₦airaland Forum

I have a lot of messages in my inbox, with all sort of questions.
I have to say this is a time of rush and pressure for everyone.
I have been very busy, but I promise to reply every message and try to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge.
Please keep asking your questions here except it's personal and you cannot share publicly.
Two of the guys who recently got their visas have promised to always come here to help with answers to questions.

On Emergency Appointment
To those messaging me about what to do if their emergency appointment is denied. Please note, there's not much than to wait for new date to pop up for the location you requested an emergency appointment from (then reshedule for that location or to a second location). Or cancel your current unsuitable appointment, lose the visa fee and pay a new visa fee, then request emergency from that location or another location.

But I think as more people are interviewed, earlier dates may show up. Should you wait? Should you cancel and pay another visa fee? Only the applicant can answer this question.
If this is your question, please relief me of the stress by taking what's explained above as the answer you'd get from me. There are other people that can also answer questions here, even better than me. They are always ready to help.
_____

To those who were refused today or other times, please note that the F-1 visa is like a goal. Sometimes, we fail to achieve it once, but will you stop? NO! A goal is something you pursue until attained, adjusting in your pursuit, looking for better options, taking instructions, and so on. You adjust, push again, prepare better, or wait and get a strong and competitive admission with funding. You don't give up on your goal, or it would mean you never really wanted to achieve it in the first place.

Disappointment is a part of the human experience. Some of us had to experience it to become wise, stronger, learn, change our view and embrace the reality that life is not easy, and so on. But a single setback, even multiple setback, doesn't mean it is the end of our dream. Fall 6 times? Get up the 7th! So get up! Don't give up if you mean it.

All the best!

Abdallah22:
Hello fam

Last year I was denied F1 Visa. Yes. My was late so I took only the funding letter to the interview without it appearing on my i-20. This year I have all set . I was awarded full support with graduate research assistantship and a scholarship from US department of education.

My interview is next week.

Is it possible that my previous denial will affect my interview next week. As some people are saying you will never know what previous VO write about you . I'm very scared and it's tormenting me.

Any help or ideas ?

Depends on what was on your old application. However, if you prepare very well, you should get your visa. You will have to use your mouth to deliver yourself and show credibility. All the best!

Sorry, I don't understand. Can you share a more detailed transcript?

Pjomo:
Appointment was 7am

Me: Goodmorning
VO: why USA
Me: Answered
VO: Why NCAT
Me: Answered
VO: what research
Me: Answered But seems she wasn’t impressed, (VO cuts in)
VO: Are you married
Me: Answered
VO: I’m sorry you are not qualified bla bla bla, and she gave me a white paper

As I was going out of the building past the security men, the CGI guy came to call me back
CGI: (running fast) Mr Pjomo Mr Pjomo, the VO is calling you
Me: calling me?. She just denied me. I replied
CGI: yeah she told me to call you back
Me: Look, I’m not here to beg for visa, if US doesn’t grant me, another country will
CGI: we are sorry sir, just obey her call
Me: Okay. (I obliged)

Back to the main building
Same VO: I was only joking with you , I just wanna see your reaction
Me: I thought as much as my answers were amazing and I spoke audibly
VO: (utter the sweet words) I will be approving your visa. Pick it up on bla bla and proceed to pay the reciprocity fee.

It can only be God. Thanks to fairheart, julsbaby, slimmy2005, lagosismyhome, imperiouxxx., walspring, justwise, holuwadarey ftos. You guys are the best! I owe you alot

Shehuroj:
Hello guys, please I need your advice.

My wife and daughter were denied F-1 & F-2 today at Lagos embassy due to weak ties to Nigeria since I (husband) is already in the US on F-1 visa. She has a very strong sponsor with more than required money on financial statement of account, but they didn't check it. She was asked about her workplace, which Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and how long she has been working there (2 years). She said the VO told her I will deny your visa due to ties to back Nigeria and issued them yellow form.
However, since they also approve F-2 for families of recent, is it wise for them to shift to F-2? What is their chance of approval? Or they should reapply for F-1 & F-2 again?

