₦airaland Forum

Hi,

I hear there is a National Interest Waiver Programme for People with academic and professional qualifications with 5 and above years experiences to apply for GreenCard. How true is this programme and what is the success rate. Thanks

dober:
First thing first, you have to take an enlish language test eg IELTS. (visit www.ielts.org)
And get your educational credentials assessed by assessment agencies eg WES.(visit www.wes.org)
Thereafter you can apply for express entry. #I have been following keenly since 2013.

Thank dober. Please can the IELTS test be taken here in Nigeria and do you know how much it will cost for two applicants. Thank

Hi All,

I am interested in the Express Entry programme for Canada immigration. Please kindly assist me on how to go about it. Where can I take the test needed for this programme and how much will it cost. Thank you.

[quote author=9jabiggurl post=28302712][/quote]Thank you. I appreciate.

ifax:
New passport number

Thanks.

Dear Guru,

I had my US visa this year to expire in 2006, and I have used it to visit the US last month. The problem is all pages on my passport with US visa is filled up with visa and immigration stamps even though the passport would expire in 2017. So I went and acquire new 64 leaves e-passport this November 2014 to expire in 2019. On my previous passport there are 2 valid visas for UK and Schengen countries, apart from the US visa. My question is I am planing to travel to the US again in March 2015, and trying to buy my ticket, which passport number should I use when paying for my ticket. The new passport number that is virgin or the the old passport number. Thank you.

justwise:
Don't use this thread to encourage fraud.

I agree with you Justwise. Beside the VO hardly request for document, as they must have done their background check, if you do not have a strong reason for going to the US, your application will be refused, even if you have been married for 50 years. I suggest that applicant stay for now until he/she is married and have a strong tie to Nigeria.

Just return from the US after a 2 week business and holiday visits. I travelled to New Orleans and Dallas. My experiences shows that visiting the US is not cheap. Hotel accommodation alone can set you back at least $1000 for a modest place with breakfast included for 5 days. In Dallas, my cousin took me out to where Nigerian hangout on Saturdays and I met some of them and interacted with them. Their major complain about home was Power and security. A Nigerian I met at a conference in New Orleans vowed not to return back to Nigeria, unless they make him a Governor of a state, as the last time he visited, he was robbed at gun point at 2.00am. That corruption is too much and Nigerian are good at killing youth talents. From my brief stay, I can say that if you are planning of overstaying in the US on a BI/B2 visa, be prepared for hard time, no matter what your host will tell you, he can only accommodate you if you share the bills. Nothing is free in the US, you have to pay for almost everything you need. My cousin, went to the US in 1998 through the visa lottery as a graduate, it took him 10 good years to find his feet, he needed to go back to school to be able to have a good job. Jobs are not stable, you can be fired at any time or laid off. My cousin has not been working for over a year now since he was laid off from a Bank. He had to sell his 4 bedroom duplex house and moved into a one-room apartment with his wife and daughter. He now run a braiding salon, and have gone back to school to obtain certifications in hair making and in pipeline inspection for gas and oil. He told me that having spent close to 17 years in the US, he can offer some advise to those planning to relocate to the US. If you have the ball to endure hardship then you can achieve your dream in America. American do care about who you are, but what you can offer. I am sharing this in nairaland to those applying for US visa, to know that unless they have a very good reason to go the US, it is better back home here.

floralgal:
Hellooo House.....
Got my usa visitig visa a month ago with the help of God and house mambers. Thanks again.
Pls my request now is booking my ticket.
In my application form i intended going to visit maryland.(invitation letter) but now i will like to go to chicago.
Will i be asked at the point of entry, why the change of destination?? And will they ask for a copy of my invitation letter, because the invitee wrote they will be receiving me in washington Dulles airport. But i just wrote Maryland as destination in my form.
In conclusion, to avoid denial at point of entry what TICKET destination should i actually purchase please?
Thanks

I suggest that you entered through the city in your D160 form to avoid lengthy questioning at the POE. I am currently in the US. I changed my travel plan lightly by going to Dallas before proceeding to my destination.

tayoamos: My wife and kids are intending to attend a wedding in the USA next year with me. I have a visa but my wife and kids have to apply for their visas. She is a business woman while I am a medical doctor, I can sponsor our trip and she can as well. During filling the ds-160 form, should she fill that she will sponsor the trip, or that I, the husband will sponsor the trip?
Who BTW us will look good to say will sponsor the trip
Responses pls

Since you already have a visa. It's best to fill the DS-160 form, that you will be responsible and have the funds to finance the trip, as they are traveling with you.

tayoamos: But already I have a valid visiting visa, and I am actually travelling with them, do I still have to fill in my details while filling their forms , already I have a valid visa

No problem complete the DS form for your wife and kids and indicate as appropriate that they are in travelling with you. Questions will be asked if you have valid USA visa and the visa number. Use your wife confirmation number to create a family appointment for her and the kids. Ensure that they go with your passport for the interview just in case you cannot enter the embassy with them.

tayoamos: My wife and 2 kids (ages 2 and 4) are desiring to apply for a USA visiting visa. How can I merge my kids with my wife for the interview since they will fill different ds-160. Or will I just fill the forms differently, and during the interview , I will just submit their passport and forms together and should I tell them at the embassy that they are all together? My worries is that they might see them differently, and also, how can I schedule same date interview for them?

