ever experienced this before? This is not making me schedule a date. And my approved date only valid until August 28. Any help please?

Relax and keep checking at intervals. The fact you were given till August 28 to schedule an appointment is actually interesting. I was given just a week.

Just keep checking at maybe 3 or 4 hrs interval like I did, you'll find sth.

Olawura:
Hello everyone, please I am new to this thread be nice to me.
I will like to know if going with my kid and my husband is not going to be a red flag considering I will be going for an undergraduate program and my husband is my sponsor?
He'll have to take time off work to go with me till I settle down before he comes back and he can come in and out just to check on us.

Or if I can afford to just go alone. I really don't know if I can go without my 3year old.
What are my chances please?


I've read how people with kids have been granted Visa but I noticed they are all going for higher degress, masters and PhD. As I am applying for my undergraduate degree that's where the confusion comes in.

Please help. Thank you

To be honest?

You have a great profile. Married with Kids, excellent family ties (assuming you can demonstrate that clearly to the VO)

Okay, going with your 3 year old is reasonable and doesn't need much explanation, as young kids are dependent on their parents.

But then you're trying to raise a red flag where you really shouldn't. Your husband is your sponsor, but he's willing to abandon his business from which he supposedly sponsors you to go with you to the US 'to help you settle down and to come in and out just to check up on you'.
That is not the qualification for an F2 visa, and would lead to denial of your application.

It effectively turns your strong family ties here in Nigeria (your husband whom you're unwilling to abandon to abscond to the states) into a potential weakness (migrant family - Husband (sponsor) abandoning his business for an extended period of time for relatively frivolous reasons (ignoring the fact that that's not even the use of an F2 Visa).
If he can leave his business to follow you, then he has no ties to Nigeria, and him effectively leaving with you deletes your ties as well.

Go with your child. Explain to the V.O that you have to return because you will need to be with your husband in future, (of course also explain how the course will help your present or future career). Take advantage of that family tie.

If your husband wants to come 'check up' on you, let him apply for a B1/B2 in future. That way his business is a strength(financial ties), and 'visiting his wife and child who he hasn't seen in a while and miss so much' is a compelling reason which any VO will sympathize with.

If in future, you get a PhD and assistantship that can cover the funding for your whole family, then you can apply for an F2 visa for him.

Schedule a B1/B2 Visa interview and let the V.O tell you himself.

emmanuelle27:
Omo this interview looks smooth from my own end oh, but then just as you pointed out, maybe next time you can specify to the VO that you filled NO because your travel wasn't in the Last 5 Yrs as was asked on the DS-form, Secondly I want to believe your online footprints on Twitter, FB etc are decent, You no be E-hoodlum way de Chuck mouth for ever controversial matter..Lool..so that your denial isn't as a result of things they don't like during there background check because sometimes I feel these decisions may be made before your actual appearance due to what they may have discovered, my only advice is that you should give it a second try, your profile looks supperb. And if possible try and be specific with the exact thing your Dad does with Dangote not just contract.

If you think about the visa application process, then it doesn't make logical sense that a background check on your social media is done before you appear for your interview.
It makes more sense that the background check is done following approval, and hence the 3 days taken to produce your passport.

It would take a shit tonne of manpower to analyze the social media accounts of every applicant, including those with sub optimal applications.

kenwizy:
Hello guys,

Please I need everyone view on this.

Please assist to make possible corrections on my proposed interview as it's my first time


Gurus please assist..
Thank you all as I wait here for your resposes.


Vo: why or what's your purpose in USA/ Travel plan.
Me: I'm going to the US to pursue my masters degree in social work at Morgan state university in Baltimore.
Vo: why this course?
Me: caring for people especially the vulnerables has always been my passion and what I love to do. I've decided to master in social work as it tend to turn my passion into a profession.
Vo: what's your study plan?
Me: I would be offering just 4 courses in my first semester and a total of 60 credit for the 24 month course with a field practicum which last 16 hours a week. Part of my courses would be GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTISE, SOCIAL WELFARE & URBAN ECONOMICS, and RESEARCH AND URBAN SOCIAL PROBLEMS..
Vo: Why did you choose this school?
Me: the Cost of Attendance is quite affordable compare to other schools. And also the school offers graduate internship within the two years of study.it has a strong collaboration with various industries which I think would help harness the skills and knowledge to transform what is thought in class to practical use.
Vo: what will this course do for you?
Me: this degree would equip me with the skills and knowledge i need to be a successful social worker..it would prepare for a better position In NGOs I've volunteered for and government agencies upon my return to Nigeria.
Vo: what's your plan after graduation/ what's this degree do for you?
Me: As I've said earlier, upon the completion of my course, in intend returning to nigeria to work with gov/ private institutions to improve or ameliorate the well-being of vulnerable Nigerians, then later start my own NGO which will focus children with specific health challenges such as children with hoes on the heart and many more.
Vo: who would be sponsoring your program?
Me:y Aunt will be sponsoring my Cost of Attendance while myself and my dad would be handling the Living Expenses.
Vo: what doest your Aunt do?
Me: she's a nurse in the Uk.
Vo: Are you married?
Me: not yet but I've a fiancee who works as a nurse in a govt. General hospital.
Vi: have you travelled before?
Me: No
Vo: where do you work/ what do you do?
Me: I currently work in a bank but uses my weekends and leave for my volunteering work..
Vo: so why the change of career?
Me: I have never wanted to be a banker but I had to pick it up as the job offer came as an opportunity..so I decided to take it and save-up to prepare myself for my career goal and objectives in social work.