Your timely response will be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

I am sorry about your wife's and baby refusal.
I think it is important to note that VOs looks at cases differently. Those who were approved with F1-F2 were probably not interviewed by the VO that intervieweed your wife today. Now, during interview, VO usually ask about husband or wife coming to join later--in case you are married with kids. It is possible the VO that approved your visa asked you this question. Perhaps? What you said was No, not at this time. Probably? You have been in the US for a year, and now, your wife and only kid was about to join you. The VO probably thought this is a plan to migrate since you are already in the US and your wife and kids will not be returning to Nigeria with you once you graduate--if at all you will return yourself. I know this may not be the case.

Another thing is, I don't think she has funding, although she really gave very strong points during our mock. Now, here is another question: if you and your wife and baby are out, what is the chances of coming back after graduation? Very slim to impossible--in the mind of the VO. This is how they think.

She can change class of visa to F2, but I really hope that works. Now, I really hope, because that will confirm exactly what the VO might be thinking, that they are runing to come and be with you and you guys do not really want to return (assuming this is what he thought). Have you visited Nigeria since you travelled?

This type of case is hard to predict or say something definite on. Last fall, a lady I'd call T (not her real name) was refused twice with her baby, even though she has funding, and have been to the US like twice or so (can't remember details vividly anymore). After deliberation, I suggested she might need to leave the baby with hubby in Nigeria and apply alone--just to show her intention is purely for studies. She said she thought about the same and boom, she reapplied, and she was given the visa in December. She's in Indiana now, studying.

Another example is Bley (name changed). She got funding from XX university, and even though she is a mother, she applied alone. I think after a year and half, she returned to pick the infant (early this year), and according to her, the VO who interviewed her and the baby sympathised as why she left a baby so young behind for studies in the US. Now, something happened: Before Bley came in January, her hubby got admission to the same school, full funding. My dear, he was refused like 5 times. I remember grilling him over the phone. My grilling failed! Na so he chill and let go. Till now, the husband no get the visa. But wife and baby don dey US.

Case differ. No two VOs are the same, and even if they are same, they are unlikely to make same decision on different applications. Which is why you should not look at why it worked for others and not for you at this time.

One thing I am very sure about the US embassy is that, if they smell intention to run, they will refuse. It doesnt matter how you feel! Their job is to refuse anyone they feel isn't a credible student (even if the applicant is credible). How do you make them see that you're credible? So how do you show you are a credible student with intent to return to Nigeria after studies? Well, there's no single way to it, and in your wife's case, it is tricky.

My advice for her is to try again. But if getting funding is possible, tell her to try. It takes competitiveness to get funding, and I want to believe that every VO sees your funding as an opportunity you cherished and that you'd not abandon that just for your relationship. If your wife wants to show that credibility and remove the intent to migrate that appears to be visible (because you're there, and now, she is coming with your only child), she should have a competitive admission. OR, drop your baby out of the application. OR, she can try again and see how it goes.

Please note: I AM NOT A VO. THIS IS PURELY AN OPINION FROM MY ASSESSMENT OF YOUR SITUATION.
I hope this can help you make the right decision.

vc1177:
Transcript Title: I Escaped Window 7 By Divine Favour

School: University of Idaho
Course: PhD Physics
Undergraduate: BSc Physics and Astronomy 2014
GRE: None
TOEFL/IELTS: None
Funding: GTA (Full ride)
Appointment: 9:00am
Arrived Consulate: ~5:00am
In Time: ~7:40am
Interview: ~5minutes
Out Time:~8:24am
Status: Approved
Window: 6

PS:
All Glory to God; All errors are mine.

Congratulations!!!
I am happy that you figured things out and all went well. I sent 2 messages asking about your eventual plans. But it's now a story!
All Glory be to God. New height for you.

