₦airaland Forum

NefT:
The second number is not going through only the first connected through; I tried the second number 0144066218 till the end of work hour which is 4pm all to no avail. What can I do? I have just tomorrow to clarify all these issues, do you have any other number or email address I could use to reach them? And again what would be the implication of all these if the issue is not rectified before wednesday, should I go to the consulate office with the two printed DS160 or stick with new one I just filled?

Wow. The number worked perfectly for me today.

I'll be frank with you, it will take a miracle for you to go for your interview on Wednesday. The embassy usually takes 3 business days to reflect any change on their end. I was also in your situation and I got turned back.

NefT:
Urgent!
Someone should help me with the US consulate number, I actually called this number; +234 14603400 and was asked to call this number 014406218. I called the number but to no avail. Does anyone know the number I could call so that my new DS160 form is updated at their end before my interview scheduled for wednesday. This is urgent before they close for the day.

The 2nd number you were given is correct
Just be patient. You have to listen carefully to all the options. When you first dial the number, choose option 4. From there choose option 2. From there, choose 6. You will then hear a long message. Wait until the end of the message and you will present prompted to choose an option to tall to a service agent.

Buy lots of credit.

Emmyirab:
I was the guy behind you. Denied too. That VO is psycho..

Please how did your interview go exactly? Can you post a transcript? Thanks!

luzon:
NB mine could be simple but I will advise you prepare deeply for worse questions. Know your stuff to the extent you don't forget them under duress.
Practice practice practice again... Then if you believe in supreme being pray very well.
Thanks to my buddy for being there @tmbagwu.

Congratulations! After being denied twice! Wawu!

NefT:
I have done that and updated my profile on the appointment site yesterday, so will the new confirmation code reflect immediately at their end? Am I good to go, anybody can reply to put my mind at ease.

Bro,

From what happened to me, it DOES NOT reflect automatically on their end. I made that same mistake. It takes about 3 business days before the change is reflected by the embassy. I would say call them up to confirm. They are actually quite helpful.

fisayoprisca:
good afternoon, I went for my visa interview today 07/08/ 6:30am and I was denied, this is the thread of my interview.
Vo: good morning.
Me: Morning (smiling) VO: she asked for my documents
Me: then I passed my I-20 and Passport.
VO: How many schools did you apply for?
ME: I applied to three, East tennesee state university, colorado state university sorry University of Colorad, Boulder and Wright State University.
VO: How many gave you admission:
ME; one, East Tennesse state University (but two gave me, I don't know how I just mistakenly said one).
VO: What Course are you studying Me: Liberal Arts concentration(she cuts in what course?) then I said Gender diversity studies.
VO: Tell me about Gender studies: Me: (I guess this was where I flopped) I started by talking about my sokoto experience as a youth corper where I had my students being married off at a younger age, i could not continue then she stops me.
VO: You have a schorlarship, How did you get it? I got it becuase of my undergraduate academic excellence.
VO: did you apply? Yes, I applied for it, I sent in my transcript for it. VO: did you do GRE: ME:
ME: Yes, I did. VO:
VO: What did you score:
Me: I scored 289.
VO: what university did you attend: I attended the prestigious university of Ibadan.
Then she gave me the blue paper, read what is inside.

*though, I could not find a space to fill the name of my University when I filled my DS-160 form. So it was not reflecting on my ds-160 form
*I want to re-apply again this week, I do I go about it, without having difficulties in scheduling a time.
*what are my faults please? Advise me please

Hello! So sorry for the delay for now.

I will wait for the other gurus to analyze, but I think maybe you could have been clear on what you were going to study. Are you doing a major in gender diversity studies and then a minor in liberal arts?

Also on the DS-160 form, there is most definitely a space to fill in your educational history. Perhaps you should go over the form carefully again.

All the best.

LagosismyHome:
Yeap i have two friends MBA wharton business school UPenn ....same time with me

Both were Denied first time but went a week later and then given

Hi.

That's very interesting. I wonder why on earth they would have been denied? Please do you have any clue as to why? What changed between the first time they were denied and the next time they were granted/ It was only a week's difference. This might help others.

Thanks!

