Mslynxx:
Good morning all. Pls how true is the USA student visa temporary ban for Nigeria?

It's as true as a scam.
Nigerian bloggers have started trying to increase their traffic with US visa shock..Any visa news that doesn't show on any US gov site or social media page is not true. That news only shows on some Nigerian bloggers' sites.

Someone on this thread got his visa today. Thats enough proof.

.

Afo1k:
My visa was approved this morning at abj.
Me: Good morning madam
VO: Good morning
VO: Have you travelled before?
Me: No
VO: why did you choose the school (AU)?
Me: I chose the school based on the high level of research activity going on..... V.O:stop
VO: Are you married?
Me: No! Single
VO: Your research will be based on what?
Me: Optimization of processes and operation in electricity distribution
VO:what are you doing presently?
Me:I work with my fellow team members in x electricity distribution company,where we..... V.O ..stop
VO: I will be approving your visa...

Although, I had a deficit of $3300 on my I 20, no bank statement was asked. Am going for a doctorate degree.

Congratulations!!!

The VO didn't want you to talk too much..coz she had already approved your visa..

A deficit of $3300 is almost negligible..

Shortcess:
Hi guys. I joined this thread recently and I've read a lot of people's transcripts so I made my proposed transcript.

Please, your opinions will be of great use to me

P.S: my interview is next week Wednesday

Me: good morning
VO: good morning

VO: Pass your i20 and passport
Me: *hands it over*

VO: why do you want to go to the US
Me: I want to go to the US for my bachelor's degree in Biological Science at Mcnesse State University

VO: how many schools did you apply to?
Me: five schools

VO: and how many gave you admission?
Me: all of them

VO: Name them
Me: Alcorn State University, Lincoln University, Mcneese State University, Minnesota State University, Mississipi Valley state university

VO: how did you get to know about Mcneese?
Me: with the use of educational resources, I conducted an online research on various schools that offer biological science as a bachelor's degree program and Mcneese state university was amongst the universities whose requirements matched my profile.

VO: why do you want to study in the United States
Me: it is acknowledged that getting a higher education and a degree in the United States is prominent and dignified so I see a foundation degree in the US as the best thing to do

VO: why biology
Me: I have always been captivated by the evolution and relation of living organisms. While in high school, I took biology classes because it was a vast subject based on natural science which increased my knowledge about the study of life and living organisms, generally. Thus, biology seems the most appropriate for my advancement into the health sector.

VO: why did you decide to pick Mcneese over other schools
Me: Mcneese State University is distinctive to me for various reasons. Firstly, it is located I'm the heart of its city, Louisiana which offers many cultural and diverse opportunities for students. Also, it has an abundance of school spirit, which includes various campus activities to choose from. One thing I like about Mcneese is, though they're known for having a large population of students, they have showed interest in everyone of them including their future students who have applied to the school

VO: what are your study plans
Me: introduction to biology, general chemistry and pre calculus algebra, along with my freshman year's courses

VO: when did you finish your O'level
Me: last year

VO: I see you have a partial scholarship, who will be shouldering the remaining responsibilities
Me: my mom

VO: what does she do
Me: She is an accountant who works with XYZ company

VO: Pass me an evidence
Me: *hands it over*

Constructive criticism is allowed, please
Any other possible questions that could be asked too, will be much appreciated. Thanks

Why Biology? Around half of your response should relate to what it would do for you in Nigeria when you return, coz that's what the VO cares most about.

Why US? Here, you also need to make your response relate to your post graduation plans in NIGERIA. Yes the US is known for bla bla bla..but the main point of your interview is to check to see that you don't want to run...Construct something like '......The US has very good academic programs & opportunities in STEM and a degree in Biology from the US would also put me at an advantage to work as bla in bla when I return'

TheZed:
Okay. It will work

Okay

Brown2Green:


It will work

Okay

TheZed:
The application id and confirmation number are supposed to be the same. Which ever application id he chooses to use, it must match with the confirmation number.

Yes I know they are the same. I said 'no actually' as a response to if they are different.

I'm not just sure the application number would work as the confirmation number (while booking an appointment) when the application is not yet submitted.

Kapapa:
Pls is it true tha there is a ban on students visa on Nigerians by Trump

It's fake news..
As far as it's not on any US gov site or social media platform then it's fake..it's not even on any US news..only naija

Marjoribanks:

Please is the confirmation number different from my ds160 application number.
I used the ds160 application number to book my appointment I am yet to submit my ds160 form.

No actually. But I don't think it would work as your confirmation number (when booking your appointment) until you've submitted.