HoluwadareY:
Location: Lagos
Date: Nov 13, 2020
School: UIUC
Course: MSc Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Funding: 52k
Gap: 10k
GRE: 306
TOEFL: Waived
UnderGrad: First Class
Status: Approved

Congratulations! New height, new life.

Zoeyp:
Visa approved today (13th Nov 2020). Transcript will come soon. Fairheart you are a blessing and God will embarass you with his blessings

AMEN O!
THE WAY I AM HAPPY TODAY EN! A whole container cannot contain my happiness

HoluwadareY:
Location: Lagos
Date: Nov 13, 2020
School: UIUC
Course: MSc Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Funding: 52k
Gap: 10k
GRE: 306
TOEFL: Waived
UnderGrad: First Class
Status: Approved


Transcript

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning, how are you doing?
Vo: Fine. Where do you stay?
Me: Abuja
Vo: So why did you choose Lagos?
Me: I was able to get a more convenient date in Lagos
Vo: Its okay to say Lagos is better than Abuja? ( Laughs)
Me: You can say that again (Smiles)
Vo: Where do you currently work?
Me: As an analyst at a management consulting firm in Abuja
Vo: Tell me how this course aligns with your career path
Me: I intend to be a Prof, having a masters degree is a step in the right direction at achieving that ( not as smooth)
Vo: Laughs...how long did it take you to memorize that ?
Me: Not long (laughs )
Vo: Who is paying for the remaining 10k gap?
Me: My aunt
Vo: Father side or mother side?
Me: Father side
Vo: Where is your dad?
Me: He's deceased
Vo: I am sorry
Me: Thank you
Vo: So where does your aunt work?
Me: She's head of IT at XYZ Hospital, Abuja
Vo: Can you say that again?
Me: XYZ Hospital
Vo: You said Institute?
Me: No, Hospital
Vo: Spell it
Me: HOSPITAL
Vo: Oh, Hospital
Me: Yes ( relived )

Types for a while

Me: How long have you been in Nigeria for?
VO: A long time, 6 years
Me: Do you like it here?
Vo: Yes, I do ( smiles)
Types.....
Vo: What will your girlfriend do when you leave to the US? (Smiles)
Me: She will wait for me (Laughs)
Vo: Go to the cashier to pay your Reciprocity fee
Me: Thank you and have a nice day
Vo: You too


Thank you all for the guide...this thread has been so useful from when it seems embassy will never open to the interview preparation. Thanks to all who kept our hopes alive especially Fairheart.

Wishing everyone the very best

Congratulations! I am happy for you!

There is currently January 4, 2021 in Lagos. In case you need it, check your CGI account and book ASAP.

Zic24:
Please house, what's the probability of getting a visa for associate degree program. How do I go about the interview?

You will be refused. Don't try it!

Arisukuni:
Good day to you all! Trust you all are doing well.

Please I need response from you guys regards to the attachment I have here.

An F1 interview was attended, visa was approved at 4th attempt, and SOA and sponsorship letter notarized by a Lawyer were taken down. It was asked by the VO if she can go ahead and confirm the authenticity of the documents, a response was given in affirmation that she can go ahead. After which the white paper for approval was given and the paper for collection of Passport at the DHL, the interview was held at Abuja, the pick up was isolo.

After 2 days of AP, the 3rd day It changed to refused, some minutes later a mail came in stating that the Visa was refused, and there was an attached of the 214B form the generic one that usually issue to applicants upon refusal at the point of the interview.

When passport was picked at DHL isolo, the white attachment you can see here is what was found inside the passport along side the 214B, the green color. All these happened last year!

1. Please with the attachment here, what's the interpretation of it?

2. Canada and USA share same information, will whatever on this paper reflect on Canadian database, will the USA attempt affect the Canada visa issuance, or will it in any form affect the issuance of Canada visa, either visiting or PR?

Sincere response will be highly appreciated from you all.

Thank you for your attention, and thank you for reading .

