₦airaland Forum

You shot yourself in the leg. You know the obvious reason for your refusal. Work on that and go get your visa when next you reapply.

Chemist009:
.... Good day house .....

Went for interview at Lagos consulate today....
The V.O was just asking and i was answering.... Until he asked, how many schools did you apply for?? In truth, I applied only one, but my Uncle and his people advised me to say 3 or more ..... So,
V.O : how many schools did you apply for??
Me : 3
V.O : name them
Me : Southeast east Missouri State University, Long island University and Columbia University
V.O : Do you have GRE??
Me : No
V.O : How did you apply for Columbia without GRE .....
... Ghen ghen, nai my mind cut�.. I began to muster and mumble words like: yeah, I applied Southeast and Long Island. And then,
V.O : But you said you applied Columbia���
Me : yes, they didn't require GRE....���

The next thing, nai V.O give me pink paper and said:
Sorry, you don't qualify.

Given the rate of students who have reached out to me that they are going for a second BSC, community colleges (even after having obtained their first degree), it is important to note that students here should understand things have changed. Before, at age 28, you can say you're going to a community college and still get your visa. It is now a red flag...except miracle happens.

To make this short, please evaluate your academic plan and career goals very well before you begin the application process (especially for Spring 2020 students). I see that this is where these students miss it. That you are an adult does not mean you understand how to arrive at the best decision for your career. Sometimes, you need someone to share your career objectives, dreams and goals with. Discuss with close friends, mentors, and even parents (if necessary). Building a career-driven and successful life takes more than personal decision. It is like building a skyscraper; a lot of efforts, hands, minds come together to make it possible. And the loftier the building, the more consultation it may demand.

Make adequate findings about your course of study. There is something called career outlook. With enough forecast, you can see down the line where your program will take you and whether or not it will remain relevant 10 to 20 years from now. In addition, choose a program based on your desire to advance the field, and because you will excel there. I have an approach to career counseling: pick a program you have talent or love, or passion for. This is what drives academic excellence, eccentric insights, ideas and as one of the drives behind almost all inventions man have touched and that have helped all of us come this far as human race. There will be very few persons who can beat you when you choose a field you strongly have passion for. The great inventors we studied chose this path, and that is why their names are written in stone--ever remembered by humanity.

21st century is cursed for its center on money, money, money. People now want to have a degree because they will be getting 6-figures. Have you asked? Will I excel in this field? Can I use it to heal some of the ills in my own country (even if you do not see yourself returning to Nigeria). Do I want to be known with this field? What challenges, perennial problem can I use my presence in this field to provide solution to?

Life is not always about money, even though this generation thinks it is. We are here for contribution, which far exceed our love for money.

I do not have any yardstick by which we can measure the chances of getting the F1 after making major blunder with type of degree you're going for, but chances are that if you pick something that's right for you, do adequate findings before you pick a school, manage to get funding (even if very small), and the force of favour is on your side, all will go well.


Just a thought I woke up with

Good to know!

naira0:
Quite a thought! I agree with you in toto. Let's join hands to make this an e-home, where we could all conveniently return to "roost". I have learnt a great deal from the two usernames and indeed, this thread. Some 1year ago, I was a complete green horn, started on a very very poor note, but today, there has been a remarkable improvement on my person. Let me also add that those two usernames have earned my respect anytime, any day. I'll stop so far.

They grill and drill the Indians too. So, Nigerians are not exception

edeXede:
See this

The best time is NOW! If possible, this week! You do not have much time left.

hustla:
Hi all, been a silent reader and I appreciate the good work that a lot of people have been doing

- please when is the best time to pay for Visa and Sevis fees and also pick a date for the interview?

Resumption is August 15

Please advise

Thank you

TWoods
Naira0
TheZed
horlahsunbo225

My friend... Lols ! I know wetin you mean but it might not be as you think sha.

I think we should avoid unnecessary distractions and help ourselves achieve our dreams in every little way we can using this forum. My desire and goal for being here is to bring light, enlightenment, assistance, encouragement, and invigoration of hope in everyone my words are able to reach. Life is very, very short to be hard on another human being.