KingsleyUmeh:


I'm very sorry I didn't structure my question properly. I received admission into Murray state university. I want to pay for my i-20 shipping fee (which may take days for them to deliver). My school start date is AUGUST 21ST.
1) can I go ahead to pay for d interview fee and DS-160 if I get my i-20. because idk if it will look like I am unserious to them BY the time they gimme an appointment schedule around JULY.

2) can I pay for a ds-160 now!!! and get a scheduled date b4 my i-20 arrives??

Please house I humbly seek advice atm

You can pay your interview fee, but you won't be able to use the receipt number to book the appointment until you use your I20 details to fill the last part of your DS160 and consequently submit the DS160..after that you'll get a confirmation number that you MUST enter while booking your appointment.

You can ask your school to email your I20 details so that you can quickly use it to complete your DS160 and book your appointment.

Brown2Green:

Hope you know the obvious reason for your denial?


Obviously you weren't divorced when he was going. He used you as home tie then all of a sudden you're coming with a different status.

A lot of married men have changed their status this way by divorcing their wives back here and getting married to an American and the VO is very much aware of this.

So it is a very difficult one here. You have to pray you come across a VO that will ask for documents to back up your point. You're his home tie.

They went together coz the vacation was part of a plan to fix their marriage issues..but the ex-husband made everything worse by wanting them to overtay..she disagreed, came back without him and completed a divorce.

Her situation is actually a good portrayal of 'Strong home ties'....She came back when she had a strong opportunity to overstay..if only a VO should listen to her case, he/she would know that she has satisfied 214B immeasurably..(214B states that an applicant should show ties to home country/ non immigrant intent)

Temi87:
Hi everyone. Please after someone has been given the pink document signifying refusal, what should the cgi portal say. My passport is with me but in the portal it says ‘your passport is still with the US embassy/consulate.

I want to schedule a new appointment but I’m confused to what this means

It may stop showing that after 1 or 2 working days..(if you were delayed on Friday, it may update on Monday or Tues)..

You can still book an appointment now..that doesn't stop you.

Johnolukolade:


I'm sorry about your refusal... Truth be told, you shouldn't have mentioned him on your Ds-160 when y'all aren't together anymore . However, make sure you include it on the next Ds-160 cos it's a big deal already.
In fact, there are several things to be considered .
Just hope for a VO that'll overlook that.

They had already gone on a family vacation to US together..which means it's already documented in the US database that they were married..

The only mistake that would have occurred is if she did not note in her ds160 that they are now divorced..but I believe she noted it.

Joe005:
Please how true is this?

It's as true as a scam.

Katripka:
Hi Guys!

I've been a silent reader but I thought to share my experience

Visa was denied at the US Consulate Lagos

My transcript goes thus:

VO: Pass me your Passport, I-20, SEVIS

Me: Passes documents

VO: How did you get the scholarship?

Me: A culmination of my application - competitive GRE Score, Quality work experience, stellar recommendations and an impressive interview experience

VO: (looks impressed)...I can see your husband has been in the US for the past one year. Care to explain why?

Me: We are divorced, He is my ex-husband.........

VO: Sorry, you do not qualify for the visa...blah blah and hands me the pink slip

Me: Walks away feeling super-dejected


(Please note; My total funding was $75,594 per Annum = $151,188 for two years)

Im not normally an interview guru..but seeing that you're on the verge of loosing that delicious funding..I have to help in any way I can!

You really still have a shot.. Please refire and don't abandon that substantial funding because of your ex-husband.

When you were asked 'Care to explain Why'...you should have answered by explaining your wedding issues, going on vacation together to fix it, everything going worse when he wanted you to overstay with him, you not agreeing, and then the consequent divorce.. that way..the interviewer would have known that you too are disappointed and confused by the fact that your ex-husband is overstaying..and he would have seen that when you had a strong chance to do so, you didn't...which would have strengthened your ties to your home country immeasurably..

If you're asked that question again, answer by chipping in facts about your divorce situation..like I explained above. And don't forget to note in your DS160 that you're divorced..
During interview retries.. sometimes, the interviewer asks 'What has changed since your last interview'..If you're asked that, I think you should tell the VO that during your last interview you did not have the chance to explain your situation with your ex-husband that has been in the US..but this time you want to stress on that..
Then, if you're given the chance, explain everything you said about wedding issues, going on vacation together to fix it, everything going worse when he wanted you to overstay with him, you not agreeing, and then the consequent divorce..

