₦airaland Forum

Hey guys please how do I know if my emergency appointment has been approved? I have been checking for a couple of days. No email or notification yet.

Thanks guys for your support al the time.

Thanks guys. Pay4me worked. Lastly, from your previous experience about this appointment dates and bringing it forward by requesting an expedite appointment? Where would you advise…. Lagos or Abuja ?

Hey guys please how can I pay for I-901 fee? It says western union or money order only

ADbb:
You can start by 1st building your research/academic portfolio by publishing in reputable journals.
Start writing quality papers on your academic field making sure you follow all research/publication rules.
Please avoid open journals because they aren't academically respected.

To publish a paper in a Nigerian reputable journal costs about 60k and internationally costs 50-150 $

Also, you can attend and present academic papers related to your field in conferences.
Universities usually hold conferences so research on them.

NOTE: in Nigeria's academic world , 2 conference papers is equal to 1 journal publication

Now I have more knowledge about this. *Nods*
I would like to start an application asap but writing and publishing would take some time before this would suffice.

Efetobore1980:
Hello Lee.

I will still leave @ADbb to respond to you as he or she may have another eye opener to share with you, but I need to quickly point out something in your response.

First, You should not only focus on just an MBA but STEM-MBA from a reputable and well ranking (in business & finance) institution in the U.S. STEM-MBA or STEM-Msc in any course of study now gives you the room to stay back in the U.S. after graduation by rounding off with STEM-OPT. Again, STEM-MBA stands out from the old commonplace MBA by combining.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in your modules which gives room for STEM graduates employability in almost all fields.

Secondly, I have a natural inclination for researching any topic ranging from geography, politics , people, languages etc just like you, but I am not in anywhere near to be called an educationist or a natural scholar because I was also an average student on graduations (Bsc & Msc) and I don't like teaching academically or reading any subject for a pass-mark. Can you see that I myself is not fit for a PhD application except if its extremely necessary for my earnings or promotion ?

Phd studentship has the highest record of drop-outs more than other level of University degrees in almost every given year. It's not about coming out with 1st-class. It's about the passion. 👍

Thanks for your input Efe… By any chance, do you have schools that you can recommend in the DMV area ?

ADbb:
It depends on the course you want to do for your PhD. Some schools/courses don't need gre or gmat for PhD applicants.
You have to know exactly what you want to go for for your PhD, thoroughly research schools and their requirements and choose the ones who don't make these tests mandatory.
Secondly, fully funded PhD programs comes with being a teaching/research assistant so do you have any form of experience teaching? Do you have evidence that you're a researcher(publications, etc)
These things can somehow make up for your average grades.

It’s good to ask questions and thank you for your input. I really don’t have any teaching experience and no publications but I love to research. It’s makes me feel good. I would look into your options and then as well look into MBA but I feel because I have master degree already moving forward with PhD makes more sense. I’m very much open and ready for your advice. Thank you.

Thanks to Efe as well and everyone for their support and advice

Efetobore1980:
Hello Lee.

I don't think you are an educationist or a natural scholar. You need either of the two hallmarks to succeed as a PhD applicant. Go for STEM MBA.

** If you however need the doctorate certificate for profile or promotion purposes well i dont know if anyone would suggest a magic route. 👍

Thank you Efe.. I will explore that in a bit and get back to you asap.

Hey guys I have a masters degree in business and I would love to do my PhD. I don’t have gre or gmat and I’m not ready to write it. Is it a requirement that I have to use for my application or it can be waived? My post secondary school results are not that fantastic as I was an average student. I need your advice please. Thank you.

I caught you right there. ChatGPT

JMG Original post… copyright infringement 😂

Simmbas:
Tips for a Successful USA Visa Interview

Preparing for a U.S. visa interview is not just about having the right documents—it's about how you present yourself and communicate your story. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Keep it smooth and respectful. Visa officers are human. If they're in a good mood, they’re more likely to listen. So, try not to frustrate them. Avoid asking them to repeat questions multiple times—listen carefully the first time.

