Schrodinger2:

They include these but not limited to the following.

Hot 21 FAQs for F1 Interview.

0). You've been here before, What has changed?
1). Why are you going to the US?
2). How did you come about this school?
3). Why this school?
4). How many schools did you apply to?
5). When did you graduate?
6). What have you been doing?
7). What will this degree do for you?
. Why this Program/Course?
9). What is your study plan?
10). Why the US and not Nigeria?
11). What is Your Plan after Studies?
12). Why should I give you this Visa?
13). Did you take any Standardized test?
14). Who's Sponsoring you?
15). What does he/she do?
16) Why will he/she Sponsor you?
17). Have you travelled before?
18). Are you Married?
19). Do you have any children?
20). Have you made travel plans?

Your questions will almost always revolve around these. Some questions are peculiar to certain type of applicants. If it's your first time, you'd not be asked the first question on the list.

Be very attentive as questions might be worded differently by the VO but still convey same meaning as those above.

There's a structure to answer all these. Answers to these questions should contain some key ingredients that will score you high during the interview. Unfortunately, I can't drop them now. However, if you read loads of approved transcripts, you should get the Idea.

Abraham001:
Hello Guys,

Good afternoon.

Please, for up to two weeks now, I have been unable to access my CGI Federal profile to schedule my visa appointment. Whenever I try to login, the system tells me - "Failed login attempt. Incorrect username and password". I have contacted customer service, and they have assisted me with password reset on several occasions. I am really worried!
I called them this morning again, and they told me they had escalated my issue to the USA embassy, but no response yet.
Please, what would you advise, guys? I am really confused and worried.
Thank you.

amnolimit:




Please can someone kindly respond to this.

What are the items to bring along to the embassy apart from I-20 and passport?

Patricel:
If I get it right that you were denied in December 2021, you will need at least 6months to reapply again to have a better chance of good adjudication and that must have been the reason your EA was not approved this time or you used it earlier during your December 2021 interview.

amojoawo:


You definitely need to fill a new DS-160 or have you forgotten that you had to choose a location when you filled the last DS-160? Fill a new DS-160 and choose Abuja as location.

beejhay69:
send a mail to Support-nigeria@ustraveldocs.com, If you choosed Abuja, cc: ConsularAbuja@state.gov

beejhay69:
The EA has been exhausted since its no longer reflecting on your dashboard. Ideally, you should have one more trial at using it, don't really know what happened. Could be a system glitch.

beejhay69:
It means you have exhausted the EA option. You're left with picking a regular date, or pay a new visa fee so you can get another EA.

beejhay69:
Did you select previously denied when filling the DS-160?

beejhay69:
It's strange that your EA was not approved considering your start date. Were you denied recently?

itoski:

You don't have to fill out a new DS-160 form.
Just go to cgi.federal.... the appointment page and select Abuja, you have to cancel the already scheduled appointment if at all you already have an existing appointment.

itoski:

You don't have to fill out a new DS-160 form.
Just go to cgi.federal.... the appointment page and select Abuja, you have to cancel the already scheduled appointment if at all you already have an existing appointment.

HDwayne:
Hi everyone, i trust we’re doing good. I need help on how to go about changing interview location. My Lagos EA got denied today, so I want to reapply for an EA in Abuja now. My question is, do I need to fill a new DS-160?

Lustre23:


Change it to Regular so you can see dates

KayKayShanana:
Attempt: first attempt
Interview date:20th Dec
Office: Lagos Visa Office
COA:30k USD
Funding:No funding
Time scheduled for interview: 7am
Time Visa was granted :8:35am
Status: Visa Approved

See transcript below:
VO: Why are you going to Austin Peay?
Me: I am going to Austin Peay for my masters in computer science and quantitative methods, i will be focusing on data mgt & data analysis.
VO: what did you study in your first degree?
Me: Geography Science
VO:What do you do right now
Me: I work with **** & i am TM & data analyst with the team.
VO: What are the schools you applied for?
Me: East Tennessee State Uni, University of Alabama & Austin Peay State University
How many of them offered you admission
Me: I got admission from all the 3 universities (na bobo, I applied for Austin Peay only, I did for Alabama passively and it is till fall next year)
VO: why Austin Peay?
Me: Austin Peay has a robust course plan for data mgt and analysis hence my interest in choosing the institution
VO: who is paying this huge fund?
Me: My Dad
VO: What does he do?
Me: he is into Logistics, he has 2 subsidiaries, an arm is into clearing and forwarding of containers from the Sea port at Apapa (then he cut me)
VO: how many staff does he have
Me: about 150
VO: Can you be more specific ?
Me: He has 148 staffs
VO: how much does he make per annum?
VO: How long has he been into the business
Me: up to 35 years
Me: As much as 70million
VO: and you expect him to spend over 30k dollars on you per annum?
VO: what about your other siblings
Me: I have 4 of them and they are all graduates
VO: has he spent on anyone to study abroad before
Me: No
VO: so why do you think he will do this for you
Me:because I am his only son and he will go the extra mile for academics
VO: not convinced yet
VO: have you travelled before?
Me: I have not had any reason to travel.
VO: so your dad has not sponsored you on any international trip before and you expect him to spend this huge funds on you for studies
Me: I have not requested him to do this for me but i am sure he will do it if i make a requests of such.
VO: what does your mom?
Me: she is into construction
VO: be more specific
Me: she is a civil engineer, she handles construction projects end to end.
What are post study plans: I intend to return to Nigeria to join ****company as a full time facilitator bla bla (VO cuts me short)
VO:How long have you been at your current company?
Me: i have been there for close to 3 years.
VO: When did you finish your first degree?
Me: 2014, and i started working in 2015.
VO: i will be approving your Visa, congratulations.