When you are filling the DS 160 form you will be asked if you are travelling with anyone. Here you will enter the name of your wife and kids and their details. When filling the form for your wife, the same question will also be asked. Enter your details and the kids. When filling your kids form also enter your details and wife as this question would be asked. Pay the visa application fee for each applicant. Go to the appointment website. Start first with your details and payment receipt, the system will asked if you want to schedule a group or family appointment. Choose family appointment and enters details for your wife and kids and choose available date. Cheers

tee12345: When i got mine, i filled i was going to Miami florida. When i went, I went in through JFK and the POE official didnt ask me anything along that line. It was my 1st time in the US also. It was more of what are you going to do and where will you be staying. Yours may be different sha but i dont think it calls for worry.

Thanks. I entered New Orleans as my designation in the US and entered Atlanta as my point of entry. I would now enter through Dallas as it cheaper.

tayoamos: Just explain this to them at the POE. Occasionally, the officer at the POE might drill you to ask why changing your plan. I was drill also during mine ,I filled the Ds 160 that I was going to Denver Colorado, ended up going to Minneapolis Minnesota. The officer drilled me why I changed my plan as it was not what I told the visa officer when I applied for the visa, but I explained and he understood

Actually I am going to New Orleans. I entered in my DS 160 form that I would fly Delta, via Atlanta if I use Delta airline. However I can save over 100k if I fly with Qatar airline via Dallas. I would just explain to POE that I go a cheaper flight better than Delta. Thanks

Hi house. I was issued a US 2 years visit visa last month. I had entered in my DS 160 form that my point of entry and exit would be Atlanta as I am going to New Orleans for a conference. I also stated that my arrival date will be 30th Sept. Now I want to go through Dallas and arrive a day earlier as this ticket is cheaper and I have got another invitation to attend a preconferemce meeting on the 30th. My concern is will there be any issue at point of entry at Dallas for change in travel plan and route? Note I have travelled to US before, that was in 2008.

meggy11: Are you for real? At this time and age? How can you advise people to lie about having siblings in the us? Pls guys try to be honest at all times. If you are caught in any form of dishonesty it can severely affect you now or in future. Guys be wise!!!!
@epotek, congrats for the approval of your visa. You have succeded in fooling the vo (I hope...) wish u all the best.

I believe you misunderstood my post. What I meant was that when I applied for my first US visa in 2008, I used a agent to fill the form at VI near the US embassy. At that time I had friends and distance relatives in the US who I have not had contact with in the last 15 years. So the agent advise me that I should not fill it in as I am not going to visit them since they live in other States different from the one I am going to. Also as first time applicant with fresh passport, it was important that I complete the form, with minimal tie to the US. I believed this advise coupled with document with made my first interview to be successful. The last interview was my second visit to the US embassy, with my and VO gave US 2 years.

Thanks for all the advises from the house. My wife and I picked up our Passport today. We were given two years US visa with multiple entries, Inside our passports was a green paper telling us that we can renew our visa via the dropbox option without interview if we are eligible. We plan to travel in October. God bless.

peter2010: Once again thanks for the prompt response. Plz I still need 2 b clear on these: Does she need 2 use my surname on the surname box and her maiden name on where you have other names? (Note: she has her maiden name on the passport). Also, I believe by scheduling our interview 4 same day doesn't guarantee same time (not sure though). I'm a bit confused, plzzz kindly help me out by explaining in details on hw to go abt my questions. I appreciate. Thanks.

When filling the DS-160 form for, you will enter her surname as it is written on her passport, ie her maiden name. You then be asked to enter other names that the applicant also bears. Here you will then enter her married surname and other names. Note: The name that would be used to issued the visa if successful would her maiden name as written on her passport. If you want to use her married name, then you have to get a new passport.

When scheduling your appointment, there is a provision to schedule either a group or family appointment. Choose family appointment and the system would request you to enter the confirmation number and payment invoice number. This will automatically, group your wife and you together. Then you can then choose the available date and slot for the interview. Note: the appointment would be in your name but with an indication that the applicants are two. When you enter the consulate you will be given one tally so that the VO can interview the two of you together. I hope this is clearer.

Hi all,

My visit Visa was approved yesterday. The VO gave me a white paper with instruction where to collect the my passport. The question is do I go there with other form of identification, as I was not given any collection stub number, as written in the white paper. Thank you.

