₦airaland Forum

My gratitude to everyone who has contributed one way or another here. This is my way of extending the love to other intending applicants. All the best.

My F1 interview was scheduled for last Tuesday (December 13) alongside my wife and son. Unfortunately, the CGI list was not updated to have the confirmation numbers for my family and they were turned back. I went ahead for the interview.

Me: Good morning Sir, how is work today?
VO: Very fine (smiles). Thanks for asking.
Me: You're welcome
VO: I see you plan to study IT, please tell me how you went about your application and selection process.
Me: You mean my application at Clark University or all the applications I made?
VO: All the applications you made
Me: I applied to 3 universities... University of Manitoba in Canada - accepted; Brunel University in Uxbridge, London - accepted and then Clark University, Worcester.
VO: Impressive...so what's your GRE score?
Me: I did not write GRE. It was waived for me.
VO: Really? It's not required? Alright that's fine.
VO: [Nodding] So why choose Clark You over others?
Me: For UManitoba, I applied to MSc Computer Science because they have no specialized programs in Computer Science or IT and I think the MSc Computer Science is best for those who aim to be academics but not so good for someone like me who intends to excel in a drilled down (I meant to say specialized) area. As for Brunel, I visited the campus last year and loved it but the tuition alone is 20,000 pounds and I realized the cost of living is ridiculously high and way above my sponsor's budget. In the case of Clark You, it was recommended by my mentor who I have followed for years in Cybersecurity and he also helped design the curriculum. I didn't want to pass the chance to work closely with someone I have idolized for years.
VO: Nice. So you are sponsoring yourself? (I think this is a tricky way to get me to lie)
Me: No, my sponsor is XXXXXXX
VO: But you have a child. Why are you not going with him. Won't your family miss you?
Me: Yeah actually I came with my wife and son but we had a slight issue with the confirmation numbers. They will reschedule for later.
VO: Alright, that's fine. I will be approving your visa. Good luck in your studies.
Me: Thanks a lot. Have a nice day.

Today (December 21), we returned for the F2 visa interview of my wife and son.
Wifey: Good morning, compliments of the season.
VO: Thanks and same to you. How are you?
Wifey: Fine, thanks.
VO: Can I have your passport please?
Wifey: [passes passport with I-20's]
VO: Oh, F2 visa? Has he gone already? What's your husband's name?
Wifey: Yes, F2 visa; No, he's still around and his name is XXXX
VO: Do you have other kids or just this guy here?
Wifey: Just this guy here.
VO: Okay, your visa has been approved.

Thank God, thanks all and success to everyone. Complements...