Goke7:


Sms is not compulsory cos it's a paid service like priority. There's a way to track visa status from your TLS account

Thanks

Goke7:


first of all select regular self-service then pick a service like SMS alert and priority, make sure they are both in the basket, then pick a booking date like in a week time since it's priority, now it should allow you to proceed to check out. This is what I still did last night

Pls help confirm that SMS alert from TLS is not compulsory and one will be getting emails to know visa status. I didn’t subscribe for sms alert. Thanks

Kenny4smart:


Noted bro, I was able to get a friend run the matter for me. Thank you!!

Pls how is crowd situation in Abuja? Is walk-in still allowed? Any hope the walk-in will last for some days after Tuesday? I am in crossroads btw staying in Lagos and try VI or travel to Abuja for sure walk -in.

My fear is possible to spend flight n hotel money and still end up with similar situation in Lagos.

Pls I need advise b4 putting head to a location. Thanks

Kenny4smart:


So even Abuja is crowded now, are they open on Saturdays?

Pls I am at the point of doing visa application, which location can I choose now-Ikeja/VI or Abuja?

I am based in Lagos but learnt no available dates online and walk-in is cancelled for Ikeja and Lagos. Is it not looking same will be done for Abuja soon.

I need sincere advice on what to do next. Thanks

pompeiimagnus:


I think the best way right now to make payments from Nigeria is by having a domiciliary account. It saved me a lot of stress with all those CBN limits, since all I had to do was buy $$$ from Aboki, and deposit into the domiciliary account. I then used my Mastercard for online payments from Nigeria. The card also works here in the US. I used GTB.

Hi,

Do you consider this option as the best way to pay school tuition/fees too? I think there are charges for payment via cards.

Someone told me of option of getting your trusted aboki/ someone in US who want to exchange dollar to make direct payment to school account in US may be cheaper. Has anyone tried that?

Considering the high exchange rate and unexpected bank charges, information on best and cheapest option is desirable.

Looking forward to workable information from others who have done this transaction before. Thanks

felixboye1:
Visa Approved at Lagos Consulate.
After 4th attempt.. It's mercy of God.
Transcript later!!!

Congratulations. Your tenacity paid off.

EmeritusR:


I was denied on the 31st of December at Lagos consulate office and my passport was handed to me but I'm still kind of surprise with what I do always see as if my passport is with them.

My wife received same message too. I guess it’s system error for those that were earlier denied but valid information in case you are reapplying.

You now know the DHL office to use considering your interview date.

godguy:


Thanks for this, i have learnt some lesson from this.
Are you (the spouse) the sponsor?

Yes

lawali:


I will try to do that based on what she related to me. She is on F1 and children on F2.

Need to say that It was a long journey since 2018 to this point. Several learnings along the way from great Nairaland forum. You are all appreciated.

I was able to script this together from feedback from my family:

The interview was yesterday at the Abuja US embassy. The place was totally different from hustle and bustle of Lagos consulate. The place is calm with limited people around.
We arrived about 10 am and was bombarded by hustlers as expected. Different messages- you need to reprint your confirmation page because 2 barcodes are not on same page, MRV receipt must have CGI, you will need to take another passport were flying around. I rejected all that but allowed one of them to arrange the documents and dash her N500. I need one of them at my side since I will wait outside.

My family eventually went inside some minutes after 10am and the documents checks was pretty fast. Waited for about 30mins to do biometrics by one black guy who was very friendly and wish them good luck.

While doing their biometrics, they observe the black VO already having it rough with one US citizen that came to get a letter/something to assist him travel out. He was shouting at his top voice and eventually rejected any assistance to the guy. The other VO, a white lady was more friendly and courteous. They wished and prayed to be interviewed by the lady.

After the biometrics, they went outside to wait for their turn. The wait lasted for more than one hour. At a point, she inquired on what's going on and the staffs informed her that both VO were out of the room and they are trying to get them back.

They were called in and interviewed by the guy:

VO: Good afternoon
She: Good afternoon

VO: Where are you going to?

She: Going to University of Texas at Arlington for MS Health Care Administration?

VO: How did you picked the school?

She: Following my decision to further my studies, I attended Education USA fair in September, 2018 where I learnt the application process, search for schools on Google and msinus web, selected some schools and did GRE test October 2018. I later narrowed down the search to 3 schools- Texas Women's University, Fordharm University, New york and University of Texas at Arlington. Engaged the school over a period before my visit.

