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I concur with the observations and suggestions of others. And also my observation is that there seems to be some gaps in your profile. You finished Bsc since 2015 and you've been working since then? No NYSC or maybe an exemption? I think he saw these gaps in your DS-160 that's why he first typed for so long and those questions of about why Msc now. What have you been doing too, you refused to shed lights on your place of work and job roles.

All those last questions about your tuition being high were just formality, he's decided to delay the visa immediately you could not give him good points from start.
Check your DS-160,there's a huge gap somewhere

Pepperoni001:
Dear People,

Interview: 12the July
Location: Lagos consulate
Status: Denied

My profile GPA 3.18/4, GRE: 289 Bsc.: Food Science and Technology. Working experience: I have been working since 2015. Intended Msc.: Sustainable Energy.

I was interviewed by a black American in his mid 60's at window one.

The below transpired

V.O: Pass me your passport and I-20
Me: I obliged

V.O: Types for forever
Me: I was just wondering.

V.O: After 5 mins , the old man decided to talk. He asked when did you finish high school?
Me: *2007*

VO: When did you finish your Bsc.
Me: 2015

VO: Since then what have you been doing?
Me: I have been working

VO: Why are you just going for your Msc.
Me: At my present place of work, I signed a bond that wont allow me leave my new job role for 18 months after employment and the bond just expired few weeks ago.

VO: I can see your tuition is a lot of money, about 25k.

Me: My Tuition isn't 25k, my tuition is just 15K and my living expenses is 10k that sums it up to the 25k

VO: That's a lot, who will pay it.

Me: That's affordable and my dad is the one paying the bills

VO: What does he do?
Me: He's a prof of Law at Bleep school and he's also into clearing and forwarding.

VO: You are not qualified.


Thinking I should re write GRE and aim 300+ and apply to schools that are generous with funding.

What do you think?

Well said.
Congratulations

Sherlock5577:
Sorry I have to place this here,
But it is appalling when an individual believes his/her opinion is superior to another's with regard to religious beliefs. With this said, I strongly recommend we respect everyone's religious orientation. No matter how one emphasizes ones opinions, you cannot change everyone's belief.
Those who believe there's no God should allow those who believe there's one to continue believing and those who believe in God cannot also impose their beliefs on anyone. (Let Baal defend himself). We all without an iota of a doubt will know if there's a God after death (for those who believe or don't believe in the afterlife). I hope it wouldn't be a terrible way of finding out about this existence or non-existence.


Abeg let me post my transcript as I remember it :

Abuja Consulate.

8th July, 2019.

Window 8/9 (Can't recall, but last window on the right when facing the VO)

White lady (She was typing most of the time).

Me: Good morning
VO: Good morning.

Pass me your passport?
Your I-20 too.
Have you travelled before?
Me: No
VO: What would you be doing in the US?
Me: I would be going for my masters in Geology at ULL.
VO: What are you currently doing?
Me: I am a Grad Assistant at University of **** (From her countenance, I felt she didn't want any more response, so I didn't say more)
VO: What would you do when you get back?
Me: I would come back to my current job. This masters degree would enable me get to the rank of an Assistant Lecturer at the University of ****. I also intend to create a research lab, a Petroleum Geoscience research lab, alongside my colleague and in the long run I hope to join a Research Group or Institute. (She was typing and nodding as if I don dey talk too much sef. (I think she saw my Graduate Teaching Assistantship at ULL)
VO: Who would be funding the remaining cost?
Me: My mum and elder sister.
VO: What do they do?
Me: My mum is a lecturer at the same University of ****, and my sister was a lecturer at a Private University, **** University, and is currently carrying out a fully funded PhD.
VO: Where is she carrying out this PhD?
Me: The United Kingdom.

Your Visa has been approved.
She gave two slips and said some other stuff I tried to listen to well but can't recall now. ☺

I did my due diligence. I ensured I filled every document completely and accurately, but I would not deny the God factor from how I got a First Class result, getting a job,
being funded till when I was issued a Visa. (All of these played a role in my success). He is merciful!

Profile:
BSc Geology and Mining
4.59/5.00
GRE: 311 - Q/V - 157/154 (Analytical writing - 4)
Experience: Few months of being a University Lecturer at time of application.
Applied to three schools: only one acceptance and was awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (Tuition ($25212) waived) even after being waitlisted by two schools and told that I didn't qualify for the second round of offers.
Defit/Living expenses is $10848. I'll work for just 10 hours weekly.

1 publication in an open access journal.

3 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) certificates from reputable schools in the world.

No documents aside my international passport and Form I 20 were requested from me by the VO.

God's grace was really evident. I was shocked when the VO said approved. I actually expected many more questions which I had answers to.

Two things that are noteworthy are (1) Please mind what you post online (it's good to have and share your opinions but our rights end where it infringes on another person's rights) and (2) Be careful on how you fill your DS 160 (Fill it as completely and accurately as possible).

I thank those who helped me prepare with my mock interviews.

I wish other hopefuls the best in their endeavours!!

Congratulations

ValentinoPerez:
I sincerely want to appreciate everyone on this trend for great and invaluable efforts put together to bring up fruitful discussions at all time. I have been a silent follower of this trend and finally, benefit from all your productive comments. May the good Lord bless you guys immensely in return.

