₦airaland Forum

Goodmorning all. Thanks for all the helpful insights. I do believe that d sponsor is d problem, not the fact that i'm going to America to study law. I still say that I knw a lot of my colleagues out there studying. As a matter of fact. A law degree from these ivy league schools opens doors here in naija. I really do not want to practice in d US. All i wanted was to go for a nine month LLM prog. Anyway, i dont think its wise to change my sponsor now, it may raise a red flag as per inconsistency. Except I am going to get some cash into my account and be a self sponsored applicant.

I also need ur insights as to whether or not the denials during the old passport period still shows on an applicant's profile. Thanks everyone.

OjaP: I believe there are. But most people go for STEM not only because they are in high demand here but because the V.O respects you when you tell him/her you are going for MS/PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Thermal Physics, Clinical Biochemistry, All the Engineerings, Geosciences etc.

Although, the US generally respects you if you tell them you are in medical school, law school or engineering school. Unfortunately, they don't think Nigerian visa applicants need to come waste money on LLM except maybe Int'l law because of so many reasons. 3 out of every 10 LLM applicants still get the Visa though.

Hmmm...na wa o! God'll do it for me next time.

OjaP: Why and How??

V.O: Why are you going to the US?

You: For a Masters degree in LAW with concentration in International Law

V.O: Why the school or Int'l Law?

This is where you will force him/her to dance to your tune (Condense the reasons I gave below as much as you can so you won't spend more than 1min on it. Re-arrange these points and let them flow logically. I am only typing it as it comes to my brain)

You: I hope to work with the United Nations, African Union etc after graduation. I have keen interest in the laws that govern the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another. The United Nations (U.N) role in economic development, enforcement of human rights, international security and ultimately the achievement of world peace is commendable and informed my decision to study International law.

Studying law in Columbia will be a life experience rather than simply gaining a law degree. My English language skills will improve beyond all recognition because the world is becoming a global village and English is the language of communication. Thus, a Master’s degree in Law from Columbia with my proposed concentration in International law means I have an international work passport allowing me to communicate, negotiate and transact on behalf of clients, no matter where they are located.

International law strategies demand lawyers with international skills and training - Your reason for choosing the US. My national and international clients would need both local and international advice. A graduate degree in Law from Columbia will set me on the right career path to fulfil these requirements as well as my personal ambitions.


Change your concentration to Int'l Law. That is more reasonable and will justify your reason for coming to the US to study Law.


Don't ask me how I know this, my kid sister is an Attorney.

Wow! Sounds soo credible. Thanks @ojaP. Is it that there are no lawyers in the house? Everyone seems to be STEM

zynnnie: wanting to do masters in law in US is one strong reason to deny u. Why will u do that. We dont ave same legal system. An Immigration intent was seen. U want to read American law to live and practice in America,

A friend of mine got it that same yesterday without much questions. I mean there are a million and one nigerian lawyers who have gone for their masters in d US. I knw many. I dnt think its a consideration at all.

OjaP: @ Kingcobra

I knew you are not a STEM student immediately you posted you got denied. However, your answered the V.O's question intelligently and I must confess you really tried. The only red flag I noticed is the statement of account but there are several other factors which I think also affected you.

Law schools here are very expensive, the Nigeria law system is so different to the US. Me and you know that Naija is British oriented. How will America Law degree be useful to you when you get back home after graduation? These maybe some of the things going on in the VO's head. Who knows?

If I were you, I will force the V.O to dance to my tune. Want to know why and how?

Yes please, i'd love to knw hw.

I was denied visa twice 10 yrs ago, wen I applied to go for undergrad. That was during d old passport. It was stamped twice. Yesterday, 10 yrs later and i am working now after doing my first degree, was denied again. Are d records in d old passport still reflecting in my profile?,i

babsharon: Sorry for that !!! Two things need †̥o be amend on your interview next time.
First, please always state the course written on Ur i-20 †̥o the VO. What u mentioned was totally different from what on Ur i-20 though †̥o u they the same but don't won't know that because they are looking α gap †̥o nail applicant.
Secondly, I think u can't defend Ur sponsor statement of account very will. You should always give figures that are equivalent †̥o what u are holding or having in d statement u want †̥o present.
Reapply or defer †̥o next semester and correct that bro.

Really confused. Dunno whether to apply again immedaitely, and if so, wat do I change or wat can I differently? My sch says its mandatory to be on campus on 13 August

kingcobra2003: oh, ok. I applied to study for a master's degree in law (LL.M). I am a lawyer in a leading law firm in naija

Guys, I really want u to get the full picture of hw it went. I am in d office now but will try.
it went thus:

VO: Why do u wanna study @ Columbia?
Me: Columbia is an Ivy League school one of the best categories of uni in d world. It has a rich array of courses germane to my practice areas.
VO: OK,wat course are u going to study there?
me: LL.M,
VO: (LOOKS AT MY I-20) I see here advanced Legal research/studies, general.
me: it is just nomenclature. it is a higher degree in law, also called LL.M. Its the same thing.
VO: Where did u do ur undergrad?
me: mentioned
vo: when did u graduate?
me: mentioned, plus d yr
vo:what hav u been doing since then?
me: after uni, I went to law sch and then work
vo: so u are already working as a lawyer?
me: yes, as an associate in a leading law firm (showed her my ID Card also told her abt my employment letter)
vo:wats an associate?
me: first step in a law firm, after which onw can be promoted to partner which is the highest position
vo: so, who's sponsoring u?
me: my uncle
vo: why would ur uncle sponsor u?
me: he grew up with ma father who took absolute responsibility for him. saw him thru sch and now he has a sort of obligation to do same. I have no dopubt about his sponsorship
vo: how much does he earn monthly
me: he owns an integrated services firm and doesn't earn monthly as an epmployee
vo: gimme an estimate of his monthly earning
me: it may be difficult to say as he doesn't earn monthly salary, he gets his pay as he performs contracts
vo: ok, how much does he pay himself monthly
me: (at this tym I was forced to mention a figure since she insisted so much) about 15 to 20 million
vo: (she looked at a chat that has d exchange rates)do u hav financial docs to show his earnings?
me: yes (showed it to her)
vo: (looks thru it and looks back at me) the figures here don't add up
me: that's the statement I got from him
vo: do u have another statement?
me: no
vo (types in something in the computer) unfortunately, I cannot issue u visa at this tym, the reason is contained in this letter (issues me their usual letter)

Square65: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

oh, ok. I applied to study for a master's degree in law (LL.M). I am a lawyer in a leading law firm in naija

Square65: It's quite surprising to me too but you still didn't respond to OjaP's last question. Did you apply to a STEM program? If you don't mind, you can share your experience and get some invaluable pointers to what you can do/say in your next attempt. I'm sure you will come back with a different story.

for Oja P's question, I don't knw the meaning of STEM program

FutureDon: Hehe, funny man

I think this assertion is not totally true. yesterday my visa was denied after over 15 mins interview and I applied to an Ivy League college to do masters in law.

OjaP: Did you apply there as a STEM student?

I don't get it. Stem? I dunno how to use thid stuff and I want to give a transcript of my interview. pls talk me thru it.

ok, I think I get it now

Ivy League schools guarantee you atleast 70% success during the interview. That is if you are not 35years old and just going for undergraduate studies or going there for a Masters in Physical Education or Swimming.

I dunno how to manoeuvre my way in this forum, I am brand new. But I must say that it may not be totally true. I applied to Columbia and still denied.

mehn, Ive been denied a US Visa o. I need help people, plss. I applied to Columbia University ranked 4th in the US. couldn't BELIEVE IT!