₦airaland Forum

VIEMMYTRAVELS:
Hello Dear,

Kindly see below one way fare as at today to Los Angelos on different dates respectively;

26th December-----------ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE: NGN 335405
27th/28th December------TURKISH AIRLINE : NGN 422965
29th December------------ETHIOPAIN AIRLINE : NGN 329149
30th December-----------QATAR AIRWAYS : NGN 456656
31st December-----------QATAR AIRWAYS : NGN 441763

Please Note:
1. Fares are all subject to change and availability.
2. Limited Seats available.

Please how can i book the 29th of December flight? Kindly respond with your contact details.

Jaybeepictures:
i also want to pm but I'm new here and i would love you to tell me how to go about it.thank you

Click on my 'name', it would take you to my profile. Then click on 'send message'.

Abacino007:
Congratulations. Pls, can I PM you? I need to discuss few things with you as regards my up coming Visa interview and to get some tips from you. I will appreciate it

Please go ahead sir.

Viemmytravels,

please 1 way ticket from Lagos to Los Angeles. Flexible date between December 26 and December 30.

Thank you.

LagosismyHome:
congrats ............ God bless your new journey. Great things ahead for you.

Thank you ma'am!

So i am compelled to give some recent tips I found valuable during the course of my visits to the US embassy. Hopefully, someone here or in future would find it useful.

1. Prepare like your life depends on it. A friend of mine got approved by the same white lady that denied me on the 21st. I was really happy for her because we all knew she didn't need to travel to the US to study. But the amount of work she devoted into getting her visa was amazing. She'd say, "what is worth my time at all is worth doing well!" And that's her motivation to prepare. She's also never been on this thread or even on NL. So things don't have to be so deep before you ask people who have gone through the phase for help.

2. Early preparation is key. I made up my mind to leave to study around January and started contacting schools, asking questions from the gurus here and outside here, and began drafting my transcript. I got all the responses i needed earlier around Augist/September amd got my admission decision earlier in October. I was always in Tolatof's face and he had tp say, "bro, go write the GRE first and start applying before we start geting serious." But me i was all in at this point. My point here is, don't wait till it is very late before you begin your preparations. Contact people who have genuine knowledge and not time wasters. I will come to this much later.

3. The God factor. So i will sound like a broken record here. Especially because of my educational background in Philosophy. But God does exist. And every of your supplication gets to Him. Even in the most irrelevant of circumstances, like eating or sleeping or driving, a sincere prayer to him goes a long. In my case, the first thing i did was find out from Him if he wanted me here or i should go study. He gave me the all clear to go. And it wasn't convenient cos i am supposed to be married this December but now we had to postpone till next year. God will not ask you to do something and not provide the means to make the decisions you'd take easier... no matter how privileged you are. Please i am a living witness, so this fact is not up for argument. Things got rough at a point but he showed up over and over again.

4. Let your documents and information match. This is as clear as anything. Most people get denied because of something so intangible and when you ask them why, they'd say, "I don't even know!". Truth is, we would always know. Except we aren't 100% honest. I knew why i was denied at first because the VO told me to go on the US embassy website and get the information I need. Took a while to set in but once i sorted my emotions, i had the strength to try again. Go in with the right documents. Go in with authentic documents. You'd be fine.

5. Try again...if you are completely honest about your intentions. So i avoided the world 'genuine' here because I didn't want to sound insensitive. But please be honest about why exactly you need to relocate temporarily for studies. Then don'tbe afraid to try again. Take every interview as an opportunity to talk about yourself to a new person. I did this and it worked and many more have done this. Check past transcripts that turned from blue paper to white, you'd see a pattern. Everyone who got approved wanted it more than they did the first time...and they get it.

6. Contact genuine people. I will try to list names of the people I was in regular contact with and those i just asked quick questions. But before then, I should add this, i totally respect Lagosismyhome, even as i didnt have a need to ask her anything. But the way she answers most questions speaks volume of her personality.

Walspring also earned my respect. He helped with my SEVIS fee payment and i totally would recommend him to everyone who needs help with anything related to this.

Tolatof (for president 2019...lol) is an amazing person. He started this journey with me almost at the time he got his study visa approved. And even though he's been so scarce nowadays, he was really awesome for me at the start.

100kobo. He had the most influence in all of the interview process. From helping me breakdown my points to 3-4 dope sentences to asking me to take out some points completely. And a lot more. I contacted him because of i needed someone who wouldn't support whatever bullshit i had going on. And oga grilled me o. Revised transcripts upon transcripts. To God be the glory, it all worked out. Months of preparation paid off.

Ubah ( can't remember his full moniker) He was tremendous in giving insights and what he thought was the right thing to do. Thank you sir.

There are a whole lot more that helped. And even as i can't go on with the names, the most important thing is you know that i value and appreciate you all. Thank you.

