Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad you are all set to excel. Enjoy your US experience. My school has already started. Rather intense so far.

tmd:
Thank you. Her interview went well. Cant remember the questions the sequence they were asked again though but I'll try

VO: What do you do and what are your duties
Nanny: I am a Nanny, I take care of the children
VO: How long have you been working with your employer
Nanny: 2yrs 4mths
VO: How much are you paid monthly
Nanny: #25000
VO: Are you sure
Nanny: Yes
VO: She read through the contract I made that we both signed and then asked her if everything in the contract was explained to her, she answered in the affirmative
VO: Were you the one that signed it
Nanny: Yes, VO asked if she was sure again and she also answered in the affirmative
VO: How long were you told you were going to stay for in the US
Nanny: 2years but I would be coming in December to spend Christmas with my family
She was afterwards given one booklet for Domestic workers on B1 visa, the content is about them knowing their rights and not allowing people use them for human trafficking etc

NB Bank statement was perused and content of our contract was noted on her system.
We asked for Hausa Interpreter so she could flow well

Documents taken
Contract agreement stating how much she would be paid, her work schedule, day offs etc
Bank statement
Photocopy of my Visa page

Hi @tmd, Congrats on the visa approval and all the best with your journey. Can you share how it went with your children's nanny's interview? Thank you.

tmd:
Thank you. Her Interview is next week, I called the embassy and I was told I shouldn't schedule our appointments together but come along with her since am her employee, so outcome would be known next week.

Congratulations

tmd:
Profile

CGPA 3.47/4
GRE 322 TOEFL 97
Emory University MPH Global Health- Infectious disease concentration
Not fully funded but got $20000 Rollins pathway scholarship
Deficit on I20 is $44000 after scholarship has been deducted
No Document asked
Status: Visa approved

.

I joined this thread a few years ago at a time when I did not have defined plans for graduate school.
However, I have been uplifted by the positive stories even beyond visa approvals.
Thank you to everyone who keeps this thread going.

Approved Visa transcript - F1 and F2

Background
Masters in a non-STEM course
Full Funding - Covered all my costs entirely. However, a deficit was created when I added dependents. This was listed as Dependent Costs on my i20.

NOTE: For my school to issue your i20, you need to transfer the total amount due to be covered into a US Dollar Account in your name at a bank which has a commercial presence in the United States. So basically an American Bank like Citibank, Bank of America etc…
I found it interesting. Let’s see if more American schools start doing the same in the future.


Ready
I felt I had a strong case due to the quality of my program and ties to Nigeria from my job, however, I was concerned about my US ties such as child and sibling as well as travelling with my spouse/family. That aside, I ensured that I did the following.

Prayed - Very important for me

DS160 - I dedicated quality time to completing this. I reviewed it several times to ensure that it was completely correct and complete before submitting. I will say it took me 3 days to fill this form lol. I completed it but kept going back to re-read to ensure correctness and completeness. My spouse did the same as well.

I know some people who have funding have asked this question. For the question on who is funding your trip, I put the school rep and school address.
Also, as I mentioned in an earlier post, my form did not have the previous education question.

Documents - I got a multi-segment folder and put all relevant documents in different easy to locate categories.
For example, the essentials such as passport, SEVIS receipt and i20 were in the main segment while other “might ask” documents (this came in handy later) were in other segments.

Interview
The pre-screening was smooth.

So I was feeling nervous during the pre-screening but once I got to the finger-printing, I became very very relaxed and when I got to the VO, I was actually excited and looking forward to the chat.

Why are you going to the United States?
To complete my Masters Degree in Governance, Policy...

I see you have a scholarship…
Yes, I have full funding. It covers all my tuition and costs

Why do you want this degree?
Me: (Excited and smiling - I’m passionate about what I am studying so I was looking forward to sharing my story.)

I joined the non-profit sector in 2014 and since that time, I have experienced first-hand the massive impact the non-profit sector and the private sector has on communities in Nigeria.
However, I have also seen the massive gaps and issues that can only be solved by the government/public sector intervention. I am pursuing this degree to build my expertise, expand my network and capacity for impact in this sector.


(Looks at spouse) Says; You are accompanying...
Yes

I see you have several B1/B2s, what’s the longest time you have spent in the US?
3 Months, when I went to give birth.

Have you presented your receipts?
I have not had the opportunity to.
Here you go…(Gave him receipts)

VO typed for a very long time. In my mind, I was like, let this VO ask me more questions LOL but he kept typing. I had been looking forward to the interview for so long that I was just so over-eager to answer questions lol

Do you have more children?
No

Your visa has been approved.
You will get an email when it is ready. You’ll these documents (i20) when you arrive.

That was it.

Even though we had so many other documents we felt may be requested.
Visas have been picked up.

