₦airaland Forum

Qubratshalewa:
Good evening everyone
I went for my F1 interview on Monday but I was denied.
Firstly, I will like to share my story. I got a full funding scholarship with a TA for PhD in chemistry. While filling the Ds160 , I answered yes to question about any relative in the US which is my husband and a citizen. On the interview day after questions abt my studies, the vo asked abt relative in the us, asked few questions regarding my marriage and then I was denied. I want to try if I could be lucky to reapply for spring again but I have some questions troubling me.
My questions are;
1. Do they keep previously filled DS160 information? I am thinking if in my next application I should put no for relative in the US. I know anyone can say why not in the first time, BT my husband thinks it can affect later if he want to file for me
2. What is my chance of getting approved if I reapply again?
I know people can say why not file instead but it take nothing less than 2years coupled with the fact DAT I want to pursue my PhD.

Please I need people suggestions on this.Thanks

DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING IN YOUR DS160, THEY HAVE THE INFORMATION, you have a fully funded scholarship so you have a very strong argument already, go back and try again, be very clear about your post study plans and opportunities in Nigeria

MelaninGemstone:
Okay thank you. Another question please

My brother just graduated from Harvard in May and I’m going to Boston University this fall in the same Massachusetts. If you were adjudicating my visa application, would I seem like an intending immigrant?

everybody is seen as an intending immigrant, just have a strong argument

Equity15:
i saw this too. But i never used the EA and it still shows on my portal that my EA has been approved. Also, does it mean i can't apply for EA again since my visa was refused?

if u have money pay another mrv fee and see if it works

croissant:
@shannon70

Please my interview is tomorrow, can I still update my ds160 today?

I requested for a deferral of my fall admission, and I have a new program start date which is in spring.

I believe I should update intended date of arrival on my i20 from august 2022 to December 2022, should I do that now? or should I simply attend the interview with my spring i20?

or should I leave the DS160 as it is, and simply go to the embassy with the fall i20?

u can't update a submitted ds160 unless u call the cgi to do it from there end, u can't submit a new one in less than 72hrs to ur interview either, I feel you should leave it like that and explain ur situation to the VO

Shannon70:
Yeshiva is always going to be a tough sell because to the perception that is focused on Jewish life. regardless of the fact that it does have a significant non-jewish student body, however that tends to be concentrated in the Law and Business Schools.

thanks for your response, I'll explore other options

Yeshiva University NY
Ms Biotechnology
COA: $50k
Scholarship: $16k
Family: $4k
Mpower loan: $30k
GRE: 298
TOEFL: 99
Consulate: Lagos

Me: Good day
Bald Man: welcome, ur documents
Me: passes them

Bald Man: looks at my I-20, Wow Yeshiva? Are u Jewish? (With a smile)

Me: Nah I'm not

Bald Man: so why did you apply to a Jewish University

Me: that was the only University I found that the research is relevant to my next posting at my current work place,*(I work with a multinational)* I'll be posted to our bioremediation site in Bonny island where we provide industrial cleaning services for AGIP & NNPC, this opportunity will put me on the same salary level with our British expertriates who are the majority of staffers that work there.

Bald Man: nodes head like agama lizard, So how are u paying?

Me: I have a scholarship of $16k plus an additional support of $4k from my father but the majority of my expenses will be taken care of by my Mpower
Loan of $50k which was approved after my job and credit history was well evaluated, I'll channel $300 of my study leave allowance towards servicing the loan in my absence while upon return to my job I'll double that amount to $600, this will guarantee that I pay back the loan within 8yrs instead of the stipulated 12yr payment window,

Bald Man: nods head, looks at my I-20, types furiously, looks at my I-20 again, types again passes me the blue paper while apologizing on the process (i.e sorry u do not qualify for this visa category at this point in time)

Me: thank you
Bald Man: (Sips from his water bottle) you're welcome ���

PS: working with a multinational for 2yrs now, I made sure my ds160 was as detailed as possible with special attention to my previous and present employment,
The program on my I-20 was biomedical science instead of Biotechnology due to Sevis designation, I forgot to point it out
Secondly the loan was designated as personal funds and 30k was written instead of 50k that i mentioned because the scholarship was diducted from the total amount, I also didn't point that out because I noticed he was looking at the funds section of my I-20 while doing his final typing, but anyways that's my guess, ur opinions are welcomed, my program starts 29th August, I have asked my school to differ me to spring, that's it my people.