7. Pray like you haven't prepared for a single day. Well, this point is relative because atheist get good things going on for them sometimes. But if you want great things going on for you every time (especially during this phase), pray like never before. Ask your mom and siblings to pray on your behalf. Believe me it works. Everyone that knew I flew into Abuja to interview yesterday prayed at the 12am and 9am mark. Mesef didn't pray as much as that. Little things matter. And please don't ever underplay the impact of prayer.


That should be all. I would disappear for a while here. But as 100kobo told me yesterday, he helped me because he hopes i help other people. So i am determined to make sacrifices. If you have issues you think i can help with, don't hesitate to send me a pm. God will help us figure everything out.

Cheers.

dbalinga:
I was amongst the 50% that got the visa today. Infact the guy before me got too. I was initially sceptical when i saw the young black American lady in glasses give the guy (after a tough drill). I walked confidently to Her, she looked through my passports, saw my travel history and current valid schegen visa. She drilled me on what I do in Nigeria, my job role as a trade marketing executive in a tobacco multinational and also about the tobacco sector in Nigeria. I gave her facts and figures. She also requested to know why I was travelling alone since I was married, told her we have a family vacation slated for December, wife and kids will be in Paris, while i join them from the United States. She gave me the white slip. Pick up your passport in 3 work days. Waow.....that was my 1st time at the US embassy.

Wow! Congratulations man. Well deserved.

OgbeniOptional:
Owns 4 hospitals? . Pure grace. Congrats.

Hard to believe huh but 100% correct sir

Bunmip:
Yes, the numbers match but not sure if the barcodes match.

Send a mail to support@usatraveldocs.com sir. Calmly explain the situation to them.

elevatedmind:
Congratulations Bro!

Just inquisitive.. why were you told to fill out a new DS-160 form?

One question I'd never get an answer to sir

fairheart:
It was not different. If there are dates, you will get it early. You don't have to wait for 2 months. Getting a date after previous denial within a week or a month is not determined by the 2-months-wait rule; it is determined by available slot. If the embassy you plan to have your interview has more space, you may even get a date 2 weeks apart from your initial denial. The important thing is to pay a new visa fee as soon as you can, and schedule a fresh appointment--if you want to try again immediately.

Good luck.

You are spot on chief!

Bunmip:
Please can someone help?

My cousin tried to fill a new DS160 today because she made some mistakes on the old one. I was with her during the registration for the new ds160 today. After the submission, She downloaded the ds160 in pdf form and then we went straight to update her profile on the scheduling site and we printed the appointment date form.

we checked the Ds160 confirmation page in pdf form we downloaded just now and noticed the barcode is not on the form. What can be the cause of it? and what can we do?

And How can someone know if the ds-160 barcode code on my appointment confirmation page is the same with that on the DS-160 nonimmigrant confirmation page?

Please, anyone?

There is a number on both forms check if they match.

paulemi:
Really happy for you bro. Congratulations!
I tap into this.

Brother, thank you sir. I thought you were going to Sacramento. What's up?

Freeman59:
Thanks and congratulations again. Please could you respond to my email msg just want to ask you sth

I replied already sir.

Adhheir:
Thank you very much for your response.. I sent you a pm

Replied sir.

Freeman59:
Bro i have filled a new ds160 form and paid another visa fee. Should I go ahead and update my profile on the scheduling site? Then after this what else? I keep refreshing the page to see if I can book a fresh appointment. Someone please assist.

Congratulations

Sir, you need to sleep for a while. Take your mind off this till you wake up. Around past midnight, check the page again and I'm sure you'd be able to book new appointment.

As regards the DS 160, you only update it to your appointment confirmation page only if you fill a new DS 160. If not, don't bother yourself please.

Cheers.

Adhheir:
Congrats bro; I was sent home this morning too; barcode issues, I have to wait 72hours to book another appointment. Over a thousand non-immigrant visa seekers at Lagos embassy. They can never give 50% it not a curse; its just speaks the to chaotic state our nation is in. Your transcript just boosted my courage again, I've been sleeping all day like a slug

I am really sorry to hear this sir.

Honestly, it could be frustrating. I guess you filled a new DS 160. The issue is that you didn't update it to your appointment page. I almost made the same mistake again yesterday. Had to mail them and I got a response that my confirmation number has been updated.

Really sorry. I am sure you'd be approved sir.

Visa Appproved at the Abuja embassy.

Got to the embassy around 8am for my 9am appointment. Longest queue ever mehn. Took over an hour to get to my turn. Passed the check points. Got in and was interviewed by a lady that looked like Sheila Zazz from Suits . Lol. I smiled as soon as i got to her and greeted. Honestly, there was no fear in my mind. I knew i was about to have a nice conversation.

She asked fot my passport and I20 which i passed to her

VO: So you're going to California State University, Los Angeles to study Healthcare Management?