My transcript goes thus:

Interview date: July 11, 2019.
Embassy: Lagos
Time: 6:45am
Window: 4, a black American man.

VO: Good Morning

Me: Good morning sir (almost at the same time with him)

VO: Let me have your documents please

Me: All right sir and I passed it

VO: Oh, University of Alabama!

Me: Yes, that's right!

VO: Why a PhD in Applied Mathematics?

Me: Pardon? (Because I wasn't expecting that as a first question)

VO: He repeated the question

Me: I want a PhD in applied mathematics because I'm passionate about the use of pure and applied mathematical concepts to study the evolution, effect, control of infectious diseases and epidemiogy of diseases that follow seasonal trend. I enjoy the use of mathematical models to provide insight into the complex structures of epidemiological and biomedical problems.

VO: Why University of Alabama?

Me: I chose university of Alabama because they have a strong research team in BioMathematics. Their applied mathematics group has excellent and award winning researchers, such as Prof Dang Nguyen who has just received a distinguished award from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. I'm also fascinated by the research of Prof David Halpern-who uses mathematical models to investigate biological and bioengineering process-with whom I have had correspondence.

VO: How did you come about BioMathematics?

Me: During my undergraduate, I took a course on Modeling of infectious diseases and I eventually did my undergraduate research in this area. After which I had a full scholarship to AIMS for my master where I had the opportunity of working under Prof Robert Smith of the University of Ottawa. He later supervised my thesis: Modeling the effect of vaccination on the control of Leptospirosis using impulsive and differential equations. These spur my passion for BioMath and I want to expand my research prowess.

VO: Your GTA, How did you get it?

Me: Pardon? (at this point, I was tired of talking)

VO: Tell me how you got GTA.

Me: The graduate admission committee found my application strong enough and contacted me for the GTA position (I lost composure at this point because this wasn't the response I prepared).

VO: Okay, what is your plan after graduation?

Me: I intend to return to my current place of employment-Landmark University where I currently serve as assistant.....and later pursue a post-doctoral research to broaden my horizons.

VO: Typing for few seconds and then looking at my mouth (as if I have not spoken enough but of course, the flow wasn't like when I was talking about my research)

Me: Yes! (like, that's all)

VO: Continued with the typing

Me: I was just speaking in tongues inside of me with my mouth gesticulating. I was thinking I had floppy responses in the later part of the interview.

VO: Looked up into my eyes and said your visa is approved.

Me: Thank you sir. Thank you for approving my Visa.

VO: No! with reaction. It's my job.

Vo: Reached out for the white paper, pick up your passport after 3-working days at the address indicated on this white paper. And you will need your I-20 at the point of entry.

NB: The VO was patient and he listened to me through out the conversation (lucky me!). I got tired so early because I was passionately dramatizing with my two hands and I expect the interview to end so soon (lazy me!).
However, be prepared for anything, personalise all your responses and be passionate with your delivery.

Go get it mehn! Congratulations.
What's the deficit?

Prollins:
Interview: July 11
Status: Administrative processing
No funding
Window 3

Vo: What are you going for?
Masters degree in information technology in North Carolina a&t university
Vo: How many schools and name?
2. North Carolina a&t and Texas a&m kingsville
Vo: Why the school?
Apart from the fact that the school is one of top and largest Hbcu in the country. They have two research center that are key to cybersecurity. Center of identity science and center of cyberdefense that has a 20 year partnership with the NSA.
Vo: How do you want to fight cybercrime?
I'd be learning about advanced encryption, handshake protocols that is used in whatsapp and other messaging apps etc to protect information.
Vo: Why HBCU? (Wasn't expecting this question)
I liked what the school had to offer and I'd feel at home, lol
Vo: Sponsor?
Grandma
Vo: What does she do?
She's retired
Passes bank statement
Vo : I'd be keeping the bank statement to confirm validity, if it's false, you will be banned. I looked at him and smiled
Passes the white paper with administrative processing ticked. God's favor spoke for me

Congratulations

obama14:
Approved Transcript
July 8th. 8:00a.m.
I was interviewed by the white guy at window 2
The questions are in this order.

