₦airaland Forum

lexychuks:
Please is it compulsory to upload photo after filling the DS 160 form? Can't one bring a passport on the interview date?

yes it's compulsory and you need 2 hard copies of the same passport you uploaded in your ds160 for your interview.

Erhuns67:
School : Idaho State University
Course : Master in Mechanical Engineering
Date of interview: 26th June, 2019.
Lagos consulate :Visa Approved.
Scholarship: 65% waiver of tuition($16292)
GRE:311
I will encourage those with good Gre score and GPA to apply to this school cause Non-Resident Tuition Waiver is guaranteed.

When I am less busy, i will update my transcript.

thanks @sharwama for transcript review.

Congratulations

dreambound:
That's what is happening for everyone that was previously denied...it would be a decision by the consulate...Maybe for now they are not open for previously denied F1...

There are dates available at abuja for previously refused, its just lagos consulate that doesnt have dates for previously refused for now..he should check abuja

This OP leave us hanging ni sha..oga cumman complete your story o

Falodefunsho:
All praises to the most high God. My visa was approved today.

Degree: M.Sc
University: Eastern Illinois University
Course: Biological Science (One Year Program)
No funding
Deficit 25,625

Lagos Consulate

Q: What course will you be studying
Ans: Biological Science with concentration on Environmental Biology.

V.O: Why are you studying Biology
I studied marine biology but then I decided on this M.Sc choice when I had a short internship with Nigerian institute of oceanography and marine research, through this period,we were conducting marine mammal observation and due to seismic exploration that was going on, there was lots of pollution, it was at this point I draw interest in water quality and ecotoxicolgy, also I really want to work as a marine environment specialist, a job that requires at least a master’s degree in biology or a related field.

V.O: I see you have a b1/b2 that recently expired,tell me about your trip.
Told him I traveled after my B.Sc for vacation,I attended a convention and went on to visit my aunt and uncle,I mentioned I was in Illinois and New York.

V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
Minnesota State University and University it Surrey in England.

V.O: Why did you choose this school
I was mostly interested in their environmental biology course work than the other schools I applied to, they offer courses in bioenergy and bioresources, also they have practical study sites for research on aquatic ecosystems which personally caught my interest and again Dr Charles who’ll be lie my program advisor has an ongoing research in aquatic ecology with emphasis on lake restoration and the use of algae as biological monitors of pollution which directly aligns with my research interest.


V.O: Are you married?
No

V.O:Do you have kids?
No

V.O: Did you write exams.
Yes,I took IELTS.

VO: Are you married? Sorry I asked earlier.

V.O: Who’s paying your tuition
My father

V.O: What does he do?
I told him

Your visa is approved, pick up your passport blah blah blah

Notes:
All the questions weren’t asked in that order but I think I’m fairly correct. He took long typing breaks almost after every question.

SOA wasn’t requested and I wasn’t placed on Administrative processing.

Student’s funds on my I-20 is larger than my deficit, the school wrote the total funds in my dad’s account as funds from Father. So people who have the same issue don’t have much to worry about.

Thanks to Time2Win and Brown2green for mock interviews and to everyone else on the platform adding valuable content. Cheers.

congratulations, go to America and excel... @fairheart its happening already o, more approval transcript to come IJN!

Best201195:
This interview thing has no formula. Congrats.

I swear down, e no get formula at all...no funding and she wasnt placed on AP

dheee:
Fairheart keep calm, your dreams are still valid!
Visa approved this morning 6:30am. Zero funding, no AP and SOA wasn’t all that rich. Would post my transcript once I am settled.

Wow Congratulations!!!!!...i tap into your blessing oo

Deyemzy:
Hello Fam,

I am very sorry for just posting my approved visa transcript. I have been very busy.

Lagos Consulate. Visa approved by the Old man....17/06....6:30am

Me: Good morning sir
Vo: No response
Vo: Pass your documents.
Me: I obliged
Vo: (Started typing ooo then stood up to the next window)...when did you finish high school?
Me: (I was like "high school"? ).....2010
Vo: After then?
Me: Went to the University for my bachelors
Vo: in what?
Me: Mathematics and Statistics
Vo: ok...you finished when?
Me: 2015
Vo: what have you been doing?
Me: Went for my compulsory national service.
Vo: oh that's for one year.
Me: Yes
Vo: after then
Me: I was retained and I left there after 13months. Then I joined bleep company as a data analyst, left there in Dec 2018. After then I join Bleep company where I currently work as a data analyst.
Vo: Analyst....data analyst
Me: Yes...yes
Vo: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 5
Vo: How many selected you?
Me: 4 and still on the Waitlist in the last school.
Vo: what does your father do?
Me: He's late
Vo: what does your mother do?
Me: I told him
Vo: (Then he perused my i20)...who is sponsoring your trip?
Me: My aunt...my father's younger sister and I also got a graduate assistantship.
Vo: what does she do?
Me: Head of Operations at Bleep plc Nigeria.
Vo: kept my passport and passed me white paper
Me: I picked and left.