Davidkking:

Wow...... tickets are cheap now sha......with ram going for as low as 178k

Ehn
I booked one of about 500K and I was rejoicing that I found cheaper ticket

BeefWeb:
Hello guys, I also have my VISA interview next month. BSC computer information and information sciences. i also had a full tuition scholarship. please kindly advice me. i will post my proposed transcript as soon as i conclude it

What school?

TheGrandChemist:

I find it funny when people say they secured full funding yet, they still have some deficit.

Full funding is when you've got a full tuition scholarship and a generous stipend to cater for your living expenses, such that there is no deficit; in this case, you don't need a bank statement. That is what I regard as full funding.

What school is this?

Arebjosh:
Good day to y'all
Had my visa interview with an old white man in d widow close to the entrance on the 10th of dis month, and i was denied, am going for an undergraduate study, got my TOEFL, BS, and all
Here is my transcript,

Me: good morning
Vo: good morning (with an angry face)
Vo:Pass me ur I-20
Me: I did
Go: when did u finish high school ( didn't even check my I-20 if it was an undergraduate study, or if am going to US self)
Me: I finished high school year 2017( am currently 19 years old)
Vo: what have u been doing since
Me: I am currently a 2nd year university student in uniben studying entrepreneurship ( guess dis is were I bleeped up).
Vo: why nt continue here
Me: firstly d strike it has really been slowing my education so my dad made a decision for me to go study in d U.S,( d man said there has nt been any strike, didn't give me time to complete my response, he just cut me and was typing)
Vo: sorry I can't grant u ur visa, go and finish in uniben with an angry tone, I took d pink paper almost forgot my passport sef, he denied d first 3 people in front of me.

So pls guys, were did I go wrong, am going for an undergraduate management degree in isu, d school resumption date is in Aug,planning to fire back.

And if I am to fill my ds-160 again, I want to remove d part dat say I am currently in d university is it advicible , pls I need u guys help

Did you fill in your DS160 (under employment/education info) that you are at Uniben..coz it's like he knew before asking..
If you did, thats where the whole issue started.

Edit* I just saw that you mentioned you noted Uniben in your ds160..
You also asked if you can fill another form without uniben..
Abort Mission!! Your form and reason of denial are already saved in their system..

Soo many approvals recently.. Nairaland upgrading to Dollarland..

Kaylhey20:
I was interviewed by the lady on window 7.

Vo: Asked for my I-20 and passport.
Me: Passed it to her.
Vo: She looked at my I-20 and asked how I got the scholarship.
Me: My SAT score of 1420 ( she repeated the score) , Average GPA of A- , Letter of recommendation, admission essay and resume ( I didn't finish this).
Vo: Which other university did you apply to ?
Me: SIUE, Washington and Lee, and Wheeling Jesuit.
Vo: What do you plan to after graduation ?
Me: After the completion of my bachelor's program, I hope to return to work with the innovative tech firms like Andela ( she cut me off here)
Vo: Have any relation in the US?
Me: No.

Congratulations your visa has been approved , pick up your passport in three days at the circled location, make sure you take your I-20 it will be needed at the port of entry. She gave the white paper.

My interview didn't last up to two minutes. I feel she already decided to give me the visa when she saw the scholarship. Cos the questions she asked me , she was looking at her computer prolly crosschecking with what I had filled in my DS-160 form.

Thanks to all who reviewed my proposed transcript, Brown2Green, Leone26 and special thanks to Fairheart for the mock interview.

Yay!!!! Congratulations!!!
Another undergraduate

We need more undergraduate transcripts

Approved graduates everywhere..

So if you're hiding, come out!

Ibruks:
Good evening guys, first of all, I want to apologize to you all, I went for my visa interview on Tuesday but I've been out of both data and electricity since then, due to the heavy rainfall in my area. I should have dropped this sooner.

VO : She said something (but I couldn't hear her, my ears were blocked, I guess due to fear)
Me: I just passed my documents to her
VO: Where are you going to? (with one yeye tiny voice)
Me: I'm going to Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, for my Master's program in Physics.
VO: Why are you going to Creighton?
Me: ...because the department offers concentration on astro-particle physics which is a fusion of 3 diff areas of physics, cosmology, astronomy and particle physics. I want to be one of the starting members of this group in Nigeria (this last sentence ehn, I don't know why I said it, I was planning to say some other things that'd answer 'why the course and what will the course do for you'). I was like, I don Bleep up, I'm not even sure I said those well, I think I wasn't audible enough.
VO: What will your research be about?
Me: Can you please repeat that? (She did) and I said "Dark Matter".
VO: Dark matter? (making one funny gesture and I said to myself, Game over, I should have said it In a better way)
VO: (After checking through my i20) I can see you have an assistantship, did you write any standardized test?
Me: Yes, I did. I wrote GRE.
VO: score please
Me: 308
VO: (Typed for like 30 seconds)... I have approved your visa, you can take it up after 3 working days.
Me: I actually still don't know what I said, I stammered and was shaking, I packed my documents and left.