Again I don't think the VO cares about your fiancee, she is not your wife and hence does not constitute family ties.
I don't know whether it would hurt you to say it or not, but I would just say 'no' with a huge smile.

kenwizy:
Hello guys,

Please I need everyone view on this.

Please assist to make possible corrections on my proposed interview as it's my first time


Gurus please assist..
Thank you all as I wait here for your resposes.


Vo: why or what's your purpose in USA/ Travel plan.
Me: I'm going to the US to pursue my masters degree in social work at Morgan state university in Baltimore.
Vo: why this course?
Me: caring for people especially the vulnerables has always been my passion and what I love to do. I've decided to master in social work as it tend to turn my passion into a profession.
Vo: what's your study plan?
Me: I would be offering just 4 courses in my first semester and a total of 60 credit for the 24 month course with a field practicum which last 16 hours a week. Part of my courses would be GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTISE, SOCIAL WELFARE & URBAN ECONOMICS, and RESEARCH AND URBAN SOCIAL PROBLEMS..
Vo: Why did you choose this school?
Me: the Cost of Attendance is quite affordable compare to other schools. And also the school offers graduate internship within the two years of study.it has a strong collaboration with various industries which I think would help harness the skills and knowledge to transform what is thought in class to practical use.
Vo: what will this course do for you?
Me: this degree would equip me with the skills and knowledge i need to be a successful social worker..it would prepare for a better position In NGOs I've volunteered for and government agencies upon my return to Nigeria.
Vo: what's your plan after graduation/ what's this degree do for you?
Me: As I've said earlier, upon the completion of my course, in intend returning to nigeria to work with gov/ private institutions to improve or ameliorate the well-being of vulnerable Nigerians, then later start my own NGO which will focus children with specific health challenges such as children with hoes on the heart and many more.
Vo: who would be sponsoring your program?
Me:y Aunt will be sponsoring my Cost of Attendance while myself and my dad would be handling the Living Expenses.
Vo: what doest your Aunt do?
Me: she's a nurse in the Uk.
Vo: Are you married?
Me: not yet but I've a fiancee who works as a nurse in a govt. General hospital.
Vi: have you travelled before?
Me: No
Vo: where do you work/ what do you do?
Me: I currently work in a bank but uses my weekends and leave for my volunteering work..
Vo: so why the change of career?
Me: I have never wanted to be a banker but I had to pick it up as the job offer came as an opportunity..so I decided to take it and save-up to prepare myself for my career goal and objectives in social work.

Again I'm not an expert on Visa interviews as I haven't had mine but please review your work ties and take advantage of it. VOs want to see that the degree you're pursuing will improve your career, no matter what it is you currently do.

Saying that you don't plan on continuing your current job is a red flag no matter how you explain it, as that turns a potential strength (present work place/career) into a weakness (abandoning current career - will not return).

Instead, what bank do you work at? What social programs do they currently have or plan to begin in the future? Do you plan to participate in those programs? Will this degree qualify you to spear head such programs and foster career progression?

See what I did there? Please don't say you're changing your career. That turns your strength into a weakness. Show how your passion for social work will help you lead community social programs that your bank is planning for the future or currently performing.

owagbeba:
Omo, you jazz the V.O.? You no know talk enough “turenchi” she give you visa.

Boy, your jazz strong o!

I'm beginning to think what you say is not as important as how you say it and how you carry yourself.

I've seen people with excellent transcripts who still got denied. Transcripts don't tell the full story. You may be saying all the right things, but being inaudible or stuttering through the sentences, fidgeting, poor eye contact. The VO may misread your nervousness as dishonesty.

There may also be response and recall bias when people are writing their post approval and post denial transcripts.

Infact, I think transcripts are a general guide but don't tell the full story.

Tosinmichael11:
Thank you brother and others who have responded
The school is willing to change my course to MBA...can I accept this or you think they have my previous info with them??

Or can I change what I do to an IT related field so it can make sense

Do you think my previous info is saved with them??

Of course they save every info you give them. Both your DS-160 information and every oral answer you give during the interview is recorded and will be referenced for future purposes.