Thank you to everyone on this platform, i have read literally all the pages on this thread and i have learnt a great deal. I am a quite participant but then i follow up on the page daily till this moment.
I wish all applicants all the best in this journey, i can assure you all of something, once you are prayerful and confident you will get your visa approved. Either it is in Lagos or Abuja, you will surely get it approved.

larkson:
VISA finally approved. All thanks to God and fairheart, you are too much.

First attempt.
VISA DENIED - Abuja 9am 02 Aug 2021

Course of Study: MBA- Fall 2021
School: Suffolk University
Fee: 71k
Funding: 23k Fellowship
Balance: 40kplus
VO – Male

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning Sir
VO: Fine thank you. Is this your first time of applying for a US VISA?
Me: Yes
VO: What is your program of study?
ME: Master of Business Administration. It's a dual concentration with specialization in general mgt and business analytics
VO: Have you ever travelled out of the country before?
Me: Yes, I went to South Africa in 2014.
VO: What was the purpose of your visit. Vacation?
Me: No, it was an official trip. I was recognized by my former company (Bleep bank) for mitigating fraud and went for an award and recognition ceremony
VO: Fraud, Nice - So what is your current role where you presently work?
ME: I am the Head of Customer Experience
VO: Nice: Customer Experience? So, who is sponsoring your education?
Me: My Father
VO: What does he do?
ME: He is a real estate investor. Also, work as a contractor on the ongoing Dangote refinery project and owns properties currently on rental income from banks.
VO: So, what city is Suffolk University?
ME: Boston, Massachusetts.
VO: What year did you say to travelled out of the country again? He was typing fast and guess looking at my form
ME: In the year 2014.
V0: Brought out the green form. I was really surprised because the interview was quite smooth.

Observations:

On my DS 160, where it was asked if i had travelled before in the last 5years, I said No. During the interview, the VO asked if i have travelled before - He did not mention 5yrs, so i said YES. This question was repeated twice and my response what yes. Travelled to SA and the rest of the story. I think maybe he felt i was lying.

Second Attempt: Visa approved.

Course of Study: MBA- Spring 2021
School: Suffolk University
Fee: 71k
Funding: 23k Fellowship
Balance: 40kplus
VO – Female

CONSULAR: PASS YOUR PASSPORT AND I-20 PLEASE

• ME: Good morning, Sir. I am doing fine and you? Here is my I-20.

CONSULAR: WHY ARE YOU GOING TO THE US?

• ME: I am going for an MBA degree at Suffolk University in the city of Boston Massachusetts. I will major in - Business Administration and Management in General and the concepts of management sciences.

CONSULAR: HOW DID YOU GET THIS SCHOOL? / HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS SCHOOL?

• ME: My friend, (I mentioned his name) is currently an MBA student at the University, He told me about the school and its benefits. Then, I went online, did come research, and applied.

CONSULAR: HOW MANY SCHOOLS DID YOU APPLY TO?

• ME: I applied to 3 Universities - Baker University in Kansas, California State University and Suffolk University Boston and got admitted by all 3.

CONSULAR: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL?

ME: Early this year, the CEO magazine ranked the Suffolk MBA program in the tier 1 category of global MBAs. This ranking was based on the quality of faculty, international diversity, class size, accreditation and strong coursework offered by the school. In addition to the program quality and ranking, the department awarded me a fellowship of $23, 000, which significantly cut down my cost of attendance. So, when I compared other schools, I applied to, I feel there is not better school to study this degree than Suffolk University.

CONSULAR: Why do you need this MBA now?
degree certificate is no longer sustainable for my career ambition.

Besides, a lot has changed due to this pandemic. Nigeria is not exempted from the current complexities of doing business nowadays and agility is required. (She stopped typing and began to look at me). I am going to understand how to solve these complexities and return to Nigeria to help my country navigate her path. My company is aware of my intent, and I surely have a slot to take up higher leadership roles when I return. There is a very commitment to that effect.

CONSULAR: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND?

ME: I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the *** University, Nigeria and graduated in the second-class upper division.

CONSULAR: So where do you presently work?