Appear like a story I have heard before.
What you do with US embassy is in the system for Canadian embassy to access and assess.
I have seen cases of students who were refused by the US embassy and then tried Canadian visa but didn't disclose they were refused by the US. The visa was refused and they were banned for 5 years (If I still remember).
Remark must have been left on your profile, and Canada have access to that profile while evaluating your document to determine if you qualify for the class of visa you've applied for

The applicant who had similar experience you are having was clearly warned. He reached out to me from this thread, and I remember warning him not to take fake bank statement to the embassy, but he didn't listen. I want to believe this is not the same person.

Additionally, these days, Canada rarely give visiting visas to people without travel history and enough fund in their account and professional background. So if you will be paying anybody or or doing the visa application for Canadian visa by yourself, make sure you know what you are doing. All the best!

Lifeisforliving:
Yes I am, and my country Of birth is stated therein

No need to worry! Interview will go well. All the best!

Brojay007:
House please I need your help on schools for apply for master program in United States and clue on the step and process also ,pls house help me

Read this thread, starting from page 1. Everything you need is here, but you have to search for information can can search for. For other questions, you are welcome to ask. Check some of my post using my profile. There were mentions on how to look for schools, etc. But most importantly, mine your own information and ask questions to confirm them.
All the best!

Lifeisforliving:
Good afternoon everyone, please I have question.

Will being born outside Nigeria affect my chances of getting a visa? I work in Nigeria but parents live outside Nigeria in another Africa country. Does thAt show I donot have strong ties in my country?

I was offered a full funding
@fairheart @lagosismyhome

You will be fine. Your were born outside Nigeria, not applying for the visa outside Nigeria. There's a difference.
Are you carrying a Nigerian passport?

Cocao:
Visa Approved

First I stood for 4 hours, my legs still hurt till now. But I guess it doesn't matter now. So when I got in there, I noticed that the guy at window 7 was just distributing rejection like kilode. I began praying that I skip him but for this kin thing luck no dey favor me. I kept faith sha. But I sha still landed on his table.

When I got there he asked me to place my left hand on the scanner. I did and he couldn't get my finger print. We tried for a bit so I asked him, did you mean my left or right because you told me left. Then he apologized and said that he meant the right hand.

VO: Where are you going to in the US

Me: I am currently a graduate student of the communications program in the University of Cincinnati Ohio.

VO: Why did you choose this school

Me: The department has a concentration in organizational communication that align with my research interests. The profile of faculty members like Professor Suzanne and Dr Banjo impressed me and consolidated my interest in the department. My graduate assistantship award that covers tuition and living expenses was the icing on the cake.

VO: Where do you work

Me: I work as a customer service supervisor in my organisation.

VO: Have you ever traveled outside the country before

Me: No, I have not had any reason to

VO: Are you married

Me: No

VO: Do you have any kids

Me: No

VO: I intend issuing you your visa

If I start to thank people, I'll run out of space. Fairheart, I have nothing but love for you.

Faith!!! You have nothing but love because love is the greatest! And it's more than enough!
I am happy for you!

Congratulations to all approved applicants.
What can I say? Y'all worked hard for this; some of you had to borrow money to fund this dream. So you deserve the joy your approval has brought to you!

My advise: Don't take the funding for granted! Some people somewhere desperately need them, but they don't know how to get it. It's a huge privilege! I know why I am saying this! Please do all you can to study well and graduate as one of the best students in your department. Success can turn to failure if we stop working hard to build on the foundational success, which is the opportunity to study in the US.

All the best guys!

wunmi590:


I supported Biden so that he can help Nigerians back to freely enter into the US, most especially for student, because since Trump emerged the president, rejection has been flying up and down to student who wish to study in US.

But Biden nah error candidate for Democrat, infact Hillary Clinton is more better than him, I couldn't believe that the state Hillary Clinton won comfortably with higher point is what Biden is struggling to even take some percentage.

Though he won some, but the percentage was way lower than what Hillary had in 2016.

