₦airaland Forum

Get student bus pass from your school. with that, you can commute as much as you want and you pay a discounted rate per term

Femicrux:
This question goes To those livingin the US. For a student living about 15mins drive from campus, how much can one expect to spend on transport?

impressive!

ttmacoy:
Hi Zesweedie,

Apologies my post may have been confusing as I reread it and realised I didn't finish and left it open ended as suggesting you lie.

What I was trying to say was one option was to avoid mentioning you are married or your husband has a green card but that has repercussions as others have also said so best to be upfront and hopefully it is overlooked.

Re the time it will take for the I-130, the current date is Feb 2013 which is about 2 years so hopefully max 3 years you should be able to apply for Adjustment of Status.

Goodluck with the application and try to focus on your credibility as a student.


To biikeys, Classicalmusic, justwise, sirRiddy, thanks for pulling me up on this and maintaining the spirit of honesty on this thread.

Hope you are dressing warm sha? Madison is freaking cold my oga.

Mckenziiiii:
East madison but heading to Indiana

You are most welcome... I got this same help here when I was in your shoes. I wish you best of luck and Happy New Year to you too.

zesweedie:
I want to thank you immensely for ur advice and explanations. I think that haven read through most responses that I have received and the experiences shared with me like urs, I am more confident now than ever that I will make it through this process and come out of that embassy with a broad smile on my face. As time goes on I'll let u guys in on the info as to how far I've gone. Thanks once again.. & God bless u.
Happy New Year!

Do you mean Northwestern University in Illinois?

realshel:
Guru in d house, is Northwestern University a red flag?

It surely takes a lil longer because of VISA number availability. You would have to do your math. if he still have a year or more to become a citizen, then file your papers now because it wont take up to a year for you to get your GC most likely.. but if he has less than 6 months to become a citizen and your own student visa still valid for over a year.. then, waiting will not hurt you.

zeezahbee:
Do you have any idea how long it take for a permanent residence to file for a student. I mean through marriage. I learned it takes long for the I-130 and I-485 get through. Someone told me he needs to wait to be a citizen so it can be faster

Amerinancy:
I'm in the south but I'm currently in california with my boyfriend spending vacation but i will be back on saturday honie

Enjoy your vacation and have a safe trip back...

It is nice to know you are willing to help yourself. LYING DOESNT HELP

My response then was too abstract.. Let me be specific about my situation so you will know you are kind of better off.

When I applied for student VISA, my interview date was 30th of June, 2013. My wife already filed i-130 for me since April and I knew quite well that it is against the law to issue a non-immigrant visa to someone with a pending immigrant petition. I filled my DS-160 truthfully, and I went for the interview.

Luckily for me, the visa officer did not even ask about my wife at all and my VISA was granted (See my interview transcript). You are in a better position cos you don't have a pending petition. That said, you should know you don't have any reason to lie. I understand why you should be concerned cos I felt worse then but everything will be fine.

I know another girl that her mum is a citizen and she also got a student VISA. Though, she had strong home ties (Husband and 2 kids). Regardless, I know saying the truth will be helpful if not for your student visa.. it wont hurt your i-130 in the future.

Note: i-130 does not take 3 years, mine took only 5 months while some even get approved earlier than that.

zesweedie:
Thanks so much for ur input, it is very much appreciated. I see this whole thing like a chess game and that's how I know that tricks are a good game stunt, but Im guessing it won't hurt to just be true to them on everything because besides me portraying myself as a potential immigrant if I tell them the truth, I know that they have a tradition of not wanting to intentionally keep a family apart, and in my case I'm gonna be investing in education. I'm just saying though...

So many ppl lie their way through and end up as immigrants so I kinda think it'll pay to be sincere to them. It's something they already know. I'll just put it in prayers.
Thanks again for ur taking time to respond to me. This whole thing just dey confuse my whole body these days but God dey

Amerinancy:
where in chicago are you?

Where in Chicago are you Amerinancy? I am in far north - Rogers Park.

I was in a similar but worse situation when I applied for student visa and the visa was still issued.. My 2cents advice, do not lie to them.

zesweedie:
Hello Everyone,
Ok so I have plans to study in the US. And before I go any further, one thing to note in my case is that my husband is a permanent resident of the US. I also want to note that hes' attained this status for only about Six months. We got married at the registry when he visited Nigeria last month and plan to do both traditional and church weddings by his next visit in three months.
I'm(we) just wondering, If I succeed through the admission process of the institution I intend going to... and note in my visa application that my husband is resident in the states, with the conditions I have mentioned above I have a feeling that this would either be good for my application or just kill it.
Please advice me on how to make this work. Your input would be invaluable and of immense help.