In terms of advice, I would say, be honest, transparent and well prepared.

Side Note
I see a lot of STEM students with full funding. Well done everyone! There are brilliant people on here!
Full funding isn’t limited to STEM. In my sector, government/policy etc… I know international students who have gotten full funding recently from the following. I know these are very competitive programs but with a high GRE, solid GPA, references and great personal statements, if this is your area of interest, you can do it.

WWS at Princeton - All admitted students are given full funding
UC San Diego - GPS - I know someone who got a fully funded offer this year
George Washington - Trachtenberg - I know someone who got a fully funded offer last year
NYU Wagner - I know 2 people who have been fully funded over the recent years
Harvard Kennedy - If you are a quant superstar (Economics or Stats or Mathematics) - try the MPA/ID. This is a good alternative career path for a math or econs whiz who doesn't want to go down the traditional PhD route.
Michigan - Ford
Georgetown - McCourt
Sanford at Duke

Wow...
Blockbuster transcript. Thanks for sharing. Congrats.

handoffire:
Hmmmmmm. Where will I start from? God was really involved in my admission process and visa.

O: do you have any financial document
ME: Yes ma (As I was bringing the one page treasury bill paper out, she said no no no)
VO: I need bank statements, about 5 to 6 pages
ME: it's a Nigerian treasury Bill ma of 70M
VO: I need bank statement (She was raising her voice now)
ME: My uncle deposited it last year November so that it would have generated an interest of (V.O cuts in angrily)
VO: shut up!, I said shut up! I need bank statement (She was now typing very fast)
I was just looking on my own speechless( My mind was like he done happen lemme be packing my documents)
VO: (she muttered something but I didn't listen I was just packing and arranging my document inside my file)
She gave me my passport and a white paper while she circled the second part of additional document required
ME: I don't understand ma( I was expecting a blue paper or yellow paper)
VO: Listen, I was talking and you were not listening, listen, listen ( She was speaking like a Boss and somehow angry)
ME: am sorry ma (I dropped my documents and drew closer to the window fixing my gaze on her)
VO: Take this white paper with you and drop it with your passport at the DHL drop off point. You are to include a bank statement or liquid funds that shows $36,783. Liquid funds pls.
ME: Okay ma(I continued putting my documents in my Ups envelope they were spread/scattered on the tile b4)
VO: Please leave this place, go and arrange your file outside, there is a table outside pls( Authoritative and harsh yet somehow polite)
ME:OKAY

Immediately I called my uncle and explained what happened, he told me come immediately, went to the bank and Got his two fixed deposits of 10M and 15M plus his bank statement balance of 1.4M my fee requirement was 13.5M.

I called time2win and asked him if fixed deposit was a liquid fund because the Bank Manager said the F.D was Open Market, I said yes that F.D was accepted but he wasn't too sure if it was a liquid fund. I used it like that anyways submitting the documents the same day.

I was placed on A.P when I checked my status on Tuesday. This afternoon my status changed to ISSUED!

Na God do am oh.
Help me shout 7 hallaluyah to the Most High God!!!

I agree. Very valid.
You never know who will be on the other side as the VO.

LagosismyHome:


My friend mother went for Interview recently and she was asked why does she want to go to US... Her daughter is on H1B , the mum said her daughter just had a baby so she going to take care of her granddaughter

The Vo immediately said there are baby sitters / daycare in the USA and her going there would deny a baby sitter a job and that was it . Shows you can never predict what in a VOs mind or predict what is in anybody mind .

The other bold is highly subjective as well . Depends on who is listening to that story

Thanks. I’m working on it.

I’m obviously not a VO but I do think you have a strong case.
Pray
Ensure you both fill your forms very well
Be confident and ready to answer any questions.
In my view, the weakest perspective of your application is the fact that you don’t have a job but there is nothing you can do to change that at this point. Instead, use that to emphasise why you need this PhD to get ahead in your career in Nigeria.

Unlike Nigeria, childcare is extremely expensive in the US so it makes sense that your husband is going to take care of your child while you are in school.

Also from an equal opportunity perspective, which Americans appreciate much more than in the Nigerian patriarchy, it’s powerful that as a woman, you are pursuing your PhD ambition with a baby in tow plus your husband is being supportive. Own the narrative.
All the best!

Jachy4real:

Wow... Congratulations! �...I look forward to your transcript. It will really be of help to me

Congratulations on your admit and funding.
Your case is close to mine as I just got my F1 and spouse got his F2.
Posting transcript shortly.
However, my interview was straight forward. I believe filling your DS160 thoroughly and to highlight strong ties will go a long way.
For example, your husband’s job or business on his form etc...

Edited to add that, if your husband is going for F2, that means he plans to stay there during the course of your PhD. If he plans to just help you settle down and come back, that’s B1/B2.