Hello VO,

I would like to know if a denial for a change of status is the same as denial of a visa. I have once been denied a change of status in 2009 when I was in the States. I have not been back to the US since then. However I recently gotten admission into a good school (along the lines of Harvard/Princeton/Stanford) with a scholarship and am quite worried that this will negatively affect me getting a visa.

On the DS160 form, where it asks if I have ever been denied a visa, I stated "No" as I was not sure if the denial of a change of status was the same thing as a denial of a visa. However on the question of whether I have ever overstayed a visa, I stated "yes" and went on to explain. I am not sure if these two questions are asking the same thing. I would really appreciate your input.

Thank you!

Hello VO,

I would like to know if a denial for a change of status is the same as denial of a visa. I have once been denied a change of status in 2009 when I was in the States. I have not been back to the US since then. However I recently gotten admission into a good school (along the lines of Harvard/Princeton/Stanford) with a scholarship and am quite worried that this will negatively affect me getting a visa.

On the DS160 form, where it asks if I have ever been denied a visa, I stated "No" as I was not sure if the denial of a change of status was the same thing as a denial of a visa. However on the question of whether I have ever overstayed a visa, I stated "yes" and went on to explain. I am not sure if these two questions are asking the same thing. I would really appreciate your input.

Thank you!

Okesima24:
Sad day....
So I was delayed today for the second time in Abuja.
I am honestly just lost for words right now.
This is not the transcript I thought I'll be writing today

Then again, it might not be you. It might be your university. From what I read online, Harrisburg U was put on probation and its accreditation was removed in 2014. It was later restored in 2016. Who knows if that is a factor. The university may still be struggling and could be on a blacklist of schools.

Please note that I am just speculating.

Okesima24:
Sad day....
So I was delayed today for the second time in Abuja.

Vo: morning.
Me: morning.

Vo: so why did you choose to go to Harrisburg University?

Me: I'm going to Harrisburg University because they offer a concentration in CAPM (defined it) in their Msc Project management and I spoke with professor Stephen Onu, a Nigerian, who has an ongoing research on Project Execution using Agile lean model and he has invited me to join his research upon my arrival.


Vo: Did you consider any other school?

Me: Yes I considered Ashland University, (vo cuts in) but why did you pick harrisburg? I wanted to say the admission is pending but he didn't let me. So I said the concentration harrisburg has is a unique advantage for me and later said that Ashland admission is pending.

Vo: so have you traverted before

Me: yes I have been to Ghana.

Vo: so where did you do your undergraduate?

Me: I did my university degree at University of Abuja, studied political science and graduated in 2008 after which I joined a media company as a proofreader and from there I joined maritimo resources, a construction firm, and later to where I presently work. At so and so company as Sales operations manager and listed all my duties.

All the while he was typing and nodding his head.

Vo; then he asked so who is paying your tuition?

Me: my dad

Vo; what does he do?

Me: A building contractor and owns a furniture company.

Then he keeps typing for sometime and in my mind I was like finally I have gotten it......then all of a sudden blue paper.

I am so very sorry for this delay. I can only imagine how it must hurt. Honestly, reading through this transcript, I am still struggling to find out what went wrong also. i hope someone else with more experience can explain what they think happened. I have read transcripts where the answers given were not even as detailed as this, yet they got the visa.

One thing we cannot see from transcripts is things like body language and tone. From what I have seen, those are important factors as well.

All the best next time. I pray something works out for you.

anodebeanthony:
I was denied Visa on 26th July being Tuesday at Abuja

And

My Visa was approved On Tuesday being 1st August at Lagos

My Advice to future applicants:
Be truthful and fill your DS160 yourself and know about your course. And also be bold and confident because that's the key.

Fantastic! I am happy for you, bro. This is good news indeed. I can imagine how you must have felt when you were denied.

There is something that I am noticing about most people who were granted...confidence and preparation. Know your course, know the story you want to tell and do not give up.

All the best!

masxfoster200:
I was at the embassy Today for 7a.m interview. A lot of blue paper was handed, guess that's why this thread seem silent today. i have been a silent follower for two whole years and this is where you want to be if you want to ace that us visa interview. If you diligently do all that is advised here and Faithfully trust God,visa interview would be a stroll in the park. I'll upload my transcript later today.