School: Austin Peay State University.
Program: Computer Science and Quantitative methods.
GRE: 301, 161v, 140q, 3.0
CGPA: 3.12/4

Great thanks to Libber, Kashogi, Soliph, Allylic, Omofola93, Yusuf, Matti and everyone. God bless you all.

Nuggets: Two things are very important; Confidence in self and Faith in God.
Don't feel discouraged because you don't have a ground breaking profile. This year, I saw people with lower class divisions ( < 3.0) and with GREs below 310, getting full fundings. Email profs, do your research well, reach out to people on this forum if something is not clear to you. Above all, if you believe in God, please pray ceaselessly. The sky will always be our starting point.

Thank you Nairaland!

Congratulation bro, go to America and excel

Auditmonkey:
First, thanks walspring for helping my friend pay his SEVIS fee.

My situation is kind of unique, and I'd appreciate any insight.

I was given an F1 VISA last spring for a masters in Finance at a 'not target' college. I have to admit, I wasn't aware of how competitive finance jobs were and how much focus was placed on target schools. I spent one semester in school, and decided to change school and course. It was too late for a transfer so I came back home.

Now, I have admission for a better school (UTDallas) for MS Accounting. Got the Dean's excellence scholarship and hoping to get the GA I applied for(which seems impossible at the moment).

My question is, do I need to apply for a new visa interview?

What is the procedure for a situation like mine?

Please share if you have any insight

Thanks

I dont think you need an interview...

stripes16:
I have been checking too and even when I try to select the available date in Lagos, it says there are no dates available for me at this time. I seriously don't know what to do

lets hope dates will open up today, they should update the website today i guess

Good morning, pls will dates open up for "previously refused" at Lagos consulate today?

blackmamba147:
smh you think its just tied to email? don't bother wasting your time, you will most likely be denied again

I just did a background check on her and I guess she just joined nairaland today, probably she has no idea on how the email works...

Akin4sh:
Wow...10 days.. I just did mine today expecting update so I can schedule a new date. Can I open another profile with a new email to get a new interview date?

No!!! Don't open a new profile ooo..don't worry it would be updated soon..just chill

Temi87:
Thanks. Is it possible for me to see an earlier date since I’ve applied before?

presently there's no date for previously denied at Lagos consulate

fairheart:
It means you may need to wait. Try by weekend.

oh okay..thank u sir..

Oasishavenng:
Try to change embassy. Maybe Abuja

Abuja??...chai! ..is that the only way I can get a date?

Davidkking:
That's probably why because a lot of that's are available for first timers.

so now does it mean I can't book an appointment here in Lagos?

Davidkking:
First time??

no, got denied on the 7th of this month

Good evening Everyone, pls I'm trying to schedule an appointment and this is what keeps coming up, pls what do I do?

Davidkking:
Please guys I need to pay for orientation and only available option is PayPal anybody want to help me pay the $50 let me transfer money to you

You can do it yourself bro...just open a paypal account and link your gtb mastercard to your paypal account then you're good to go

Hadampson:
Could the news be true??

Social media and their fake news sha...this is not true jare...lol some people mind go don cut for here

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: I Didn't notice, I was blown away by his cuteness and jerry curl
Ok it was the second to last window, before the exit door.
I: (Smiling) Good morning sir
V.O: Good morning, please pass me your passport and your I-20.
I did and he was like "please push your passport a little bit further". I pushed it and asked, "is it okay now sir?"
VO: Yes it is. Why are you going to the US
I: (deep breath + killer smile) To uhm, pursue a masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Science Concentration at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City Tennessee.
V.O: Why this degree?
I: I really want to work as a research scientist at a renowned biomedical research Institute here in Nigeria. Unfortunately, a masters degree in Biology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for such a position. So this degree would not just help me hone my research skills or build my critical thinking, it would qualify me for the position I really want, when I return.
V.O: So why did you pick this school?
I: (Gesticulating with magical hands) For me, it wasn't just about the generous funding I received, which I am extremely grateful for by the way, it had a lot more to do with the student-faculty relationship I have built with my potential supervisor, professor Burna boy. We Skyped a couple of times and we have chosen a thesis topic I am super excited about.
V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
I: I applied at Texas A&M University, Commerce
VO: uhum(while typing)
I: Cleveland State University Ohio and Kansas State University Manhattan Kansas.
VO: Have you travelled out of the country before?
I: I have not had the need to sir.
VO: Are you married
I: No sir
V.O: You said you have funding, let me see the evidence
I: My school did not give me an official letter but it's on the I-20(I pointed at the document so he looked at it)
V.O: Ok I see $9590 to be payed by someone ,who is this?
I: That's my mum sir
V.O: What does she do?
I: My mum is a business woman, she sells African fabrics and traditional bridal attires
V.O: Yes do you have any proof, I want to see evidence.
I was confused and he mentioned "or bank statement"
I: (Killer smile)Yes, with all pleasure. Just a moment please.
So I got the bank statement
V.O(while looking at the statement) Doesn't your mum have other children to sponsor in school?
I: (I never expected that question, so my English technically failed me, so I looked at him and answered) All of us have finished school, it remainder two of us.
I was so embarrassed about my grammatical blunder but I was glad he understood the point, we were all done with school except two of my siblings.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
I bounced out of the building
THE END