Me Good morning
V.O: Good morning, pass me your documents.
(I passed it)
V.O: you are going to Bowling Green, Ohio.
Me: Yes.
V.O: Are you married?
Me: No.
V.O: Do you have any children?
Me: No.
V.O: What are you going for
Me: I am going for a m.s in Biological Sciences.
V.O: I can see you have a scholarship that covers almost all your school expenses.
Me: Yes.
V.O: Was it given by the University?
Me: Yes.
V.O: Do you have your transcript?
Me: No, I didn't know that, it would be required.(I was also shaking my head)
V.O: What about your certificate?
Me: No. I didn't bring it.
V.O: Do you have any document that can show where you graduated from?
Me: No, I only have my admission letter and standardized tests results here.
V.O: Where did you finish from?
Me: Bleep
V.O: Why this program?
Me: I want to work as a cancer research scientist at one of the foremost research institute in Nigeria. This degree will give me the much needed technical skills and expertise such as: the ability to carry out independent research, design and analyse methodologies and write research and review papers and give me the qualification to apply for a research position when I return back to Nigeria.
V.O: What did you study?
Me: Biochemistry.
V.O: What's exactly is your specialty?
Me: I will be specializing in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the department of Biological Sciences at bgsu.
V.O: tell me more about your specialty?
Me: I want to apply the tools of biochemistry and molecular biology to study cancer. I will be looking at cell signaling. Cell signaling is required for cell growth and proliferation. (I also said a host of things, the V.O listened throughout)... I'll also be looking at signaling cascades that allow cells to respond to their environment. I rounded up with: I'll be working with a faculty: Prof Bleep, she is currently working on how the systems of tumor promoters PKC regulates filopodia which is crucial in the understanding of how cancerous cells metastasized and how cells respond to their environment. She will be my thesis advisor.
(Around the time, I was about saying that I will be working with a faculty, he was shaking his head throughout until I finished)
V.O: I'll be approving your visa... passes the white paper.
Me: Many thanks.

And people will say there's a thing against MPH.
Congratulations.

Oyjulia:
My Approved transcript
Lagos consulate
9th of July 2019
7:45am
Going for my Masters in public health at Grand valley state university
Bsc in Biochemistry
No funding
23k deficit

Wore a white shirt and black pants incase you saw me say hi �

Interview proper:
Window 1 an advance white man maybe in his 50s denied the first woman going to see her children I was next na so I take excuse go toilet go pee� came back he was still dishing out denails�
Good morning sir
Vo: Didn’t reply (I wasn’t bothered)

Vo: when did you finish I school?
Me: 2011/2012

Vo: When this you finish your first degree?
Me: 2017

Vo: what did you study?
Me: Biochemistry

What have you been doing after that?
Me: went for Nysc in 2018 then rounded up in 2019

Vo: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: My mom

What does she do?
Me- I answered him

What does your dad do?
Me-I answered

How many sibling
Me- I answered

Where does your sister work?
Me-I answered

Did you take any test?
Me- yes GRE

What abt toefl?
Me-Told him it was waived

What was your score?
Me-303

Why didn’t you get a scholarship?
Me-I tried but I wasn’t given but I was promised graduate assistantship

What’s your family income?
Me- I answered

What is your job description?
Me- I work as laboratory scientist with Bleep hospital. Benin

What are your plans after graduation?
Me- my uncle owns an hospital I intend to work with him after my studies.

Vo: He gave me the white slip no documents asked��

I have come to return all the glory to God and this forum really helped me a lot. Thanks to shawarma who helped me review my proposed transcript��
I told God I would post my transcript here. I have to return all the glory to him.

CONGRATULATIONS

TheZed:
Location: Lagos Embassy
Date: 9 July 2019
Status: Approved
PhD Full funding
Everything was barely 3mins

V.O: Good morning
Me: Good morning ma’am

V.O: Pass me your passport
Me: (Passed my Passport, I20 and sevis receipt)

V.O: How did you get this assistantship?
Me: It was recommended by....cuts in

V.O: I mean what made you qualified for this assistantship?
Me: Oh, My GPA and my GRE score.

V.O: What’s your GPA and GRE score?
Me: 4.66 and 304

V.O: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: I applied to just two schools.

V.O: What’s the other school?
Me: Tamuk

V.O: So why Ncat?
Me: Because it’s a fully funded PhD program and........Cuts in

V.O: Didn’t you get scholarship from Tamuk?
Me: I only got an instate tuition waiver.

V.O: How much did you have to pay after the waiver?
Me: $21,000

V.O: Do you have a masters degree?
Me: No

V.O: Oh, It’s directly from Bsc
Me: Yes

V.O: When did you graduate?
Me: 2017

V.O: What have you been doing since then?
Me: I went for my compulsory National Youth service program from April 2018 to April 2019. After which I returned back home to prepare for my graduate school travels.

V.O: What do you want to do after your program?
Me: I want to be an industrial consultant and a lecturer.

V.O: Pick your passport at this location after 3 working days.
Me: Thank you (I was already in a trance at this point)

This is a definition of grace. Congratulations [quote authorhortcess post=79686173]Hey guys, my Visa was approved this morning at the Lagos consulate. Here is my transcript

VO:good morning
Me:good morning

VO: pass your i20 and passport
Me: *hands it over*

VO: do you have any relatives in the United States?
Me: yes, my sister

VO: where does she stay
Me: I mentioned the name of the state

VO: what does she do
Me: she's a student

VO: why did you choose to go to Mcneese
Me: Mcneese state university has an abundance of school spirit including various campus activities to choose from
I noticed she was shaking her head so I stopped talking

VO: you haven't answered my question
Me: the department of biology at Mcneese State University advances student knowledge through a wide range of opportunities to enter the work force or continue their education
She was still shaking her head, so I started shaking

VO: we know that, I need a specific reason
I got really scared so I started blabbing along the lines of "it has the technological and reseach facilities that will aid my learning"
She still continued to shake her head

VO: all schools in the United States do that, I haven't heard your reason for picking this school
Me: Mcneese gave me the highest scholarship which is why I chose to go there
Then, she nodded

VO: that is what I wanted to hear. So, who will be sponsoring your education
Me: my mom

VO: what does she do
Me: she's an accountant that works with XYZ company

VO: can I see her bank statement
Me: sure
This is where my heart was beating frantically because the money there wasn't up to the estimation of my fees but that was the best my mom could do

VO: does she have other bank accounts
Me: yes, she does

Vo: she just smiled and said "come and pick your Visa in 3 days time"
I was literally crying on the spot. I couldn't stop saying "thank you ma" because everyone who went before was denied but I didn't lose hope
So, all in all, thank you guys. This thread has been nothing but helpful to me and I hope others will benefit from this thread[/quote]

Please somebody help!

