₦airaland Forum

Zebaby89:
These visa officers are sick sick !!! They denied my dad for the first time ever .They didn’t even ask him any questions ,just down right denial LOL!

Someone that was even entitled to Dropbox and the new website messed him up .At this point I don’t care if I even get it ,good riddance !

Hello Baby.

USA Visa Officers does not hate you. They are not wicked or mindless, and they dont like to break our hearts as most of us used to think. But they owes allegiance to the United States as highly educated diplomats who won their jobs through an intensely competitive and difficult process. They can be fined (for treasonable felony) up to $10,000 or minimum of 5 yrs imprisonment if they commit or bypass open visa issuing blunders (especially to terrorists, wanted criminals, drug cartel members etc). Go and research 911 event, you will understand why the U.S visa is becoming the most complex and difficult to secure.

NOTE: With due respect, your dad's previous visa was abused in the sense of over-staying, illegal working etc (either knowingly or unknowingly) and mind you he was not entitled to drop box but he was qualified for IW and the USA embassy has the veto power to invite him for physcal appearance. Tell us the real jist. We have experts on NL who will suggest possible way out for our senior citizen. 👍

mhizzcherry:
Hello, I am inviting my mum to the US to for delayed omugwo(baby already born), she was denied the first time when I was pregnant and she has a date to go again, she told them she was coming to visit me and be there for the birth of her grand child. Now that my baby has been born, what should she say because she obviously can't say she is coming as nanny. I am a permanent resident and my husband is a citizen

Hello Cherry.
Your mum is very likely going to be denied again but if you apply some wisdom in her application the table can turn to her side.

** Her Omugwo (nanny) intention had been annotated in her first visa interview therefore, she must be honest in her next interview but with wisdom. ** In this respect your mum needs to familiarise herself with convincing answers to the consular.

** To convince the consular the more , you can hire a temporary nanny in the U.S and have the employment contract copied to your mum (she should take it to the embassy) as part of the evidence that she is not coming for Omugwo.

** Your mum must display strong ties and engaging activities back home in Nigeria too.

Caring for your kid is considered an employment in the U.S (she already has this history at the embassy) even if she were caring for her grandchildren, therefore her application calls for wisdom. 👍

Otelsmyg:
Hello everyone, good evening.

I attended F1 interview in August 2023, I was denied based on 214b. I have attached my transcript below.

Currently, I have a fully funded Mechanical Engineering MS at a different university and the research is different too.

What questions should I expect from the consular officer and how to answer them.

How do I answer question like, "is been 10 yrs you graduated, why are you going for yours Master now".

I have another worry, I stutter sometimes while speaking but not so bad, so during my first interview, I was advised to write a note on an A4 paper "Chronic stammerer, please I need you to be patient with me". I showed the consular officer as I approached him and I also told him verbally that I stutter, that he should be patient with me. (This was after I responded to his greeting). He then said but you didn't stutter now, I guess he felt I wasn't been honest.

What is the best way to go about it, should I let the consular officer know that I stutter at the beginning of the interview or I just leave it out and answer the questions without informing him/her?

Transcript
F1 Visa
Denied

Lagos.
24 Aug 2023.

Drexel University
Mechanical Engineering (MS)
COA: $56,969
Funding: $10,500
Personal funding: $12,000
Father's Funding: $44,469

VO: Good morning, can I have your documents.

Me: Good morning, then I passed the documents. Pls I have a comment to pass, I told him that I stutter, that I need him to be patient with me.

VO: But you didn't stutter now.

Me: I didn't respond but he felt I was making it up.

VO: How many schools did you apply to:

Me: Three and I was admitted into all 3 and I went ahead to mention their names.

VO: Why are you going for Master's degree.

Me: As a Service Engineer that works at XXXX, he cuts in and said I can see that you are an engineer from my screen.

Then I continue, I want to get a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering to get more understanding and knowledge of control systems in automobiles and how to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with regards to them.

VO: I can see that you have a Fellowship of $10,500, but you still have a lot of deficit.

