₦airaland Forum

deeplow:
Hello.
Please I will like to know if this means that the application has been approved. I got only one email yet, the one to say application was sent to DMC(that was to weeks ago). Thanks

Nothing is guaranteed until you get your passport back, open it and find a visa/entry clearance vignette. It might be a positive outcome if you have not received any refusal letter yet.

When did you go to TLS for your biometrics?

Goodiegirl:
Thank you.
Then London to Manchester via?

You can either take a train from London (Avanti West Coast) or take a domestic flight (BA - which flies from Heathrow). If the London route is your preferred choice, bear in mind that you will have to transport yourself into the city to take the train from King's Cross or Euston OR plan to arrive at Heathrow to take the BA flight to Manchester.

My advice: if you can afford it, I suggest you book Ethiopian Airlines as they have a flight from Addis Ababa to Manchester. You can can take off from Lagos/Abuja and arrive Addis Ababa then get your connecting flight to Manchester. Similarly, you can take Royal Air Maroc from Nigeria to Casablanca and then take your connecting flight to Manchester. If budget is very tight, Royal Air Maroc is a good alternative, but do not expect quality or standard services as you won't even get in-flight entertainment, and I've heard of people that encountered unpleasant experiences on that route. Ultimately, you will get to your destination. Also, another option is, if Emirates still flies from Nigeria (I have no idea of their current standing because they tend to go back and forth with the Nigerian government), I suggest you fly from Nigeria on Emirates and connect to Manchester via Dubai. Those are a few options for you to consider. Check your pocket/purse to determine what you can afford and also factor in the stress and time involved in all of the options.

Xtension18:
Please has anyone used the further leave to remain route here, I don’t know if i qualify for it. I have spent almost 5 years in the UK.

Whether you qualify for the Further Leave to Remain (FLR) route depends on your circumstances in the UK. It has a number of categories, so you're in the best position to answer your question.

- FLR (M) is tied to marriage i.e. it allows you extend your stay in the UK if you are married to a citizen or someone with ILR or have a dependent child with either of the two
- FLR (FP) is tied to family and private life and it allows you extend your stay on the basis of family ties
- FLR (HRO) is used to extend stay for human rights reasons
- FLR (LR) is for people who have lived in the UK for >10 years (different from the 10-year ILR pathway)

Assess your situation and do some research on your eligibility. Also, note that you have to apply for FLR 28 days before your current visa expires.

I think proving your relationship and familial ties to your cousin would be the hardest part. You'd have a lot more work to do proving family ties to cousins compared to mum/dad or brother/sister. Having 3m naira in your account already qualifies you financially and having a job means you equally have financial ties. If you really want to take the cousin as a sponsor route, then you'd have to provide strong evidence that links both of you together - pictures, chats/conversation trail that show how frequent you stay in touch, documents that show you are related (paternal or maternal), cover letters from both of you explaining your ties and maybe letters from common relatives with their IDs to consolidate your claim/proof of ties. I am no expert at this, so this is just an off-the-top-of-my-head suggestion. Let's hear what others have to say.

luvhenry:
Good morning guys.

Please I want to apply for a visit visa. I have a balance of 3m naira currently in my account which I have tried to build for 6 months. I am in paid employment as well. I have a cousin who is a sponsor and has spent about 18months in the UK working as a nurse. He is stating in the application that he is taking care of my accommodation and flight tickets and I will be doing my shopping with my funds. Do you guys have any advise for me. Do you think this will fly?

brainhack201:
I just want to ask did my mum need to have any money in her account?
Cos I'll be the one sponsoring her visit, I've got £5k saved already for this.

Curious about this as well. I'll be my mother's sponsor (fully funded). I've completely filled her application form for a 10-day visit, but I'm holding back on submitting because we are trying to ensure her statements make sense. She is employed and also receives monthly allowance from me, which means her statements appear "unclean". On my part, I have a statement that shows almost £40k from salary, savings and other inflows. Do you advice I go ahead and submit my own statement or I really need to include hers as well?