Whenever I try to log in my profile for the visa application, immediately the site directs me to the CGI website, the location turns to Algeria. Please what can I do? Should I use another device? Or what might have been the mistake?

Congratulations

Ibruks:
Good evening guys, first of all, I want to apologize to you all, I went for my visa interview on Tuesday but I've been out of both data and electricity since then, due to the heavy rainfall in my area. I should have dropped this sooner.

VO : She said something (but I couldn't hear her, my ears were blocked, I guess due to fear)
Me: I just passed my documents to her
VO: Where are you going to? (with one yeye tiny voice)
Me: I'm going to Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, for my Master's program in Physics.
VO: Why are you going to Creighton?
Me: ...because the department offers concentration on astro-particle physics which is a fusion of 3 diff areas of physics, cosmology, astronomy and particle physics. I want to be one of the starting members of this group in Nigeria (this last sentence ehn, I don't know why I said it, I was planning to say some other things that'd answer 'why the course and what will the course do for you'). I was like, I don Bleep up, I'm not even sure I said those well, I think I wasn't audible enough.
VO: What will your research be about?
Me: Can you please repeat that? (She did) and I said "Dark Matter".
VO: Dark matter? (making one funny gesture and I said to myself, Game over, I should have said it In a better way)
VO: (After checking through my i20) I can see you have an assistantship, did you write any standardized test?
Me: Yes, I did. I wrote GRE.
VO: score please
Me: 308
VO: (Typed for like 30 seconds)... I have approved your visa, you can take it up after 3 working days.
Me: I actually still don't know what I said, I stammered and was shaking, I packed my documents and left.

Venue : Lagos Consulate
Time: 7:45am

I think the major reason why I got scared was that I never knew the interview would be kind of Open like that, I thought it was a kindaf private thing that i'd even sit. As I entered into the room, I was like waawu and got really scared.

Thank you all for your contribution. Thank you sir Brown2green and thank you so so much madam Solihp, you attended to 100% of my questions and I really appreciate that.

Congrats in advance to everybody else.

Congratulations

omohakin:
Hello House,
My VISA was approved today at the Abuja Embassy
I will like to say a Big Thank you to everyone who finds time to share valuable information here. This platform has helped me all through this process.

My Key Profile
Washington State University, Pullman
M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering option)
Graduate Research Assistant Position (Full tuition waiver and monthly stipends)
No standard test taken: It wasn’t required by the institution (I am not advising this but I couldn’t help because of some constraints. Although I have previously written IELTS 2015)
Refused Canada Study Visa twice 2017
B.Eng Civil Engineering

MY TRANSCRIPT as much as I remember
ME: Good morning ma
VO: Good morning, Pass me your Passport and I-20 (an aged white woman- window 9)
ME: Alright ma. Here it is
VO: oohh…you’re going to Washington State University (she glanced through my I-120). She nods. why this school?
ME: Aside being offered a GRA position that comes with a full tuition waiver and monthly stipends, I have vested interest in the current research of Prof. Bleep on unsaturated soils. Geotechnical engineering research at WSU is carried out in collaboration and supported by funds by the US National Science Foundation, US Department of Transportation, US Department of Energy and US Federal Highway Administration and other private companies. Also… (VO cuts in)
VO: What will you do after your program
ME: I will return to Nigeria and Take up a Senior Project Engineer Position with Julius Berger NIg. I had my internship here and they give priorities to past interns more so haven added an international exposure, this is be a great advantage for me. I…(VO Cuts in)
VO: I see you applied to Canada
ME: yes ma, that is true. I applied in 2017 for a study visa but was refused. The VO raised concerned about my financial ability to fund this program. I…. (VO nods……and cuts in)
VO: Do you have a letter from the department confirming your assistantship and funding
ME: Yes ma. I do. (presented the letter)
VO: (she read thru the dept. letter thoroughly) …I can see you have to pay a residence fee of 1k USD. How will you pay that? do you have a financial statement?
ME: yes, ma I do (I presented my dad’s Fixed deposit bank statement for the past 3months), it is my dad’s statement…. (VO Cuts in) (although the money will be deducted gradually from my monthly stipends as stated in my letter. My monthly stipend is close to 2k USD. I didn’t say this as I felt it will show I don’t have any personal fund)
VO: oohh. your dad. What does he do?
ME: He is a principal manager (electrical) with Bleep. He… (VO cuts in)
VO: oohh I see your dad is also an engineer
ME: Yes ma. He is an electrical engineer.
VO: (VO nods) …congratulations, your VISA is approved. She started saying the regular things of don’t overstay stuff, make sure you do this do that…present your I-20…e.t.c
ME: yes maa. I do understand …. Thank you… (I took my leave)

Too many refused Visas during my stay in the hall. I think I saw just like 3 approvals…one old couple, a guy which I saw had full funding also and a young lady who said she came to renew her VISA. She is an undergraduate at Ohio State University.

