Visa approved, 5th attempt, Lagos, 2nd Nov 2021.

Before I share my story, I will like to say just a few things. My interview was scheduled for 11am but I got there few minutes to 10am (Lagos and Traffic). When I got to the premises, those “opportunist” were trying to milk me. They took me to a shop saying I have to arrange my documents in a certain way. I told them I have the right documents and they are already arranged accordingly. They said the picture I have on my DS 160 confirmation page is different from the hard copy passport photograph I had, and I will have to take a new photograph. I didn’t oblige and I insisted I will use it like that. They said I have to photocopy the data page of my passport and take it in else, I will be sent back. I told them that, this isn’t my first time here and I have never heard of such before. The guy gave up on me and left.
It is very important to have your complete documents and arrange them appropriately so you don’t end up getting scammed by those guys. They will say many things to you but don’t pay attention.
There was no crowd at the Lagos Embassy today, and I noticed that they have made some remarkable changes (I am not quite sure if they relocated to another floor or just renovated the place. But whatever the case may be, it looks entirely different from the last time I visited in Nov 2020). There were lots of approvals from a particular white guy with tattoos and piercings. You could win his heart if you are very confident, chatty and have a good sense of humor (People he denied gave only one word reply and they stuttered a bit).

1st Attempt – Lagos – Western Illinois University - $4k scholarship
2nd Attempt – Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
3rd Attempt - Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
4th Attempt – Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
5th Attempt – Lagos – Middle Tennessee State University

My Profile
COA - $36,500
Scholarship - $8000
GRE- Nil
GMAT – Nil
Appointment - Regular

TRANSCRIPT
Me: Good morning Sir (with a big smile on my face)
VO: Goodmorning. Please pass me your passport and I-20

Me: Sorry, I am very nervous Sir (I said this while passing my documents to him)
Vo: Oh don’t worry, It’s Ok, I understand. So I can see you are going to Middle Tennessee State University to study Information Technology?
Me: Yes, that is very correct.

VO: What is your latest certification/degree?
Me: I had my first degree in Information and Communication Engineering from xyz University, I graduated in July 2018.


VO: That’s your undergraduate study right?
Me: Yes, it is.

VO: What have you been doing since then?
Me: Oh after my undergraduate studies, I went for the compulsory NYSC program, where I served as a Software support Analyst at XYZ limited after which I got a job at XYZ. I am working as an Information Technology Auditor and I have been with them for 2 years.

VO: How did you know about MTSU?
Me: MTSU was first recommended to me by my supervisor at work, Mr. John Pink and I furthered my research by contacting my program advisor, Dr. Amy, to know more about the course curriculum.

VO: Why MTSU?
Me: MTSU offers one of the best course curriculum in the US. The university offers an additional certification in advance data analytics and visualization. Also, the course curriculum perfectly aligns with my career goal and it will provide me with the advanced knowledge and hands on experience I critically need to implement a decision support system in my department on my return to Nigeria. This system will collect business data, analyze it and transform it into useful business intelligence thereby providing solutions to complex business problems.
In addition, I have a high CGPA of 3.64/4.0, and MTSU was kind enough to offer me 23% off my cost of attendance

VO: Great! Who will be sponsoring you?
Me: My Dad! He is a professor at xyz university and an established business man. He owns a logistics company that is into transportation of petroleum products within Nigeria. He has operations in Bauchi, Warri, Edo and Akwa Ibom. Presently, he has an average number of 25 staffs in those operations

VO: (He kept on nodding his head and seemed impressed) How many siblings do you have?
Me: I have 2 elder brothers who are married, and a younger sister studying law in the university of xyz.

VO: Did your elder brothers study in the US?
Me: No they didn’t but the 2nd studied in UK and he is back in Nigeria and married.

VO: He was sponsored by your Dad too?
Me: Yes Sir, he was.

VO: Awesome! So what’s your plan after the completion of your Master’s degree in the US?
Me: Oh in the organization I currently work, we have been working on quite a number of projects and proposal which are targeted at the top organizations in the technology industry. By next year, we will be sealing the deals and we will be starting the Information Technology audit the year after. I want to be at the center of this massive growth so after the completion of my degree, I will be returning back to my organization and get integrated into the process. The decision support system I plan on implementing will also be tested in the IT environment of those organizations.
VO: (he kept on nodding his head) I can see the course is for 2 years, what are you going to be doing when you leave them? Why do you still wanna come back?
Me: (I smiled) Oh no, I am not leaving them. I am only going on study leave for 2 years after which I will be back to even take on a higher role. I have a letter to that effect Sir, and it is here with me.

VO: Oh don’t worry… Ok so what if you get OPT and most likely get a job?
ME: (We both laughed) and I said no Sir, I really want to be involved in the project going on in my organization on my return and the decision support system I plan on implementing, won’t be done if I remain in the US. I would love to come back.