Me: I have been able to save #9.6m toward my graduate tuition and my father who into XXXX and have a staff strength of 15 and earns #60m annual income will fund the deficit.

VO: Have your dad sponsored anyone abroad before.

Me: Yes, my elder brother, he did his MBA in UK in 2017.

VO: Do you know how much your dad paid.

Me: He paid £20k

VO: that's around $25k but he will be covering $44.5k which is around $100k for the 2 years.

Me: Yes, he is capable.

VO: Sorry, I can't approve your visa at this time.

Hello.

YOU;
I attended F1 interview in August 2023, I was denied based on 214b. I have attached my transcript below.

*** I wont talk about it as its irrelevant to your present state , it would have been relevant in the year 2023 if you had planned to re-apply then.


YOU ;
Currently, I have a fully funded Mechanical Engineering MS at a different university and the research is different too.

*** Ths is your current state (situation) which you need to focus on by reading past & present transcripts that is related to it.

YOU;
What questions should I expect from the consular officer and how to answer them.

*** If i want to (or any competent person) deduce a genuine possible questions and answers for you i must know your profile & status. Any suggestions other than this is just going to be a generalisation.

YOU;
How do I answer question like, "is been 10 yrs you graduated, why are you going for yours Master now".

*** How did know that the consular will ask you this specific question? This is the beginning of a pre-meditated answers. You cannot cram every answers you are imagining. Your gap-year can be explained inside your ds-160 or genuinely when asked.

YOU;
I have another worry, I stutter sometimes while speaking but not so bad, so during my first interview, I was advised to write a note on an A4 paper "Chronic stammerer, please I need you to be patient with me". I showed the consular officer as I approached him and I also told him verbally that I stutter, that he should be patient with me.

***. There is a space you can improvise and slot this in inside your visa application (ds-160).

*** U.S. visa officers are also trained to handle interviews with individuals who stutter or have other speech impediments. So it's not new.

*** Inform the officer about your stutter early in the interview. At the interview, bring a sheet of paper saying ' i have a stammer, plz allow me the time needed to answer you questions, or allow me to write my answers' (you can go with blank paper and a pen). Good LucK 👍

AmKen:
I already have an appointment date on the old site before avits was created.

My issue is that I wasn't migrated to avits and not still sent the migration link till now.

I have contacted support on avits severally and they will always mention escalating the issue all to no avail.

One avits support suggested that I should create a new account on avits and create ticket.

Have done that and it's been 2 months the issue hasn't been resolved.

Can I go for my interview with the appointment from the old site since avits haven't updated my account?

Is there a place one can go physically at the embassy and have such issues resolved immediately?

Nb: My interview is getting closer and my payment is almost a year

Ken.
If your previous appointment letter is intact and you have the ds 160 confirmation slip that reflects the code on the appointment then you do not have to open another avits profile . Go to your interview like that but go along with two recent passport photo.

When your visa is out you can then go and signup and register on OIS for pick up.

NOTE: Anyone with payment issue should let a well experienced person to guide him or her . It is better than forfeiting or wasting $180 visa fee . People now pays twice or more out of payment error which is becoming the most difficult task for majority. 👍

toshofa:
please i am been havng issues of appointment on the avits portal my payment receipt keep saying error in unclaimed receipt and i have rise issue and create a ticket but the ticket is still on hold for 2 weeks now and they wrote that ishould not create another ticket that they have escalated the issue i should give them some time ,please how log do i have to wait ?

Hello.
Payment issue/error is a complicated case and most of it ended in the applicant paying another fee.
** If you are not in a haste keep waiting . If you are in a haste create another avits profile and start all over but " Do not transfer or pay with card. Go physically to 1st bank and make your payment . 👍

anuoluwa222:
Good afternoon
I will like your suggestion on whether F1(man) and F2s(Mother and Child) should attend visa interview together or F1 should apply for visa and go alone first then F2s can apply after some time

If you can share your recent experience on what you think is the best option

Evening Anu.