@Shannon70 pls kindly take a look

For those asking for letter format for EA application, here's something that may work for you, Edit accordingly.

Good day,

I am an F1 Visa applicant with a current appointment date of 6th March 1988 at 8:00 AM to be precise.

I was accepted into a Fall 2098 academic program to study Cyber Security at Peter-Obi University, United States. The start date on my I-20 is 29th August 2052. However, I will need to be in school as early as the 18th of August for there will be an orientation program for graduate students starting on the 23rd of August, 2039.

I'm writing to request an earlier appointment that would allow me to resume my academic program in the United States on time.

Please, find attached my form I-20, evidence of SEVIS fee payment, and other relevant documents for your kind perusal.





Kind regards,

Yusuf Emaka Damola

Potbellied:
Be steadfast, brother. May the best come to you.

thanks Man

Abidecdrock:
What are the requirements for the mpower loan, did you apply for the 30k initially or that was what they approved for you?

I applied for $50k and it was approved, but due to the scholarship and family funds only $30k of it is what is needed for my I-20, depends on a lot, I submitted a lot of documentations including my TOEFL and GRE as they requested

Potbellied:
Hey bro, how are you doing? I honestly thought you had gone for your interview. How are you holding up? I hope you're joining mock sessions for practice too. Success to you whenever you go for the interview.

thanks a lot brother, the date situation is frustrating, my EA application for more than two weeks has not been replied, the follow up email I sent was replied with the usual "exercise patience" so I'm still just there, hoping for the best, thanks for reaching out though.

Shannon70:
It sounds like you have the funding portion taken care of - but that is only one component.

Demonstrate you are a bona fide student - how? What school has admitted you? Why that school? What have you done before? How are you ready for this work?

What are you going do when you return home?

What are your ties to Nigeria?

Need to think about the interview holistically.

thanks a lot, I currently work with a multinational company for 2.8yrs and the program will guarantee me a new posting with more than 200% salary increase, I heard a lot that you people don't like loans that's what borders me, will keep thinking holistically as you adviced, thanks a lot.

Shannon70:
yep - you do not need an agent. They bring you no added value.

Hello good morning from here, my cost of attendance is $50k, I have a scholarship of $15k, Mpower loan of $30k and Dads funds of $4k, for Ms program, what do you think is the best strategy to defend this situation in front of your colleagues?

Omalichi222:
Any guy in Enugu

Xup

In case your Sevis payment doesn't reflect at the embassy, please contact ur DSO or ur schools international office let them rectify it, I just got this from my school today.

IkhideDora:
Hi,
My cousin was in 3rd year at a federal University. due to strike, I advised him to apply for an UG programme. He sat for a fresh waec exam and used it for an undergraduate visa application.

Unfortunately, his application was declined. He is considering his options as he will be graduating this year,( if the strike is called off) and apply again.

This time, he wants to apply for a graduate program. I want to know if this would be a problem, having entered in his Ds-160 that he graduated High-school last year.

I feel bad because I talked him into doing this and even filled his Ds-160.

Will this be a problem at all?

he should stick with the undergrad if he ever wants to have chances of getting approval, if he ever fills another new information in his DS form that'll be the end

Jacknn:
Wait u mean banned, or get another cash back,abeg clarify this because I'm in this case too o,the person that registered me wants to clear it again after having another cash back,I'm afraid he shouldn't use voucher again to clear it,but dis one u mentioned ban so,is it ban or having anoda cashback?

Tell him to refund you, then trying paying the money legit way to avoid issues

Anfieldboss:
Guys, I am in a dilemma.

