tocheksbaba:
Please does one need to do a covid test before one can travel?

I travelled with Turkish airline on 31st December and covid19 test was not asked. I don't know about the future. I think you should keep calling the airline for updates on this.

Asiwaju101:
Hello guys,

I got a date this morning for an appointment in Lagos tomorrow, have paid for my sevis fee,but have not gotten the slip, and have made scheduled a date already,
Pls what can I do

Pls I need ur help,
Advise a brother

What do you mean by you have paid sevis fee but no slip?. Didn't the person that paid your sevis fee send you the sevis receipt or what?
Please you need to get all your documents ready to avoid stories

Important Document you need for your Visa interview:

1. Sevis Payment Receipt
2. DS 160 form filled
3. valid intl Passport
4. recent passport photograph (US style)
5. Appointment booking confirmation
6. i-20 letter
7. Visa payment slip( GTB receipt)

The first document checkpoint at the embassy checks this before allowing you to proceed

you can call the US embassy for further inquiry. They should be the ones to understand your issues well

frapzkid:

THANKS but that is not the error is showing , i have even uploaded photos of people that applied before and is shpwing the same error,
(there is a missing or invalid parameter in your request )

you can log out and try it on another computer or smart phone

frapzkid:
Good morning house,
While filling my ds 160 form, I tried uploading a passport photo. It kept returning the error
there is a missing or invalid parameter in your request.
please what is going on.
I have tried several pictures and several browsers

Something might be wrong with your photo. Why not go to a studio. give them the dimensions of the passport size. Take with proper lightening. have them send it to you and you upload it on your system there. I once experience this but mine was telling me that my photo was blur. I just went to the photo studio, took another and uploaded it there.

missuzoma:
Turkish Airlines just announced that you can't board without a negative covid-19 test result beginning from December 30, 2020. It was earlier scheduled to start by December 28.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-airlines-to-start-requiring-pcr-submissions-as-of-dec-30/2089778

I just called Turkish airline customer service to confirm this for flights to the USA. They said covid19 test is not required. If your transit is Istanbul and you stay at the airport you don't need a covid test. But if you leave the airport then you'll need to show the test result. You can also call to confirm Turkish Airline_ +23412771559

ujumuna:
Here is my transcript;
Dec 18th
Abuja
School: university of southern mississppi
PhD: in computer science, focus on cyber security (Digital forensics and detection)

I met with the black guy( he denied visas like water on that day shaa)

Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Pass ur passport and i-20
Vo: where is your husband
Me: he is here in Nigeria.

Vo: Who is funding your study abroad?
Me: my husband and my brother (as stated in my i-20)

Vo: What do them do
Me: My husband is a Businessman that owner’s real estate company here in Nigeria while my brother is a businessman. he imports transformers and other electrical accessories and distribute across the country.

Vo: have you traveled together with your kids
Me: I said no.

He handed me over the green paper.( The 214 B denial, based on whether or not the consular official feels that I will not return to Nigeria after you graduate by coming for the interview with my three children but I told him that my husband is in Nigeria doing his business)

Kindly correct me because i am reapplying and i am pretty sure my question will have to be on the strong tie , back in nigeria. i have decided to go with only my son who is 4years old, and left the two girls behind as part of my strong tie.

My personal Opinion:

First, did you get any type of funding opportunity in the university of southern Mississippi?
if No, Then I think it might be the reason for your denial. Typically PhD in America is supposed to be free. The VO was expecting you to say you have graduate assistantship that covers your tuition and some stipends. The only thing you might need a statement of account for is if you have a deficit in your COA. PhD is typically for 5 years as may be stipulated in your i-20 and it is difficult to convince the VO that you have enough money to carter the COA.
I had a similar admission in this university and it didn't come with funding. I think they might have had a budget problem due to covid19. They told me that I might get funded once I arrived at the school but I didn't want to risk it. Yes, some schools want you to arrive first before considering you for funding.

So my advice is if you didn't have funding attached to your studies. Tell your department about your visa interview and the VO denial because of this reason. If they can at least guarantee to fund you or at least make you pay in-state tuition fees or give you some scholarship. At least this can give you words to say. Or you defer your admission because the fall semester actually has more funding opportunities than spring.

But if you were actually funded by USM then I don't know the reason for your denial. My thoughts though.

Friedpotato:
someone on this thread got visa for community college even with no scholarship.

It is possible no doubt. I am just saying it can be difficult to convince the VO.

flairlady:
Hello everyone.Please has anyone traveled out of Nigeria to the USA recently?Was a covid test required for departure?Thank you.

You can ask the airline you are travelling with and also confirm from your arrival state. I have read on this forum about people saying it is not required but you should also confirm this.