Pray for the best outcome too.

Jachy4real:
Good afternoon everyone. Please I need your advice. My visa interview soon for a PhD program and my husband and 6months old baby also applied as dependants, so we will be interviewed as a family. The reason my husband is going with me is to help me with the baby while I settle down and possibly apply in the same school for the next fall session for his PhD too. How do I prove home ties and that we don't plan to permanently emigrate from this country.
Also, I dont have work experience in my field. I completed my masters at the end of 2015 and while searching for a lecturing job, they all kept saying that I should show evidence of PhD program registration. Since I have always dreamed of doing my PhD in the US, I decided to focus on studying for GRE and applying. After my GRE in 2017, I applied to some schools but was not accepted. Got all my rejection letters by March 2018. When I found out I was pregnant, I decided to stay back home while I learn skills in web development and apply again for my PhD. And now I am nursing my baby. Now I have gotten 3 admits, 1 reject and the last one still under review. How do I explain this academic/professional gap without shooting myself on the foot.
Also, the school I decided to attend was brought to my notice by the graduate recruiting officer of the department after seeing my GRE score at ets. he asked I should explore the department which I did and then I applied to the school after seeing that the research interest of some of the faculty members closely aligns with mine. Do you think it's wise I state that as how I came to know about the school?
I have been reading through to see if anyone has a case close to mine, but I haven't seen, hence my reason for typing this.
Please gurus in the house, I look forward to your advise. Thank you.

Lol it wasn’t there, I was surprised but I know there are variations to the form.
Mine also had a section to fill references who can verify the info on my form. This was also surprising as I hadn’t heard of that before.
I have gotten my visa and the transcript is loading shortly.

Brown2Green:


What?
Educational history was not on your form?

You sure you filled the DS 160 correctly?
Kindly go back to the form and fill it . you are supposed to click a radio button for those details to come out.

Not filling that section in the eyes of the VO simply means you have no degree .

It wasn’t on my form. Just fill the sections that come up on your form completely.

ToluwalekeA:
Please has anybody been able to fill educational history on the DS160 recently. The educational history isn't coming up in their portal. Anybody with the same issue.Asking on behalf of a brother

Congratulations. Great to see a female PhD student here on this thread.

Emeraldtommy:
I'm sorry my transcript came a bit late, I wanted to have my hands on my visa before posting. Please, forgive me.
I was a little agitated when I started reading the transcripts on this platform, especially the transcripts that were rejected late last year. I however kept reading, and again, Fairheart's post about seeing many visas approved encouraged me. The whole process, from start to getting the visa was a miracle only God could do. It took a while before I agreed to write GRE n TOEFL, after my masters degree, with what my eyes saw with researching in Nigeria, although I wanted a PhD, but Nigeria was a "NO" for me. I wasn't ready to read any serious "book" again too, so, I was just pursuing South Africa jeje for my PhD. My husband wouldn't agree with me on the SA prospect no matter how I talked about it. He just didn't like the country for anything.
After a while, I kept reasoning on what my friends had always told me about writing the standardized exams and applying to the US. I did and I was graced to talk to an advisor whose active research is a match to masters degree research. He agreed to supervise me and told me his research is a funded research. So I applied and was admitted and offered GA with stipends. Below was my conversation with the VO .
Me: Good morning
VO: Good morning, your Passport and i20 please.
Me: Okay, Here...

VO: Where are you going?
Me: I'm going to JSU for my doctorate degree in Chemistry.
VO: How did you get to know about JSU?
Me: I did an online search for schools with graduate research in Chemistry and then streamlined my search to schools with Natural Product Chemistry, and there came JSU and other schools I applied to.

VO: So, your focus will be Natural Product Chemistry
Me: Oh..yes

VO: Do you have a Professor to work with already?
Me: Yes

VO: His name?
Me:Prof...

VO: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes, I named them

VO: I see you're fully funded
Me: Yes

VO: What will you do to maintain your scholarship status?

Me: I'll maintain an excellent performance in academics and research ( VO nods in affirmation)

VO: What have you been doing since you completed your Masters
Me: Been into research at my Supervisor's laboratory. I carry out experiments and analysis, write reports and help supervise the undergraduate students.

VO: Are you married? With children
Me: Married, Yes, with Children, No

VO: Will anyone be travelling with you?
Me: No ( at least, not now)

VO: I'll be approving your Visa, she gave me the white paper and told me to get my passport from the address indicated in 3 working days.
Me: Thank you.

Hey @newmum
Thanks for sharing your transcripts.
I believe you’re sharing to pinpoint areas that can be improved for future interviews.

1. Your purpose of visit
The VO made it clear he knows the state so it would be helpful to have listed specific activities you planned on doing. The DMV actually has lots of interesting tourist attractions for the family like yours.
The vague answer seemed to raise doubts about your aim.