During my visit to US in December 2019, I checked/toured each school for my preference. I later applied to only University of Texas on my return and was admitted.

VO: Have you travelled before?

She: Yes. I have travelled to US, UAE and Saudi-Arabia. The journey involved the whole family.

VO: Are u going for 2 courses?

She: No. My program is MS Healthcare Administration

VO: I can see on your I-20 you will take English course as pathway program. Is it that you can't speak/understand English?
(Her score in GRE verbal reasoning was lower than required. The school informed her to do another GRE b4 28th of Feb, 2021.)

She: I can speak and understand English language. I am conversing with you in English. It is written on I-20 I am proficient in English.

VO: What are you doing now?

She: I worked with an NGO and also do part-time business (property rentals and event mgt).

VO: Why do choose to go for study at this time and age?

She: I always have that personal goal to achieve this level of education and felt this is the best time to do it. I have been doing other things after my 1st degree.

VO: What does your husband do?

She: He is an Engineer and works in bleep. By nature of his duty, he works across different states and travelled a lot

VO: Is he going with you to US?

She: Yes, to assist me to settle down in accommodation and school for children. He will return after 2 weeks back to his work in Nigeria.

VO: What do you intend to do when you return after study?

She: I will work with Health Management Organization with direct focus on rural healthcare mgt where I already observed serious gap while working with the NGO.

VO: Have you made accommodation arrangements and school arrangement for your children?

She: Yes, my husband has rented a 2-bedroom apartment in Grand Prairie closed to Dallas where my Cohort class will hold.

VO: Where in Grand Prairie?

She: It is a gated/secured estate. I can't remember the name now but I am very sure my husband has rented the place

VO: Which schools your children will attend?

She: The residence has allocated schools and we plan to choose the best on arrival. It's not going to be a problem

(At this point, his temper changed, raising voice and hitting his table.)

VO: Yo have about 2 weeks to start your program and you have no school arrangement for your children? Are you planning to barge into US without accommodation and school arrangements? Children in US are currently in school. Are you planning to keep yours out of school?

She: No. They will attend their school. Currently they are still on holiday here in Nigeria.

VO: What's your husband doing again?

She: Repeated same thing as above

(VO told the children to go and sit down. Your mum will join you later)
VO: You are supposed to do this interview in Lagos. Why do you select Abuja?

She: I originally picked Lagos but the appointment date was later than my class resumption. I requested for emergency appointment and was approved. I saw and picked available date of 28th of December at Abuja Originally but was shifted to 5th of January by consulate.

VO: Do you have families in US?

She: No

(At his loudest voice)
VO: I am going to deny you visa if you cannot give me more details you have for accommodation.

She: Repeated earlier statement. and added my husband has full details.

VO: Picked the green form and issued

Please where did she go wrong?
Looking forward to your feedbacks.

In my perception, the interview went in unexpected way and hope others will take some learnings. Especially those combining F1 & F2 should have evidences for accommodation and children school arrangements.

Beyond that, the black VO is a case on his own. My wife said at a point she almost lost her coolness because of the guy's attitude.

I wish other waiting for the interview best of luck. Prepare and pray for the best.

godguy:


please can you share transcript, on what basis where they denied?
are they all (your wife and kids) on F2? or your wife is going for F1 while your kids on F2?

I will try to do that based on what she related to me. She is on F1 and children on F2.

Emeritusseun:
Visa approved at Abuja

Congratulations to you.
My wife with kids were denied at Abuja today.
The experience with black VO is unimaginable.
We thank God and the Gurus in the house for the journey to this stage.

To others who were denied too, tomorrow is another day. Keep forging ahead.

Flakkie1130:
Alhamdulillah robil Alamin. My visa was approved today at the Abuja Embassy. No document was asked, the questions I prepared for were not even asked sef. It was just Allah’s grace and Mercy.

VO: pass your passport and I20
Me: I said good morning and happy new year
VO: Happy new year to you
Me: Paases documents
VO: What are you going to this school for?
Me: For a masters degree in Business Administration with concentration in management and operations
VO: Why a masters degree in management?
Me: because I’m in the management and administration line, I work as so so so at Bleep company and besides, management is my career option
VO: Your uncle is your sponsor
Me: Yes
VO: What does he do?
Me: He’s a business man, a major importer of so so in the Southwest and also a former member of Bleep State.
VO: why would he want to sponsor you
Me: He has been responsible for my upbringing for the past 20 years. I started living with him since I was below 10 years of age.
Vo: What do you do/ where do you work?
Me: I work with bleep company as a bleep
Vo: Apart from your uncle who else do you have in Nigeria?
Me: I have my mum and my fiance
Vo: oh your fiance
Me: Yes, I’m engaged to be married
Vo:
Your fiancé will be flying over to join you?
Me: Not at all. He has a job here, he works here in Nigeria
Vo: What does he do?
Me: I mentioned

He later asked me about my uncle and his business and where I work again.
He just put my passport in the tray and gave me the white paper.