Give full answers. In visa interviews, you're not presumed innocent. You have to prove you’re a trustworthy applicant. The best way to do that is by providing enough detail to support your case—don’t give short or vague answers.

The interview is your one shot. Visa officers don’t review your case beforehand. The interview is the first time they see your DS-160, so how you explain things matters just as much as what’s written.

Know your DS-160 like the back of your hand. Fill it out yourself, or if someone helps you, make sure you understand every detail. Your answers in the interview should match exactly.

Speak naturally. The visa interview isn't a courtroom. Americans prefer informal professionalism. Avoid saying “Sir” or “Ma’am” too much. Talk to the officer like you’re having a conversation with a colleague—respectful, but relaxed.

Tell your story. Visa officers interview over 100 people a day. If you just give robotic answers, you’ll sound like everyone else. What makes you stand out is your personal story—be authentic, not rehearsed.

Know your strengths—and be ready for your weaknesses. Whether it’s financial stability, strong academics, or a clear travel history, emphasize what you bring to the table. If there’s a past denial or a gap in your DS-160, be honest and calm. Worry only makes things worse—preparation is key.

Be clear about your sponsor. Know their job title, where they work, how much they earn, and their financial standing. It may feel awkward to ask, but that info might be necessary.

Avoid “regulation” words. Terms like “ties” or “home country” sound scripted. Visa officers don’t speak like that in daily life. Make your language natural—let your responses feel like a real conversation.
At the end of the day, what gets you the visa isn’t just your documents—it’s how confidently and clearly you tell your story. Be real, be respectful, and be prepared. The interview may only last a few minutes, but a good impression lasts longer.

Efetobore1980:
That honesty also will not affect your ongoing application with your present University. Some applicant might think that " If i tell my present University that i have put applications to other school they might not concentrate with me , or they might say if we deny him he or she still have other Universities to rely on, but that is not the case. American institutions will give you unbiased and honest admission judgement based on the application you have submitted. US embassy also expects an average F1 student visa applicant to have put admission applications to atleast two (2) schools. I will say be honest with your answer . GOOD LUCK.

Thank you Efe…

Thank you Efe for your contribution. A quick one please… I was been asked if I applied to other institutions… for now, I’m applying to one and I got some applications on going with other schools but I’m have not submitted yet… if I get admitted into my first school then I don’t need others. Should I indicate that I applied to other schools in my application to my preferred uni ?

Hello house, please help. I would be glad if my school gives me financial aid. I want the admissions as this is very important. I’m paying the application fee and credentials grading. What should I choose ? Should I click no and when the admission comes, I can try again for financial aid or I should shoot it at first with I will be needing the financial aid as it’s necessary for my enrollment.

Highsaac:
What's course are you planning to pursue?

Thanks for your reply... I would love to study business analytics or health informatics. I love doing research and love to explore too.

Hello house, please I have been finding it hard to put my application through... It looks a lil bit complex to me. I need someone to put me on how to apply or reputable orgs that assist in securing your admission.

Is it late to apply for fall 2025?

Can anyone please help with the steps to renew my visa via dropbox in London? Thank you.

Hey Landers,

Has anyone applied for Interview Wavier options in the UK recently. Please I need the steps on how to go about it.

Thank you.

Let there be PEACE

I'm sure most of the people talking back and forth here are older than me, but right now I feel we should all mature up and let it slide.
Two wrongs doesn't make a right... Please I beg on behalf of everyone offended.

Thank you and God bless.

God bless Nigeria. God bless America.

I laugh when you toy with Oyinbo's record... They have record with everything. US banned us for not keeping record... I wish you all the best.

Yes.

shithapuns:
its the new standard procedure now, cos of card fraud. even hotels in usa do it now

It's very possible the UK embassy does such mistake. This has happened to me. They quoted me wrong on with my bank statement... I don't use Wema bank and they made a mistake tagging me using that bank. If your docs are genuine, I would advice you to reapply immediately and bring to their notice all the mistake they made on your application.