Me: Yes ma'am

VO: why thia school?

Me: i chose CSULA because i they have a research in the area I am most interested in which is Medical intelligence and surveillance services systems. (She cut me)

VO: What is MIS?

Me: (wasn't expecting that so I took a pause, smiled and continued) MIS is that category of intelligence that is derived from the collection, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of foreign medical, bio scientific and enviromental information which can be of importance to strategic medical planning. (I was going to explain what MIS systems is used in the US and Canada before she cut me)


VO: when did you leave school and what did you study?


Me: i studied philosophy and graduated in 2013. (She looked up and asked)

VO: from philosophy to public health...(and she looked kinda turned off. Village people haff reach here o)

Me: Ma'am, studying philosophy gave me answers to lots of questions i had about life. I knew someday that I'd be taking up additional responsibility. So i decided to improve my art of reasoning and critical thinking skills. After my undergraduate degree, i started off as an intern at the Nigerian Institute of medical research and then got employment at the Federal Ministry of Health, Yaba Lagos. I presently work at my family's healthcare services company.

VO: That's enough. How many years of experience do you have in public health?

Me: 5 years

VO: Who is sponsoring your studies?

ME: My mother (passed her statement of account . She went through it whilst typing)

VO: Did you write any standardised test?

Me: Yes ma'am

VO: Can i have your score sheet?

Me:: (passed it)

VO: I'd be approving your visa now. Your financial document would be verified and if it is found to be fraudulent, you'd get your passport back and be banned from the USA. Do you want to submit this document.

Me: Of course ma'am.

VO: Take this paper. It would instruct you on how to pick up your passport. Take this other paper too. Enjoy your studies at the United States.

Me::Thank you. And enjoy the rest of your day too.

Ubah1:
Congrats bro

Thank you sir.

clapper04:
Congratulations. please how were you able to get an appointment a week after you had been denied? Thought it takes a month or two?

Well, I don't know how it happened sir. I paid the visa fee, clicked on previously denied for abuja and got November 27.

As i mentioned earlier sir, the 2 months rule is not a valid thingie.

100kobo:
Congrats again. Go and give a good account of yourself and your country.

Sir Yes sir!

MyAmericandream:
Did you write any exam?

I wrote the GRE ma'am!

2nd post.


Dazed, disappointed and scared! I couldn't even process my feelings. Couldn't go back to work, so i went straight home. The interview went very well. The decision to deny was just weird.

Got home. Headed for the shower...spent like half an hour there and all i just wanted to do was recap all that could have gone wrong. Then the VO last words came back. "I'd advice you go through our website to know more about the student visa procedures." Like that's a subtle way of saying " oga olodo, as old as you are, you did not do your due diligence!". Then i figured out what happened.

I filled a new DS-160 form and i didnt give it time to be updated to my profile. Called the customer service number and explained what happened. I was told that I should have allowed at least two working days after filling the DS 160 form before attending my interview. I was told that the CGI officer that asked me to go back and fill the form ought to have advised me to reschedule my appointment. My first reaction? Holy shiit! 57,600 naira rightly spent. Jesus Christ!


Ran out, grabbed my phone and mailed 100kobo. Oga didn't reply on time. I had to come here on the thread to ask him to check his mail. He did and responded after some hours. He was very disappointed to say the least. He encouraged me to 'refire' as he was sure i would be approved. The feeling that i was delayed because of a technical issue (which could have been avoided) gave me joy.

It was around past 3pm already. So i went to the nearest GTBank. Paid the 59,200 amd went home with the determination that i would be approved whenever I faced the next VO. Lol.

Past 6pm now. Decided to take a nap o. Nap turned to deep sleep. Woke up around 11pm. Tried booking an appointment but i couldn't. Slept again, woke up arond 12:25 am on the 22nd. Refreshed the page and i could finally book. Checked for Lagos. Nearest date was January 15. Wahala haff come. Checked Abuja and saw November 27...1 slot! The speed I used to apply ehn. I confirmed the appointment and my mind was at peace.

Reached out to 100kobo cos i felt i needed to work on convincing the VO earlier in the interview. I needed to control the interview. Oga replied and said i shouldn't. He said i would sound desperate. Hmmn. I took his advice and just stuck to my normal plan. God's willing, I would get my approval but I needed to be calm. With all the bad news on NL, i just kept saying, "even if they don't find everyone eligible for a visa in abuja on the 27th, i would walk out with my approval!"

And God heard my prayers...

This would be a long read. So I'll break it down into 2 or 3 posts.

Visa delayed on the 21st of November.

I booked my appointment on the 15th of October and although i saw earlier dates, i chose November 20th. Partly because it was the most recent with an appointment for 6:30.

Since i had been practising and perfecting my transcript since around May (with Tolatof, Ubah, 100kobo, etc), it was easier for me to get ready for the interview proper.