I wanted Biden/ Mitchell Obama ticket, but all in all, we have to brace up for another 4 years of Trump

Congratulations Trump in advance

You are a fucking liar! There have been approvals of student visas under Trump! Nigerians are getting visa to study in the US. You stop talking about what you don't know or have facts on.

seyicodes:
I laugh. Tinubu do not forget this part of Suratul Fathia. Maliki yawmi’d-din” {Master of the Day of Retribution}. Allah is watching. Fear Allah.

Love this!

Peacock1234:
I’m not sure there is anything for others to learn from it cos I didn’t really know the reason for the denial Which is why the procedure in getting the expedited appointment is more important to me at the moment. But there you go

Visa Denied.

VO: Hi Pls pass your documents the way it was arranged for you
Me: Hi. Good morning. (Passes them)
VO: where are you going to?
Me: University of Illinois
VO: what are you studying:
Me: Masters in finance
VO: finance you say?
Me: yes please
VO: why did you pick this school
Me: it has a graduate public service internship programme. (Then I went ahead to explain how the programme benefits me)
VO: okay where do you work presently
Me: I told him
VO: how long have you been there
Me: About 3 years; precisely 2years and 9months.
VO: who is sponsoring you
Me: My dad
Have you travelled before
Me: No; I haven’t had a reason to
VO: Married?
ME: No
VO: any kids?
Me: No.

VO: okay I won’t be issuing your Visa. I wish you best of luck.

What is the cost of attendance for this program?
Like others have said, one cannot really know all the reasons a visa was refused, although some applicants' cases are obvious and can be perceived if they articulate how the interview went. The current embassu section, I think, is not willing to put any applicants on "administrative processing." At least, so far, I haven't seen anyone placed on AP for bank statement verification. What does this mean? During the short period of interview, VO assess whether your tuition is too high (unreasonable for some programs, and if no scholarship or GA) or "affordable" (VO might feel this cost is not bad for this degree).
I want to say that these consulars look at things and make judgement--based on applicants' program COA, program, age, background, and chiefly, response to interview questions. This is why I always emphasise on not selecting a very expensive school if GA or scholarship will not be available. This is my opinion; I am not a VO!

Likewise, one of the things I make sure applicants don't do during mock interview is start a response to questions, such as why this school the way you did. Where is personalisation and talking like a student that you are? "I chose the University of Illinois because..."

@Buksss. You said you and your roommates said the same thing Peacock1234 said to Why this school, and you all got approved? When did you get your visa? Did he really need to say the same thing?

If I were to say something about his response to why that school, I would tell you it didn't go well. He simply left off benefit of courses, research interest, working with a faculty member, and then straight to internship--the last reason there can be? Internship is available in Nigeria too. Is this the only reason a student would want to go to the US to spend $30-something thousand (I assume this is your COA). MSF at the University of Illinois has some very hot concentrations, but you did not talk about that. I think the VO was not convinced that you're a credible student, hence your refusal. A few things work together to earn that credibility during the short interview.
Situation changes, so you can still get your visa.

Tulacious123:
Good morning afternoon and happy new month to you all.Please I need help ASAP with less competitive schools that offers PhD Communication and possibly fully funded.Thanks

This is not how things work on this thread. I don't think there is one person who has schools for every program for everyone here.
Nobody can actually give you the best school for you; you have to search for it by yourself. This is one of the homework you have to do before you get your visa. Don't skip the process, or you will miss out better schools with better offer. Search for your own schools.

Universities in the US for PhD in Communication (use this search string on Google, and you will see long list of schools to explore). Check the department for funding, and contact the graduate coordinator of each school you plan to do before you start the application at all.
This is my field, so I can tell you authouritatively that every department of communication in every single university in the US offers GTA to both some MA and PhD applicants--if you meet admission requirement and if position is available and they deem you suitable to fill it. But note: that a communication program has GTA doesn't mean it will be offered to you if you're accepted. This is why I said you should contact every school and ask question about it before you start your application at all.

If you have questions, ask. but don't skip your own homework!
All the best!

Mariangeles:
In your bid to make a point, you mixed up everything.
I've never read something so unclear and confusing to be honest...