You've already said you both sew and sell. In your future interview, maintain that, but indicate that lately you have been focusing on the selling side of the business. And that you have noticed that IT knowledge would help you device more interactive mediums of presenting your products to the Nigerian populace (this is just a schematic as I don't have extensive knowledge of IT. You should read up on how IT knowledge can make your fashion designing business blow up in Nigeria). That's what the V.O wants to know.

An MBA broadly applies across different disciplines and businesses and would have been the best course to apply for. But I'm wary changing course now may raise a red flag. I'm no guru though. Maybe Twoods, Fairheart and others can contribute.

bigugo247:
Your responses were very poor and besides, their is no correlation between your Tailoring job/ business with your desired intent to study IT. Please who is advising you?
If you have listening ears, hear me now; don't be in haste to pay another visa fee until at least your situation changes. Simply put, defer your admission and try get a job and also get certified in your chosen field of interest. Hope this make sense. A word is enough for the wise! Wise up

There is definitely an association between his fashion designing business and IT. The interviewee just failed to demonstrate it sufficiently as it relates to him.

Moreover, deferring his admission to apply for a job, although changing his circumstances won't convince a VO, unless he decides to defer his admission for 3 years.

Stick to your story, just make your story make sense.

Systrom:
I applied for FALL before and scheduled my appointment like everyone else and got 28th July as my appointment date

Enrollment deadline for FALL in my school is August 5. But I wouldn’t be able to meet up with this date, as I have something serious holding me down in Lagos on the 10th of August,

When I noticed this, I contacted my institution for an extension or late entry letter and they refused and said I have to defer my admission to spring. This was a really tough decision to make. But I did in the end, and they sent me a new I-20 on the 24th July.

I updated my DS-160 dates and I attended my interview as normal, explained to the VO why I am going for spring and got my visa, to the Glory of God

So my question now is, can I still travel after the 10th of August?

I believe you cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before your resumption date.

This question is for people who have interviewed recently.

Were you required to wear a mask during the interview?
And if so, did you find that the mask muffled your speech?

Controlla123:
When I was directed to her window(7) by security

I NEED EXPERT OPINION ON WHAT PROBABLY WENT WRONG

Venue (Lagos)
VO: Pass me your I20 and Passport

She took the visa and the i20 and after verifying the passport, she started typing and stuff for like 1min.

Then she asked why I was going to the US
Me: I am going to the US to purse my masters in xyz at Mtsu
She nodded and went on typing and checking her system again
It’s took her another minute to ask Why I chose the course
Me: I chose the masters of Hci because I’ve always been a tech savvy person and my strength and motivation lies in the field of commuting and data analytics. While working as an intern in a neuropsychiatric hospital I discovered a gap when it comes to the use of modern day devices and technology to gather, analyze and utilize store information to proper solution for the patient.I also want to build apps, software and provide business solutions that will revolutionize the Healthcare industry in Nigeria. I intend to return back to the country to lecture at the university of Ibadan as an HealthCare Data Analyst while working as a consultant in the medical industry in Nigeria.
Then after like 1min after I answered the question.
She went on typing.. that was it.
She gave a me a blue paper

You stated that you interned in a neuropyschiatric hospital and you plan to work as a medical consultant upon completion of your masters.

I'm curious, are you a medical doctor?

UAVdrones:
I just received the same email. I am already in Abuja for tomorrow's interview.

Please make sure your appointment has been cancelled first by checking your CGI. sometimes, you may get such emails and your appointment would still be perfectly scheduled. Check your CGI!

misskano:
How many times can one apply for an emergency appointment? My first was denied, although no reason was stated. But I see on the portal that I can request again.

If you can request again, then go ahead and do.

Maybe add documents you didn't add the last time, and make your message request more compelling.

Tega1986:
Good morning All,
Got the below as mail from the consulate, and have tried scheduling but the schedule feature is no more appearing as before. Please advice me on what to do as my school is resuming August 23rd. Thank you





Dear Applicant,

Your regular B appointment at the US Embassy Abuja has been cancelled.
The Embassy and Consulate General continue to prioritize travelers with urgent travel needs, although regular visa appointments are made available as the local conditions allow. In response to ongoing pandemic-related service disruptions, the Department of State announced the extension of Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee validity until September 30, 2022 for individuals who paid an MRV fee, but were unable to schedule and/or attend an interview during the suspension of services. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-expeditedappointment.asp to request an emergency appointment. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html for information about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html.

Please note this appointment was cancelled by the US Embassy and cannot be reversed by call center agents. Students and Emergency applicants are not affected by this cancellation.

Just check your CGI. If your appointment is still scheduled which it most likely is, then ignore this.
This Email may be fraudulent.

.