Venue : Lagos Consulate
Time: 7:45am

I think the major reason why I got scared was that I never knew the interview would be kind of Open like that, I thought it was a kindaf private thing that i'd even sit. As I entered into the room, I was like waawu and got really scared.

Thank you all for your contribution. Thank you sir Brown2green and thank you so so much madam Solihp, you attended to 100% of my questions and I really appreciate that.

Congrats in advance to everybody else.

Congratulations!!!
Don't worry, when you get to Trump land there would be no shortage of data or electricity..

Adedayo65:
Hello guys! If you are going for your interview tomorrow, do not fgt to wish your VO a happy AEMERICA’s FLAG DAY, who knows what May impress some of them lol

At the beginning or end? If it's at the beginning, the VO is wise enough to know that it's a strategy to start a good conversation...

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: I Didn't notice, I was blown away by his cuteness and jerry curl
Ok it was the second to last window, before the exit door.
I: (Smiling) Good morning sir
V.O: Good morning, please pass me your passport and your I-20.
I did and he was like "please push your passport a little bit further". I pushed it and asked, "is it okay now sir?"
VO: Yes it is. Why are you going to the US
I: (deep breath + killer smile) To uhm, pursue a masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Science Concentration at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City Tennessee.
V.O: Why this degree?
I: I really want to work as a research scientist at a renowned biomedical research Institute here in Nigeria. Unfortunately, a masters degree in Biology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for such a position. So this degree would not just help me hone my research skills or build my critical thinking, it would qualify me for the position I really want, when I return.
V.O: So why did you pick this school?
I: (Gesticulating with magical hands) For me, it wasn't just about the generous funding I received, which I am extremely grateful for by the way, it had a lot more to do with the student-faculty relationship I have built with my potential supervisor, professor Burna boy. We Skyped a couple of times and we have chosen a thesis topic I am super excited about.
V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
I: I applied at Texas A&M University, Commerce
VO: uhum(while typing)
I: Cleveland State University Ohio and Kansas State University Manhattan Kansas.
VO: Have you travelled out of the country before?
I: I have not had the need to sir.
VO: Are you married
I: No sir
V.O: You said you have funding, let me see the evidence
I: My school did not give me an official letter but it's on the I-20(I pointed at the document so he looked at it)
V.O: Ok I see $9590 to be payed by someone ,who is this?
I: That's my mum sir
V.O: What does she do?
I: My mum is a business woman, she sells African fabrics and traditional bridal attires
V.O: Yes do you have any proof, I want to see evidence.
I was confused and he mentioned "or bank statement"
I: (Killer smile)Yes, with all pleasure. Just a moment please.
So I got the bank statement
V.O(while looking at the statement) Doesn't your mum have other children to sponsor in school?
I: (I never expected that question, so my English technically failed me, so I looked at him and answered) All of us have finished school, it remainder two of us.
I was so embarrassed about my grammatical blunder but I was glad he understood the point, we were all done with school except two of my siblings.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
Yup, I bounced out of the building
THE END

Congratulations

Brown2Green:


He will share it. When it is time.


For those considering Spring and Fall 20

Get the IVY or get the Funding.

That's the only way out !

I saw a full pay, self sponsored, Rochester institute of technology (private=expensive) bound man get his student visa approved on Monday..

segunbolawole:
If man was God, as much as u might doubt an Uncle/Aunty paying so much for his/her niece. I stand to tell you we have people like that and I'm a testimony to that.

The thing is..there are countries were extended family is more proximate to nuclear family than other countries..
In regions in Asia and Africa, you would find such in many homes...but in the US, no.
I'm thinking from VOs' American backgrounds, they'll know that chances of coming across extended family paying Soo much is very low...It depends on the VO..I think ppl with that situation need to pray for VO's that would look at his/her case in the context of his country.

Am I the only one that has noticed that there have been far more student visa approvals since last week (compared to months ago)..

ysteph:
Good morning people. Please can I use a fixed deposit certificate to go for student Visa interview at the US embassy? Secondly is Northeastern University, Boston a red flag school?

How would Northeastern University be a red flag school?
Are you trying to boast or you don't know the school you're going to?