** Its an intricate step (in which the wrong decision can ruin both f1 & f2 visa chances).

**. The natural step for any genuine f1/f2 visa applications is to apply for the visas together as they will know the result on the spot and if refused, the principal applicant (F1) may re-apply knowing well that the embassy needs the f2 applicants to stay behind in your country of origin as a collateral (ties that will bring you back home).

** F2 applying at a later time also will look suspicious and keep getting denied if you are not newly-wed (except if applying for B2 to visit your spouse) because you (f2) are the part of the first reason (tie to home country) the F1 applicant qualified for the visa, therefore, applying at a later time means the f1 wont have any (ties) reason to return home.

** F2 visa applicants few times are also seen as distractions to F1 visa applicants by some consulars (esp Phd & Msc ) couples with the fact that F2 visa holder cannot work at all (though this can now be chaged legally) while in the USA, therefore the financia burden of proof will be greater and 86% of F1 visa applicants going with F2s has failed the proper explanations for what your wife and kids would be doing in the USA while you pursue your degree.


You and your spouse should research your profiles and your application category In making decisions. Recent experience of anybody cannot do that for you as each visa application case is different
👍

follygold:
Thanks for the response.
My spouse is currently waiting on an adjustment of status approval. He's got ead. Can he invite his mum? I am currently waiting on adjustment of status too while on f1. I also have Ead, can I invite his mum? His mum has an aunt that is a usa citizen but she will be retiting next year, can she invite my spouses mum? Which of us stand best to invite her in for visiting? His mum is a trader in nigeria? How do we handle financial statement for her?
His mum is in her 70s.

Hello.
Why are both of you (husband & wife) hyper eager to bring your family into the U.S ?
Why don't you want to wait until after your final graduation or untl the naming ceremony of your 1st child in America before you invite your mother-in-law ?

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) legally allowed both of you to work in the U.S. for a specific period of time but It's a temporary document, not a Green Card, and does not guarantee permanent residency in the future.

The only person who can invite her as it stands is her aunt in the U.S and that invitation should be based on medical .👍

Katdaddy:
thank you so much for your time and valuable input Mr Efe, but one can't be right all the time and this is one of those times you're simply just not correct.

**
Mr Kat.
You cannot be the student at the same time doing the work of a teacher . Are you a fault finder ? Are you sure you are real ? I did not ask you to do what i opined by force , so why not go to Ghana or Cameroon as you wanted to do ? Common go ahead with your plans if you don't have the emergency option again .

**
I am absolutely right in my post. An F1 visa applicant can have the option to request for expedite request more than one time while the others may not depend on how competent and diligently you begin your application.

** Okay why are some F1 visa applicants stuck on pre-approval ? Again Mr Kat i am 100% right. You are the one on a wrong side. Go to your Ghana or Cameroon. Let's stop dragging this issue. 👍

follygold:
Does consulate consider the profile of the host of someone visiting usa? Like if the person is a usa citizen or a non-immigrant. Do they consider the finance of the host even if the host is not sponsoring them? What are things to consider for selecting a someone one will be visiting in USA for tourism?

Hello Folly.
Yes they do consider the profile (and conduct background checks) of anyone living inside the U.S. and inviting a foreign resident for any kind of visit.

The best people you can visit (in America) that will have a kind of relevant to the visa officers are : Your spouse , parents, business partners (in various form) , and your children or annex employer .

However, no matter how strong the reputation or how wealthy the person or the entity you are visiting is, the only thing that will determine your visa success is your own personal qualification. You must satisfy all B1/B2 visa requirements. 👍

Ayobami227:
You omitted the question at the end.

**
I can point out visa application mistakes openly based on my experiences but i cannot (with guarantee) absolutely give any re-application clues or tips without knowing anything about the visa applicant which may not be an appropriate thing to do here.

I study ds 160, host-institutions , past travel history, CV (profile) and communication ability etc before i can give accurate corrections.

**
You can wait to read others opinions or read more transcripts related to your visa application. 👍

Teensmentor:
Hello guys, has anyone gone through administrative processing lately and what was the outcome?


Went for my f1 visa renewal current phd student but was put on administrative processing . I wasn’t asked any question really.

This is my third visa interview the two previous were approved.