Congratulations mummy..i'm so happy 4 u

dumbiri99:
Hmmm really? if he/she didn't have funding, with the way the transcript is, the vo would most probably have been impatient and denied the application.

Funding doesnt guarantee one's visa bro

dreambound:
My approved visa transcript..
Vo: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning (wondering why she rushed to tell me first).
Vo: Pass me your passport and I20.
Me: Passed.
Vo: So what Engineering are you going for.
Me: Mechanical
VO: Okay, how did you hear about the school?
Me: ( *my gosh ...I heard bout the school from a friend but bee zee and others advised me not to say so..I forgot to prepare another response* )
It was recommended to me by a friend that studies there..but I learnt most of what I know about the University from my visit.
Vo: Nodding, looked like she wasn't listening after I said 'friend'.

Vo: Is this your second F1 Visa?

Me: No.

Vo: You've been to the US?

Me: Yes.

Vo: What's the longest time you've spent there?

Me: 15 days.

Vo: Do you have any family in the US?

Me: No.

Vo: (looks like she saw something in her screen) Your Robotics competition last year, where in the US did you do it?

Me: Albuquerque...and Houston.

Vo: So did you win? (She looked anxious..and from this question she started smiling at me)
Me: We came 6th

Vo: Out of??

Me: (Thinking for about 4 seconds)

Vo: (Smiling) around 60?

Me: I think we were over a hundred.

Vo: Wow..(smiling even more).

Vo: You visited this school?

Me: Yes.

Vo: did you apply to other schools?

Me: Yes.

Vo: Name them

Me: Howard University, Emory University, Trinity College, IIT Chicago, SMU Dallas, Loyola Marymount University..(I didn't mention some others and the federal schools that I applied to)

Vo: (Nodding as I spoke..I heard her saying wow when I mentioned Emory). Okay so did you get into those schools?

Me: I got into Howard, IIT Chicago, SMU Dallas, LMU..(didn't mention a few others that I got into coz I didn't say I applied to them).

Vo: So why did you choose this school?

Me: When I visited their campus, I was impressed with their close knit community and engineering program..I was also admitted into their honors program which opens up more opportunities for me, and then I was given a scholarship.

Vo: Okay (looks at my I20) So who is paying for the remaining cost?

Me: My Parents

Vo: What do they do?
Me: My Dad is the managing director of Bleep and my mum works as an assistant general manager at the bla..bla..

Vo: Your dad's business, what is it?

Me: (couldn't hear, asked her, she repeated). An eye clinic.

Vo: Picks up a white paper.

I was in an illusion when I saw the white paper...was thinking of the past present and future all at once..I couldn't hear what she was saying (something about pick up in 3 days)..the next thing she gave me back my passport..I was confused..until I saw it was my old passport that she detached and gave back to me..She held my current one.

Vo: Do well in school..have a nice day.

Me: Thank you.

congratulations bro, i'm so happy for you..na undergraduate abi?

Break!!! Ehnehn make i park for here...i believe i'll share my testimony here for fall 2019 IJN...

Leone26:
Amen Bro. Best wishes as you get set.

thanks bro...

Leone26:
Hey guys, so my visa was approved this morning at the Lagos consulate 7a.m. appointment. Na today I see as una talk say dem dey bounce people. Now sef na pink paper dem dey give o.

I was directed to the sweet black American lady at window 7 ..Yeah she drilled me wella and cut me off a few times when I was trying to speak at length.

After greeting her. She asked how I heard about the school.
Me: In the 3rd year of my bachelor's degree I used a textbook on mechanical engrg design published by Dr. Asiabanpour, (she cut me off here saying so the text was recommended to you by a Prof, which I replied in the affirmative).

She then asked me to list the other schools I applied to.
Me: The University of Texas @ San Antonio, and Wichita State University, Kansas.

She then asked when I graduated and what I studied.
Me: I completed my BS in 2014. Studied Industrial & Production Eng.

So she asked what I've been doing since 2014, in fact she read out what I filled on my DS form about a 2-month internship I did in 2017 where I worked on an offshore pipeline construction project as a Junior QA/QC Engr.

