Did you buy the bag DIRECTLY from a Zara shop or from a third party?

NappilyNigerian:

Maximum of three weeks...if your hair doesn't get dry by that time, you can stretch it to a month but not more than that.

Before you fix, deep condition your hair. It will help it stay moisturised for longer so it won't be breaking by the time you take down the weave.

Okay. Thanks. I always deep condition overnight before braiding or getting a sew-in done.

One more week for me and it's back to natural hair.

Notorious BIG - the sky's the limit

Jam/video of life



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3vOeCkeCNA

Xscape - who can I run to

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLjyPBQk_Os

Very impressive.

fineboy2: In as much as I appreciate his effort in this regard the problem is that I have not been able to raise additional fund and this may be a problem if the portal is eventually opened.

based on what you've said, you are 64,500 short.

once, its confirmed that the portal has been opened, i will arrange for 25k to be paid into any bank account given to me by ifyalways.

ifyalways: Sounds serious and bad for the OP.
So he still risks an extra year if this portal is not re-opened? Gosh.


May God intervene oh.

AMEN.

Its actually an extra two years. if he is unable to pay for this session, it means he has to stay at home till next year.

@fineboy2
you should not have left things this late before seeking for help

Desloaaa: Am an Entrepreneur,and have enjoyed my job for about 2years.(i sell female clothings ).its been rough and tough though but God has been really faithful.
Now comes this offer from a neigbhourhood friend who's in Finland,he wants me to come over for some modelling jobs(i have never been a model.).He promised to help slot in my name without me paying a dime.He has been on this for over a year,but i have never nursed the feeling to leave 9ja for a 'No man's Land' as an immigrant,reason i hadn't taken up the offer.This time,it looks really promising,same time as when am experiencing God's favour in my business.Am confused,i dont have anyone to share this with,your advice would go a long way.Yea,i know $1~#161

Lol.

afi modelling na.

you had better continue with your business except you want to end up being a prostitute in finland.

your friend sounds like a p1mp and i wont be too surprised if he's involved with a prostitution ring. they are all around europe...seeking desperate and vulnerable women from asia and africa.

The Patriots... Hmmmm

Is this the same group led by the late FRA Williams?

LocalChamp:
The Patriots further allege:

• Price Waters Coopers (PWC) has audited various aspects of four Agencies under the Ministry’s financial operations for at least 4 times. As we speak PWC staff, young boys and girls who have hardly graduated from university are on ground at the Parastatals offices since January this year to date looking for God knows what.

Lmaoooooo @ looking for God knows what.

They should leave PWC out of this jare. I'm sure there will be senior associates/partners supervising the work of the 'fresh grads'

shymexx:

My Ijebu sister, I'm trying to like what you like about yourself.

And it's only right that you break it down for me.

Hahahahaha. O serious. Lol. How are you broda mi?

shymexx:

What's "bobbi?"

Olodo

I'm going to be vain and say mi bobbi

kettykin: Air Nigeria that benefited and pocketed the sum of N38b has closed shop with the owner on self imposed exile while EFCC and self appointed watch dogs like wole soyinka, femi falana, FFK look the other way.

why do you bigots enjoy peddling lies.

which jimoh ibrahim is on exile?

the same jimoh that was at agagu's funeral barely a week ago

Ik.kao:
Face to face interview?!

That would be great!

By the time we are done with "ourselves", the entire office of the BHC would have done a collection for me... And there would be no dry eye in the house.

Maybe it's even MP they would give me sef, and not even spouse visa or not even British passport- LMAO; ROFL.

hahahhahahahhahaahhahahaha

Ik.kao:

But on a serious note, an interview is a small thing- one thing living in the UK has taught me is that there is NOTHING more liberating than telling the truth.

You've lifted my spirits somehow, and for this, Funkybaby, I am grateful.

P.s we haven't got a child together yet...

Hopefully in the near future after this whole episode is over.

you are welcome

Yeah, often times its good to let it all out. all the best !