Transcript:
VO was typing for about 5 mins after collecting my passport then asked visa renewal right?
Me: yes
Vo continues typing for a few more minutes and asked for my transcript.
I hand over the transcript.
Vo looks and was like wow, all As. Asks for cgpa then finds it. Says that’s impressive.

Next thing asks if I have traveled to Gaza . I answer no
Then ask if I am traveling with family
I answer that my husband is a PhD student.
She asks in same school? I say yes. (This has always been the case even in my first f1 visa interview)

By this time I believe Vo was already filling the administrative processing form while asking me these questions.


Vo asks for my i20 and adds it to my passport then hands me the letter then tells me I have been denied based on 221g and placed on administrative processing. I don’t have to do anything but wait if I am approved, I can pick up my passport following the instructions on other form if not they’d mail back my passport.


I checked the status of my visa when I got home and it says denied and if I was put on administrative processing then it will keep showing denied till a decision has been made.

Has anyone been in similar situation? Should I be worried that it shows denied instead of administrative processing?

Not sure why this is happening.
Ps: My research is related to STEM

Hello.

There are two types of Administrative Process (221g).

(1). 1st, the consulate needs some evidence before granting the visa.

(2). 2nd, you are flagged as needing to be cleared for something related to national security and until some U.S. immigration agencies can clear you, you will have to keep waiting.

**
You and your husband are in the U.S. academia (indirectly) and your transcript suggests you (or both) travels a lot (except if the visa officer is mixing up your names with that of other person (s). They are doing background checks on your activities.

**
Academically don't be worried, America needs you and your visa is guaranteed (if your background checks is cleared of black dots). 👍

Oneboylaidat:
Good afternoon nairalanders, please I've been trying to generate the deposit for payment since yesterday but it's saying

"Something went wrong"

Every single time. Please what can I do?

I've three different browsers(Chrome, Brave and Edge) on my laptop and phone and it says the same thing.

**
Cancel pending appointment on your profile and start all over again. If the same issue persist you can abandon that profile and open another one. I do hope you haven't gotten a double profile ? 👍

Ayobami227:
*F-1 Visa*
*May 7th 2025*
*Window 3*
*Lagos*
*First Attempt*
*Fully-Funded Masters*
*Kansas*

_White Male V.O already denied the five people before me, and did administrative processing for the Professor of Biochemistry from Unilag going for a research exchange program. He denied the self funded masters lady before me_.

_The other chubby lady attending to people suddenly closed her window for an extended period. so only the white male vo was attending to people. Only 2 Vos were attending to F-1, J-1 and M-1 applicants_. I was surprised.

Then it was my turn.

V.O: I will need your I-20 and passport.

Me: Good morning.

V.O: How many schools did you apply for? (In my mind I said this English correct so?, "apply for" or apply to?"

_Catching my breath and trying to release the nerves_

Me: I applied to 3 Virginia Tech, Wayne State and Kansas. Got offers from all 3.

V.O: Why Kansas

Me: I chose Kansas Master's in Communication program for three reasons. First the program components emphasize a areas that addresses my skill gap in Communication methods for organizational growth and change. it also aligns with my career interests as a corporate communications officer upon return to Nigeria. I also chose it because unlike the other schools, Kansas allow dual specializations for its graduate student,And this will afford me a more robust, diverse and comprehensive learning experience in the field.
Finally, the faculty's research focus and experience aligns with my career goals and research interests.

(I was like this man has not interrupted me yet,God Abeg o)

V.0. when did you you graduate?

Me: 2019. I have been working ever since.

V.O. why are you going for the program now?

Me: I'm going for a Master's in Communication now because as a young professional in the private sector I recognized a gap in my skill sets on communication methods for organizational growth and change, especially in navigating complex Communication issues within a diverse workforce. This program will address this gap by equipping me with skills in strategic and risk communication, Reputational Management,PR and advertising techniques as well as the impact of emerging technologies on hybrid and remote work models. It will also serve as a sprint board for my career advancement upon return to Nigeria.

V.O: Which other schools did you get offers aside Virginia Tech and Kansas?