ME: I work with XYZ Company as the Head of customer experience. In my current role, I am responsible for driving the customer centric culture within the organization, I manage the day-to-day operations of the call center and drives all customer success initiates within the organization. I have 17 employees under my direct report.

CONSULAR: HAVE YOU TRAVELLED BEFORE?

ME: YES, I have been to SOUTH AFRICA. The purpose of my visit was to obtain an employee outstanding performance award by my former employer, XYZ company. I spent two day and returned immediately after the event.

CONSULAR: ARE YOU MARRIED?

ME: YES, I am married with kids.

CONSULAR: WHO IS SPONSORING YOU?

ME: As you can see on my 1-20, I have a fellowship grant of $23,000 from the University. My dad will be paying for the remaining tuition fee throughout the duration of this program. I have also saved about $15,000 over the years and I will use this toward my living expenses.

CONSULAR: What does your parent do for a living?

ME: My dad is a businessman. He is into real estate and been in this business for about 20 years now. We own 4 houses in Lagos, 3 of which are on a rental income from banks, and I currently occupy the last one with my family. My mum on the other hand is into showbiz(the VO laughed) – You know event management – rents out canopies, organizes parties and make an average turnover of 100,000usd annually.

CONSULAR: You said you are married?

ME: Yes, I am married and have to young girls.

CONSULAR: Is your wife coming with you?

• ME: My wife is not coming with me. We recently began a building project for our permanent house here in Lagos as we presently live in one of my father’s properties. While I am away to study, she will help look after the kids and supervise the ongoing project. I also intend to come around occasionally to visit.

CONSULAR: What is the duration of your program:

ME: 24 months – 3 Semesters.

CONSULAR: alright – I will be approving your visa… blabla….I didn’t even listen to the rest – bursted into tears and left in Joy.

Bottom line : Pray as if it everything depends on prayer, Prepare as if everything depends on preparation. Focus and don’t be distracted – Positive minds always wins.

My interview was quite long but interesting.

Omotola222:


The sevis ID still remain the same

Systrom:
Your visa fee (otherwise known as MRV fee) is valid for one year.

So you can use it for multiple applications till the 1 year validity expires.

Amazingg11:
Good evening nairalanders.please who knows any cheap airline that flies to Alabama .I’ve been searching but the prices I’m seeing are quite alarming

larkson:
VISA APPROVED TODAY.
Second attempt
Denied, 02 Aug 2021 - ABUJA
Approval granted today - LAGOS
COA - USD71,000
Fellowship grant - USD23,000
Deficit - USD 48,000
School : Suffolk University, Boston
Program: MBA, 2022 Spring.

Transcript coming soon!

Prayer works guys. Prayer works!. God did this for me. This platform is truly wonderful. And, God bless @fairheart. He really helped with my coaching and mock.

Omotola222:


Yes I had to defer my admission from January to April cos I did not get my transcript from my school quick and got my acceptance and I-20 first week in December….. I was so lucky on Saturday to get February 1st as my interview date was so happy that atleast I don’t need to apply for Emergency date..

mojolajesu:
just write what was written in the blue slip.

Except the VO gave you a reason

xxxscholar:
If you need someone to properly review and scrutinize your DS-160 form you can send me a message, I am willing to help you cross your i's and dot your t's. Your ds-160 form is the most most important part of your application. It has to be error-free. By the way, I won't be charging a penny for this. Nairaland has been very helpful for me and I need to give back as much as I can.

It doesn't matter if you have submitted your DS-160 already or not. It can always be updated until 3 days before your interview.

Chynwem:
Visa Approved
First attempt
9:15am
Abuja
COA: $25,162
GA: $16,550
Deficit: &8,313
VO: Can I have your i20 and Passport
ME: (I gave him)
VO: Have you travelled outside the country before?
ME: No, this will be my first time.
VO: what is your highest qualification?
ME: I have Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from XYZ University,  I finished with a CGP of 4.15 and was among the top 5 students.
VO: what do you plan to do after this degree?
ME: Having gained the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and exposure in the course of this study, I will return back  to my country to attain a higher position in my organisation. I also have the plan of owing a research laboratory in the south western Nigeria.
VO: where do you work?
ME: xyz company
VO: Are you married?
ME: Yes, I am.
VO: Why is your husband not going with you?
ME: we currently started a building project at the south eastern region which he is fully incharge of, I would be coming home to visit during the holidays and he will most likely be visiting too.
VO: (Nods) Congratulations, take this white paper and so on so on so on so on so on (which I didn't listen again because I was shaking and in tears already).

I cried to God and our Lady of perpetual help (I'm a Catholic) and they answered me.

HDwayne:
Pls guys, I need response to this. is it still possible for someone who’s reapplying to get appointment date thru EA or priority surge. Got delayed in Lagos Dec 1 and still want to schedule an appointment in Lagos. Program start date is 19th Jan, 2022.

Thanks.

Darewa:


That is the response I got via email.