So she asked what I do presently.
Me: I am currently a Project Engr. with zzzzz International Ltd in PH, and it is a Nigerian EPCI contractor (engrg, procurement, construction, & installation). I provide technical support to more senior mechanical systems engrs in the planning and execution of mechanical construction projects at offshore/swamp facilities operated by Shell Nigeria.

I could tell that she was reading through my DS form throughout. Pls fill your forms very well, clearly and professionally explain what you do at work here.

She then asked why do you want to study this course (MS Mech & Manufacturing Eng. at Texas State University, San Marcos).
Me: I will have better opportunities and be at an advantage to join a major EPCI contractor like Subsea7
as a mechanical systems engr. when I return, because they value young engineers who've gained international exposure from their studies especially in the States. Also this program would enable me build technical competencies across 4 key in-demand disciplines: advanced materials eng., mechanical eng. design, micro electro mechanical systems, and additive manufacturing. (I speak very fast and gesticulate when I talk, and this helped here).

She then asked who's paying for the rest of my fees. My I-20 details are: tuition - 7,890 + living exp - 19,225 = $27,115. I got a graduate instructional assistantship that qualified me for instate tuition and a salary of $13,002.
Me: My Dad would cover the rest. He works as a Senior Project Engr. with xyz in PH and my mum would be supporting him. She manages an elementary school owned by her and my Dad.

Next I heard was congrats your visa has been approved. You can pick up in PH, let me get the new pick up location address for you. Na so I just dey talk thank you Ma. thank you Ma

Biko guys try and prepare your responses very well. I had to record mine on my phone and listen to them everyday on my earpiece and this really helped. Trust me I was tensed due to the rate of denials I witnessed, but I just shut them out even when a well dressed dude before me was denied by the VO. The guy was telling her that he likes teaching and wants to give back to the society, when she asked him what his course would do for him.

Lemme go and book my flight men...fly emirates or Qatar air. I go like see that Dubai airport way my aunty dey use yab PH own...(I have never travelled outside this una country).

Thanks to God for everything, and also to folks like @brown2green and @fairheart who critiqued my transcript. Yes, I did the GRE (303) & TOEFL (105). Pls folks make out time and read previous threads especially towards the May, June, July times. They really helped in my prep.

Congratulations bro, i'm so happy for you...God go perfect our own too..

icagbons:
Sudden Change In US Visa Rules That Affects Nigeria

May 28, 2019 | The Nigerian Voice


The United States Government last Week, without prior information or notice, launched a New Immigration Policy called "Build America" It is a new merit base visa application system that seeks to increase the standard of scrutiny of visa application to prevent people of questionable reputation, economic immigrants and People without travel history from getting US visa.

Under this new rules, key changes have already been implemented without notice, as follows :

1. End of Drop box (automatic visa renewal without interview for existing visa holders is cancelled. Existing visa owners will now apply and be interviewed like everyone else when their visa expires )



2. Green Card to be scrapped
3. Applicants for B1 or B2 visas without adequate travel experience will now be automatically denied.

4. Applicant with monthly income below $1700 will now be considered as economic immigrants and denied.

5. Strong ties & attachments (compelling proofs of what can bring you back )to Nigeria now to be strongly emphasized.

If look at the attached picture, you will see No AOS stamped on the passport. AOS means Adjustment of Status.

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/278550/sudden-change-in-us-visa-rules-that-affects-nigeria.html

is Nigeria the only country affected by this rules or its general?

Good evening, pls who know of any hotel closer to the lagos embassy?...ahbeg cheap one ni o

sheke01:
Facebook username should look like this: facebook.com/kay100

Noted, thanks boss, i tink say na email attached to my fb acct o, thank God say i never submit my ds160..thanks boss

sheke01:
As part of a training am undergoing, am part of a social media threat hunting team on a crowdWatch program affiliated with ISAO, homeland security, state department OSAC and homeland security Information network (HSIN) and this is what I can say:

The social media threat hunting tools available currently is top notch. Once you submit your usernames, please go and scrub your accounts very very well. Use Facebook security measures to prevent posts you were tagged from appearing on your profile so you don't get tagged in something you are not involved in

These tools will reveal every damn thing about your account. Every post you've ever liked, every comment you've made, all the groups you in, all the pages you've created. On Twitter the tools will display impressions your tweets create, word cloud, hash tag clouds etc

To get an idea of what am saying, play with "socialBearing" a twitter analysis tool and see the wonders it will reveal about the username you are hunting.

Let me stop here before I breach the non disclosure I signed.

Pls i'm confuse here, is it the email address attached to our facebook profile we have to fill in or facebook display name?

dreambound:
Any undergrad in here

Yes bro, we dey here..you're not alone