May I share that there are students here with highly complicated admission and visa cases than we have openly seen. They wants someone who will listen and empathize and guide them. I'm starting to imagine who these guys and ladies will will talk with if everyone here is Hitler.

Sorry, I just felt like sharing this under your comment.

naira0:
I have been contemplating a thought... Just as an account has been deleted, another has become increasingly active. Before now, I had vehemently refused to toe this line of inference. I am forced to do so at this time.
If you know, you know.

I am happy for you! God did it for you! You did it for yourself. Excel!

CptCharlesVane:
A big shout out to Lagosismyhome, Fairheart and the rest of the guys that are dedicated to this thread.

Visa approved. Abuja

Me: Good morning!
VO: Good morning, your passport and I-20
(passed it)
VO: Have you ever traveled out of the country?
Me: Yes
VO: Which countries?
Me: A few countries in Europe and Africa (didn't say this. I just named them)
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: What do you want to do with the degree?
Me: I intend to use the specialised skills that I'd acquire in organic synthesis to explore local plants with pharmaceutical (nodding) and cosmetic potential here in Nigeria where it is in abundance. (not as fluent as written but she got the point) I also wo.. (interrupts and passes white paper and explained when I'd get my passport back)

** I must admit, reading through this thread made me take my whole life's documents along. Birth certificate, bank statements, sponsor's letter of consent, waec, neco, nysc, association membership card, nepa bill, police clearance, estate levy etc except my GTB receipt. Well, better over-prepared than not at all.

Travel history and funding might have played a role for me but one thing I understood well and is the essence of the interview is that it is a non-immigrant visa application and everyone is presumed an immigrant until one proves otherwise at the interview. The DS-160 form is the other part, very important.

I prepared by anticipating a lot of questions that may arise from my submitted DS form, information on I-20, and my program...under the theme of "PROVE NON-IMMIGRANT INTENT" as the VOs on suspiscion of immigrant intent are by law, bound to reject such application.

Good luck to other hopefuls and those on AP.

It would be good practice to use an inverted pyramid approach in answering questions, sort of the style they use in writing newspapers where the all you need to know in an article is in the first paragraph. The interview is short, barely over 5 minutes and everyone gets interrupted at some point. so better to eliminate all the wordiness and go straight to the point. To the pith and core of the matter.

Good luck again. See you in Stockholm at this year's Nobel's.

It is not in the sense you see it. That I love reading someone's comment does not mean he's been right about what he's saying.

gennylota:
I do too. In short I like the guy die. few weeks ago someone asked after him

In case you didn't know, I love reading your comments.

TWoods:
Ok stop. You barely presented a case at all and still got your visa, so no it doesn’t simply depend on how you present your case or “god”. This is why folks here waste their time rehearsing transcripts they won’t need.

It simply depends on whether the VO was convinced that you are a bonafide student and you have the funding to cover your costs without resorting to public funds. Getting a full scholarship and a research fellowship to cover your full costs was the biggest factor in your case. I would refrain from pontificating on the flaws in others at the consulate simply because you’ve now got your visa.

We should always put God first, even for mundane things like eating, not just when we need a visa.

My first class coach. It's a delight to see how you think through your words.

sharwama:
I have neither heard nor read about something like this. A friend got her visa approved a week to resumption date for international students. I think your focus should be on how to pay SEVIS fee, visa app fee, schedule interview, CAREFULLY complete the DS-160 and submit. Most of all, stand before the VO and prove the authenticity of your studentship.
Yes, I sense anxiety and perhaps naivety. Please breathe, yes, just breathe
Please let me know if you require additional information
Peace be with you

Queen that can fight on the ring.

sharwama:
Na me choose the course for you, as I wan take know
Ok, Sharwama be serious for once in your life
That response appealed to me, I feel it came from a pure place, you intend to come back to compete with the "competitors"
Yes, it resonated something within me. I pray it resonates something within the VO too.
Please remember, it is not enough to have a powerful transcript, it's important to have a powerful delivery
Jab! Left Uppercut! Spin!
Jab! Right uppercut! Cross!
Jab! Cross, left hook
Gosh, I love boxing

I am yet to see transcript of 3 students that got approved for this fall on this forum...where una dey? Please share the experience, so other students can learn from you.

True!