Me: Wayne State University.

V.O: Who is funding this trip?

Me: The Graduate School will fund my studies.i was awarded a graduate teaching Assistantship that covers my tuition, living expenses,book and supplies and insurance. I secured this assistantship after two interviews,first with program coordinator, Prof Sean, and the other with the admissions committee. I spoke on my research experience, academic background and career goals. I also submitted reference letter from 3 professors from my undergrad, high test scores and my writing sample which got me the assistantship.


VO: Got it! So what do you do?

For the past 3 years,I have worked as Growth Associate at xxxxx where I drive growth operations and marketing strategies. I earn xxxxx annually.

V.O: what's the name of the company again?

Me:xxxxx (mentions the name)

*V.O is typing*

Me: do I tell you about my research?

V.O: No, keeps typing.

What was your first degree in?

Me: English Language and Literature from **** University.

V.O: Bachelor's in English, got it!

V.O:How did you find out about Kansas?

Me: I found out through LinkedIn and also joined the virtual information session where I realized the program components will benefit me significantly when I return to Nigeria.

V.O: Looks at his desktop and hands blue paper. You do not qualify for the visa at this time.

Refused under 214b and home ties was what was written in the paper.

I intend to reapply...I understand it's a subjective process but wondering how can better reapply and particularly answer the question of "WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE YOUR LAST APPLICATION? "
I have 0 deficit.

Hello Ayobami.

Dont yell at me plz 🙏

Your session with the consular reveals ; (a) You brag or focus on your academic feat. (b) You talk out of the way and over talk. (c). Your academic intention is personal and (d) you have rehearsed your answers.


Let's Go :

(1) _The other chubby lady attending to people suddenly closed her window for an extended period. so only the white male vo was attending to people. Only 2 Vos were attending to F-1, J-1 and M-1 applicants_. I was surprised.

*** She was summoned by the supervisor or her time is up to take up another role ie in biometric office etc. Embassy staffs does not have a static/stationary duty.


(2). V.O: How many schools did you apply for? (In my mind I said this English correct so?, "apply for" or apply to?"

*** Most Americans English usage is funny unlike the Britons but they believe in skills and qualifications... dont let us go further on this.



(3) V.O: Why Kansas

Me: I chose Kansas Master's in Communication program for three reasons. First the program components emphasize a areas that addresses my skill gap in Communication methods for organizational growth and change. it also aligns with my career interests as a corporate communications officer upon return to Nigeria. I also chose it because unlike the other schools, Kansas allow dual specializations for its graduate student,And this will afford me a more robust, diverse and comprehensive learning experience in the field.
Finally, the faculty's research focus and experience aligns with my career goals and research interests.

(I was like this man has not interrupted me yet,God Abeg o)


*** Two out of your three (3) reasons talked about why you have chosen your program of study (meanwhile you were asked why have you chosen Kansas as a University) and the only point that narrated why you have chosen Kansas is a common rehearsed answer which usually ends with " Upon my return to Nigeria.


(4). V.0. when did you graduate?

Me: 2019. I have been working ever since.

**** Why not stop at 2019 ? I have been working ever since is counted as over talking out of desperation.


(5). V.O. why are you going for the program now?

Me: I'm going for a Master's in Communication now because as a young professional in the private sector I recognized a gap in my skill sets on communication methods for organizational growth and change, especially in navigating complex Communication issues within a diverse workforce. This program will address this gap by equipping me with skills in strategic and risk communication, Reputational Management,PR and advertising techniques as well as the impact of emerging technologies on hybrid and remote work models. It will also serve as a sprint board for my career advancement upon return to Nigeria.


***. Look up your number 3 answer. You are repeating same thing here and concluded with the same upon my return to Nigeria. Here , the VO concludes that your answers are not natural and honest but they are pre-meditated.


(6). V.O: Who is funding this trip?

Me: The Graduate School will fund my studies.i was awarded a graduate teaching Assistantship that covers my tuition, living expenses,book and supplies and insurance. I secured this assistantship after two interviews,first with program coordinator, Prof Sean, and the other with the admissions committee. I spoke on my research experience, academic background and career goals. I also submitted reference letter from 3 professors from my undergrad, high test scores and my writing sample which got me the assistantship.