Deolu_1993: Hey guys what should a person do in this instance:the person got refused student visa on the grounds of insufficient maintenance funds,apparently the person should have had 7200 in their act for 28days but instead the person had 1600( maintenance for 2 months ie established presence). so basically the UKBA said he didnt qualify for established presence since he hadnt completed their initial uni course within the last 6months(he wanted to change course).However, the person had thought he had an established presence after studying in the uk for 2yrs alevels. what should d person do in this case, appeal or re apply considering their latest registration date is 18th sept. but personally i thought the person should have qualified for established presence since they had studied alevels for 2yrs. i have never heard of the 6months rule.

they must have quoted/referred to the section of the immigration law that applies to the said 6 months rule in the refusal letter.

go to the home office's website and check for the section. if its indeed 6months and it was effective as at the time you made the application, then you are better off reapplying. however, if it is not 6 months or you feel that particular law should have been applied differently in your case, then you can appeal provided you have enough evidence to support your arguement.

yes, online applications do work.

to have had 4 interviews and not had success in at least one means your interview skills are really, really poor.

that is what you need to work on and polish.

the job market is very competitive so every opportunity counts.

it pointless getting shortlisted for the final stage so many times and then messing up.

have you tried practising in front of a mirror before attending an interview?

practice interview questions out loud and make sure you record an audio of yourself while at it. then play it back ... it will give you an idea how good/confident/rubbish you sound to potential interviewers and that way, you know what you need to work on.

also do 'mock' interview sessions with a friend/experienced colleague and have the person grill you and give you honest feedback on your performance.

sundyke107:

Okay. thanks for your assitance/contributions. I intend to travel 1st week of March, hence will be submitting latest January 28, 2014. How so you see the timing Funkybabay?

you are welcome.

i am not too sure about the timing. you need to check the embassy's website to find out the average processing time. you also need to book an appointment (not sure if that has changed) and getting available dates can be an hassle (not sure if it's easier now).

Ik.kao:
I know this is a public forum, yeah and I'm open to criticism.

Let me say this, there have been times when in the UK, I could have pointed a fun to my head and blown it away.

Times I walk over a bridge and I'm tempted to jump over.

It's true- even my husband sings this song to me since day 1 and I'm sure he would sing it to me forever as long as we both live.

He always asks me:" why on earth did you do this?" Etc... I just sit there looking like an idiot - and fool which I am.

Please I'm open to crucifixion- no objection from me.

If you see me, you've seen the face of stupid.

If I opened myself to you and I told you half my story you wouldn't even bother replying any of my posts because I have/ had no reason- sensible or foolish to overstay.

I hope everything works out well in my case. I hope if end up in appeal, it all works ok..

I just want to be with my husband I've longer for so long for!

Thank you for coming back to me with your candid advice Funkybabe.. I really appreciate.

We have a lawyer to handle the case and my husband to be is a" handful" so hopefully with God of all possibilities, I would come back here with a success story.

Thanks

awwwww. parts of this made me feel like giving you a warm hug with a straight face while the other part made me smile.

we all make questionable decisions at one time or another in life.

i'm sure you will be fine. there is a small likelihood you would be asked to attend a face-to-face interview at their office, so bear that in mind.

i wish you the very best

Ik.kao:
To be ABSOULTELY honest with you Funkybaby, I'm sick and effing tired of lying and living a lie, hence my decision to come clean - ABSOULTELY clean as per my overstay, my working and everything wrong...

We have been advised about the appeal process and we are beginning to focus on this as an option as I've heard so much about how ruthless the ECO and ECM are when it comes to stuff like this...

I appreciate all your advice, but is it really possible to win such an appeal?

You are not the first person saying this, but what if they go mental and say NO?

yeah, i feel you. but you get mind sha. 8 years ... how were you able to get away with it for so long?

yes, it is VERY possible to win an appeal (99.99percent chance). your husband is a british citizen - never forget that . it is against his human right as an EU citizen to be seperated (against his wishes) from a lady he is LEGALLY married to.

as long as you two have no previous (serious) criminal convictions and not a nuisance/pose a threat to the state, you will win.

I forgot to ask if you have any kids with your husband. if yes, it makes your case even stronger

sundyke107:

Thanks so much Funkybaby. I will keep you abreast as I progress. One more question: I learnt for schegen visa, I will pay for air ticket, hotel accomodation etc. my question is what happens to the paid air ticket/accomodation if I am denied visa?