Time2win:
You can take professional courses to boast your application. Also apply to more schools cos it won't be an easy feat.

We agreed that your visa's 100% guaranteed . You think say na joke! Please take this confidence in self and faith in God with you anywhere you go. I wish you excellent academic achievement.

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.

Good.

Wanderlust18:
Thanks � I see this as a better course of action.

I am sorry your visa was refused. You know, I am the type who like through preparation. If had told you this would happen, I might have appeared negative. I was not very pleased that you're going for interview tomorrow and called me a night before for mock to see whether or not your response are convincing. If I had ideas on what to correct on your transcript, I'd be too late. All the same, there is still hope. You can always go for MS, and you can still get your visa.

Adedayo65:
I was thinking not to share a ‘delayed’ visa transcript Incase anything goes wrong (coz of shame lol) but after a deep thought, I realized people learn from both approved and delayed transcript!

My transcript yesterday 14-06-2019 at Abuja Embassy (2nd attempt) first was in Lagos, December 4th 2018 (am always meeting a man as Vo lol)

N.B: these are just what I can remember (95% but not 100% )

Vo- good morning and how are you?
Me- am fine, thank you and happy America’s flag day
Vo- oooook (looking suprised) thank you.
Why are you going to Troy ?
Me- to pursue my second bachelors degree in computer and information science
Vo- (stoped typing and focused on me, looking straight into my eyes) why second bachelor?
Me- Firstly, passion and choice; unlike my first degree that happened by chance and not by choice; I have enormous passion for computer and info science . Secondly, job opportunity; you see sir, this program already guarante me a job opportunity with the EFCC through my uncle working at their operation department in lagos.
Vo: (looking satisfied and going back to his typing) Why did you choose Troy ?
Me- apart from the partial scholarship given to me and the academic excellence Troy is known for, I chose Troy coz their course structure is more flexible and their curriculum perfectly suit my study plan .
Vo- (also looking satisfied) ooook!
Vo- what othe school did you choose ?
Me - Minot State University
Vo- who is your sponsor ?
Me - (although I filled my step father in my ds160)
My mother and my step father
Vo- do you have any proof of your mother sponsoring you ?
Me- I only have my step father’s here
Vo- pls gv it to me (opened the first page and start doing some calculations)
Vo- I regret to inform you bla bla bla ....

NB: Deficits was 7.6M and the account balance was 12.4M (the account was very legit, not fake, I just don’t know what happened, only God knows )

I just want to thank everyone contributing to this thread one way or the other, I pray God be with you and may you always see his favor too. I learnt a lot here tho .

And to @fairheart, God bless you for conducting mock for me a night to my interview (even tho you were angry that I was jus asking for a mock a night to lol) am deeply grateful.

I think it’s time to let go of America’s dream lol
Money no too dey for now again lol

Thanks once again everyone
Regards!

Ah! Monday? Better find someone who can pay today..

Passion2009:
How will I pay that please? My interview is on Monday?

Good to know you're laughing. There is no secret, my friend. I just find the light in her attractive. I am attracted to people who see the good in others. Being humane, you know? And if there is any book, be sure it is f1 visa book! I know you will get your name on it.

victree007:
Laughs. Now you've got me real good.
Ensure you don't share any secret between you two to me, because I will do well to inform her. As E be say two of una don be open book.
Pick one and get one free

I am the king, she is the queen. Pick both and you'll have anything you wish for
This is funny.

victree007:
Thanks man. Although I think you fit the part perfectly.
Again, no insult intended @sister sharwama

You have got a good role model for yourself.

victree007:
Compliments all the way. I want to be like you when I grow up. No insult intended at all.

Can you tell me the difference? I used "twin" to indicate it's closely related, and not necessarily the same in certain context. Food technology is a branch of food science. In fact, some schools offer food science and food technology as a single program.

segunbolawole:
Food science is different from food technology

If you have another school you are expecting funding from and you're willing to wait, you can pay your SEVIS fee on the AAMU i-20 now as it will be increased to $350 from June 24. So, when you get the i-20 with funding, you can transfer the SEVIS. You can also pay your visa fee, but if you'll be going to the embassy with the funded i-20, you may have to wait until you have the i-20 in hand, at least to be safe. (except you have all the details from the school you will need to schedule an appointment).