MyAmericandream:
Think she was the one that attended to me last year. Very nice and respectful, she will assist you with some of your fabricated answers sef. But village ppl mean me that day ehh. She deny me finish kan still dey pity me.

pronto543:
Here is the transcript of my visa interview at the General Consulate, Lagos yesterday. I was interviewed by a slim beautiful white lady at Window 2.

She had denied the 2 guys before me and spent almost 7 minutes on each one throwing different questions at them. However, the male VO at Windows 3 was quite congenial and seemed to take less time before making his final decision. The lady he interviewed before it got to my turn had a fully funded offer like me to study PhD Environmental Engineering. I heard her saying she had her Msc in Environmental Engr from UI, I was even planning to meet her but didn't even remember to after concluding my interview Her interview lasted about 3 minutes. I was praying for such luck given the way the VO I was to face was serious and kept asking loads of questions with denials.

I can't recollect the exact sequence of the questions nor our whole conversation vetbatim.

Status: Approved!

VO: Good Morning

Me:Good Morning

VO: Pass your passport and I-20.

VO: What course are you going to study in the US?

Me: I'm going for my PhD in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources at University of Kansas.

VO: What will be your duty be as GRA?

Me: I am expected to work 20hours/week on research projects that will lead towards to PhD degree.

VO: What types of research will you be doing?

Me: (My response was not great, probably because I wasn't expecting the question at that point). I will assist in collecting water sample and testing in the lab (she cuts in)

VO: See, as a student I could test water samples in the lab. As a PhD student, what specific research projects will you be involved in? I can see you have a fully funded offer here as GRA (I was a slightly nonplussed at this point by her pointed response and directness)

Me: I actually have a phone discussion later in the week with my supervisor where we would discuss the specific project I will work on. (She cuts in and said something like I still need a more convincing response from you. All the while she was typing fast).

Me: At this point I regained my composure and said maybe I should give you a little background about my research experience. I actually did some research on wastewater treatment during my Master's program where I removed dyestuff from textile effluent using activated carbon. (She cuts in again and asked with some kind of smile what I did with wastewater)

Me: I removed dyestuff from the textile wastewater using activated carbon. (She nodded her head like she was enjoying my gist).

VO: How many schools did you apply to?

Me: I applied to 6 schools altogether. North Carolina State University (She cuts in and asked where), Raleigh (pronounced as 'rally') I replied, (she shook her head in approval). It then occured to me there is there another university named University of North Carolina Charlotte. I continued mentioning the schools: Michigan Tech, University of South Florida. (I almost went blank at this point before mentioning Temple University but she seemed to satisfied with the 3 I had mentioned so far).

VO: How many of them offered you assistantship?

Me: It was only University of Kansas and I was
admitted by 3 and rejected by 3.

VO: Did you write any standardized test?

Me: Yes, I wrote GRE

VO: And what did you score?

Me: 315 (She rolled her eyes and seemed to be impressed by my scores). I scored 160 in Quants and 155 in Verbal.

VO: Are you married?

Me: No

VO: Do you have any kid?

Me: No

VO: Are you planning to get married before leaving?

Me: No I said with a smile on my face.

VO: I'm actually asking so that you could file for her.

VO: What do you plan to do with your degree?

Me: My plan is to return to take up a lecturing job in my alma mata. I have tried to join the department at University of Ibadan after my Masters but I was told I needed to have a PhD preferably from outside the country. So I believe my chances of being absorbed after completing this degree would be bolstered.

As I was about to finish the statement, she stood up from her seat and left for the direction to her left. At this point, I began to pray silently in my mind that the interview would not end with a pink paper. While I was nursing this thought, she just appeared with a white paper containing Education USA info and circled the
pickup location for my visa and passport. Then, she made the golden remark "I will be approving your visa bla bla bla..." Your document should be ready for pick-up in less than a week time.

Me: Thank you and have a great day.

VO: You're welcome and you too. She passed me my I-20 while she was saying this.

Many thanks to everyone that helped in reviewing my transcript before the interview as well as everyone that has kept this thread alive.

My advice to those that would appear in the future for interview is that they should prepare adequately by preparing a transcript that would answer most of the likely questions VO are likely to ask. For PhD students, be ready to answer questions about your research. For Mac applicants, try to answer the question on why you chose your school in a unique way that is tailored to your career goals and past/current work experience.

Also, pray for be interviewed by a VO that's understanding and patient.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
She sounds like my VO from Monday ... White, Slim, Gorgeous, and somewhat inclined to STEM...