Regards.

just make sure the ticket and hotel reservation are fully refundable if you decide to cancel and you get a full refund back.

you have to book/plan ahead and also consider the processing time for french visas.

sundyke107:

Yea, 500k closing bal for my personal acct and 1.2m closing bal for my salary account. I hope the eco wont see the upfront+other bonus as lump deposit. Nevertheless, our Human Resources will issue letter and payslips indicating all the deposits i mean the salary accoutnt.

you should also include your employment offer letter... this should show the breakdown of your wages, benefits, bonuses, etc.

so the ECO will understand all the lump credit transfers made by your employer.

Ik.kao:
I have no problem with you asking many questions I understand

The answer to your questions is yes.

Name and dob exact same.

okay. i am going to be really honest with you.

the major thing in your favour is that your husband is a Brit and he meets the financial requirements.

now, the main negative issue is the fact that you've overstayed. 8 years is a very long time as an overstayer and chances are very, very high that the ECO will bring that into consideration when looking at your application holistically even though you and your fiance have met all the basic requirements. you just have to pray for the best and prepare for the worst.

however, do know that no matter what happens, you always have the option of either reapplying or appealing. appealing, you will most definately win... all you need is a lawyer that can defend you based on the European Human Rights blah blah. your husband has the right to enjoy family life as a british citizen with his wife . if things go down the appeal route, there are things you can do to speeden the whole process so you wont be seperated from your hubby for too long.

based on what you have told me, you got the visiting visa in 2005 and as at that time, there nothing like biometrics, etc. you can decide to be dodgy and not declare your previous status. chances are that you will not be found out (yes, some people get away with it) but if you are found out (you've been using your real details to work), then things will get more complicated so, i will NOT suggest you do down that route.

that said, you have to be 100percent honest with your application. do NOT tell the smallest of lies. you are not under the risk of any ban
based on your marriage to a british citizen, so you have nothing to fear.

what you really, really need to focus on with your application is to prove that your relationship and marriage is genuine. to support this, present every document possible. phone bill records showing calls made between both of you since you've met, time dated picture, emails, joint hotel bookings, etc. just anything at all to prove that this is not a marriage of convenience and you two are genuinely in love with each other.

i will also suggest you write a personal statement. admit you have overstayed, apologise for overstaying, give reasons why you did so (your family were not well off, etc... just come up with a good sob story). state how unhappy you have been which is why you have decided to come back to naija to rectify your status.

your husband should also include as many docs as possible to prove he is financially stable.... bank account statements showing his wages coming in, pay slips, p90s, mortgage docs, council tax bill...just anything he has to prove that he is comfortable and he can cater for you.

he should also write a personal statement, explaining your relationship, how both of you are genuinely in love with each other, how he cannot be without you which is why he decided to fly down to nigeria and correct the lie his baby has been living for 8years.

check the document checklist for the basic docs that needs to be included with your application.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix-fmse/ i am not sure if this list is exactly the same for applicants from nigeria

make sure you submit ORIGINALS. especially important docs like your marriage certificates, pay slips, bank statements, etc.

also make sure you have a photocopy of every document you submit with your application including a copy of your completed visa application form.... these will come in handy for your appeal in event (God forbid) you get a refusal.

sundyke107:

The 195k is part of my side runs. The 500k will be my present account. I will be using 2 statements ie the present and my salary acct. which will have abt 1.2m after all my bonus+upfront is paid by January.

Going forward I wont deposit huge amount more than 50k into the present account to avoid suspicion.

okay. makes sense.

if you avoid any further lump payment like the 195k between now and January, you should be fine.

just run both accounts decently.

so basically, you anticipate presenting two account statements. 1)500k closing balance 2)1.2m closing balance? right?

have you considered the cost of the france trip?

return tickets, insurance and hotel booking? these three especially the ticket and insurance must be paid for in full prior to your application.

schegen visas are not difficult to obtain. what puts most people off are the associated initial cost and the fact that most of the schengen courntries are non-english speaking. also, some schengen courntries (not france) issue tourist visas valid for as little as 4days even though you have previous travel history (i am talking from my own personal experience).

Ik.kao:
Actually I travelled back with a passport

I got my old passport which I travelled with to the Uk cancelled at the NHC UK and got a new ECOWAS passport which I returned with.