Hi Vo,

My visit Visa was approved yesterday. The VO gave me a white paper with instruction where to collect the my passport. The question is do I go there with other form of identification, as I was not given any collection stub number, as written in the white paper.

soladnet14: Pls house, aside all documents, payment receipt and PP, what are the other things one is required to get for the interview

Nothing. Just dress smartly and be ready to defend what information you provided in your DS-160 form. In most case the VO do not even look at those documents.

Lloydgibs: The Chinese CO interviewed me and my wife on 5/08/2014 and it was approved. we have not traveled out of the country(Not even Ghana or Niger republic) before and we were honest about it.

VO: Do u have any one in US?
Me: We answered No

For that is the key question. Never say you know someone in the US, even if you know. In my first interview in 2008, the VO asked me if I know someone in the US, which I responded in the negative. He then asked me where are my siblings, I told him they were all in Nigeria, mention the states they were. Then I passport was fresh with no travel history, and my visa was approved. The bottom line is never reveal any information that give the VO the impression that you are not likely to return. Such information as knowing family member and spend long time in the US are very difficult to convince the VO for first-time applicant

sisit: Forget dat chinese guy. He turned down every1 dat came his way except for a lady.Prayed so hard not to be interviwed by him.

Guess u were d'guy trying so hard to explain to him and he did not look interested.

Apologies.

I also noticed that Chinese VO was refusing people too. My experience and advise is that 80% of the decision is made based on your DS-160 form. The remaining 20% either to approved or refused is when they interview you. I also noticed that DS-160 form is intelligently designed, so that they can quickly know if you are providing false information. When I filled the form for my wife application and entered, "Not employed" as Job. They form did not ask about Travel history. Unlike my own form when I entered that I was working, there were followup questions on travel history and job description. So be very careful, about filling the DS-160 form. Another point I also want to make on the duration of your visit. If for instance you say you want to spend 1 month in the US, this will send red flag, as the VO know that it is difficult for anyone to house a person for up to 1 months, without incurring bills. So it safer to say at most 14 days, even if you have free accommodation.

Hi all,

I am happy to inform the house that my US visa interview today 6/07/2014 was successful. I was a bit nervous and apprehensive as I was attending the interview with my wife. The US consulate, Lagos has really changed, going by the last time I visited in 2008. Interviews are done in the open reception area and you can hear and see how applicants are either approved or refused. My interview was scheduled for 7.30am but did not start until 9.45am, due to the crowd. This is transcripts of the interview:

VO: How are are doing?
Us: Fine Sir.
VO: I can see that you're going to New Orleans
Me: Yes
VO: What are you going there for?
Me: We are going to attend two conferences.

Typing vigorously on the computer, glanced at our passports and asked
VO: And what do you do?
Me: I am bla bla bla bla

The VO look at his computer screen again and continue to type. He then turned to us and asked
VO: I see that you have been to the US before, when was this?
Me: 2008
VO: So the conferences that you're attending is related to your work?
Me: Yes
VO: Any your wife, what does she do? oh I see she is accompanying you, I guess for her it's holiday
Wife: Yes sir.
VO: How long have you been married?
Me: 5 years
VO: Are you planning to attend to any medical or health issues in the US?
Us: No
VO: Okay, your visas have been approved. Pick up your passport next Wednesday at this location. Thank you.
Us: Thank you and bye

Duration on interview: 3 minutes.

No document was requested. This is God in action. May his name be praised for evermore, in Jesus name amen.

justwise: See my attachment

Thanks her last application was processed in Lagos. Should I send the email to Lagos or Abuja? Meanwhile here is the final draft. Hope it okay?

Dear Sir,

My name is xxxxx, a Nigerian, residing and working in Nigeria. I am a xxxxxxx. I have been invited to attend Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Biennial Meeting; 'Measuring Progress' 25 - 27 September 2014 in Oxford with a Travel Scholarship. This invitation has also been extended to my wife Mrs Marilyn U. Ekpo as accompany partner (see attached letter of invitation). During this global event, I would be making 10 minutes oral presentation of my research work in Nigeria to an international audiences from all over the world. I already have a current valid visa to the UK, however my wife does not have a visa. The last time she applied for a visit visa to the UK to attend an identity interview for her British Passport, she was advised to withdraw the application, that the interview can be done in Nigeria. I am writing to request the embassy to issue her any traveling document that will allow her entry into the UK. We intend to travel together and return back to Nigeria after the event in the UK. Thank you for kind understanding in this matter.

Sincerely,
ekpotek

justwise: You don't need the section in bold since she is regarded as British citizen though without a passport, you will be asking the embassy to issue her any traveling document that will allow her entry into the UK. Then she will return with her Nigerian passport

Please do have any idea of the appropriate email address to send the email to. Thank you.

justwise: Email or call the embassy and explain this new development to them, that you want to travel with your wife and attach the letter from the organizers.