Above all Preparation and Effort(s), God favored me. A big thank you to Bwiizy, Solihp for their support. Also, I never fail to go through comments made by Bracelum, Time2win, Brown2Green, Shawarma and others too many to mention. I wish those awaiting their interview, admission or funding Success.

Congratulations

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.

Bless you for the moderation.

I'll share my success visa transcript here by His grace.

justwise:
Welcome to part 15.


I really have to thank all the contributors for making out time to answer questions here, your contributions are appreciated.

Part 14 is here for reference purposes: https://www.nairaland.com/4672093/general-u.s.a-student-visa-enquiries-part

You can also ask VO question in this thread started to help prospective students https://www.nairaland.com/2991174/u.s-student-visa-f1-m1

Part 11/12 Visa Transcripts. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vv0a0sfgaysztiq/AADbiS4UG7q57b0qcFPjaPkna?dl=0

F1 visa application link https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/study-exchange/student/

I'm open to more suggestions regarding any useful link to add to this page

Good luck!

Good day house,
Please I need your advice on this situation.
I was denied a B1 visa in 2017 through an AGENT.
But now I'm doing my F1 myself. Today I was trying to apply for my visa. But when I was trying to update my profile, the site says that my personal details match with a profile already on the database. And the email address the agent wrote was written on it.
What options do I have incase I can't reach the agent again for the password of the former account?
What can I do?

Thanks

Ofcourse!
Travel history doesn't matter for an F1 application.

Develpeast:
Please someone should give me a straight and definite answer to this question. Do I stand a chance of getting my visa application approved as I have not travelled to any other country before?

I'm so sorry!

Also, with other corrections made it is my opinion that an Aunt in the USA places you like someone who could run away? I think it somehow removes home ties. Just an opinion!

Amyfid12:
Good morning lovely people. It's been a week i was denied visa at the US embassy in Abuja. To say i was devastated is an understatement. I thank God for the support system i have in terms of family and friends that encouraged me that all things will work together for my good. I had to come out here to get advice on how i went wrong. I applied to 6 schools, 5 admits and all for Masters in Public health. They offered me admission without funding. I reached out to them but there was no assurance i will be given a GA position. I decided to go for West Chester University, Pennsylvania and the total amount on my I-20 is $29,525. My aunt who resides in US is my sponsor. I prepared well for my interview and ensured my documents were complete. Below is my interview transcript on 24th May:

ME: Good morning
VO: Good morning, pass me your passport and I-20
ME: Sure
VO: Why did you choose this school?
ME: I chose this school because i'm interested in an ongoing research by Prof xxxx on xxxxxxx. Also, the school mandates it's MPH students to complete a 6 credits, 300 hours community service course called Bleep. ( The VO cuts in)
VO: What do you do?
ME: I'm a pharmacist working with xxxxxxxxx
VO: Who is your sponsor?
ME: My aunt by name xxxxxxxxx
VO: types for some seconds and handed a green paper to me, that it will explain my denial of Visa.

All these, didn't last up to 5 minutes. I was shocked because i expected questions on Why US? Why MPH? What are your plans after the MS program? Can i see your SOA? which she didn't ask me.
Please, where did i go wrong? Mind you, i didn't stutter cos i prepared well for this interview. My school starts in August and i don't know what to do.

Hello Nairalanders,

In the DS160, under TRAVEL INFORMATION.
If my uncle is paying/sponsoring my trip through his company account, what will I write at these areas? His name or company name?
(Person/Entity paying for your trip) :

Hello Nairalanders,

In the DS160, under TRAVEL INFORMATION.
If my uncle is paying/sponsoring my trip through his company account, what will I write at these areas? His name or company name?
(Person/Entity paying for your trip:
Person paying for your trip:
Telephone number:
Email address:
Relationship to you:
Is the address of the party paying for your trip the same as your home or mailing address :
Payer's address

Please I need your contact details, phone number. I have an important question to ask you, cos I I have a similar profile with yours. I've mailed you but may take time before you reply.
alabiayobami@gmail.com

yuscodguy:
I remembered the day I post my transcript here, I already booked a spot here to post my transcript in early 2018 but it was Jan 2019 that it all happened.

I followed this thread from part 11 hoping I will write my success story in part 13 but I never give up and Almighty God crown my effort.

I will always say the following to be in a better position
1. do your homework well
2. Write GRE &TOEFL and have a great score
3. Evaluate your result so that you will not be limited to schools that doesn't require evaluation
4. Communicate with your graduate coordinator.
5. Apply for GA/GRA/TA/RA so that your tuition will be waived and you will be paid monthly stipends
6. Have it in mind that not all of us will go to ivies and top schools, discovered your school that will give you everything you wanted. There are over 3000+ universities in the US.

With all these, going for visa interview will be easy.
NB: don't be disorganized by people's reject, stay strong you will get your visa approved.