If you can't do it yourself, you can sit next to him to fill the forms and watch him fill your application.

When it happened to me, I reapplied immediately and made them see all the mistakes. I got my VISA on the second attempt.

fascco:
I applied for visiting visa for a week, I did Biometrics on January 15.
I submitted 2 bank statements Gtbank (Person account) with closing balance of 2.9M and Fcmb (Business account) with closing balance of 900k
But UK denial me

They said I submit a first bank statement of account which I don't even have one

NOTE: An Agent apply for me and he said he submit correct documents

1....I'm just confused, is it possible for UK Embassy to make such mistake.
2.... Hope I doesn't affect my application in the future
3.... What did I need to do now

You should be able to complain about the mix up. It’s not what you signed up for. Was your name addressed on it ?

complaints@homeoffice.gov.uk and public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

greatyou:
Guru's in the house, i need your assistance. i was denied visa based on the information pasted below whereas everything stated there are not what i submitted for review. i filled the form myself and did self upload. Everything in this letter is Ghana (GHS) currency while the form i filled is Nigeria (NGR). i have not been to Ghana and do not have any business in Ghana.
Kindly advice on what to do because they said " there is no right of appeal or right to administrative review" .

Where have you been to since you got back from Italy ?

When was your last visit to Italy ?

approvedxxx:
wow, really? maybe we could try Spain this time around. but will same tourism fly for spain?

Do you have a Canadian visa already ?

Truetalk:
Good afternoon everyone, I want to put this out here so I can put in a better application next time with your advise based on experiences.

I just picked up my passport from the VFS it was denied. I was to spend some days in Europe ( Netherland) then head to Canada for a conference.

Documents Submitted

Filled form
International Passport and passport copy
Marriage certificates
Birth certificates of my kids (2)
Axa mansard investment statement
Personal Bank Statement (200k)
Travel History: Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Taiwan.
invitation letter from Canada
Letter of introduction signed and sealed
Landed property receipts/documents
Event Schedule for conference in Holland.

Please guys what do I need to include next time to improve my chances for my next application to be approved.

I would appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks everyone in anticipation for your responses.

NB: First Denial 2019
Second Denial 2020

goldosa:
wow... very simple and straight forward documentation. please are you a first time traveler?

No, I'm not a first time traveler...

Iyiolapo2010:
@Lee310

Congrats how do you manage to book your tour & hotel did you pay for boths and what site

I used Airbnb tho its expensive I must say... You can secure a booking on booking or Expedia too. For tour, you can use Expedia, trivago, hotelbed

goldosa:
CONGRATULATIONS: Pls kindly share your documents for us to learn. thanks

Valid international passport
Passport photograph
Completed Application form
Travel insurance
Flight booking
Hotel booking - Secure your bookings at your own discretion
Tour booking
Proof of employment
3 months Bank statement 2 savings
3 months Pay slip
Company's docs
3 months Company's bank statement

Good day house.. Please if you know you can't do the visa application yourself, please make sure you use a registered travel agent. When filling forms, you need to be there when your forms are being filled online to know what was filled for you... Read through very well. Try to know what you're doing not to get things off the line... It might hurt you so bad. Don't forget you need to be truthful in every application.

Some agent can spoil career oh. Be careful

Thanks to everyone... I just got my passport today...

My TL
Submitted 8th of Jan at VFS
Received 9th of Jan at France Embassy
Application concluded 16th of Jan
Received passport UPS on 17th of Jan

Visa Stamped.

Beautyaddy:
lol!...Keep waiting till forever with that wishful thinking.

What about the millions of Nigerians still leaving in Nigeria as we speak...why can't they make Nigeria to be the Giant of Africa again but have to wait for those living abroad to come back and do what

We are not well exposed to the first world war countries so we no sabi but ogas wey sabi can help build back our reputation but it seems that H1-B visa don't want them to come home again until they make all the money for Yankee. They don't want to give back to the Federal organizations

All of una with B1/B2 visa are just Olodos

Goan watch Rally for relief (Australian Open) they are donating steady...