How does one decide to feel emotions they cannot control?

I am sorry, but this is the first time someone would say my words are confusing.
It seems you have a problem with comprehension, because I have never seen someone who assume he's so learned but cannot understand a sentence as simple that!

Passion and feelings are regulated by choice--even when we are not aware we are making that choice. This means that, for example,
anger is a feeling; sadness is a feeling. You can choose not be angry or not to feel sad. Every emotion you feel is regulated by your response to that emotion. I wanted to get angry when I saw your comment, but I had to control myself. You control something by choice.
If you still couldn't understand these examples, please go back to secondary school.

Mariangeles:
What about an instance when you put up a strong resistance and still end up falling in love, would that be deciding to love?
What you can decide is whether to express your love or not.
Unpredictability is what makes life exciting. We simply cannot look at life from one angle.

Everything! Everything man does is driven by conscious or unscious decision. Even when you don't know, you're making a decision.
To fall in love means to let down your guard--the resistance, as you said. Whether you predict it or it happens by chance, the moment you say "I love you" to another human being, you have likely decided or in deciding to love that person. That you decide to love does not rob you of excitment.
Passion and feelings are regulated by choice--even when we are not aware we are making that choice.

Mariangeles:
You fall in love when love catches you unaware.

He was right though. Just look at the current person you are in love with. Did love just happen, or you "chose" to love or return the love you received?
When I saw that quote, it literally align with my experience. Can we really love another human being without conscious or unconscious decision to love? I don't think so!

pansophist:
You do not fall in love, you decide to love. But in the context of this question, yes, growing in love is the ideal.

You are like a plug in my mind, sparking inspiration.
The following is what you inspired, and I'm putting it up on my WhatsApp status.

"You do not fall in love, you decide to love." -- Pansophist (after leaving Nigeria to read all the works of literature in the Western world)�
***
At first sight, just like a drop of seed, love might happen without a conscious decision, but every love between a man and a woman bonding in a relationship and passing the test of time is driven by decision to love and stay together.

We decide to love, we don't fall in love. I'll try not to forget this. �

GiftyDiamond:
Sorry what do u mean by hope it's not personal statement?....

Is it his personal account?

adelawry:
Yes, move your fund to your regular account. And be sure to explain that to the VO if per adventure he/she starts jacking your SOA looking for lump sum.

How much is in the account? What is the duration of the program? If personal funds cover 1 year of study, where would additional funds to complete the study comes from? While moving the funds to his regular account, these questions should be answered. Within just 3 minutes, the VO will consider these and weigh his credibility along.

Ftos:
Please, I need to proof a deficit of 2.6M...
Can someone help me. please!!!

Is it enough if I have a statement of account of 2.7M?

Or, must it be something like times 2 or X3 of the 2.6M?
Please, I look forward to hearing from anyone

Use what you have. I just hope it is not personal statement.

tarantino1:
I hope I'm safe going for a new undergrad at 20 but will be 21 when I start

Very well!

Ellamma1:
I had my bsc in mass communication and I want to apply for MSC in a related course, please can someone here help me...Thank you

If you are planning for fall 2021, this is the best time to start putting your application materials together. I advice you start looking for schools.
You will find many universities with funding opportunity, and I think ideal masters would be MA Communication with concentration in areas that align with what you plan to do after graduation.
All the best!

Beegirl1:
Hello. Thank you for your help on here. Please need your opinion what if one intends on applying for a second bachelor's degree at the age 32 is this advisable owing to the fact that its a total change of career.

Looking forward to your responses

Don't do it! I repeat, don't do it!
Chances that you will be refused is very high.
If you want a change of career, plan it well.
Getting an undergraduate degree at 32, is a no no.

I hope you don't have admission or interview date already. If you do, just cancel it. And start making plans on graduate degree.

blessed4gifted:
Please Fairheart I need your whatsapp number ASAP pleaseeeeee

Ask your questions here. I only attend to questions that are personal.
Ask questions here so that others can also help you out. If it is not personal, please don't PM me.