Tyleet:
Visa denied this morning at Lagos embassy. Gurus please help me take a look and suggest ways to improve. I got no funding from the university so my COA was $40K.


Me: Good morning madam
VO: no answer
VO: Pass me your passport and i20
Me: I did
VO: starts typing then asks where are you going?
Me: I am going to pursue a masters degree in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska Lincoln
VO: what are you doing presently?
Me: I'm a poultry farmer
VO: So what will this degree do for you?
Me: My goal is to pursue both my masters and PhD at the same time in the same unl which I have discussed with my supervisor. After my PhD, I intend to return to Nigeria to take up a lecturing job at my alma mater. I have always been interested in teaching agriculture to students and I love to give back to my alma mater where I earned my 1st, degree. A PhD in animal science will position me as a great candidate for the job.
VO: points to i20 and asked who is paying this $40000?
Me: my uncle
VO: what does he do?
Me: he is a real estate investor, who manages my late grandfather's real estate properties in Lagos and Abeokuta. He was the one who sponsored my high school and college education and I lived with him all through my time in college.
VO: How is he going to pay?
Me: I have his bank statement with me as well as my late grandfathers will wherein he stated that proceeds from the real estate industry can be used for the educational programs of his children. At this time I wanted to pass the bank statement to her but she said no.
VO: what type of account does he have?
Me: savings
VO: Does he have a US account?
ME: NO. I will be the one to open the account when I get there and he will send the money into my account and then I will pay it to the school.
Me: Passes the financial statements to her again
VO: (She collects it and cross-check. The statement has a balance of about #30000000)
VO: Okay but I'm sorry you did not qualify at this time. You can reapply.

Twoods, Fairheart, lagosismyhome, other gurus, pls kindly contribute your thoughts

I haven't gone for my interview yet but one thing I've learnt from reading transcripts and watching consular interviews is that offering documents when they are not requested comes across as insincerity.

Also you're a poultry farmer, and I understand you are going for a masters and want to be a lecturer. That's fine, but don't you think you should also explain to the V.O how the program may help with your current poultry farming business as well? (Given you're going for animal science) I believe that would establish some sort of tie to Nigeria however subliminal.

Pefuele:
Sorry about the delay.Lots of mistakes on your transcripts.Wrong body Language and response: You said Masters then Masters & Phd. I wouldn't approve your VISA if I am the VO. I believe you didn't do several Mocks( like 10 mocks). They would have spotted this. Good-luck next time.

I'm sincerely interested in how you could spot his body language through a transcript.

Kelvinson4Grace:
Good day my everyone,

Please I need your response my highly esteemed Gurus in the house

During my search and application for an Associate Degree, I applied to only one(1) College and that College gave me admission in Natural Science.

Right now my interview is next week and speaking about numbers of school applied to, mine is just one(1).

Please, do you think I have good chances with the VO when it comes to the number of school applied to?

When it comes to number of colleges you applied to, you can and should be truthful, read some transcripts though. I've seen transcripts of people that exaggerated the number of schools applied to and admitted to, and apparently there was no way for the V.O to verify the accuracy of these claims. However, my dogma is 'always tell the truth'.

I don't think the number of schools is your main problem though. Prepare a credible response as to why you chose to pursue an associate degree versus a conventional Bsc or Msc where applicable. Be ready to explain how this associate degree will help with what you currently do at the moment in terms of career development, and your plans to return to Nigeria.

I wish you good luck.

CafeNoir:
Please don't listen to those guys who listed Harvard and co...

https://crunchprep.com/gre/universities-gre-scores-300-to-310

Why not? Shoot for the stars, aim for the moon.
If you feel like you may have a chance, take the chance and apply. You may be lucky to be part of their 'diversity quota' even if your qualifications are sub-par.

TWoods:
I’ve lived in Texas 3 years. Texas has the largest concentration of Nigerians in the US. They are literally everywhere, schools, hospitals, restaurants… everyone should be wary of people who claim to offer what is readily available… especially when they’ve been caught using this forum to get people to pay them for advice they could get here for free.

Hey Twoods, I get the feeling there is no way in hell I'm gonna get a V.O more cynical and critical than you are (and I don't mean this in a bad way at all). I would appreciate an opportunity for a mock interview. Thanks in advance?

ObamaMessi:
Nice to meet you @Walspring. Are there Law Schools that waive standardized tests such as LSAT and GRE for prospective students/applicants? What would be your advice to someone aspiring for New York University Law School? And finally, kindly list few law schools that offer fully-funded scholarships. Thanks as I await your kind and positive response.

I mean this in the kindest way possible bro, learn to do your own research. No-one is going to go out of their way to research and spoon feed you information.

Good luck on your application.

This thread is meant to collect input and tips from people who have previously applied for a J1 exchange visitor visa, and help provide advice to prospective applicants.

Created to be an analogue to the student (F1) visa thread.