Thanks in advance.

Not excellent and not bad... I am not sure for underg requirements but for graduate requirements, lots of school requires 79 in TOEFL so your score should suffice depending on your course..

seangy4konji:
Please house. Is 80 a good score in toefl?

Still... I had a usa address on my i-20 and applied for visa in Nigeria which affirmed that it wont affect it.

Classicalmusic:
Sure i know he's filling application but on the I-20, what will be the address finally?

I have respect for you so i'm not trying to talk you down.

It wont affect it.. I used a usa address when applying for admission and I applied for visa in Nigeria...

Classicalmusic:
It will affect it. Use Nigerian home address. It's very important because you're applying for visa from home and the embassy does not really lay emphasis on previous travel before issuing a visa. They only care about "home ties."

I still use my GTBank Naira Master card till date..

frankarecords:
Plz house can I use my debit master card in usa? Plz I really wanna be sure so that I will not be stranded.plz who has tried it before.
Thanks and God bless.

Nice to know a Nigerian working in IT industry.. Please be helpful to us oooo.

I was scheduled for an interview with a Manager at Motorola, the interviewer's information revealed that he is a Nigerian and was really hoping to meet him but the interview was postponed till further notice.

biikeys:
No, I was. Currently working...

ok nice... Best of Luck to us.

bigfrancis21:
Yea. I am.

bigfrancis21:
Exactly. You just said what's on my mind concerning requirements. Most IT jobs usually require certifications + work experience or bsc/msc in IT + certifications (for entry-level). Leveraging all three factors - degree, certification and work experience works greatly to one's favour. However, having a university degree doesn't really matter to them as much as having certifications like CCNA, Juniper e.t.c does. Most companies would literally prefer to hire a non-degree holder but with 5 years work experience + IT certifications over an msc degree holder fresh from school, with IT certification but 0 work experience. After some thorough research, certification + work experience are the 2 major factors one needs to succeed in the IT industry. Having a university degree, in addition, kinda helps in what level you get placed on.

Having said that, since you have CCNA already, that should boost your resume. You already figured out that you need work experience i.e. 'hands-on experience' and are currently working in the IT division of your school. That's very great. Continue with the job.

The DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) is one great place to be for an IT individual. IT jobs are here. And it is also a great place to live and raise a family (Maryland especially. Maryland has one of the best public schools in US, it is quiet, has a very low crime rate, lots of Nigerians live here that you'll connect with in no time and feel at home, friendly 'in-between' weather), for a family man like you. And hey, you could even get a government job - secure (no sudden layoffs due to 'economic recession'), lots of social security benefits, high-paying salary, holidays nyafu nyafu (for owambe ) e.t.c. This is a government job area and people move to this place mostly because of government jobs. My aunt works for the federal government and I can't even begin to describe how good life is for her. I strongly recommend that you move over to this area. You will need a security clearance, though, to work for the government, and most likely have to give up your dual citizenship (i.e. your Nigerian passport) and keep only the US citizenship/passport. 'You cannot serve 2 masters at the same time. Lol'

As for me, I figured out I need certifications. I have one already from home - MCITP, but I need to get the CCNA in addition too. I'm taking 2 networking classes next semester, one that deals extensively with routing protocols and the other that is heavily project-oriented, with lots of OpNET simulations - the kinda projects I need for my resume. I'm also currently working with the IT division of my school and gaining the IT work experience that I need.

We shall all get there.

Thanks bro.. I am moving to Maryland soon... are you currently in an MS-IT programme?

I am not so pleased with the job in my school, just doing it to settle phone bills and other petty bills... No much exposure as I would like..

I traveled with one-way ticket on F-1 visa.

Femicrux:
Pls is it true that if you are a first time traveller, you must book a return flight? If one is going to the US on a student visa, of what need is there to book a return flight?

Right... This is why I dont want to read on my own for certifications again.. I want to go through training to acquire the hands-on skills.. It goes a long way.

biikeys:
Most, if not all, of them are interested in the hands-on thing(experience or training)...based on my own experience..your certifications will get you the interview, your actual skills will get you the job and help you keep it. If you get some training with Kaplan for example, they give you their certificate too, which adds to the value of the certification too in a way

bigfrancis21:
Nice. Based on your experience, what are those things the IT industry wants?