VO: But what if it is a job that will be paying way higher than what you are currently earning? Won’t you take the job? I mean, it will be a good thing to be paid that high and just enjoy yourself
Me: (We both laughed again) Sir, the organization I currently work is a multinational firm and we have presence in over 167 countries. I have a dream to become the youngest and first female audit partner in the organization and I can’t achieve this if I remain in the US or accept a job there. It will be a dream come true if I am given the opportunity to study in the US as it will be a step to achieving my dreams.

VO: (He kept on nodding his head and was impressed). Ok I noticed you have been using a particular school for your prior applications and you are switching to MTSU. Why is that?
Me: Oh that is very correct Sir, I applied to WIU but switched to MTSU because the masters in IT program offered in MTSU comes with an additional certification in advance data analytics and visualizing which will provide the hands experience I critically need to implement a decision support system on my return to Nigeria.

VO: (He smiled and started typing for a long while)

Me: (The silence was becoming sickening so I decided to complement his tattoos and ear piercings) I so much love your piercings and tattoos did you get it done in Nigeria or the US?
VO: (He stopped typing and looked at me laughing) Thank you! I got this particular tattoo in xx country, this one was done in xx country and this was done when I travelled to xx country. I travel a lot.
Me: (We both laughed) I love tattoos but I am scared of the needles and the pain I would have to pass through.
VO: hahaha the pain is only for a moment. Congratulations, I will be approving your visa blah blah blah.
I was speechless and suddenly turned deaf.
Me: Thank you very much Sir, you made my day!

So guys here are a few tips;
1. Pray like you’ve never prepared, and prepare like you’ve never prayed. You have to trust God with all your heart and commit your ways unto him. My approval today was purely by His Grace. I kept on confessing positive things, and calling my visa into existence while fasting and praying.
2. Don’t listen to what people say. I was told they hardly approve visa in Lagos. I was told there are always few approvals for those going for spring entry. I was told that once you have been delayed, it becomes difficult to get an approval. I was asked to give up and probably try other countries. But, all these didn’t stop me. I only focused my heart, ears and mind to what God said in the bible regarding victory and I stood by that word.
3. There is no “One answer fits all”, you have to be unique and stand out. You have to speak with passion, You have to be confident and you must first believe in your heart to get the approval. Anything is possible if you believe!!
WHAT GOD CANNOT DO, DOES NOT EXIST.

kaey10:
Guys if ur school is resuming January, you can request for EA. I requested for EA yesterday and it has been approved this afternoon my new date is now on the 26th of this month

Pls is this for Lagos or Abuja?

Bond4141:
Please who knows any School in US for M.Sc in IT Audit? I have search the internet over and over , nothing tangible have been derived

You can check MTSU they have a program in Information systems and IT audit is one of the modules.

Hey guys, pls does anyone know if it is possible to track visa status or passport? it is almost a month since I had my interview at the Ukraine embassy and I heard it takes 2 weeks for processing and passport delivery but it is almost a month now and I haven't seen my passport or gotten an email.

Please when did you apply for it?

obexxy:
Hi guys

I just got this mail from Lagos NIV => URGENT - CONFIRM YOUR NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPOINTMENT

My appointment date is Nov13

Who else got this mail?

When did you send the request for emergency appointment and when did they get back to you?

OGAPEE:


Lagos bross

Please is this Lagos or Abuja?

OGAPEE:
Please, I need a clarification. I had already secured an interview date in December before I got an emergency date in November and I will be going for the interview tomorrow, am I suppose to cancel the appointment I have in December before the interview or I can just go ahead with the interview without canceling the appointment in December?
I need guidance on this, thank you!

I applied last week, yet to get a reply from them

jhidey08:
Good evening everyone, Please has anyone who applied for an expedited appointment in Lagos last week gotten any response yet? Or does anyone have a new information about expedited appointments?

Congrats @RubyPrincess!! Pls check your mail, I have a few questions to ask

congratulations!! This will be my testimony too

solastar2:
Visa approved this morning at Lagos consulate. Thanks all especially @GracedG and my people on Acers WhatsApp. Transcript later

yaaayyy!! Congratulations

codeline:
My F1 and F2 Visa approved today. Will be back for transcript

Hello, are you saying that it is only those in Abuja that can request for emergency appointment via the application page?
My location is lagos and i applied for the emergency request via the page 2 days ago and haven't gotten any mail yet from the lagos embassy.
Is this likely because I submitted the request via the page ?
Secondly, roughly how long would it take for them to get back?

UmmZayd:
If it's Abuja,you can request for emergency appointment on your page don't forget to attach your sevis receipt and i-20. Although it may take up to #weeks but they will still reply either accepted or rejected
Best of luck

Thank you!

sonofakin:
Yes, it is

Hi guys, please it's urgent!
for the VISA fee payment, I don't have a GT Bank account/app. Does anyone know if it is possible to use another person's GT bank app to make payment online?

Thank you in advance for answering my question

[quote author=samibk post=95008075][/quote]
Kindly share your transcript so we can also learn

Mkin:
Hi,
Is there anyone here going to Western Illinois University in Macomb for Spring (January) 2021?

YESSSS!!