It was God’s work and His mercies. The VO is okay. He needed to be sure I have family ties here and I sure have. Be confident and pray. Prayer works my people.
Although I’m a silent reader but I do message some people if necessary. Thanks to everyone that have contributed to this platform. I wish the rest success in their interview.

Congratulations. Wish you success in your remaining affairs (Amin)

Emeritusseun:



Wait!
You can't submit a new DS within 72 hours of your interview! So, don't fill another one.

You are good to go. When you get to Abuja on Tuesday, your DS could be retrieved from Lagos!

In the CGI tone " You do not need to fill a new DS form if you want to change Location within a country ".

Meanwhile, I will advise you call the CGI Gus tomorrow to relay your worries , and I am sure you would be advised accordingly!

Thanks. I will make the call tomorrow.

Geewin69:
Yes you can, if you really need to. Otherwise just stick with your current one. I also had to fill a new DS form, and I filled it the night before my interview.

If the location is the only issue, I don't think there's need to stress yourself with filling another one.

Thanks for clarification

caneberry:
I had to fill another because I had to switch from Lagos to Abuja

Hi cane berry/ gurus in the house, pls I need some clarifications regarding filling new DS 160 because of change of interview place from Lagos to Abuja.

I initially filled DS 160 to attend interview at Lagos but due to no closer available date, I rescheduled to Abuja. I still observed my current DS160 for the appointment is still having Lagos but I am not sure if I need to change it since same DS 160 is used for MRV fee and current appointment.

My interview date is Tuesday (about 2days). Do I/can I still filled another DS160 for this appointment without scattering things?

Appreciate your timely response.

caneberry:
Visa Approved
Date: 29th of Dec
Location: Abuja

First, I want to thank the almighty God for his divine favor and for completing this year with testimony for me, I don’t believe in miracles but now I do. I started this journey since May 2019 when I wrote my GRE for Fall 2020.
I scheduled an appointment with Lagos, got April 16th, applied for expediate but was denied. I heard on Nairaland that Abuja had released dates. I quickly filled another DS-160, scheduled another appointment with Abuja and picked December 28th. I later found out that it was a public holiday, and I mailed the embassy to reschedule my appointment, but they replied that they will open for business on that day. A week to my interview, I got a mail that my appointment has been rescheduled, I logged in and saw 29th of Dec. I was glad because some had theirs moved to 5th of Jan.
I heard about the infamous Black Man and I really didn’t want to be biased about who will be interviewing me, so I tried not to think about it. The interview was slated for 09:00am and I got there by 08:12. I had to print another DS-160 confirmation page for 3k and 1k for my phone to be kept.

Congratulations. Any reason why you printed another DS160 confirmation page. Guess you didn’t take it to embassy.

Chonco:



3-10 working days, it takes.
Just relax and wait until next week.

Guess you, Amanjosh and Nwaada have pickup your passport btw yesterday and today. Just checking you both have passed that stage.

dNairaman:


Lol

Interesting.

My interview went almost the same way with that exact lady, except I was denied.

Only differences I can spot lie in the course of study, and that I have 2 LPR blood brothers.

Wish you success in next try. May be you should share full transcript of how your interview went for deeper review.

Altracey2:
Visa approved
Tip: na God.

Congratulations

kastgeraldino:
This is weird. For me, my I-20 showed 3 years instead of 2 years for a Masters program (MBA). I checked and I saw that other Masters have 3 years. I really don't know why it's not exactly 2 years.

Hoping someone with clear understanding of this can help on why different years on I-20 and its implications.

Pls house I need clarification on pathway program. I observed 1 yr was written in the I-20 instead of 2yrs for the masters program.

Following the observation, the school was contacted but we were informed the duration of 1yr period is correct and new I-20 will be issued after 1st year.

Pls, what’s the implication on F1 Visa duration ? Is it that the student has to return after a year and do another F1 visa application and interview when new I-20 is issued.