I got to the consulate around 5am on the D-day. Then found out that i wasn't with my visa fee payment confirmation printout. Our ogas lurking around the consulate said I'd have to pay 10k for them to help track and print a new one.i just walked away and straight to the queue. Since i couldn't have booked an appointment without a trace of my payment with the CGI officials, i proceeded to the first checkpoint. Fortunately, the visa fee confirmation wasn't a problem. Unfortunately, i was told to go fill out a new DS-160 form and print a copy. More bad news is rhat i had 20 minutes or i wouldnt be allowed back to the pavilion. Paid 3k to have that done and rushed back. By now, it was around 7:30.

Cleared the other checkpoints and then got in. Everywhere was rowdy mehn. The queues were too long. Stood to interview for over an hour.

Interview proper at 8:45am.

VO: why are you going to the US?
Me: I am going to the United States to study for my masters degree in Healthcare Management at the California State University, Los Angeles.

VO: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes i did. Aside CSULA, i applied to 4 other schools (mentioned) and got admitted into all.

VO: So why did you choose CSULA
Me: I choose CSULA because they have an ongoing research specifically in the area I am most interested in which is Medical intelligence and surveillance service systems. I mailed the program director, Dr Andre Avramchuck my paper on how i thought effective MIS can be crucial in controlling epidemic outbreak in Nigeria and Africa in general. He was not just happy with the quality of my paper, he was also very much impressed with my years of experience in the Nigerian healthcare industry, my GRE scores, my certificarions in healthcare management and most importantly my love for knowledge

VO: Who is paying for this?
Me: my mom is. She is a medical doctor and owns hospitals in 4 states and also a pharmaceutical company in Lagos.

VO: Do you have her statement of account?
Me: Of course ma'am (passes it)

After glancing through and typing almost at the same time.

(Looks up)

VO: what would this degree do for you?
Me: This degree would afford me the opportunity to manage and grow subsidiaries of my family's healthcare companies upon my return to Nigeria . With courses such as Leadership in Healthcare Management, Healthcare Law, compliance and ethics and financial management in Healthcare, I would be better equip to takeover the day to day operations ofthe company

Also, with my research in Medical Intelligence and surveillance systems, I would be able to collaborate with the Nigerian govt through the Federal Ministry of Health in providing creative and innovative consultations on issues bothering on epidemicoutbreaks and how to control such situation.

She types for a minute, goes through my statement of account, looks up, types again and brought out the famous paper.

VO: you're not eligible at this time. You can apply again. However, I'd advice you go through our website to know more about the student visa procedures.

Me: (still shocked) Thank you and have a nice day.

xtus:
how did you manage to book another interview within 1 week from your last refusal? Thought anyone who was refused cannot apply again till after 2 months? Am I missing something here?

Sir, i don't think the 2 months rule is correct. I was denied in Lagos on the 21st. I paid that same day and i was able to see available dates around midnight the 22nd.

The earliest date for the Lagos Consulate was January 15. I checked for Abuja and got November 27th. Infact it was the last slot.

100kobo:
Kudos to you. Our efforts have finally paid off.

Yes it did brother. Thank you for everything.

fairheart:
Happy for you! Please share your transcript as soon you can. It will help other students preparing for their interview.

I will sir. It has just been a very long 1 week and I'd like to make the transcript as comprehensive as possible.

Thank you.

Nutshell44:
I’m going via Emirates to jfk on the 21st. Maybe we could hook up.

Sent you a pm sir.

PRYCE:
Congratulations! At least this will lift the spirits of some here esp npmi

Those jackasses have finally read the memo. Thanks to punch newspapers

Lol.

A whole lot of people still got denied today though. But i know genuine students would eventually get approved.

Visa approved at Abuja embassy this morning after initial denial at Lagos Consulate last week.

Comprehensive transcripts loading.

100kobo and tolatof... kindly check your mail.

100kobo:
I don't agree with this. He has been working for 3 years. If he mentioned that he has saved up for this program, it is quite in place. I will advice that this candidate gives another shot at the interview and be sure that both statements of account sufficiently covers his i-20 amount with a little extra.

That VO elected to refuse him even without checking his statement to ascertain his readiness. Another VO may be lenient and chose to look at his statements.

Brother, kindly check your mail. Thank you.

100kobo:
Look at your Questions and Answers and try to make meaning out of it. Try to connect everything like it's an autobiography. You'll be amazed how you'll flow during the interview. It works, believe me.

Memorising details is a sure recipe for failure, especially if you're not gifted in it. I know some badass niggars many years ago during my university days who comfortably memorised proofs of mathematical theorems and reproduced same in the exam hall without any fuss.

If memory gem isn't your thing, please, abort the plan immediately immediately

Hey bro, kindly check your mail. Thanks.