Hello. Did you get a blue or white paper?

I'm looking forward to your transcript.

Hello!

Thank you for this thread! It has been very helpful. I would like to please ask some questions regarding the DS160 form.

1) I was turned back at the embassy because I had filled in a new DS160 form after making a mistake in the old form and requesting a change. I was told that the new DS160 confirmation code did not match the code the embassy had for me. I have since filled out a new form and gotten a new appointment date. Do I have to bring the old and new DS160 form to explain at the embassy?

2) In my visa appointment profile form on the cgifederal website, I use JUST my first name in my profile. On my DS160 confirmation form, in the "Name provided" section, I use my first name and middle name. Please will this cause any problems?

3) My school requires that I have funds in an account in my name. So my I-20 reflects this. However my sponsor is my mother. When asked who my sponsor is and I state that it is my mother, will this cause any problems as my i-20 states that the funds are in my name?

Thank you!

Hi all,

Please I would like to fill in a new DS 160 form. Like I mentioned in my previous posts, I was turned back for having mismatched DS 160 confirmation codes. I called the embassy today and was told that my information had finally updated and I could use the old DS160 confirmation code. However I am not comfortable and want to do a new DS 160.

Please will this cause any issues?

Thank you!

floraine:
Visa approved July 17th(to God be the glory)


17th July happened to be my birthday!!!

First timer at US embassy and silent reader.

God bless everyone for your help and insight ,may God enrich you greatly

Slight tips:

Be as calm as possible, it's not easy but imagine you are speaking to your sibling and dress very well and smartly, look the part. I might sound like I'm over exaggerating the VO kept starring at my outfit, weavon, and my wristwatch(not bragging) just look the part

THANKS ONCE AGAIN

Congratulations! That's good news. I particularly like your tips on dressing. I think it is important to look the part as well. No need to go in a 3-piece suit and all, but look smart and sharp at least.

All the best in your studies!

SimonWales:
Fill another DS-160 and update the form code on your visa appointment profile so that your form confirmation code and appointment schedule code will tally. That way, you won't have any issue. You can pm me if you need assistance in doing that. Safe!

This is so very important!

I should also state that it is CRITICAL you do this at least 3 days before your scheduled appointment. I was turned back yesterday because the confirmation code I had did not match the one the embassy had.

The problem was that I had rescheduled from the 27th to the 31st and filled out a new DS 160. I made the reschedule on the 27th itself. I got an email with a new DS 160 and new appointment confirmation. They both had the same barcode. I got to the embassy but was turned back because the code did not update on their system. It turns out it is not automatic. Any change and update of DS 160 confirmation number needs to be done at least 3 days before your new appointment date so that it will reflect on their system.

Laadeh:
Heeyah.....Sorry about that.

Thank you. It is my fault for not reading the instructions carefully.

Also does the embassy REALLY need a passport photograph after you have already uploaded one to your DS160? Aren't those photographer touts taking advantage of people?

Hello everyone,

Sadly I didn't even get the chance to interview today. Last week Thursday, I made a mistake on my DS160 and requested to have a new one made. I called the embassy and was told what steps to take. On Friday I got the email an email from visa services stating that my DS160 had been updated. I also got another email with a new application confirmation.

So I printed out my new DS160 and the new application confirmation page from the emails. After standing in line for a while, I get to the people who check documents only to be told that the DS160 barcode number/ confirmation number did not match the one they had on file.

Those people did not even listen to me. I showed them that the number on the NEW application confirmation and NEW DS160 were the same. Apparently it hadn't yet been reflected on the website.

So I have to pay another 64k to schedule another appointment.