Dear Justwise. Please kindly read this email I am about to send to the embassy, particularly the paragraph disclosing the last application which she was advise to withdrew. Thanks

Dear Sir,

My name is xxxx, a Nigerian, residing and working in Nigeria. I have been invited to attend Bleep meeting of Bleep in September 2014 at Oxford with a full travel Scholarship. This invitation has also been extended to my wife Mrs Bleep as accompany partner. I am writing to enquire if my wife would be issued a visit visa for her to accompany me to this meeting (see attached letter). I already have a current visa to the UK, however my wife does not have a visa. The last time she applied for a visit visa to the UK to attend an identity interview for her British Passport, she was advised to withdraw the application, that the interview can be done in Nigeria. I want to find out if this issues will affect her application as we intend to travel together and return back to Nigeria after the event in the UK. Thank you for kind understanding in this matter.

Sincerely,
Bleep

Hi House,

I know that the gurus in the house such as justwise and vicjustice are familiar with my case since April 2014. Unfortunately the thread went with crash of Nairaland. Briefly, it about the issuance of British passport to my wife and my brother-in-law who are British Citizen by Birth. Their applications as been pending at the London passport office since last year. The latest letter from the passport office written on in July 2014 is that my wife should call passport office and book an appointment for interview in London and come with documentation for proof of identity. The problem was that my wife last application to visit London for her identity interview in March 2014, was turned down and she was forced to withdraw the application and directed to transfer her passport application to BHC Nigeria for them to conduct the interview, which her had refused. Her passport was not stamped. Now I have been invited the attend a global event in the UK in September, 2014 on full sponsorship by the organizer. I was able request from the organizer that I would like to attend with my wife, which they accepted and have sent an invitation letter to me including her name. My question is what are her chances of getting a visa to attend the conference with me. Wont the ECO crosschecked her application with the last one that was withdrawn and conclude that she want to go on something else (which we all know). I already have a UK visa. I would be happy for any suggestions and documentation necessary to submit a successful application. Thanks for all the previous advises. Attached is the latest letter.

Hi House,

I have just schedule an appoinment for Wednesday 6 August at 7.30am for my wife and I. However, there is this notice on the Appointment confirmation letter "PLEASE NOTE THAT ONE OR MORE OF THE DS-160 NUMBERS USED TO SCHEDULE THIS APPOINTMENT CAN NOT BE VALIDATED.
INCORRECT DS-160 NUMBERS MAY LEAD TO A DELAY IN BEING PROCESSED". What does this means. I am sure that I entered the correct DS-160 confirmation numbers for both of us. Please kindly clarify. Thanks

saheedlawal30: I'll like to share my interview on the 26/6/2014 me and my wifey (young couple) early 30s of our age.....appointment of 7:30am we got there 6:45am, they called us in around 10:30am. Seek for God intervention.....prayer; it works!

Bio metric first
Me: good morning
Vo: good morning
Vo: forward your passports please
Me: passed the passports
Vo: go and sit down and listen to your number for bimetric

To another consular

Vo: good morning
Us: good morning
Vo: you're traveling to california
Me: yes, to meet my sister in law for vacation
Vo: what do u do?
Me: I'm a sososososo
Vo: at where?
Me: sosososooso
Vo: you work in soso (facing my wife)
Wifey: yes
Vo: what is your position?
Wifey: admi officer
Vo: when did u married
Me: last year october
Vo: have u traveled before
Us: yes.....to Ghana
Vo: are u seeking medical attention
Wifey: NO
Vo: I've issued your visa......pick it on Tuesday.

Hi congratulations. How did you scheduled and appointment for the two of you together online. Thanks

customised87: Hello,while filling the form,u ll get to a part where u ll be asked if u ll be travelling with anyone,make sure you write your spouse's name there,then when u submit ur form it ll take u to a page where u ll see an option to create a family application, click on the option and fill a form for ur spouse. After which you ll go on to book an appointment with the ID generated. I wasn't the one that booked our appointment so m sorry,i can't help much in that regard.

Thanks for you advise which had been helpful. I am now completing the application for my wife. One more question. When you paid for the application did you used a single teller for you and your mum or you used 2 payment teller.

DobraDobra: Nice one u make it sound so easy and stress free what a good way of motivating people in dis new phase of nairaland. You went with faith and your faith work for you. Good luck on the trip

Dear house,

I am planing to visit the US in October for an academic conference with my spouse. We are about completing the application forms. How do we schedule a family interview online like you did with your mum. I mean can I use my profile to get an appointment for the two of us, or i would need to create a profile for her and book an appointment separately for her. When paying for the visa can we pay using one teller for both of us or two separate tellers. Thank you.