As for you recent B1/B2 refusal, well, it is very hard to predict what will happen when next you appear at the embassy for the F1 visa. But something tells me that should you not meet a consular that is understanding or you are unable to articulate yourself, career objectives, etc during the interview, the consular that'll interview you may make decision based in remark left in the system from the previous VO.

As for the last question, you're still going for a degree that is a twin of what you studied before. I like to advice people to make their own decision using available information and personal objective. Now, let's assume I am a consular, and I asked: Why are do you want to study this course? Why do you want to study food science when you already have an MS in food technology?. Seriously, why did you choose food science when you know you just completed an MS in food technology? I am sure you had your reasons, which I'd like you to share. It's your reason I'd like to see and assess--if it's worth it.
For Lagos consulate, you will see date from July 12 to ending of the month. All the dates in August are open.

Philtos:
Hi Family.

I have an I-20 from AAMU with no funding,(usually they don't give scholarship to international student except Graduate assistanship, and this, you can only get after you have secured your admission by proving that you have the funds to pay for one academic year) however I am expecting an admission from another School (BSU) with better funding opportunities but the school said it may take couple of weeks or more to get a decision.
1. Should i go ahead and pay my servis fee?
2. would it be possible to use a new I-20 after you pay visa fees?and how can I do that when I eventually get the desired admission?
3. I had applied for renewal of my Visa B1/B2 last year via drop box (2nd time using drop box) but i was asked to come for an Interview but i was denied(i think its because i just graduated from MSc here in Nija and i had no job yet). Would this affect my chances of getting a student Visa?
4. How can I defend why i am doing another MS in Food Science when i had just completed MSc degree in food technology in Nigeria?would this raise any question?
5. When is the earliest appointment date in Lagos and Abuja?


I need answers please.

Thank you.

How you dey? [quote author=Abdulrahmon68 post=79308280][/quote]

I just get to read this transcript in full. This is a good example of a unique and tailored interview transcript. We see a girl talking about her career and how the degree she's going for is a key to achieving that career objectives. I also see confidence here. Congrats again, my queen!

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

Yes, even Ibadan might issue the same day with that price. This black market price is mostly within Lagos and Abeokuta.

ValentinoPerez:
I did mine in Ado on 22nd of May for 31k and I got it the same day.

I sight you bro. Keep rocking!

naira0:
Your boy deh Oooo

No, no. The price the guy paid is the black market price. If you go through the normal processing, it should be under 30K, but it could take more than a month. I don't know why, but these guys always have one or two reasons to justify the delay. So, if you want your passport the same day, within a week, the price may be more than 30K.

Bjteensdes24:
Thanks for that.. But are you saying it will be more than 45k if it's not done in a black market?

You are still here. Whats up?

naira0:
Skipping NYSC is not a sin, but I'll advice you do it now you have the time. Obodo Amelica is not lunning away

It is on the Nigerian immigration website. But because this is Nigeria, there is a black market price for instant processing, which mostly take a few hours--depending on the immigration officer you know. Someone was at Abeokuta on Tuesday and he told me he was told to pay 45K. Same day. Go to their office in Lagos to check and ask for information.

Bjteensdes24:
Hello.. Please, how much can I use to process an international passport? Will be awaiting your response thanks!!!

There must be someone you can put. If you have your own statement of account, put self. If you have Dad/Mom/Sister/Brother as sponsor (even though you are fully-funded) put their name. But it is almost certain the consular will not ask for statement at the end of the interview. But put someone you can go with his/her bank statement, or put self there.

I wish you the best!

pradoworld:
Please for fully funded students without deficit, when asked in the DS-160 about who will be funding the trip, what should be filled.

Hehehe. My queen, you have joined the league of the masters, especially with your simple, down to earth response to the consular questions. So, thanks for taking care of that post.

sharwama:
I am so sorry you felt ignored, I just wanted the masters to respond to you coz they have better experience than I do. You know you can always PM me, I love to be PMed
Following the VO's trend of strictly checking financial credibility, I suggest you have a MOST recent bank statement shipped down for you.
Please let me know if you have further concerns

At last! Congratulations to you! As she said, so it came to pass. I know you'll be an invaluable asset to your program department.

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