NEVER GIVE UP
God bless my country NIGERIA and AMERICA.

Excellent piece! Thanks for this

fairheart:
SUCCESSFUL VISA INTERVIEW NUGGET TWO

If you complain that this is too long for you to read, I'm afraid to say you're not a student

HERE WE GO! First, I want you to understand I am sharing whatever you read here from personal experience as Study-abroad Consultant and as someone who has many students in my circle. Just take what you know is helpful and leave the rest. I'm going to use many words to explain few things. That is the trick of world's education system!

NOTE that the US embassy wants you to come for interview because they want to see and hear you first before they know you’re eligible for the category of visa you’re seeking. If not, there would be no need for interview. So, in this sense, you are required to prepare to be well seen and heard well.

Your next homework in preparing yourself for a successful F1 visa interview is to be psychologically calm—so that you can be seen (as genuine) and heard by the VO. Effectiveness begins in the mind, not from the documents, or the people you know. You must tackle fear, anxiety, and self-doubt rooted in lack of confidence in your own abilities. If you have never had any major interview or breakthrough a very difficult professional goal in your life, you could be a victim of fear and tension. I remember how I used to avoid eyes contact when I needed to talk to people. But now, a man that's not afraid will look you in the eyes, smiling and able to express exactly what he wants to say. So, the goal is to stand in front of the VO and remain psychologically calm as possible. To achieve this state of mind, especially if you are afraid of your upcoming interview, you may need the following:

ONE: YOU NEED AN INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT.
Get that ready as soon as you can. List all the generic questions you know the VO usually ask during F1 interview. Take each question at a time. What do you think would be ideal to say to a question like, "How did you hear about this school?" Write the response down. It should be moderate, simple and unique according to your academic and career goals. No story! If you find it hard coming up with a fine response, seek for help.

TWO: HAVE YOUR TRANSCRIPT IN YOUR HIPPOCAMPUS
I saw a transcript here last week in which the applicant quoted the VO as saying he did not need to have a prepared transcript for the interview (and visa was granted). How ignorant of the VO! The fact that he/she is a VO does not mean they have absolute understanding of how interview is conducted. Ask the VO if he/she did not prepare for the interview that got him/her the consular job? One of the things that portray a student as “not genuine” in front of a VO is inability to talk well during the interview. Believe me, this is one of the strongest reasons most F1 visas have been refused. The fundamental reason for interview is to check on the student whether he’s genuine or just taking advantage of the F1 visa category to migrate and “Japa” as some persons here would say.

So, how did you pass the exams that got you the first class, or second class upper or lower on your certificate? Because you studied your textbook, of course! Because you studied it and became familiar with the information, you kill the questions related to what you have studied on examination day. Even Presidents of nations prepare transcript for interviews, because they know they could mess up if such is lacking. There is no man that can speak and express himself effectively (especially when tense or under pressure) except the information has been well-stored and familiar with. There are not so many students who have trained their mind to be creative with words and expression when under pressure. Most of us shut down temporary and unable to say what we really desire to say or should say when under pressure and afraid.

So, for a student going for a major interview in a decade, except you really know what to say, you may not be able to say it. You should know what to say. You should know what you want to say based on your unique case ahead of the interview and that is why you need prepared yourself a transcript for the interview. Know it! Review it! Ask yourself questions and answer them about it. If I tell you that you will not be afraid upon citing the consular at the embassy, I may be wrong. Fear and doubt are a part of our existence as human being, and it is okay. Your duty as a student going to get the F1 visa is to rise above them and say what you should say to earn an approval.

I remember a time in 2016. As an advocate for youth education and our role in shaping future society, I was invited to speak at a church with over 100 members. Due to work, I did not get to outline what I will be speaking on, though the pastor sent me a topic my sermon or talk should revolve. I wanted to go on stage without a prepared speech, but when I look at the fact that I need to quote certain bible verses, I changed my mind and prepared heading and sub-heading for the speech. I then read, revise, and read what I will be saying. When I got on stage, with all eyes on me, I greeted the audience and delivered a very motivating speech. Because I had prepared what to say—knowing that the audience is aware of the topic—everything went well. The same is necessary for the F1 visa interview.
Though things may go wrong due to certain things outside our direct control, yet, preparation against possible fear, anxiety and doubt attack attracts success.

Research shows that the hippocampus (a part of the limbic system in the brain where information and memories are retrieved) lags when your mind is under pressure and fear. Now, imagine if you've nothing stored up related to this interview and your fear of “what if I am refused” captured you? This is to say you may not be able to express yourself well; confusion! The consular may think you’re not a genuine student. Though, there is exception for students who stammer.
So, read the transcript from time to time. Get familiar with it. Does that mean cramming? You call it cramming; I call it PREPARATION FOR A MAJOR INTERVIEW—one that is a defining moment for the rest of your career and even life.


THREE: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
I have seen professionals at the top of their career who have strong self-doubt in themselves. Once you tell them to go achieve something new, they come up with all sort of excuses that, if you trace the root of these excuses, you will find them in lack of confidence. Young, old, educated and uneducated all have issue of personal faith—depends on the level of success we are trying to achieve. You need to tell yourself that if others have done it and get their visas, you can do it, and do it better. A prospective student going for his interview soon told me that this evening. That's confidence!