Thanks

[quote author=Salam038 post=97491425]


Alhamdulillah, Glory and Praise be to no one except Allah, The Cherisher, The Provider and The Most-Merciful. I had my interview on morning (December 16) at the Abuja Embassy. Nothing much to say about but it's God's Mercy.

Here we go, my scheduled time was 8:30am but I couldn't do my interview till around after 9 due to long queue and some processes. I ordered a bolt cab and got to the embassy around 7:40am. I was still in the cab, trying to get water in the midst of those hustlers, they came to me trying to disturb with their words. I just told them I'm fine.

Getting to the embassy, I joined the outside queue, we did the first papers screening and asked to go inside. Getting inside, we did the biometrics test (One Black American verified my I20 and passport and a white woman did the biometric test. I thought she's the one to interview me, then I tried to calm myself down. She told me to meet the security), this time i saw the two VO (White man and Black American) attending to the interviewees, then joined the queue for the main deal. When my turn reached, the Black American rejected three people straight before me, I was clueless but only noticed he didn't spend much time with them, during this time the white man still having a good conversing interview with a very young girl going for her Bsc in sport area. I kept praying and tried to calm myself down. They called next, I went to the Black American. Alhamdulillah, It's God's Mercy.

School: Western Illinois University
Course: Quantiative Economics
GRE/GMAT: No
TOEFL: No
Scholarship: $2000
Deficits: $21,770
But There is always believe in the Almighty. Here we go again...

VO: Pass me your passport and I20
Me: I passed him the Passport, I20 and the Sevis Receipts. Then I greeted him, Good Morning Sir (he didn't answer perhaps he didn't hear. He just focused on the system. I also focused looking at him and kept praying)

VO: (After like 3 seconds on his system he asked) How did you hear about the school you're going to?
Me: After decided to study my Master degree in the United States, I did my research using some academic websites and I found about 5 schools that I met their requirements. I eventually applied to 2 (WIU and CSU)

VO: After typing for like 10seconds, he asked what do you do?
Me: I work as an Accountant a XYZ company, where I prepare the financial statements, audit the financial statements, give business advices and compute taxes. (Thats exactly what I filled in my DS-160 as work responsibility)

VO: Immediately he asked, since when have you been working with them?
Me: I started working with the company after my Professional exams since July 2019

VO: After typing for like 10 seconds, Are you married?
Me: No, I am single

VO: Have you ever travelled before?
Me: No, I have never

VO: After typing for like 20 seconds, Who is your sponsor?
Me: My Uncle, Mr XX, who is also my mentor is my sponsor (I kept praying and stay focused looking at him even though he didn't look at me for once apart from the first time)

VO: Straight up, he picked the white paper, add my Passport to the ones he had approved then said I will approve your Visa, then returned my documents and gave me the white paper.

No one did this but Allah

Congratulations. Prayed Allah makes your affairs easy (Amin).

BabaFlap:
Long Post
I should have posted this earlier but here it is

Status: Visa Approved (Masters in Communication)
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2020.

All Glory to God almighty.

Background story: I have been a silent reader for years. This is my 5th visa attempt, I have been denied twice at the Canadian embassy and twice at the US embassy.
So, back in October I had secured 7th of Dec for interview in Lagos but two weeks before the 7th the embassy reschedule me to 8th then on the 3rd of Dec I got the mail that I have been reschedule to Jan 12th. I immediately sent an email and also called the embassy but they said there is nothing they can do about it. I requested for an emergency appointment, it was first approved then 5 min later they denied the emergency request.

On monday 7th I travelled out of my city to do other things then i got an email from the US embassy around 10 am saying that they have approved my emergency request again that i should go and pick an available date. I logged in and picked 7am for 8th of Dec. I travel back to my city immediately, picked up my document and headed for Lagos.

I literary ran out of the embassy in excitement.

Note: Do not underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer is the real key. God his faithful.
Also read about your school, the city it is in and practice your response in a spontaneous way. My interview was like a chat with a boss that want to employ me. Don't be afraid to sell yourself if given the opportunity. If you have been denied before and you are convinced, I encourage you to reapply it not going to be easy but put your faith in Christ. Again pray and go with a positive mind alone.

A very big thank you to every one who contribute to this trend.

Your tenacity eventually paid off. Congratulations to you and others who have been successful in getting their visa approved while hoping those that was denied or waiting, will make it soonest (Amin).

blvckmiles:
Please has anyone had their interview days for nextweek being rescheduled to first week of January? I just got a mail and my interview was shifted from 28 December to 5 January and I'm wondering why?