2. Your previous travel
My company also sends people on trips regularly even if they have only worked with us for a short time so I get.
However, you should have provided better context - like - I spent 8 weeks in Holland during a mandatory on-boarding training or I was in charge of a team implementing a new software system. These are examples. Yours should be the true story of what you did there. General biz trips are rarely that long. That instantly answers any questions or doubts.

Regarding next steps, you may consider Canada as they give long term visas and since you have a job, travel history etc, you have a solid chance.

As per the US, they are not smiling at the moment regarding birth Tourism. However, if you are determined, put together all relevant documentation and apply for a medical visa in 6 months plus.

newmum:
My interview last month went thus:
Location: Abuja

Me: Good morning
VO: Good morning. Passport please
Me: hands over our passport (was with my 18months old baby)
VO: Are you traveling to Maryland alone?
Me: I’m traveling with my husband and baby for a family vacation
VO: where is your husband’s visa
Me: Hands over my husband’s passport(he had recently renewed his visa via Dropbox)
VO: where is your husband at the moment?
Me: At work
VO: How long do you intend to stay
Me: 2weeks
VO: (smiles) I grew up in Maryland... I love Maryland. Aside ... and ..., there is nothing else to do there. So why are you traveling to Maryland
Me: For a short family vacation. I have a friend in Maryland who promised to make our stay fun.
VO: oooh... now I get!
VO: Have you traveled outside Nigeria before?
Me: yes... Netherlands and Spain all in 2018
VO: why were you in Netherlands and Spain
Me: On business trips
VO: (he calls the company I work for) sent you on a business trip?
Me: yes
VO: how long were you on this trip
Me: 8weeks
VO: How long have you worked for xx
Me: 1yr +
VO: and within a year, xx sent you on a trip?
Me: Yes.
VO: I want to ask you a direct question now?
Me: Go ahead
VO: are you going to give birth in Maryland
Me: No. just going for a family vacation
VO: Your husband traveled to the US in xx
Me: yes
VO: why
Me: told him
Vo: so after your vacation, what next
Me: I will come back to Nigeria. I have a job her
VO: looks at his screen and after a while, say I regret to.... hands me the pink letters which states no strong ties back home.

We wanted to travel in July for the summer break. But that won’t be happening again. We intend having our next baby in US. and from what I can see now... interview date is from October. I’m not pregnant yet but should be before October based on agreement between stakeholders�. Is it too early to reapply and book the October date for appointment? Cos I want to apply for a medical visa this time as the intention will be to give birth.. please. Any good thoughts on how to go about this will be appreciated, thanks guys �

Get someone in the US to pay your SEVIS fee. On this forum, there are some members who offer this as a service. For example @texrem / message them to help.

You have nothing to worry about as per your husband. Since he isn’t moving and already has a B1/B2. No action needed. This even helps with your home ties. F2 is for partners who are moving over.

Focus on preparing very well for your interview, drop your transcript here etc....
Having previous visitors visas is only marginally beneficial. You have to be very prepared for the interview and fill your form diligently.

ubigurl:
good afternoon everyone,im here again oo please i just received my i-20 form from ups(finally after the long wait) and trying to pay for my sevis fee and on their page is stated that they can only accept money order,check or western union? is that the only way i can pay? and one more question please,my husband works here and intends to only visit while im schooling and has a running b1/b2 visa to expire january 2020 do you think i should apply an f2 visa for him while applying for my f1? or should he just keep renewing his b1/b2 visa whenever it expires? please help a sister

I would advocate being truthful. Remember that you submit your parents’ names in your forms and their database may match you and your sibling especially as he/she went through the F1 process.

People with relatives in the US get approved while some get denied. There are no guarantees either way.

emhenzy:
Do you have any relatives in America? Has anybody answered yes to this question before and got approved?
Don’t know if it’s a good idea to state it that I’ve a sibling in America

Note: 1)Migrated with F1 visa and later got PR with spouse
2)I was recently denied (2nd app)after the VO asked me what significant difference i made on my application
3) My first interview I was given 221g form and asked to submit SOA of parents but was denied after submission
4) My answer to Note 2 was that I used my sponsors savings account opposed to the current account I initially used when I was given the 221g

To chime in, as someone who lives and engages in business in Nigeria, I can candidly advice you to get another citizenship before moving back. Doing business here is VERY tough. Not to say that people are not successful but there is a vast difference between business plans and reality.

You are just in your 20s. You come across as smart and focused. You can (legally) move to Canada or Australia via one of the skilled immigration pathways, try to get a professional job as you desire waiting the 3 to 5 years to get your passport.
I wouldn’t advice you to marry the woman that you’re not even attracted to because of UK citizenship. No one deserves that.