Amarachibaby:
PHave been a guest for some time now please can someone tell me how good is GEORGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MARY LAND

I am not sure I understand your question correctly but lemme assume you are interested in community colleges. One thing I know for a fact is that international student that get admitted to community colleges in the USA always find it difficult convincing the Visa Officer to issue there Visa. I mean it is Challenging to get Student Visa with community college admission.

zeeLady:
Someone who came in from Nigeria yesterday was given bread and juice for a whole 13 hours flight from Instabul (the flight was even diverted to Quebec, canada and took many more hours than estimated). I dont know if this is the new norm, but anyone using them now should not expect extraordinary services. They are cheap-depending on your destination-thats all!

Interesting... I quite understand what you meant by real food. like the usual rice with chicken, beef or fish. Maybe they are trying to cut cost or maybe it is the covid19 problem because I saw something that airlines should also stop serving alcohol in flights and also food should be served in easily disposables.I remember Egyptair served me only bread, butter and juice on my flight from Cairo to Nigeria. I don't know about Ethiopian or emirate airways during this pandemic I think the long hours are layovers. Layovers are typical these days because of the low turn up of customers. Las Las na to get to the destination safely.

Tjayyy2406:
Hello everyone.
Please I have a few questions.
For those that got their F1 visas and are traveling this period,
1. what documents are required at customs at the airport here in Nigeria and also at the port of entry over there?
2. Is any form or proof of immunization required?
3. Is the covid test required at the airport before leaving the country or at the port of entry?
Thank you for your anticipated response.

I think this question has been answered by someone here. Maybe you can trace back.
I don't think covid19 test is required but confirm with the airline you are booking and the country policies

Asguard:
I applied for emergency appointment in Abuja last week and i am yet to get a response by now. Any advice biko

you can call them and ask. They are very responsive when you call

Ftos:


Please, someone to do a favour of telling when December or first week January date is available at Lagos embassy....Please

I think you need to be checking. Usually what I did was that since i have a max of 4 times to log in {i guess}. you can check in the morning by 8 am, check by 12 noon, check by 6 pm and by 11.30 am. It was like a gamble that I kept rotating until luckily I found an available space. so I think it's your responsibility to keep checking. Remember a lot of people are checking and you don't expect them to keep you in mind while they need the dates as you do. I also think during holidays in Nigeria and America, American Embassy won't schedule an interview. I wish you luck

Anybodie:
Good Morning People of God,

I am in the process of packing my bags. I just want to know if raw rice will be allowed.
I know there is rice in the US but Christmas rice full ground here and I wish to pack some with me.

If anyone has the time you can also help me with a list of foodstuffs that are prohibited particularly in the US

I think it all depends. Some times people are lucky but I think rice would be removed especially in Nigeria. So just put a quantity you can forfeit in case it is removed. There is rice in America. Also, pay attention to your baggage allowance. Palm oil will be removed but sometimes you may be lucky. Don't carry anything chicken or beef or carry anything that has a chicken flavour or chicken drawn on the package. Personally, I Would just advice you carry the native foodstuff you may not see in your community in America like Ogwusi, Ogbono, bitter leaf, stockfish etc and dry it very well. If you are carrying beans make sure you pick the beans yourself so that there is no bean weevil. Once your bags are searched and any bean weevil is found you might loose all your foodstuff. Just take what you can survive the first few weeks or months on. The rest can be air cargo to you buy your family or bought in the African stores abroad. Buy zip lock and label all your items for easier identification. sometimes wrapping your foodstuff in black nylon seems suspicious. If you really want to carry palm oil make sure you put it in the freezer to freeze very well. you may be lucky Nigerian customs won't remove it. I would advise you to carry little. You can watch youtube videos for other clues.

If your emergency visa appointment was denied or your visa was denied and you are planning to defer your admission. You can first talk to your advisor(prof) and the office of graduate studies if they can give you more time to reschedule. Sometimes they can allow you to come while school have resumed. I mean the deadline on your i-20 is not a hard deadline. They can advise you better on this

Vader92:
Please does the bank statement need to be signed and stamped by the bank?

yes

kennedyemmy:
Hello guys. Please has anyone experienced this?
Is it possible to be invited for emergency interview only through email by LagosNIV. And you were not told to log in and reschedule on https://cgifederal.secure.force.com, but instead to print the email sent to you and come to the Consulate on the stated date in the email, with that email printout as your Appointment Confirmation?

Please has anyone experienced such? Is it legit?
Thanks.

I guess you need to call Lagos consular office customer service number to confirm this. I have not seen cases as such. They would be the best people to call. You can get their number by google search. Call for inquiry on this

Salam038:
Alhamdulillah Robili Allameen.

My VISA was approved this morning at the Abuja Embassy. I will drop my Transcripts soonest..