I had no problems on my home bound trip.

Thank you.

Ik.kao:
No, I haven't got a job at the moment..
As it's still early days..

We only just arrived in Lagos a few days ago..

okay. were you working with the real name and DOB which you used in obtaining the visa?

sorry, if i am asking you so many questions. i just want to understand your circumstances, so i will know what i can advice.

sundyke107:

Thanx so much Funkybaby, I will heed to your advice. Going forward, I will use another account for my side biz. I wil package for France instead of UK since the later requires only 3months statement. See below my transaction history from October2 - 9th:

Date Cr/Dr Transaction Amount Balance Amount Txn. Value Date.
Oct 2, 2013 Dr 50,000.00 109,698.78 Oct 2, 2013
Oct 7, 2013 Cr 195,000.00 304,698.78 Oct 7, 2013
Oct 8, 2013 Cr 25,000.00 329,698.78 Oct 8, 2013
Oct 8, 2013 Dr 3,000.00 326,698.78 Oct 8, 2013
Oct 9, 2013 Dr 10,000.00 316,698.78 Oct 9, 2013
Oct 9, 2013 Dr 15,000.00 301,698.78 Oct 9, 2013
Oct 9, 2013 Cr 30,000.00 331,698.78 Oct 9, 2013

Please if I sustain transactions on this account in the above order will it suffice then create another account for the loan stuff as advised. I intend to grow the closing balance up to 500k till January ending when i will print for the visa...this is outside the 1.2m that will be in my salary account by then, broken into Upfront 874k medicals 140k, leave allowance 50k, 13th month 185k, xmas rice 24k. Please what's the possibility of getting visa with this statement of account?

I wait your usual positive response.

wheres the 195k coming from ? is it money from your employer or from your side runs?

what will be your closing balance as at the time you print your bank statement?

the account with 500k closing balance... is that going to be your new account or your present account?

are you submitting one or two statements?

Ik.kao:
No, I haven't got a job at the moment..
As it's still early days..

We only just arrived in Lagos a few days ago..

okay. i am guessing you used a TC to travel back. right?

what was your experience at the UK airport? were your biometrics/details captured? any scrutiny from the UKBA agents? did any of them have a chat with you regarding your status?

Ik.kao:
Thank you

My husband is Brisith

I overstayed 8 years

No my husband bought both our tickets and I came home with him voluntarily.

okay. do you have a job at the moment? earning reasonable pay?

what visa were you on before you overstayed?

Ik.kao:
Uncle Victjustice,justwise, Olu123455, aunty Lamosy (where are you) sister Funkybaby and other moderators and advisers please come to my help.

I have been here about a month or so ago..,

I have read the pages of nairaland back to back several times and I have almost even memorised it.

I need your HONEST advice and opinion on uk spouse visa application.

I am getting married in a few weeks in Lagos and I am so worried that my previous bad immigration history would seriously negatively affect my spouse visa application.

I have overstayed and worked- I know it is said that one MUST not tell a lie, I don't have at problems with this at all.. As I am ready to tell the truth.

My partners finances are in order to meet the £18,6 requirement and the accommodation is no problem as my partner has a mortgage and lives alone.

We DO have enough evidence to show that the relationship is 100% genuine-- emails from over 2 years when the relationship first started- I've got loads of these , we've got photos of ourselves and with some family and fiends who are also prepared to write us letters in support...

I don't think there should be a problem with evidence of the genueity of our relationship as this shouldn't be with a genuine relationship...

However, I have heard horror stories about people who for whatever reason have been separated from their partners for 2-5 years...

Right now, I'm trembling as I'm typing this as I'm so scared of the possibilities.. Of what could happen

Can you please advise me on what you think cod be the effect of my immigration history please on this application


I have no police/criminal record nor have I ever made any home office application in the UK..

It is meant to be the happiest day of my life when I get married but right now I feel anxious, scared, miserable, somewhat happy to be getting married at last- something i have even lost hope that would ever happen.... But the thought of being separated from my husband for an indefinite period of time makes me soo worried.

Even he too seems troubled and has turned to lawyers for advice who seem interested in money and money alone...