Also, my second concern is the part where they asked "how much do you personally plan to spend on this trip?". Since she will not be spending anything personally as I'll take care of everything, I simply wrote £50. However, in the part where they asked how much her sponsor would put towards her trip, I wrote £2500 (which should cover her airfare, feeding, transportation and leisure/entertainment, but excludes accommodation as she'll be staying with me and I'll be providing a tenancy agreement and utility bills to support this).

I'll appreciate your directions on how to make this an error-free application. Thanks.

I got Air France to London with a 45 minutes stopover in Paris for 167k. Lagos/Abuja to Paris is 6hrs. Paris to London is 1hr 20 mins. You can check that as well if you are looking towards affordable rates and early arrival.

Kuwaitboy:
Hello. I am considering booking a flight to London. I like shorter flights. Emirates and Turkish are cheaper but long. Lufthansa is just 9 hours but about 45% more expensive. Please I need suggestions from those with experience in this route.

I won a full-ride scholarship directly from the school.

PCGamer:
thanks for this I remember you said you won a scholarship, which scholarship body is this?

I just want to take this moment to thank contributors on this thread for all the helpful information you share. I started my application sometime towards the end of July, submitted my application on 27th of July and went for my biometrics/interview on 30th of July. Application was transfered to Sheffield the same day. I received Sheffield's confirmation two days after.

Yesterday, being the 22nd of August, I received the email for decision and collection. I went there today, retrieved my passport and found my visa in it. I will be flying into London (LSE) any day from 10th of September. If anyone is gonna be within London, I'll be glad to connect.

Thank you once again for all your help. Special appreciation to Justwise for all the guide.

Emmaastone:
Hi everyone I got my visa today...I'm grateful to the Gurus in the house and everyone who at one point or the other answered my questions... Here's my timeline; Visa type: Priority. Application submited; July 16th 2018. Interview Attended; July 18th 2018. Application Transferred for Decision; July 18th Application received by UKVI;19th july 2018. Decision Mail; NO DECISION MAIL but it was ticked on tls website on 30th July 2018. Collection Mail; 30th July 2018. Visa collected; 31st July 2018. -I was asked the following questions; -What's your name? -Confirm your date of birth. -What's your nationality? -What's your intended course of study? -What is the duration of the course? -What's your course start date? ----What's is the name of the university you plan to study at? -Why did you choose the University of Sunderland? Why did you choose the Uk? Why do you want to study this course? How will this course benefit your future career plans? I wasnt asked any questions about accomodation plans or study gap..Thanks to everyone and all the best to those awaiting their respective visas.

Congratulations!!! I just had my interview yesterday in Abuja. I was asked similar questions. The lady (interviewer) was really nice and she "wished me luck in my further studies." UKVI just received my application today and I am keeping my fingers crossed it comes out positive like yours.

Congratulations once again!

Hello all. I need your assistance please. I tried paying for my visa application and the instruction on the form is "the payment was refused by your card provider." [/b]Despite getting this response and an email telling me my transaction was unsuccessful, my account was debited[b] Has anyone encountered such a problem? If so, what do you advise I do.

Greetings all.
I am so glad I found this thread as I will be needing wise counsel in my visa application process. I was awarded a scholarship worth £35,304 (of which £20,904 goes to tuition and the rest - £14,400 - will be put towards maintenance and living) by the London School of Economics to pursue an MSc programme this fall. I have also just received my CAS to proceed with visa application. However, I do not even know at what point to begin the process. Be kind to guide me through it seeing that many have gone through this platform and have emerged successful. I will be eternally grateful for your coaching.

Greetings to you all!

I am in the process of registering for the IELTS to fulfill my condition for a place at the LSE. I need advice on which of the tests to take (whether its standard or UKVI).

Thanks in anticipation.

merleek:
Hello guys, so I was invited for the MWF interview for January 23, 2018 in Jos. However, I went there but they didn’t show up. The hotel receptionist told me they made reservation but didn’t show up. I emailed them but they didn’t reply. And I heard rumors that US govt shutdown affected the embassy. Has anyone experienced such, especially those in Jos ?