***. This answer is too long , it is one of the characteristic of a rehearsed answers .

( Why not say ; I have secured full funding but my employer, or my parents or i have saved up some money in order to sort out any unexpected expenses during my 1st year ?).


(7). *V.O is typing*

Me: do I tell you about my research?

V.O: No, keeps typing.

*** VO was busy typing but you just felt like happy-go merry and interrupted him , why ? Be quiet next time.

(. Me: English Language and Literature from **** University.

V.O: Bachelor's in English, got it!

***. You wanted to start another story but the VO had to cut you off by correcting you openly . The VO indirectly told you that your answer should be ( Bachelor's in English) brief next time.


(9). V.O: How did you find out about Kansas?

Me: I found out through LinkedIn and also joined the virtual information session where I realized the program components will benefit me significantly when I return to Nigeria.

***. You did not find out by alma mater , not by employer , not by a former school mate or recommended by your former HOD (as an outstanding student/future scholar) but you found out on LinkedIn. You eventually added the phrase " Upon my retun to Nigeria making it 3-times you repeated it to the consular.


Summary : The consular saw you as a would-be scholar who has not fully matured her interest in Academics or Academia but motivated by friends or family to use her academic prowess in gaining entry into America.

Note: Linkedin is a very good professional and social platform but the circumstances in the Op's case is different. 👍

SoNature:
Please how can someone who doesn't have someone in America pay the SEVIS fee? I was told at the bank that they cannot do it through Western Union

Cc Efetobore1980

Nature.
I think you should explore the nature by going to your church or mosque 😊 someone must know someone (members) and connects you to a U.S contacts. Or post to your Facebook alumni page and get connected to someone in America.

**
More people have talked about Pay4Me app but i have not used it before . My best pick is still finding a reliable contact in America. 👍

Donmatlock:
How do you just determine it's not true and a fallacy. There is some truth to it. DoGE has been cutting down staff and agencies to reduce cost and embassies & consulates included. It could be one of the challenges at the Lagos consulate.

Antonio Rubio and D. Trump do not care about repercussions. They are focused on America first and don't care if it takes non-Americans a year to get visa infact they will like you not to come.

USAID and VOA staff are currently unemployed. So, do not cancel an opinion when you are not 100% sure.

Let's us just praying for favour when it gets to our turn. Shikenan!

**

The "DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency) in the US is a recently established initiative aimed at modernizing government software, reducing spending, and shrinking the federal workforce. It is led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, and has been involved in actions like shutting down agencies, defunding programs, and implementing mass layoffs. DOGE aims to identify and eliminate "fraud and abuse" within government departments, though evidence for these claims has been limited.

Pls note that U.S embassies worldwide is not a company or manufacturing firms like Google or Microsoft so if at all DOGE is finally implemented it will and can never spread to the embassies. Inside America, ordinary bakery or gas station cannot just lay off staffs not to talk of civil servants with mission works abroad.

👍

Teju2014:
What is Fallacy Please explain to me why visa process has taken 5weeks counting, still counting. If they can reduce staffs in America with DOGE policy who is Nigeria in the scheme of things

Teju.

It's fallacy. Visa process can take 1 year and that is your own. U.S embassy will do background checks and determine if you are eligible or not.

You do not know all the people in Nigeria or do you ? And neither can you relate few people visa experiences on Nairaland to what is going on in the whole of Nigeria. ** More people are on Facebook and Twitter than on Nairaland.

So, your visa delay was caused by the U.S embassy cutting staffs ? I am not disputing but give me the official sources of your news. Don't tell me stories about any other organisation, ok ? Give me the official sources of your information otherwise it's what you are thinking...Don't turn it to real by yourself. 👍

[quote author=Katdaddy post=135301194][/quote]Hello Kat.
You don't have to show me any US visa application instructions because i read it like my favourite magazine.