In summary, keep trying to get a professional job while your German permit is still active. Start the application process for Canada or Australia. Move there and do your best. Yes, it’s tough to get a professional job without Canadian experience but it’s NOT impossible. You can also start a business there. You mentioned agriculture. There are provinces in Canada that are rich in Agric opportunities plus they have supportive government schemes and grants to support.

If you are still dreaming of Nigeria, that’s a good thing, keep working on your plan. Test our certain aspects remotely and move back AFTER you have your second passport. All the best.

ShyWhale:


Thanks for your advice. I kinda notice there's been no advice on Nigeria. Are you writing her off in business terms?

And please, may I ask why.

So true!

Brown2Green:


And please be prepared very well before choosing a date. Get your funding right or wait for it.
Don't be unnecessarily hasty.

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.

ubigurl:
goodmorning fam,please and please i got admission and working on my visa interview and i need to work on my home ties,i have two kids that were born in the USA im considering telling the VO that intend leaving them behind and they can always visit when they are on break,do you think its strong enough for a home tie? and my husband will stay back too because of work.(even if we change our minds tomorrow it wont be an issue because they already hav their us passport and wont need the f2 visa).We also plan on taking some documents of the landed properties we have just to show the strong ties at home,is it also strong enough?

I’m in a similar situation. So I feel you on this. I would say it depends on the overall strength of your application and interview. For example, can you share a very strong career reason why you are going for this course? How relevant is the program you are enrolling for? Do you have funding? My 2 cents is pray, fill your form well and prepare for your interview.

Mine is more complicated as my spouse is filing for F2 and our children are USCs �. We are really not trying to migrate at all. My program is competitive and I have full funding. Just want to go for 1 year and be back. Praying for favour.

Thank you ��

TheZed:
Happy New Month Everyone. I wish everyone going for their interview this month VISA APPROVAL

Do earlier dates open in the US visa appointment system? When I booked, late May was the earliest opening, I’ve been checking consistently to see if I can get an earlier date and nothing seems to ever open up.
Has anyone ever seen or secured earlier dates (like when others cancel etc)?

Hello Everyone,
I’ll appreciate any feedback on this. I know it’s meant to be intuitive but I just want to confirm the steps for applying for my student visa.
In what order do I do the following?
Pay the visa fee
Fill the form
Pay SEVIS
Schedule appointment


Do I need anything from my i20 for the aforementioned steps? Or I’ll just need it on the day of my appointment? My i20 is currently on its way - it was just shipped. However, I really need to book my appointment ASAP as I have to be in the US by the end of June (I see the currently available appointment is Mid May).
Another angle is that my spouse is also applying for F2 on the same day. Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

The answer is YES.
You can apply for your domestic employee to accompany you to the US while you are on an F1 Visa. The visa that they will get if granted is a B-1.
It is very difficult to get though especially given the current mood (higher level of refusals for temporary visitors including students) at the US consulates in Nigeria.

You will need to have exceptionally high financial means and both you, your family and your domestic help will have to prove major ties to Nigeria. The staff member must have also worked for you for a specified period of time plus other pre-conditions.
In addition, previous travel history with your domestic staff will be helpful i.e if he or she has travelled with you to the UK or US in the past.

Finally, remember that your husband cannot work or enrol in school full-time while on an F2 so the expectation is that if he is accompanying you, he should be able to take care of the children considering he will not be able to do anything else there so you will have to prove your case.

In summary, very difficult but not impossible.
All the best!

See this link for details;
http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-typedomesticemployee.asp

tmd:
Good day house, kudos to those keeping this thread running.

I have an admit for Masters for fall 2019 and I plan to go with my children and my domestic help. Applying for F2 is for spouse and children, i tried to goggle for Visa for domestic help and B1 looks like my option. Please who has been in my shoes before or know anyone who has travelled with domestic help while on F1, any documents or relevant info I should be privy to, please help out if you can.

Thank you.

It’s arguably easier and with a shorter timeline to get a fiancé visa than the options after you get married. So be patient (don’t rush to do any type of ceremony) and research the K1 visa.
Check out this thread- https://www.nairaland.com/4800968/usa-fiancee-k1-visa-thread

nkel08:
Hello Everyone,
Please guys I need your urgent help!. I have a girlfriend (US citizen) in the states and she's visited me in Nigeria for 3 weeks in November 2018. This is actually our first meeting and we got engaged. After that she returns to back to States. I don't know if easy for her file for Fiancee Visa or i should file from Nigeria. Please what should be our next step. Please guys advice me.
Thanks.