So sorry about this Merleek.

I was scheduled to interview on January 23 in Abuja. However, on the January 22, I was texted by the US Embassy notifying me of a reschedule due to the US government shutdown. I eventually had my interview on January 30.

Have you tried calling their number? In the mail which was sent, a US Embassy line was provided. Check it and dial. I hope you find further answers. Even if they decided not to go ahead with interviews in Jos, I think that invited semifinalists deserve to be informed. It demonstrates lack of courtesy.

AkunnaTochi:
When did you get your invite?

About 3 days ago.

I think they are inviting people in batches, because a friend who applied under the Civic Leadership track got his mail before me. His interview is on January 16, while mine is for Public Management and it is on the 23rd.

What track did you apply under?

My interview is slated for January 23 in Abuja. Anybody doing same? Let's put heads together and blow them away! And for those who have done their interviews, kindly assist with what to expect.

Relax Daniel. Time will tell. Don't go around blowing your trumpet just yet. Because you finished 100L with 4.51 doesn't guarantee your chances of ending with it. I advise that you work hard and stay resolute if you want to achieve a First. In your second year, the academic burden will intensify. Then, if you get distracted by too many extracurricular activities, you may lose focus. Just be relentless when your grades start tumbling, because it certainly won't be rosy all the time.

I graduated with a First (4.64/5.0). I started my first year in OAU not knowing what to expect or having any expectations at all, but my results were 4.8/5.0 (just 2 marks in a certain course to get an A) for my first semester and 5.0/5.0 for the second. This brought me to 4.9/5.0. By my second year, a stray 'C' found its way in. B's came flowing. By my third year, the B's were my companion. However, I approached my fourth and final year with a mindset of all or nothing. Eventually, I finished with a 4.64.

You can do it if you put your mind to it. But know what you want. The pressure is much and there is constant hard work involved. Sleepless nights and extra efforts must be put in. In the end, just ensure you stand out of the crowd. There are many people with Firsts out there, but you need to show that you have substance. Even if you finish with a 2.1; let it be of upper level, as some of these things count.

N/B: And yes I got a series of internships, jobs, YALI and even a full scholarship in a highly prestigious university with my grade *before someone asks*

chaiks:
ok.same here for political science dept. d coordinator after calculating mine said am eligible. but I fear men with huge GPA .lol .anyway na only God fit nominate person shah.is English test a must for your dept ? and where u given an essay to write?

Hello Chaiks... I applied for the MCFS at McGill for Political Science and Development Studies Option (DSO). The Grad. Coord., after calculating my CGPA and reviewing my documents told me I was eligible, then instructed me to send my Academic Statement and 2 reference letters last year; which I did. Wondering if you did same and whether you've gotten a feedback. Kindly share.

Someone should kindly send me the past questions also. Here's my email address: certifiedaquarian@gmail.com.
Thanks.

redy:
Does your organization accept interns? I want to do an unpaid internship to boost my CV.

Hi Redy! Sure. SFCG accepts interns in all 4 of our offices in Nigeria. It's an organizational policy worldwide as we support internships. That way, you can have quite a transition into the development sector or even work with SFCG as a staff. Our internships are paid and quite competitive. I will place an announcement here once there's a call for an intern in any department (as we already have about 4 in the Abuja office and quite a number in Yola, Jos and Maiduguri). I will put my ears to the ground for you.

xmileeasy:
Search for Common Ground – We are Searchers. We are over 600 strong worldwide. We believe in our mission to end violent conflict. It’s our purpose- our call to action.