COngrats

vc1177:

Hello! I booked one recently too. I won't lie to you, there will be atmost 6hours layover at Instanbul, Turkey, and another lay over of atmost 3hours at Los Angeles. It depends on the traveler. I like the lay overs in a way, because they kinda help me explore areas I've not been to. I prefer exploring and getting to know places, as I transit to my destination. The taste varies. You might not enjoy the lay overs. Besides, you stand a chance of getting student discount if you're not above 25years(please confirm this figure from Turkish Airline website).

Do you know if the covid19 test is necessary?
What about yellow fever test.

Swerveking14:
I’ll answer two of your question. You see to avoid stories that touch the heart, jejely go to the airport and change your money. Withdrawing with a MasterCard happens but it comes with charges your bank places on ur withdrawal.

Do you know the current rate at the airport?

Once your visa is approved by the VO. It usually doesn't take time to receive your passport. I collected mine today. It took just 3 days before I was notified via email to go for my pick up.

I will like to ask some few questions.

1. I will like to ask those already in the U.S. How do you do the conversion of naira to dollars for personal use when travelling?
do you convert via the black market people or through the bureau de change in Nigeria airport?
which is better and what do you advise.

2. can a Nigerian visa or MasterCard be used to withdraw money in America?
Has any one tried it?

3. Is covid19 test required to board the plane (Turkish airline)?
I called them but they said I should call the embassy to the country I am going to inquire.
Please did anybody fly Turkish airline recently? Was it a requirement?

Finally good luck with those waiting for their interview. It will end in Joy

I am guessing this means the passport is ready for pick up?
I just received this email now
Hope my guess is right?

Mosminic:

Bad reviews for Turkish Airlines? Asides the layovers which is common for almost all airlines, it's one of the best.

Thanks for your input

Please Have anyone flown through Turkish airline before?
how was the experience?
I heard there are long layovers?
I am about to book a flight and Turkish airline seems to be on a cheaper side but I heard bad reviews. can anyone confirm this here?

Amahjosh:
Congrats bro. I'm happy for you; What is the Name of the Hotel u lodge that was close to the Embassy?

Its called DEMLIS hotel. It is inside the Federal Civil service club along Awolowo road. Its like 5 mins walk from the embassy or you can enter bike. pay within 100 to 200 naira.
The hotel wasn't really the best experience compared to the price (9500 for the cheapest room(The rooms were small and water kept dripping in the restroom. Maybe I wasn't lucky with the rooms. At a point, the electricity went off and the generator set was being serviced. i endured 4 hours of sweating in my room. Although the hotel people apologized.)) but it just a place to lay your head. It's okay though. The food was Okay and cheap. it ranges from 500 naira to 700 naira. You can also ask if there is a cheaper option but I guess Demlis is safe because I saw a lot of military guys moving around that area. The proximity is a good thing (Lagos US embassy)

Visa Interview transcript:
Mine is quite different from the typical transcripts. Let me say it exactly as it was
Interview date: 11th December 2020. 8 am. I left my hotel room probably by 7 a.m and trekked to the US consular office in Lagos. It was just a 5mins walk. I did that to calm my self. I was probably the 15th person interviewed today(Not sure but people had already queued up inside).


V.O: Good morning
Me: Good morning

VO: Pass me your i-20 and passport, please
Me: (I did)

VO: Place your fingers on the fingerprint reader
Me: (I did)

VO: (typing on his computer. After some seconds). How was China?
Me: fine

V.O: (keeps typing) so, you were there when the pandemic started?
Me: yes

VO: Yeah I understand. it was quite a terrible situation I guess.
Someone came into his office and they discussed. He left for 2 mins.

VO: Sorry for that
Me: No problem

VO: Doctorate right?
Me: yes

VO: Good for you. (keeps typing). Okay, I am going to be approving your Visa. (Then the rest was history).
(Gives me white paper). Have a pleasant trip and merry Christmas.

Me: Thank you (I walked gracefully. It can only be God).


I don't think any student was denied today. It was only one Visa officer present today and he was very nice. I think my interview was probably the fastest. I wasn't asked the typical 'where will you be going and what will you be studying question'. Although I had full funding. God is good.

I am not a frequent posted and I think it may be my second post but I valued the information I got from this trend. Thank you and God bless.

If your emergency appointment was approved. Please keep checking. You might see a date.

I applied for an emergency visa appointment on 2nd December and it was approved yet I was stuck on January 25th. So I sent an email and called the customer service at Lagos US embassy. They said the date was filled but I should keep checking maybe a date may arise. so each day I check in the morning, afternoon and midnite until I reach the daily maximum. 2 days ago in the afternoon 3 dates in December popped up. 11th 16th and 18th I think so I quickly choose 11th December. so my advice is if your emergency request was approved keep checking to reschedule. yes, u will see group size larger in current location but keep refreshing at different times of the day. You may be lucky to see December date.


Someone here said there is a hotel at the federal civil club at obalende. Please how much is it? Is it very close to the Us embassy?