I registered for GRE with an agent I met here on Nairaland and paid 68k for the exam. The guy did the registration for me, but after sometime, I noticed an outstanding of $250.38 on my GRE test profile due to chargeback. I informed him, he said he would rectify it. I think he did, because the outstanding payment was cleared.

After sometime, an outstanding payment of $280.38 appeared on my GRE test profile again, still as a result of chargeback. This time I became worried that the guy might be making the payments through fraudulent means, as the payments keep being reversed with a higher charge. When I notified him, he said he would fix it and that I should not worry and keep studying for my test. He eventually fixed it (or so I thought) and the outstanding payment was cleared.

Today, I decided to check my GRE test profile, and I noticed an outstanding balance of $310.38 has resurfaced on my GRE account, still as a result of chargeback. I have asked for a refund from the guy (I hope he gives me), but I am considering registering for the GRE with a new account I have already created.

My question is will there be any consequence(s) if I register for the GRE test with another new account. I don't want a situation where this outstanding fee will be transferred to my new account, because as it is now, the outstanding balance on this account where the agent helped me to make payments is already far higher than the original GRE registration fee.

Please experienced guys in the house, advise a brother.

Yes Dear, they will catch you unless you want to register with a different profile entirely which is not possible considering ur other academic credentials, my advice is that if he refunds you find a way to add money and pay the money legitimately to avoid being banned by ETS, case closed.

Dangote37:
I went for a Visa interview on 6/07/2022 but was denied and here is my transcript.
Qn: have you been to the USA before?

I said No

Qn: Where do you work?

I answered

Qn: Who's gonna be funding your trip

I started by, my family will pay for it, I have my own fund but my elder brother will be supporting me with his he imports fabrics from China, He has two cars and a house then loan from MPower financing.

I need help please.

what were your answers to the question "where do you work?" And how did you fill your ds160

JesusIsAMuslim:
You conducted a research?

wondering how he arrived at that

Greattestman:
Hello

I would be glad to help conduct a mock interview for you.

Just mention me if you need me to conduct mock with you.

Thanks

Hi, I'll need your assistance in this regard, I sent you an email

I'm only seeing approved transcripts at Abuja, please what is happening in Lagos?? or do people no longer go for interviews there?

cuttingedge:
Transcript
Visa Approved ☑️
Abuja

Got there some minutes to 7. After all the checks...was waiting...Omo see as green paper dey fly even with people who were fluent especially the lady in window 8... suddenly window 11 called next applicant...na so I wan stand up o na him security man say make I chill for one elderly couple. Immediately window 10 called next applicant please.
Stepped up.
VO at window...pretty white lady.

VO: Pass me your Documents please.
Me: Aiit
VO: I see you are going to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for a PhD in Political Science.
Me: Yes
VO: what will you be coming back to do?
Me: I'll be coming back to pick up a lecturing job at XYZ... University
VO: Do you have any dependant traveling with you?
Me: "Blurts out without thinking" No
VO: Types for a while...Ok... I'll be approving your visa... hands me white paper...this will tell you how to pick up your passport...

I no hear shi shi again... literally floated out of the building...
A big thank you to @UmmZayd for the preparation...transcripts and time taken to make corrections.

You're fully funded right?

unstoppable1:
Good morning all,

Please I need your advice on the next steps to take.

I already bought a return ticket to travel for my annual vacation next week Tuesday (July 5) on my B1/B2 Visa before I got an offer from the University of Maryland for MBA/MSc Information Systems (Fall 2022) with partial funding and a graduate assistantship.

I have made the first deposit and the school has sent the I-20 with the earliest admission date of July 23 and a program start date of August 22. However, I am yet to apply for a student visa because the available dates are way after the start date.

Please I need your opinions on whether it is wise to proceed with my travel as planned and try to change to F1 after I arrive in the US either by going to Mexico or wait in Nigeria till a date becomes available because I don't want complications. A newly admitted student in the same program told me that she paid an agent for an interview date but hasn't gotten in more than 2wks. I don't want to pay an exorbitant fee to change my ticket and still not get an interview date to enable me to join this cohort. That would mean deferring till January 2023 and the funding isn't guaranteed.