I broke the chain of my own self-doubt several years ago, when I started reflecting on how strong I have been in the face of difficult situations. You, too, have seen a lot. You need to remind yourself that if you could go through what you've been through, be it your undergraduate education, professional training, personal growth--or whatever, you can also handle this coming interview. Revisit the list of your progresses, academic and professional experiences and endeavours. You have had your own success here and there, although you remember your failures more. So, don't listen to any shallow voice saying you can't have a nice interview and get the visa. Even Bill gate, Warren Buffet or Jeff of Amazon have times they take care of their self-doubt too. Take care of yours too, so you can do things confidently pursue and achieve your heart desires.

You need a lot of “I can do it”; a lot of "I am going to smile in there and talk to the VO”; a lot of "this is what I want for my career, and I'm going to get it." Tell yourself all these positive stuffs to heat up the root of your self-doubt and observe them dry.


FOUR: DRESS WELL & NEAT
I do not have much to say here as "well and neat" have different meaning to each person. But I will recommend you wear something you are comfortable in. Look your best. But mind you, simplicity is the best! Don't dress to the interview like Olosho (smile)


FIVE: HOPE FOR THE BEST; BALANCE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
As a young person, life has taught me that it is erroneous to think everything will always go the way I want. Sometimes, we are victim of circumstances we know nothing of, and that we cannot control—even after we have done our ultimate best!

Do not see the F1 visa as do or die, except you want to experience high blood pressure. If you have done your best, allow things to happen. Exhale all the worries that “what if I am refused” may have induced. What if you’re refused? So? You reapply! What is you’re refused again? You reapply! You don't give up just like that!

But have you also thought of “what if I am one of those good number of students Fairheart saw in his dream that got their visas in 2019? Of course! Think about that too!

This is what I call balanced expectation. Sometimes, life is 50/50! But this does not mean you should follow the erred opinion that what will be will be. No, most times, things be because we make them be. You still need to do your best. Just make sure you balance your expectation. Funny enough, balanced expectation on results we expect from our endeavours induce calm state of mind and boost confidence. Try it and see how all your worries and anxiety will be lifted. This is a magic pill I have used to liberate myself from unnecessary worries and anxiety when pursuing something I badly desire.

A balanced expectation is vital as we go through life and its modus operandi. King Solomon once said there is “factor of time and chances” at the centre of events that occur to every human being in life. Some things will go wrong even when we do the right thing. Some things will go right, even when we make mistakes and mess up. Why? Time and chances! These are forces of fate. You could be refused in May and get the visa in June or July. I always quote a close friend who was refused 8 times and got it the 9th time. I still ask why and what he did wrong during those 8 appearances at the embassy. Just imagine it too!

SIX: LAY YOUR CAUSE BEFORE GOD
This is my last advice for all of you going for F1 this fall. Whether you believe in God or not, there is God. There is God o! And one of His attributes is that, He listens to genuine prayers of those who have faith in Him. I am not trying to motivate you. This is the reality. God hears prayer! So, if you are worried, pray. If you are unsure, pray. If you think you may experience hard luck, pray. If you have stubborn confidence that you will get a visa approval, pray.

A friend told me that each time he fast and pray on a particular thing he wants, door always open. He then said if fasting is not part of the prayer for the request, he hardly see the result. We both laughed. I almost took him for a prayer warrior. But then, I remember Jesus saying in Matthew 17:21 that without fasting and prayer, certain miracle will not happen.

Hey, maybe you should pray and fast too about this favour. Because you may need God's favour or good luck (the secular term for favour) to supplement your preparation. This could be the last thing to do to open the door.

Alright dreamers! I will try and re-post this for Spring 2020 students. Don’t forget, the approval rate will be higher than refusal this year. Keep counting the visas. God bless!

Thanks

Brown2Green:
Yes
You can book anytime before your resumption date.

Please house,

Are DS160 and visa application payments a linear thing? I mean does it mean that immediately I fill the DS160 form, I must book visa immediately or before?

I want to fill my DS160 now but wait till month end to pay for my visa fee. Is that doable?

Congratulations!

jaiye022:
Hi guys, good afternoon.
My cousin sent some transcripts to use to prepare for my interview like 2 months ago. I havent been able to stop reading since. Every time i read the transcripts i picture myself typing my own testimony here.
Got my visa approved yesterday morning at Abuja Embassy 7:30am batch. So unlike Lagos and being a Thursday the crowd wasnt that much. We got to the first security check outside, after checks i headed to join another queue where you submit your passport so they can tag it. From there through another security check to another queue to do biometrics. After the biometrics i joined the interview queue and sat accordingly. My heart was beating so fast and my body shivered. I asked God to cover my errors and mistakes and give me favour with the VO. Time to enter for interview, window 7 was a woman dashing denials like handbills, my heart started panting again while i prayed i shouldnt go to her. She denied like 5 people in my front without even giving them time to state their case. the guy in window 8 was more patient with applicants so i prayed to go to him but as God will have it i got the woman. Here's our conversation