Hello All,
I’m a longtime follower of this thread and I feel compelled to share this.
It’s apparent that there has been a policy shift in the US regarding issuing of student and other non-immigrant visas. This isn’t the first time it’s happening and it won’t be the last. I look back to ten years ago and I remember even people with Ivy League admissions being refused on their first try at getting a student visa from Nigeria to the US. Check out this thread - https://gmatclub.com/forum/f-1-visa-denied-good-ending-31273.html

If you compare this Nairaland US Student thread to the same thread this time last year, it’s like night and day. Something is definitely going on. I was so disheartened when I read about the student with full funding plus monthly stipends posted last week over a tiny deficit in funds.

So what do we do now?

Here are some tips;

For Current Students
I know students monitor this thread, so I’ll start with them. If you are still in school, focus on your studies, aim for a 2.1 or first class as this opens up now international graduate study opportunities in the US and beyond.
Build productive formal relationships with your faculty so you have strong future recommenders.
Choose at least 1 extracurricular activity and excel at it. It could be student government, it could be debating, it could be working with a charity organisation.
Internships and work placements related to your course of study.
All these will make you a super candidate with access to more scholarships and higher ranked schools.
In addition, many people don’t know it’s easier to build your travel history as a student. From your second year, you can ask all these uncles and aunties to start inviting you for holidays. Embassies are pretty open to REAL students going on holiday. Also if you are in a debating or computing team for example, there may be international competitions you attend as a team.

For Graduates - Current and Intending Applicants
Start Early:
Because of the relaxed visa policy over the past few years - thank you President Obama, many have gotten away with last minute applications, admissions and visa issuance. Unfortunately, things have changed. Apply months in advance. This will help you avoid the ‘brain touch’ going on right now. I see people with December appointment dates being rescheduled for January with no consideration for the resumption dates.
Getting your admission early also gives you an opportunity to go for a second or even third visa interview if your first attempt is denied.

Do all you can do:
Some people will come here and say they didn’t do GRE, they applied at the last minute, yet they got full funding and visa on the first try. While those people are blessed, remember, they are the exception, not the rule. Be thorough, do your GRE or GMAT and excel. If TOEFL is needed, do it, if you can apply for a waiver, apply on time for one. Research your programme well, communicate with faculty, write a compelling and authentic personal statement or essays. Know and understand clearly WHY you are going for this course.

Your Visa Form:
Some people don’t even need to go for the visa interview because it’s a NO from the form (joke o but seriously...).
Fill your visa form yourself, read it over and over and over again before submitting. Be honest and be confident about the content.

Interview Prep:
This is pretty much one of the best things about this thread. Read successful transcripts but don’t go and repeat what you heard. Be confident and prepared to have a conversation with the VO. We all know the questions they ask at this point. Answer honestly and confidently. Remember no one word answers. Create an engaging conversation.

Honesty and Ethics:
Whether we like it or not, bad eggs are part of the reason for this present visa denial trend. From fake bank statements to all sorts of tricks. For your sake and for the sake of our fellow intending students, don’t do anything dodgy and also be wise. We have seen cases of ‘uncles’ giving people fake statements on this thread. GTBank has this function where statements can be sent directly to the embassy, if your sponsor uses their bank, you can suggest that in addition to giving you the printed statement. I’ve heard this makes admin processing smoother.

Pray:
So many testimonies. It’s needed.

For the Discouraged
This is for those who have been refused several times and are discouraged.
Hug for you. All will be well.

If you are a really committed to graduate study, don’t give up.
While the US has such a rich mix of universities offering almost every course you can dream of, plus juicy funding options, it is not the only option.

Try Another Country:
UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands etc..
All have funded options available. Is it harder to get than the USA, you may say so. Is it impossible? Nope.
Commonwealth scholarships
Gates scholarship
Chevening Scholarship
etc
There are many more. Google is your friend. There are also specialist sites that offer this info. For example, https://scholarshipsandaid.org


Build Your Professional Profile:
You can also consider professional fellowships and competitions to boost your profile and even travel history. You can find on https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com

Plug Any Gaps:
If the USA is still your ultimate, what were the gaps in your last application. Work towards filling them. For example, if you wanted to use your Masters to change your career path, how about getting a job in that area so when you want to try again, this proves you are committed to the career. If your issue was inadequate funds, work on getting a funded offer or formal scholarship.

Wishing you all the best.

Your transcript was good, you responded well. Unfortunately your choice of school let you down. With your GRE scores, you can find a better quality programme with funding. Try again for Spring.

From Wiki;
American National University was formerly accredited by ACICS.

ACICS lost its status as recognized accreditor on December 12, 2016.[6] The university is approved to receive Title IV funding under a provisional Program Participation Agreement for 18 months beginning December 12, 2016 while it is seeking a new accreditor.