With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, we implement projects from 55 offices in 34 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:





Job Title: Admin and Procurement Manager
Location: Abuja with various visits to field offices
Job Description

You will be joining other highly motivated Searchers with a good team spirit and through commitment and dedication, have opportunities to grow.
Our Program in Nigeria We launched our programs in Nigeria in 2004. Now in 2017, the country program has offices in Abuja, Jos, Maiduguri, and Yola.
We work with partners in target states of the country to support peaceful resolution of conflict.
Each program is adapted to specific local context and conflicts, and all apply common ground tools from our toolbox.
Search has established a permanent presence in Abuja as an operational base and all our Nigeria offices are currently supporting a host of programs with activities that include capacity building, dialogues, peace architecture, media programming, participatory theatre and collaborative joint activities. We are searching for an Admin and Procurement Manager.
Summary of the Role

The Admin and Procurement Manager has the responsibility to implement, enforce and monitor Search standard operating procedures in administration, logistics, procurement, and security for Search operations in Nigeria.
S/he contributes to the overall development and attainment of long term strategic objectives of the organisation.
This role works under the direct supervision of the Country Director and has a dotted reporting line to the Country Finance Manager. The role holder will serve as line manager for Security, procurement, logistics and administration staff, and assists to develop the capacity of the team in all these aspects.
Duties and Responsibilities
Administration and Logistics Management:

Ensure that proper administration and logistics systems and procedures are followed in the every office administration and management.
Supervise the management of all insurance claims relating to Search assets, vehicles and legal matters.
Establishes office management manual and guidelines and manages internal communications
Supports staff travel including visas, advances, transport, and accommodations needs
Draw up budgets for all projects and activities, manage spending within budgets, and provide justifications for variances to the Country Finance Manager.
Liaise with regional teams, ensuring regional priorities and logistics policies and procedures are understood and applied effectively.
Ensure timely and effective compliance with all government approvals and other accountability mechanisms, and provide a central point of liaison for government.
Strengthen administrative systems – Identify gaps in admin and operational policies, develop and revise the organization’s administration and operations policy on an annual basis, as per leadership and management team (LMT)’s decisions;
Provide oversight and supervision to admin and logistics staff to ensure smooth functioning of office administration, including office running and maintenance;
Provide ongoing daily mentoring and guidance to staff in logistics and administration as they develop and implement their own work programs;

Procurement Management:

Work closely with program team to develop quarterly/annually procurement plans (based on quarterly distribution plans and annual work plan) to ensure timely availability of the products for program activities.
Supervise the current procurement system to ensure maximum transparency and accountability
Review all contracts (for product and/or service procurement) to ensure quality standards are met, prior to submitting for review and approval as required by Search procedures.
Supervise monthly stock reconciliation
Set up/maintain a system for centralized management of all contracts including service contracts and production contracts.
Review terms of reference to ensure the quality of inputs to be procured
Work with suppliers/agencies in the selection of the most qualified and cost effective vendors.
Coach, supervise and support the Procurement Staff on a daily basis
Update the monthly budget estimation and tracking to Finance Department.
Track and evaluate vendor performance and improvements related to pricing, contractual terms, and/or scope of services.
Develop and/or update relevant organizational policies, processes and tools to ensure full compliance with Search as well as donor regulations and procedures.
Supervise the procurement products including IEC materials, promotional items etc.
Security Administration:

Work closely with security consultant and senior leadership teams to ensure security strategies for Search Nigeria and that response are appropriate and aligned with regional and global priorities.
Review minimum-security standards in Nigeria and promote alignment with Search’s Core Security Requirements. Support and advise all Nigerian offices in observing the appropriate security standards in accordance with the country risk rating.
Provide technical advice and support to the Country Director and Head of Offices on security and crisis management issues and their likely impact on Search Nigeria operations.
Deliver oversight of security prevention, preparation, response and recovery activities, particularly in the North East and to counter threats emerging from changing political, social and economic situations.