The instructions you posted said you can request for certain (not for only once) period of times. ** Let me also tell you that expedite appointment request is being reviewed and approved by human (staffs physically looking at your profile) not by random computer ,so if they discover inconsistencies in your application they may decide to not give you the opportunity again.

The summary is if the option is no more available in your dashboard you can write the embassy and follow my first opinion so that they can re-open your expedite request because it's the natural right of all F1 visa applicants.

You may however opt for Ghana or Cameroon if you feel like time is fading away. I am just trying to help you in cutting cost and troubles. 👍

**

Of all the US visa applicants categories, F1 visa applicants takes the number -1 priority.

Donmatlock:
How do you just determine it's not true and a fallacy. There is some truth to it. DoGE has been cutting down staff and agencies to reduce cost and embassies & consulates included. It could be one of the challenges at the Lagos consulate.

Antonio Rubio and D. Trump do not care about repercussions. They are focused on America first and don't care if it takes non-Americans a year to get visa infact they will like you not to come.

USAID and VOA staff are currently unemployed. So, do not cancel an opinion when you are not 100% sure.

Let's us just praying for favour when it gets to our turn. Shikenan!

**
Hello sir.
We are not talking politics and i am not interested. It's not good to spread unofficial news on NL. U.S embassy will state in on their official gazette if they are going to cut staffs. Don't implicate Nairaland with false news. Give us the official links. 👍

** I am 100% sure. I have school mates working as local employees there.

Teju2014:
I was told they have reduced the staff at the Embassy. Not sure how true it is but looks like a strong possibility. It is only those who were refused and re-invited for 221g that got a quick response. Now i am referring to Lagos. As for me i don't have any urgent travel plans so i am not too bothered.

Teju.
It's not true , it's a fallacy.
For U.S embassy to reduce it's staffs is going to be a complex process and it must have diplomatic repercussions. Besides, the number of staffs is determined by the U.S government.

** Nigeria is the most populous black country in the world. We need more staffs . They cannot reduce staffs. 👍

ifycoly:
Thank you, Please is it advisable to cancel the pre approval and request again after signing the form 1-20.

**
Write the embassy and copy avits amentum first. They may move you past that stage . If the issue persist you may then cancel and start all over . 👍

Tomi111:
Please for j1 visa.

I'm about to make payment

Am I going to submit my ds-2019 at any point?

Or I should just sign and keep till I go for interview

**
Do you want to lend it (the ds-2019) out ? Its in your custody and if you need to upload it or scan it you can always bring it out .

** You do not need to sign the Ds-2019. Your J-1 visa sponsor is responsible for that. Or is there a space for you to sign there ?

ifycoly:
Good morning, Please i need your urgent response, please how do i get pass this stage, attached.

Morning Ify.
Pre approval is a waiting game . If it's taking too long (more than 48hrs) that means you might have omitted some rules. Did you sign and date your I 20 ? Did you fill and submitted Ds 160? I do also hope you have paid sevis fee ?

** F1 pre-approval and expedite request are review by human eyes (not random by computer) so if your application is not completed you will be push aside until they round off with obedient applicants.

Use your I -20 & SEVIS payment and the screenshot of the pre approval to send " profile error message to the embassy. 👍

Teensmentor:
SOS. Needs urgent response.



I have my visa interview in few hours and not sure if I need to book the OIS pickup before or after the interview?


Also, are there still DHL pickups available? If I don’t book OIS will it be automatically sent to DHL? What are the typical pickup times for all pickup options. Thanks

Teen.
Pick free delivery in your post location (DHL/OIS ) and after the outcome of your visa interview you can wait for the delivery or change delivery option to premium (paid) If you want it faster or to another state.

Your major concern is for your visa to be delivered either OIS or DHL.. They both work in tandem but OIS is the major decision maker, they can bring it or send it to DHL . All you need is safe delivery. 👍

Tomi111:
pls when you say fill ds160 at a go...do you mean fill and submit in one sitting before creating avits profile?

**
Yes. By so doing the embassy knows your travel itinerary, departure/ arrival schedule and can shuffle availability of dates for you . The U.S embassy themselves mentioned it categorically on their website that " Do not initiate appointment schedule on avits if you have not completed your ds 160.