I cant eat properly and I even wake up at the small hours of the morning unable to go back to go back to sleep.

Please, somebody,anybody who has been through this situation, I BEG you, reach out to me and advice me.

I would really appreciate your honesty. Sorry as I know this may have been answered on nairaland before but you have to forgive me and understand especially if you have had a similar experience.

I look foward to a reply.

Thank you.

congrats on your planned wedding. relax dear, all will be well.

pls answer the following questions:

1)is your husband a british/EU citizen?

2)how long did you overstay?

3) were you deported or did you return to nigeria on your own free will ?

4)did the state fund your trip back home or was it funded by yourself?

sundyke107: [/b][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][/font][/i][i][b][b][/b]

for example, do you have say 20k left in you account as at the 20th of september and then by the 30th, you get a credit of 150k from Mr Ali leaving you with a balance of 170k and then you lend Mrs John 140k on the 2nd October leaving you with 30k till you get paid your wages?

Yes, the inflow/outflow is as examplified above. Please do i stand a chance with such account statement? I dont want to mention the loan to the ECO since Vicjustice said its illegal in europe and in view of the fact that I now want to apply for France instead of UK Visa as earlier planned.

Please more light. Rgds

honestly, its tricky....especially if you intend using that statement for a self-sponsored UK visit visa. there's too much going on in that account. it would have been a totally different issue if you were applying as business man and not as a full time employee.

if i were in your shoes, i would get the side biz done from another account.

if you had a registered business, then it would have been okay to disclose to the ECO that you operate a 'credit union' but since you do not have one,then do not mention it.

baby lawyr: Hi All,

Ive been following this thread for a while now. Its very informative. Well done Mods.

I collected my visa yesterday from the Lekki Collection Center Lagos. However, after i review all the documents i submitted i observed that my office ID Card which i submitted was not returned. I immediately alerted the dispatch guys/officers there and they gave me a form to complete which i did.

Please i want to know how this works, its has never happened to me before as all my original documents are always returned. How long will it take before i'm contacted and is there a possibility that it may never be returned.

Getting a new ID card in my office is a big deal, always full of drama.

Look forward to responses from the MOds and anyone it has happened to before.

Thanks and have a nice day.

Just hope it has not been shredded or misplaced. they've been known to misplace passports

there's nothing you can do till you hear back from them.

how were you able to get into your office premises and move around without your orginial ID card anyways sometimes, we give these uk people unnecessary documentation.

next time, give them a copy and attach your original complimentary card.

sundyke107:

Dear Funkebaby, trust you are doing great. I intend to travel as a tourist. The transactions usually occur @ the end of every month and ranges from 30 -150k. Please does it really matter since the cash goes in an out? If it matters, is there a better way of explaining the inflow/outflow cos I ustand that giving out loan for interest is illegal in europe.

Please assist.

i do not understand the 'illegality' you are talking about.

loan sharks/pay loan companies(most 100% owned by individuals) are all over the UK and it is a thriving business. until very recently, they were left fairly unregulated and stricter regulation wont kick in till 2014.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24372134

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payday_loans_in_the_United_Kingdom

the only difference between you and them is that you do not have a registered business/'shop' that people can come in transact business, neither are you paying taxes on the interest you've earned.

if my colleague or friend comes to me to borrow him 100,000 and i decide to charge him an extra 10percent in interest, how's that illegal? it is my money and he needs a favour. if he is not happy with it, he can 'waka pass'. this 'payday loan' business is gradually kicking off in Nigeria with individuals lending to businesses to fund LPOs, etc and they charge interest. The banks are not willing to lend to individuals/small businesses, so it is not unusual for individuals like yourself to help others for a 'profit'.

regarding the money coming in and out of your account, it is really hard to judge without seeing your bank statement. is the money from the same set of individuals every month or different random individuals? does your account balance drop really low before the money from your debtors come in? for example, do you have say 20k left in you account as at the 20th of september and then by the 30th, you get a credit of 150k from Mr Ali leaving you with a balance of 170k and then you lend Mrs John 140k on the 2nd October leaving you with 30k till you get paid your wages?

i honestly believe in keeping things simple and avoiding anything that would raise a red flag which is why i suggested you do your side runs from another bank account