IT jobs are plentiful in well-known IT areas such as California (aka silicon valley), DC, Maryland, Virginia e.t.c. You might consider applying in these areas.

I am considering that cos I have been thinking Chicago is perhaps too competitive... If you love programming, getting developer (app, web etc.) jobs are kind of easier cos there are available positions for less people. Relocation is kinda certain cos this Chicago weather is killing me. Now my mum is running back home because boredom is killing her and weather is not letting her move around (Meaning I have to start paying $5/hour to babysitter).. I am really considering Maryland/DC cos I learned racism there is seldom and IT jobs are available... Another place I am considering is Georgia.

As regards what the industry wants.. I already typed my interview experience with g00g1e before it occurred to me that I signed confidential agreement with them.. but in a nut shell, they ask you about projects you have done and how you did it. So, less theory plenty practicals..

For example, if you present CCNA, you could get asked theory questions about protocols and how they work but most questions would be what projects you have done and details of how you went about it till end..( what causes a particular error message, say, duplex mismatch)

Thank Boss..

I work less than 20 hours and it is with IT department of my school and my income is small enough for me to be eligible... i should have just claimed single when applying.

I dont want to just read and take the exams again jare... I want hands-on.. fews interviews have attended gave me an insight of what the industry wants plus network jobs are few and very competitive... So I want the real experience so I can flow easily with interviewers.

bigfrancis21:
@bold...sorry to hear that bro. It can be quite difficult getting a scholarship if you're working and earning high or if your spouse is. Earnings are posted to one's SSN and you're required to provide your SSN during the admission application process. And, the university has access to one's earning records via the SSN. A friend of mine in Texas also faced the same issue.

I'm reading on my own. I got the textbook from my school library and I also have some dumps and ebooks. The CCNA exam costs $295 to register and take.

Sup BigF... I am hoping to bag my CCNP this year since I already got my CCNA from Nigeria. Did you read it yourself or you went through any formal training for the CCNA and what is the estimated cost if you did cos I just lost a scholarship worth $8,000 because I declared my wife's income and she earns too much for me to be eligible for the scholarship. Ia m just trying to add more for easy job hunt.

bigfrancis21:
It's not easy I know, but the success rate has been high than it has failed. When I mentioned easy, I was referring to its ease compared to other common green card routes (the green card by job route takes as many as 6 years - you're first hired on H1B work visa valid for 6 years maximum, during that time frame you'll have to lobby your company to file for your green card for you, and must be at the top of your class to 'merit' company sponsorship in the first place, and the green card by business - not everyone is business minded and can run a business successfully to produce the required $500,000 in income statement profits). A nairaland member here, I won't mention his name, got his green card by marriage within 13 months of his arrival in the US.

In all, I'd always advice that we remain positive. Such mindset will keep one going in US.

I'm doing fine my brother. I'm currently preparing to take the CCNA exam by this month end.

Additionally to what BigF told you.. Please make sure you have good programming skill if you want to survive in IT related courses he mentioned. My 2 cents advice.

abbeymaniak:
Wow bro, na d CCNA catch my eye, I wish u best of luck and pls sir wat courses can I used to back d CCNA up cos I am tru wit d IT essentials and also av a letter of recommendation from cisco though am an accounting student yet to finish my HND dis yr but my main passion is computer. Pls do I do computer science or information technology for my masters or any other course u tink can fit. Pls dis concern d gurus in d house too. Tank u and God bless U

I know right? Man must survive in the states.

justwise:
It's one of the easiest ways to mortgage your life especially if there is no love in that marriage and a child is involved.

Perotti:
Guys pls my international passport expired in November, 2014. How much does renewal cost in Nigeria? Secondly, is it advisable to dump an already commenced masters degree study in Nigeria for masters in the US esp in a STEM course?

How far have you gone with your Masters degree in Nigeria?

slimmy05:
Mr. Imperiouxx is a married man now. He's graduated and I guess he's running his pre-requisite for his PhD programme. I would be heading to Tennessee, that should be far from you. When am settled we'll surely see.

Wish you all the best and be a super dad and chase the dollars with church mind.

Ok.. Cool.

Congrats to Imperiouxx.

slimmy05:
Sure, I will. Good to hear you're now a dad. I had the feeling in a weird way but am good now. Hope you would host me some day?

Oga imperiouxx, the quadruplets you've been trying hard to shoot for the new year, we are all waiting for the baby bump picture as you can see Mr Foohard has his planned even before he got to US.