Qualifications

Candidate should have a minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Procurement, Logistics or Supply Chain Management. Master’s Degree and Professional qualification in the relevant field is an added advantage.
At least 7-10 years of professional experience in similar role.
Strong working relationship with the Government Institutions and have solid knowledge of the Nigerian Law
Leadership, supervision, good interpersonal and decision making skills are required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Demonstrated high level organisational and time management skills, including the ability to plan and manage workflows and balance competing priorities to ensure timely processing to meet deadlines in a complex environment.
Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to challenges, work effectively in a cross functional, diverse and busy team environment with minimal supervision.
A minimum of 4 years of managerial experience with a minimum of 5 direct reports.
Experience on management of donor-funded development projects is required;
Experience in working with international organizations at least for 5 years.


How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply
https://sfcg.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=930

Note: We are looking to fill this position with the right candidate. Only applicants to be invited for an interview will be contacted



Application Deadline 20th October, 2017.

Surprised to find this here! Great job Xmileeasy.

Truth is, it was an internal announcement for the vacancy. Now it's out for all. This is the organization I work with. I really wish someone from this platform gets the position so we Search together. It's a great place to be. Flexible conditions, travel opportunities, great pay and a demanding but very rewarding experience. If you meet the qualifications, attempt it!

Dashenka:
Please how do you get to this address 37 Road, off 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa Estate. from airport junction

Take a keke going to '3rd Avenue' at the front of GSS Jabi (beside the Jabi traffic light). Ensure you tell the driver you are going to 37 Road though, because there is no landmark or signpost that names the street. However, if you are coming from Airport Junction: while in 3rd Avenue, 37 Road is the last turn to the left before you reach the traffic light at the end of the road. It's quite easier locating it if you enter through Gwarimpa 2nd Gate (Express Junction), as it is the first turn on the right after the traffic light.

**If you can afford to take a 'drop', please do. If not, then you have to stop at intervals to ask for directions.

yacha77:
well maybe, but after my little research I got to knw they respond to applicants about their application after the test regardless. Anybody pls correct me if I am wrong.

They don't contact you if you're not considered after the language test. I did the language test for the position of Cultural Affairs Assistant some months ago and was never contacted afterwards. After a while, I called the HR Office and was told they made a shortlist already. At the end it of it all, it went to someone I met during the test, who hasn't even resumed 5 months later. So, NO they won't contact you if you don't pass the language test or you didn't make the final cut.

joekes:
Thank you very much for this piece. It will really go a long way in helping me strategise.
However I would pm you for further assistance. And I pray you oblige me please.
Thank you once again

Sure. I'm available to help. However, kindly tell me how to access personal mails here.
Thanks.

menthane:
Definitely! but at the same time I don't want wanna be idle and sitting at home all day...I'm hopeful on all jobs interview and as regard this who knows they might pay in dollars...lols.

I love your optimism However, embassies usually pay under what is called the Foreign Service National (FSN) pay grade, so if you're not American or Indian, you won't get paid in dollars. They always want to employ the most cost-effective candidate. If you do get the position, take it even in Naira. Good luck!

joekes:
Good day friends,
Please I would like to know if US Embassy, Abuja consulate section,
Have sent interview invite for the position of a Visa Assistant.
Thank you

I contacted their HR Office and the lady on the other end of the line said they received thousands of applications and are trying to ensure they consider the best candidates. The first stage of the interview will be the language test to see your proficiency, then shortlist further before you are called for a one-on-one interview.

I applied for the Cultural Affairs Assistant position back in March; was invited for the language test (written) after a month, subsequently called for the oral. However, I didn't get the position, but the lady it was offered (on conditions) to hasn't even resumed because after the language test and interview, there are medical and security checks to pass. Everything takes about 6 months to complete.

Just be patient and keep trying other vacancies, because US Embassy vacancies are HIGHLY competitive.

Lincs Cafe is around Ogudu in Lagos.

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mayapop: The album is amazing! Can't get enough of "Best mistake" I think she's good at what she's doing.

You can say that again girl... The album is packed with lovely songs produced and written by talented people. "My Everything" took a different turn from "Yours Truly", which was 90s R&B oriented. My faves are "Why Try", "Love Me Harder", "Break Free", "Break Your Heart Right Back", "One Last Time", "Hands On Me" and the wonderful "Intro".