As of February 27, 2018 the Roanoke Valley Campus is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) [7] The following sites are recognized as administrative sties by DEAC: Harrisonburg Campus, Charlottesville Campus, Lynchburg Campus, Princeton Campus, Parkersburg Campus, Bristol Campus and the Dayton Area Campus.

dilodavid:
Visa delayed on 06/08/2018 at Lagos consulate. My appointment was 6:45am. Below is my transcript

VO: Tell me about your program?
Me: I am going to American National University in Virginia to pursue my masters degree in business administration and management. I am required to complete a total of 36 credit hours within a period of 19 months. I will be taking courses like managerial economics, business research, marketing management, operations management, financial management, business leadership policy and strategy. Prior to graduation, i must meet up 3.0cgpa.
VO: How many schools did u apply to?
Me: I applied to 3 schools
VO: Name the other two schools
Me: Ashland university, ohio and Murray state university, Kentucky
VO: How did u hear about the school?
Me: A senior colleague at work who is an alumni of the school told me about the school and the great experience she had during her school days and i made further research and found out that they teach skills required for leadership position in today's business world.
VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes
Vo: How many kids?
Me: None yet
Vo: Who is your sponsor?
Me: My father is my main sponsor and i have also been able to save up some funds for this journey.
Vo: What is your educational background?
Me: I have my bachelor's degree in business administration from the university of benin in 2011.
Vo: Did you take any test?
Me: Yes, i took the GRE
Vo: What is your score?
Me: 318, verbal: 156, quantitative: 162. Analytical writing: 3.0
Vo: What have u been doing since u finished Nysc?
Me: I got a job at xyz company where i work as a business services and customer relation officer. I also operate as a business development officer and i provide excellent customer service.
Vo: You already have a job, why are you leaving?
Me: I am not leaving. It's a vital requirement that will enable pick up the position of a business manager in the company i work on my return.
Vo: How did u get your scholarship?
Me: I submitted a convincing statement of purpose and my academic transcript through my school. Guys, help me detect what went wrong.

There is no need for your sister to be depressed since she is only 25 weeks pregnant so still has lots of time.
Based on what you said, the POE officers were not happy that she did not use her visa for the reason it was issued (vacation...).

She really has 3 options

1. Overstay her allowed stay in the States and face a likely ban. At the end of the day, her child gets what she wants but her own travel record is messed up (Not a good option obviously)

2. Apply for an 1-94 extension.
The problem with this is that the CBP POE officers already noted NO EXTENSION and because of the limited time they gave her (2 weeks), by the time she gets a response as per the extension, she will already have overstayed.
Even though "technically", when you apply for an extension, from the date your extension is filed to the day they reply, you are "technically" still legally in the states but I will not advice anyone to take this risk because if they refuse, she is back to square 1 plus and will need to leave.

3. Leave the USA and return
I will never advice anyone to manipulate the system. In this case, I do not believe she is doing anything wrong. She should leave the USA as soon as possible and come back.
When she comes back, she should be 100% honest and carry all documentation. She should be prepared to answer questions confidently relating to what happened last time etc... Most POE officers will let her in...unless there is more to the story you are not telling us

Please note that the USA has a rule that many people do not know about - she should not go to Canada or Mexico as it will not reset her stay. This change was made a few years ago to stop people from manipulating the system. See the link here - https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/751/kw/i-94%20mexico%20canada/suggested/1

She can go back to Nigeria or other countries. Though going back to Nigeria seems long, it presents the most legitimacy that she is not trying to manipulate the system. Other simpler and closer options are Caribbean countries.

All the best!

femoric9:


Thank You all, I just got my Sis from d airport, here is exactly what happened at d POE;

Firstly, 3 months ago, she wrote the US embassy immigration via email that she wanted to use go and give birth in the USA and she has a visitor B2 visa, but she only got the automatic reply saying they are not available to respond now.
Now the B2 visa she had expires Jan2016 since she got it got it Jan.2014. Now, at the POE yesterday, she told the POE her birthing intention and that it is 25weeks, that she is here for holiday and to have her baby. Then she was asked d day on her return ticket and she told them june25. Then they asked her about her husband if he will be coming and she said yes but that will be during his leave because he is busy now. She was truthful because she got the visa with her husband and the kids. She was asked about how much she has, but she told them that she has $8000 on her master card and thet ask her about the hospital bill and she also told them that it was $6000. And the man keep going inside and coming out. Then he came out and said when her husband was applying for d visa, he only planned 2weeks. She explained that th3y were planning to come for 2weeks then but d hubby was not released at work and now that she is pregnant she decided to use d opportunity to give birth in d usa. He kept discussing with his colleagues for several minutes and then ask again about her job and the husband job ( d hubby is a banker and she is a computer scientist). He also asked about the address where she will stay and she gave our Sis address in Lexington, he asked d relationship & she said she is her sister, she also ask about her job and she said she is an health worker. Then after lots of discussion with his colleague he came out given her d dreaded 2weeks clearance, and he even told her that can she see what he wrote with pen '2 weeks No Extension/ No Readjustment' and one woman looked at her face and we are sorry u have to return April22,that is d best we can do. She said d man has always bin consulting that particular woman with d woman always telling d man No No No.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO PLS ? SHE IS HERE WITH ME AND DEPRESSED.