Please is there anyone here who has gone the route of applying for an F1 visa from neighbouring US countries or changed from B1/B2 to F1 in recent times? Please what is the success rate? I know that applying from Nigeria isn't certain and I am mindful of that as well because if the student visa is denied, entering the US on a visit visa becomes questionable because of a change of intent.

I have extensive travel history and never overstayed my visas. I have renewed my US Visa multiple times without issues and do not want to jeopardize that.

Please help.

Thank you

provided you're sure you have not broken any rules in your previous travels, you will not have any problem getting your F1 Visa, request for EA and go for F1 and you're good to go

I'll share my testimony here, on God!!

Cyingfreeman:
Nigeria I think

Oh okay I thought as much

Cyingfreeman:
Thanks for the reply.

I did contact them. This wad the reason for denial; "Your projected debt burden at the time of graduation exceeds our risk limits". I then called them to explain what that meant. They told me that my aftet graduation, I may not be able to pay off the loan because of my course of study (MPH). Probably because people that read such courses don't have a good employment after all? I really don't know. But that was what I was told.

But personally, I also think my inability to submit my sponsor support letter with statement of account made them to deny me.

I have tried to appeal the decision. They told me I could attach the sponsor support letter and statement of account but that won't guarantee me anything

sorry bro, but while filling the application which location (country) did you put as your post graduation work destination?

Cyingfreeman:
Hello people.

I'm actually in some kind of dilemma at the moment and need help and advise.

I got admitted for a Master degree in Public health against Fall in 5 different US universities. Trying to secure funding In form of a graduate assistantship has been very difficult. All effort yielded to nothing.

I then decided to go for a student loan (Mpower) of $30k with financial support of $10k from a friend. My loan was declined just before I attached my financial support letter and statement of account. The reason was that "Your projected debt burden at the time of graduation exceeds our risk limits". This loan was supposed to be for a year/session. The estimated cost for a session study was $40k.

And I was really banking on this loan. At this point, I really don't know what to do. Would my loan have been accepted if I had attached the sponsor letter and bank statement on time? If so, I could file for an appeal.

Did I make any mistake while applying that worked against me? I need advise.

Thank you

I recently secured a loan more than that amount, How did you fill in your loan application that made them reject you after giving you conditional approval, there must have been something they didn't like in the details of your application, maybe shoot them an email to see if there's a chance of reevaluation, if they agree to reevaluate your application let me know so we can examine ur new application together

So I sent departmental scholarship funding + family funds + Mpower loan to my school for I-20, but they just put scholarship and categorized the remaining balance as personal funds, no mention of loan or family, my fear is that if the counselor asks for my financial documents and it differs from what is on the I-20 they may not like it

obajoey:
Pls, I need guidance on the steps to take in the correct/right order after receiving I-20.
And the link to start filling the DS form.

Thank you o.

just type Ds160 form Nigeria in Google and you'll see the link, then create an account with the embassy website and follow the prompts then you're good, Google has all the links u need

SMTemple:
USA VISA EMBASSY APPOINTMENT ENQUIRY

Hello guys, my USA interview is in few days time and I'm still waiting for one of my documents to be ready, does anyone know if there is a way to reschedule this appointment to nearby date, maybe few weeks or one or two months ahead?
i tried rescheduling on their website and the available date I can see is another 12 months from now but my school resumes after September this year. I don't want to miss this interview opportunity.

What could this all important document be that's making you wanna reschedule, to find new date no easy oh for ur information

Potbellied:
Not to mince words, this looks okay. Cos if I were a VO, I would put other factors into consideration even before this. Factors like how well you can defend your home ties, how well you know the school, your post-grduation plans, etc. are what I would also consider.

Best,

thanks Man, other factors aside, na this funding part de gimme second thoughts