Long story short...When filling out your DS160, make sure you are VERY thorough and read EVERYTHING carefully.

joshtune:
7:30 batch Approved Today!
V.o good morning sir, how are you?
Me: oh I'm doing good(was surprised)
Vo: pass me your passport
Me: I did
Vo: why are you going to the US (was typing and also asked for my i20)
Me: I am going to the usa to pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing at Utah valley univ
Vo: why did you choose UVU
Me: I chose UVU because they offered me an opportunity to enrol in their honors program
Vo: oh so what is the honors program
Me: the honors program is a concentrated form of learning reserved for highly intellectual students.
(This doesn't make sense, I didn't plan for it at all, but he was nodding his head in affirmation)
Vo: did you write sat
Me: no I didn't, it wasn't required by my school but I wrote the TOEFL instead
Vo: how many schools did you applied to?
Me: I applied to three schools
Vo: can you name them?
Me: yes, Washington state uni, Wartburg college &Utah valley uni
Vo: ok I'll be approving your visa. pick your passport at xoxoxo
Me:I collected the paper and went out.

I am still surprised at the way it all went down. I never expected it to be this easy. No document was asked. I'm just grateful to God and to you guys. I hope I'll also be able to give back to the house soon. Thanks.
*a boy with a good sat score and scholarship was denied.
*alot of people were denied today guess that's why you aren't seeing much transcripts. Thanks all.

Congratulations! That's really comforting news. Someone also said earlier today that there were a lot of rejections today. I wonder why.

Anyway congratulations to you once again and all the best with your future studies.

NefT:
@Fenix what dates are available for July as at the time you scheduled an interview

July was all booked up. August 2 was the next available date I saw.

Fenix:
For anyone who did not upload their picture as part of the DS 160, I don't know if we can just bring a passport picture to the embassy. It says that you will be turned away and advised to book another appointment.

Can I do a new DS160?

Well I just found out that there is no way to reopen the DS160 or do a new one. I guess I have wasted 64k....

This is my own carelessness. I can't even blame anyone.

For anyone who did not upload their picture as part of the DS 160, I don't know if we can just bring a passport picture to the embassy. It says that you will be turned away and advised to book another appointment.

Can I do a new DS160?

imperiouxx:
The bold statement is absolutely incorrect. For an international student to gain entrance into U.S, it's up to the VO to decide if the student is genuine or not. They are paid to screen using their discretion. It's not about your choice but about being able to convince the VO that you're a genuine student. Getting the visa is no one's entitlement but an opportunity. So let's not be too overconfident.

Best of luck!

Thanks for your post. What I meant was that it is up to the original poster to decide if a masters is good for him or not, career-wise. Of course it is definitely up to the VO to decide whether or not to grant him the visa. His job is to do the best he can to convince the VO.

NefT:
Thank you and God bless! I do not think the VO even understands that the masters are related because the I-20 does not show admission in chemical engineering but the Major which is generic category i.e. Biological and Physical Science the degree falls under; even the admission letter that I never had the opportunity to present shows masters of engineering in biopharmaceutical processing. The old woman had the fixed notion of why would I want to go for a second degree. I can only hope for grace next time because I am contemplating the latter option available to me and elucidate further on that if I the VO doesn't interrupt. The 64k not a small money though.

Bro, we are in this together. I am also going for my second masters degree. The first I had was in finance and now I am going for a masters in education policy. Totally different fields.

Here is what I think. It is up to you to decide what you feel is best for you, not the VO. You should really think whether another masters will truly get you where you want to be. Perhaps going for a PhD straight is the better option. In the end though, it is up to you. Whatever decision you make, follow through fiercely. You have a scholarship of $20,000. Fight for that. Apply again.

I pray that it ends up well with you bro. God bless!

mojohnny:
Hello guys.
My sister is going for her interview tomorrow.
She applied to only one school for her masters and she got in.
Please what's the best response she can give.
Thanks in advance

Hi!

I think your sister should be ABSOLUTELY clear on why she only applied to one school. Perhaps she could state that she considered other schools but felt that this was the only one that met her requirements. She should be clear on what her requirements were.

Are you comfortable saying what school she got into or the ranking of the school? The reason I ask is my friend was also in the same situation but she got her visa approved last month. She only applied to Harvard and she got in. She said she wasn't even asked why Harvard. Apparently it is self-evident. If your sister got into a top school like that, it could also influence the VO.

All the best to her and God bless!

NefT:
I have been a silent follower of this forum. Regrettably, I  have been delayed a Visa this morning at the US consulate for the 6:30a.m appointment. My greatest fear actually came to pass; I was denied on the basis that I already hold a masters degree in Chemical Engineering and that why would I want to go for another masters degree‎.