Same here too for Abuja appointment. I called to find out what happened and was told the embassy rescheduled the appointments due to rising numbers of corona cases.

Very likely the embassy will work very light or shutdown next week.

We can only pray and hope no further reschedule. The inconvenience and additional expenses are mounting. I have to reschedule already booked flights.

The date is also very close to class resumption.

AkinOseni:
Seems there is a design to get us pay for another MRV. Appointments were massively moved from early December to January last week. And all of these days are available now. This is really not funny.

Interestingly, I mustered the courage to call their help line to see if my appointment could be adjusted after seeing this post but the lady who picked my call maintained that days are no longer available in Lagos till January. I tried appealing to emotion by emphasizing my starting date and that I had exhausted my deferment options at my school . Sensing her empathetic tone, I requested if she could fix me in Abuja. She checked and checked and told me the earliest day in Abuja is January 15th. She was sorry for the inconvenience and that was all.

I will agree with you. In the process of getting a closer date in December after normal appointments and denied emergency appointment, I paid another MRV and tried Abuja. Only to end with a date outside after class resumption.

After exhausting the no of schedules,December Dates were released.

If you decided to pay another MRV, you need bit of calculations and God’s favour to get desired date.

I tire for them. The case require chilling to avoid hypertension ���

Cocao:


Hi, you may have to call CGI because even single applicants get similar message. Speak to them to get resolution.

I have done that but was told there is no available dates. I was advised to keep checking. After checking back online about 3 times, I got a message that you have exceeded your appointment schedule. Your access will be reset tomorrow .

The appointment wahala this time is tiring.

Milkshakes01:
December 4th and 18th are available in Abuja. The slots are a little bit much

I am still unable to get new appointment date in Abuja after paying new MRV. I am now getting message-Your group size is larger than current allocation. I guess this has to do with my family size.

Emeritusseun:
I need available dates for Lagos ooo. �‍♀️�‍♀️. The waiting is so exhausting.

Emergency appointment approved, yet the dashboard keeps saying *your group size is larger than your current allocation*.

Hi Emeritusseun,

Have you been able to resolve this error message?

It seems to be a common issue for all those seeking expedited appointment.

Kindly share update so that those of us behind can prepare ahead. Thanks

Lete:
Regular!

But I suffered ooo......lol.....I paid for MRV thrice. Yes three times. I was denied emergency in Lagos twice, then the third MRV I decide to do Abuja then I got approved. That is the story of my life....lol.

Hi Lete, Congratulations for securing closer date after new MRV fee. I am now in same situation.

I have made two normal appointments with no close date and have exhausted my expedited appointment.

Do I need to cancel current appointment after new MRV Pyt to get new expedited appointment? I guess I do not need to fill new DS160 applications for new MRV.

Pls I need help/guide from anyone. Thanks

Hollyholy:
Hey guys.

I cried all night and still crying after being denied yesterday.

I totally tended up and blanked out.

Last night all my responses kept flowing in my head and sounded like I was muttering gibberish.

I feel so hopeless.

It was like someone else possessed my body as all I heard rehearsed flew out of my head.

I sent an email to my program director and her response brought more tears to my eyes.

She said she will keep the admission open all through next year, hoping I can join them.

I am afraid to book another date and go through another heartbreak.

I am hiding in my office toilet as I type still crying.

I feel so sad

Morning,

Pls take it easy. Once there is life there is hope.
In as much your admission is extended, you can make another interview appointment but learn from your mistakes and do better. Best of luck next time.

Life is in phases. Some of us are yet to get appointment date for interview.

Las Las we will all be ok.���

lawali:
Hi bigFrancis21,

I have only scheduled once (April 5th, 2021) but have been denied twice for expedited appointment. This appointment is for a family of 6 and worried if I cancel this one and have to pay another MRV (370k).

Pls closer date in December is desired but hope this will work?

BigFrancis21,

This appointment thing tire me. I summoned courage and cancel my Lagos appointment and try Abuja. I can’t see Dec/Jan dates again but March 15.

I tried to check available date with new profile without populating other 5 dependents and can still see January 6th .

Am I missing something? Pls I need help. Thanks

Hi bigFrancis21,

I have only scheduled once (April 5th, 2021) but have been denied twice for expedited appointment. This appointment is for a family of 6 and worried if I cancel this one and have to pay another MRV (370k).

Pls closer date in December is desired but hope this will work?