VO: Pass your passport and i20
Me: Good morning (as i passed them to her)
VO: Good morning. Why Missouri State ?
Me: (In my mind i was okay straight to business) Missouri State University is one of the few schools that offers Defense and Strategic Studies to civilians and their extensive curriculum aligns with my research and career interest
VO: and what is that?
Me: (Didnt hear her well so i asked again)
VO: Your career interest, what is it?
Me: I want to be a member of the Nigerian Army and this course will help me achieve that
VO: (Types for a while on her computer) How many other schools did you apply to?
Me: 3 others. Georgetown University, George Mason University and University of Texas at El Paso
VO: How many others gave you admission
Me: No other yet just Missouri State University (maintaining eye contact)
VO: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: My uncle and his wife
VO: What does he do?
Me: He owns so so and so
VO: Do you have his statement?
Me: Passed it to her
VO: (Looks at it intensely) Is this his company's statement?
Me: Yes it is, they are paying for my studies
VO: Spell his name
Me: (Spelt it)
VO: How long as he been sponsoring your education
Me: Since 2004 when i got in secondary school
VO: We are going to critically look into these account statement and if we find anything incriminating you will be banned forever from entering the US. Do you give the permission to go through this?
Me: Yes please (smiling already)
VO: (Passes me white paper and my i20)
Me: (Picked them) what do i do next?
VO: Its written on the white paper. Have a nice day.
Me: Thank You

I was very confident that my passport would not return home with me, i froze at a particular point and in my mind i knew i had messed up but God showed up for me and covered my error and mistake. thanks to everyone that contributes to this page, please dont stop. i got a lot of encouragement from these transcripts. I wish future applicants success in their interviews. its not as hard as you think just be thoroughly prepared. I will advice that if your applying for student visa do it in Abuja, that is an advantage already cos its like they give preference to students. All the students i saw got their visas yesterday.

Congratulations!

stones10:
Had my visa interview on Monday and here is the transcript.

V.O: Good morning
Me: Good morning

V.O: Pass me your passport
Me: (Passed my Passport, I20 and sevis receipt)

V.O: Did you apply to any other school?
Me: I applied to seven other schools.

V.O: You applied to seven other schools? (She was a bit surprised)
Me: Yes (Actually applied to nine schools)

V.O: Why did you choose this school?
Me: Well, it was actually a tough one. I was awarded a fellowship by the school and given a graduate assistantship by the department. Also, my adviser Dr. Pierson was really keen on having me (stuttered a bit here) and went out of his way to convince me to join his research team. Most importantly, his research work on additive manufacturing, industrial automation and cobots are a perfect fit for me because this was what I worked on in my undergraduate research project, so it's more like a step up. ( she was listening and typing all through. Even after I finished she kept on typing for a while before asking the next question)

V.O: Which engineering are you going for? (My I20 only had "General Engineering " as the course of study)
Me: Industrial Engineering

V.O: Do you have any one in the US?
Me: Yes, my uncle.

V.O: Are you single?
Me: Yes, I'm.

V.O: (brought out the white paper and circled the pickup location before giving it to me.) It will be ready after 3 working days...... you will need your I20 at the point of entry...
Me: Thank you.

Thanks to everyone especially those that took time to share their transcript, they were really helpful. I pray those preparing for their interview shall get their own with ease.

So it means MAY is still available right now?

lalavita:
For everyone trying to get an earlier date, the Embassy just opened up a date next week - 13th. Hurry if you are interested. I had been checking everyday and this is the first time an earlier date opened up.
Wishing everyone a successful experience.

Okay, thanks

fairheart:
To the best of my knowledge, this is not advisable. But go ahead. Write his name as the sponsor. Let his Statement of account carry a reference letter. defend the relationship at the embassy.

Hello house, please I have question :

If my uncle is sponsoring me, but he plans to give me his own company's Statement of Account. When I'm filling my DS160, will I still write that it's family sponsorship on the sponsorship page?

That assistantship really helped like u said yesterday, but it's more peculiar to your case cos the VO already made up his mind to give you. Also God's grace was with you to be honest, we all need it.
Congratulations

ToluwalekeA:
My interview yesterday went below. Visa approved


VO:pass me ur 1-20 and passport
Me: gave her the required documents

VO: how did you hear abt the school
Me: i got to know about the university through an alumni of the uni(VO cuts in). you are tense and talking fast, just calm and dont tell me what you have memorised. she did not allow me to finish
VO: How many school did you apply to and how many gave u admission, name them
Me: GSU, MTU, ohio uni, BGSU , lafayette. All admitted
VO: why Ohio uni
ME: talking fast and obvious that i crammed my transcript(VO cuts in). if u have memorised everything how do you want me to know u are a genuine student, talk gently and tell me about ur research and not reputation or curriculum of the uni. pls answer my question now.
Me : i now spoke about my research in environmental geoscience. she cuts i. again
VO: how did u get the assistantship
Me: i applied then i was scheduled for a skype interview VO cuts in. all memorised she said.
VO: i will approve ur visa but next time when going for an internship u dont need to memorised or have a prepared transcript, just flow with the interview and answer the question asked. I am telling u for future purpose. Have a wonderful time in the US
Me : all smiling thanks i appreciate