Hello. I'm sorry to hear about the denial. I find it to be very strange that you would be rejected for having one masters already. The only reason I can think of is that your first masters looks very similar to the masters you are going in for.

If money is not an issue, I think you can re-apply for next week and you should strongly think of what story to tell for applying for another masters that appears similar to what you already have.

It is well! God bless you.

Teminiyii:
Hey guys, I really want to say that this forum helped me greatly, my visa was approved today(7:45am) at the Lagos state embassy, after denying me a B1/B2 visa last year and also delayed at Abuja embassy last week Thursday a F1 visa but here I am today giving thanks to God Almighty for his love and mercy towards me. It was just pure favour and God's grace I received today. I also want to use this opportunity to thank Mrchillz, Ability247, blacnewton, eniolorunfe, Texrem, lagosismyhome and segun for ur contributions in one way or the other to the success of my visa. God will continue to bless u guys. Amen

My transcript goes this:
Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning nd how was urnyt.. fine
Vo: Tell me about ur travel plans
Me: I'm going for my masters degree in mathematics with a specialization in applied statistics at Cleveland state university... Am required to earn 36 credit hours over a period of 24months and I'll be taking courses like... Vo cuts....
Vo: Let's make it simple... what re u going for?
Me: Am going for my masters in...... as mentioned above
Vo: why Cleveland state university?
Me: I chose Cleveland state university cos their mathematics and statistics department offers a good research and curriculum that's inline with my career pursuit wch will be apathway to achieving my career goal as a data analyst.
Vo: what's ur research on?
Me: Developing a robust method for analyzing data also developing a user friendly software that offers flexibility for data manipulation.
Vo: what do u intend to do with this course?
Me: I intend to work in a telecom company due to rapid increase in phone users in Nigeria, my skills and experience gained will help in analyzing sales report and also make good market research that will be productive in helping my company make a better business decision.
Na so she start to read my Ds160 form for like 2mins the next thing wey I hear na the magic word oooo.... that ur visa has been approved.. e be like say na d only thing wey I hear be that.
Before the interview was just singing all things re working for my good and it's intention and indeed God made everything work for my good. You're a failure only wen u fail and u refuse to stand again... And put God first in everything even wen it seems that nothing is working trust me God is working. Thanks

Congratulations! That is fantastic news. All the best with your future schooling plans.

yomitunji:
Mine is also on the 31st, I want to do the mock interview. I tried sending mails to guys like texrem, walspring but I keep getting responses that I have sent too many anonymous msgs. Pls how do I contact this guys? My mail is yomitunji@Gmail.Com

I wish I could help, my brother. I have no idea how you can get through to them.

femi312:
What you termed a problem is not a problem. 3weeks old SOA is good to take along with you to the embassy. The real question and problem you should be thinking about is, whether the SOA shows good cash inflow and outflow and not just a lump sum of money deposited at one particular time. However, your interview will most likely be one of those where SOA is not asked for sighting. Additionally, do you really have the funds to pay for the remaining tuition? Do you have plans on how you are going to pay? Falling out of status is not a cool situation

Hi!

Thank you for your response. The issue with my school is that they wanted an account that is accessible in both Nigeria and the US, therefore I had to open a Standard chartered account. The money came in bits...a million here, a million there, until the complete fees were there. I was a bit annoyed because no other school seemed to have that requirement.

Anyway I will be back here to testify! God bless this forum. it has been so helpful.

gaviria:
Why do you want us to start thinking about your school? What's our business with your school? If you like say it, If you like don't. And by the way Stanford isn't Ivy League.
And people with Ivy League admission hardly get scrutinized at the embassy, so you should be good I guess. And they rarely ask for bank statements even from people like us with regular admission.

Hello,

Thank you for your response to my post. God bless!

Hello all,

Please would it be possible to upload a photo again after completing the DS160 form? It kept refusing the photo I uploaded. When I submitted the form, I was prompted that I could bring a 5cm by 5cm photograph to the embassy but someone just told me that I would not be permitted to enter if I did not upload on the website.