Wish you all the best of 2015. I am indeed very grateful to be part of this wonderful thread and meeting such wonderful and kind Nigerians. You just have to be good and come out plain. Success to all who heads to the embassy for visa.

In a weird way? how do you mean?? I can host you whenever time permit... What state is your school in.. Can drive down one weekend.. Oga imperiouxx... We should talk oo... You have graduated already right?

slimmy05:
How have you been and how is your wife? I hope the funding from NITDA is cashing out?

Congrats Slimmy05. My wife is awesome plus I have a 3 months+ old lovely daughter now .

Please dont ask if that's what NITDA sent me here to do

I got all my money from NITDA already apart from my air ticket to naija. I only have one class left in spring to graduate. Truly, NITDA money was really helpful.

Please, make sure you get your vaccines in naija, otherwise, you will pay huge amount of dollars to get them. Best of luck and Happy New Year.

Nice advice...

Just to add to it. It is a lot hard to get a job as an international student. Even when you get papers, and you did not get your bachelors in the states, competing with usa trained applicants is not easy even with your papers because most of them are citizens already.

Just luck up and know that usa is not home... I am in Chicago and 90% of Nigerians that have seen here are cab men which does not help. Indians and Chinese has great connections and you see them getting jobs even if when you know they cant complete any assignment without your help. I know you would not ask a cab man to help you get an IT job.. lol. So, I understand why YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN and you should always tell yourself that YOU ARE OWN YOUR OWN.

I have been a green card holder since June this year and I have had some interview experiences... My people, it is hard, especially when you did not get your bachelors here. To cope in Masters class, I had to read like crazy cos we were loaded with irrelevant stuffs during undergrad. So, do all you can to stand out because you are on your own.

As advised in quote, plan your finance appropriately because Nigerians are often not helpful even when they are in a position to help. Nairaland makes me happy cos have seen some good minds here which makes me believe things are getting better gradually.

reekadohbanks:
Got another post for y'all. And like I said in my previous posts, you're gonna have to get used to my sense of humor and brash delivery. Now that we have that out of the way, lets begin
Now that you have been granted visa and you know deep down in your soul that you cannot afford close to $15k and above per semester (by the way, unless you get a TA/GA, limited scholarships or some type of grant, international students do not get any type of financial aid!), youre probably wondering "How I wan take do am?". Got a couple of ideas, some of which I tried out myself. First of all, the honest truth, which a lot of folks don't tell you is that it is EXTREMELY HARD for international students to find jobs. For example, it's practically almost impossible to find any under the table jobs at places like target, walmart or any retail chain (unless the manager is your father!) because they all do E-Verify. International students don't get SSN (unless you get a job in school, and before you start thinking smart, your SSN is only valid for school employment. It will be written on your SS card). Having said all that, you still have a few options, if you're smart enough and like the saying goes "naija boys no dey carry last". IF you're able to save up some money (3k-5k), you can buy a car when you get here and get your drivers license asap. With your car, you can find pizza delivery jobs that'll pay you under the table. Its not much, sometimes as low as $5/hr, but the more hours you work the more money you make. you can be doing this, while you try to figure out how to get your papers straight and then you can find a better job. The thing is even if youre a doctor in naija or a lawyer or anything, and you enter here with anythin other than an immigrant visa stamped on your passport, you won't get a job (for health professions, its a little different, but that will come in another post).
Its good to have a plan before leaving naija. I can't emphasize that enough.

OK.. THANKS.

bigfrancis21:
You'll have to write them an invitation letter inviting them to your graduation ceremony, holding on so-so day and how long you expect them to stay. Send your father/mother the letter to print. They will then book their interview date, weeks to your graduation date. He needs to have the bank statement ready to show the VO on the interview date, along with your interview letter.

Google up sample invitation letters online so you can have an idea of how to prepare and write your letter.

Thanks BigF.. I appreciate. Please do you know the steps involved?

bigfrancis21:
I don't think there's a limit to the number of people that can be invited. What really matters is showing the financial proof that they can sustain themselves while they will be here. The onus of financial responsibility lies not on you but on your dad/mom. What really matters is that they can show they can sponsor themselves and your siblings.

A colleague of mine graduated this december and his entire family (dad, mom, siblings) came for his commencement from Nigeria.

Hi People,

Trust you guys are having wonderful holiday. Please, I am graduating next May and I want to invite all my siblings (6), a cousin and a nephew. Specifically, I would like to know if there is limit to how many people I can invite and whatever restrictions concerning this kind of invitation.

Kindly guide me on how to go about this.

Thanks for always being here.