The VO was def having a bad day but as @phema and @terese said, your financial plan gave her the opportunity.


I personally would not change hospitals or make deposits which could be viewed an money lodgement but as @phema suggested, you should consider reorganising your budget.


You may also consider using your mum's account esp if it is really bouyant alongside yours or hubs (not all 3). I know someone on this thread recently used her dad's statement and got the visa. You however will need a solid reason why she is sponsoring.

regarding 90 days, many people did not wait and still got it.

Cheer up...we have testimonies of people who had to apply 3 times b4 being granted. All the best.

smileymum:
I don't have 90 days. I am due 2nd week in June. I need to travel at least 2nd week of May. Will I be refused based on not waiting till 90 days? I am wondering that they should know that I have no control over the timing of my trip cos the baby must come anyway. Mehn, why is this thing so hard?

So sorry about what happened to your sister. It will be better to provide more details but based on what you have said, she did not declare her birthing plans at the POE. If she did, they would not have given 2 weeks. They will either give enough time (6 months) or send her bk.

Now she has 2 options.
1. Apply for an 1-94 extension despite the annotation which said she should not. The issue is the process for application and response normally takes several weeks.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&ei=kGoUVZLxJe_jsAT5_IDQCw&url=http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/C1en.pdf&ved=0CBwQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNFg3Kfxq-bCBlz7Z1xs0OG5xdTFNg&sig2=7giYa3K92qVgT5fR6HlKtA

2. Quickly travel and come back. She can go to the UK or somewhere for a few days. Then come back with her burden of proof and declare birthing at POE

Please encourage your sis to be 100 percent honest and open in all her dealings with immigration. It helps a lot

femoric9:
Please House, i have a Sister having a problem. She had a 2yrs visitor's visa with her husband that was got early 2014 and she is now 32weeks pregnant and decided to use d opportunity to give birth in d USA since they can both afford it. But unfortunately, i did not know what she said wrong, at d USA immigration today, her i-90 was cleared for just 2weeks with NO EXTENSION & NO ADJUSTMENT. She had already booked a return ticket for june with d hope that she will put to bed in d US in may. PLS, WMIS THERE ANY SOLUTION AND WHAT CAN U ADVISE ?

Congrats!
Nothing to worry about. Grace, Honesty and being prepared!

Terese69:
So this is how my interview went...

The interview took less than 10 mins. Thank God gor grace and thanks to everyone who encouraged and gave me confidence by sharing their experiences and contributing to this thread. Especially those who took time out to respond to my questions. You guys are amazing!

The answer is NO! If you (mother + father) are foreigners (as in NON US Citizens - not even all US citizens qualify for Medicaid, depends on several factors), your child should not receive medicaid.

If you ever get called for a US visa interview after your baby is born. They will want to see both your receipts and baby receipts.
If you cannot provide it, in majority of cases, you will be refused.

And please bear in mind, it is VERY difficult to repay Medicaid once accepted. Some people tried for over a year before they could find a way. Others cant and therefore cannot visit the US.

Some fussy border officers also ask for zero balance receipts so even if you have a long term visa, you can be turned back on that account.

Not to be preachy but logically why should one benefit from a system which we have not invested in. A foreigner has not paid US taxes, baby has never paid US taxes so why should we want to receive benefits for hard working tax paying citizens.

So sista, do not accept Medicaid. No one prays for NICU but if it happens, ask for a payment plan, negotiate a discount and start paying.

Periwinkle:


Thank you deres5.I know about the danger of the mom using medicaid. I am actually asking of the eligibility of the baby to use medical insurance for example NICU etc.

Yes, you should be scared...lol just kidding o
Provide more details so people can give constructive advice.

Did you previously have a baby in the states?
or
Are you planning on giving birth this trip?

If you previously gave birth, take along your zero balance receipts for OBGYN, Hosp and Peds.
Also take along any relevant docs like bank statements, letter from office showing you have a job etc...Just in case. These items show your home ties.

If you are planning on giving birth...Take your burden of proof that you have made plans, you can afford it and you have home ties.
Drs appt, hosp details, bank statements, budget sheet, accommodation booking.
Good luck

Terese69:
I applied to renew my B1/B2 visa via drop box last week. I just got an email from the embassy asking me to come for an interview. Should I be scared? Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any tips/advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

Please share your Dr and Hospital quote for Howard. I think I called them when I was looking and it was super expensive but maybe I got the wrong quote.

drafrican:

With the Prince George quote didn't see anaesthetist or peadiatrician fees that's risky