If need be for an update you can always fill another one and update. Even if you are undecided just complete your first ds 160 first with feasible information. 👍

Taal17:
The couple got married so they are not K1 applicants

**
Thanks for the update sir. 👍

Firstlady999:
Yes, he was not interviewed and asked to reschedule after 2 business day.
If you have gone to the Lagos embassy before, you know that the first process is to queue outside then you will be called inside based on your appointment time.
Next step: when your inside, you go through document check, where they check your documents and confirm your name on their list and system to know if your to be interviewed on that day, before you will be directed to the main interview hall.

That was were my friend had issue, they said his name was not reflecting on the system, and on their paper the name was there but it was showing NO RECORDS found. And I don't know if anyone else had face such before, I was just wondering what would be the cause and how to avoid such for next time sake?

***
I have been to the Lagos and Abuja embassies more than 20 times 😊. I got everything you have written there.

Okay he should login to his avits profile and reschedule after 2 days based on what you said the embassy told him. No need to be worried then. 👍

** The only thing that could have caused it is unconfirmed payment or he missed the initial appointment but let us forget about that.

** It may also likely caused by mismatch ds-160 code.

Damalex4luv:
Hello my people, my brother American girlfriend came to Nigeria over 2 years ago, they did their court wedding and have submitted every necessary document for my brothers Relocation. But up till now nothing has been heard from the embassy, please can anyone with experience on this gives me ideas on what next he do to fast track the whole thing. because his wife in America is getting frustrated everyday with the delay

**
Hello.
Visit page 3 of the travel section and repost your question there ( attached.. red circle). 👍

Katdaddy:
done that already. apparently it's just one request per application

**
No. You will be able to seek another expedite request.

MizAlero:
Hello Efe,

So for both of them, I created one application and chose my dad as original applicant and mum as additional family member on the same profile. I was then prompted to fill in both details still on that one application. I did not do a separate profile for them. But you say this isn’t the way I should have done it?

***
Did you pay their visa fees together? If you did it very well avits will calculate both fees together and not separately.

Anyways . If both of them are able to print out individual appointment letters it's okay. Just use each person's reschedule options to match their dates. ** Avits profile issues needs sight seeing at times . 👍

Katdaddy:
thanks a lot chief. however, my situation is a bit dicey. I already applied for an emergency appointment and got a date last week but on getting there I was told my ds160 barcode did not match and I would have to reschedule. I am currently trying to reschedule but I can get any date closer and my start date is ending of this month. also. I cannot request for another emergency appointment since I've already done so once with my present application. what would you suggest?

***
You should be able to request for another emergency appointment. Fill another ds 160 and update it in your profile first .

Firstlady999:
Pay another MRV and SEVIS fee Why?
When the old fees are still valid.

I believe it's just the normal system error that occurs, I don't think its related to the payment.

***
First Lady. Your question was not clear . Did they send the boy away ? Did they ask him to go and reschedule? If they did not ask you to reschedule he has missed the appointment. Cool down and tell us what really happened. That question was not clear i only used an idea based on NO RECORD found. 👍

NOTE:. My recommendation is for those who want to start afresh so pick your own from the answer. Every answer on Nairaland is not for one person.

Katdaddy:
hello chief good day, any idea on when we could get some earlier appointment dates? and what do you think of trying Ghana or Cameroon to get an earlier date

Hi Sir.
All F1 visa applicants can (85% of the time) secure an appointment dates before their resumptions. They have 5 (times) reschedule option and if that does not work they have the last joker of expedite (emergency) appointment which they can apply for .

F1 visa applicant also have the grace to look for appointment dates elsewhere (if there is strong proof of no available dates in their countries) but such countries has to be your familiar terrain (eg you have friends or relatives there or you have lived or worked there before or you are married to a citizen of that country etc). ** Otherwise you might be label as a forum/consulate shopping.

Note: Ghana is like a sister to Nigeria in your preference above and it is also an anglophone country. [b]But the best place to attend your US visa interview is in your country of origin. 👍