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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 3:29pm On Dec 24, 2019

dobosky:
First time I went to America Embassy, I make sure I had enough travelling experience that can confuse any interviewer cos I saw how they finish many of my friends.

VO: Good Morning
Me: Good morning.
VO: passport pls.

Me : Here is is
VO: Why are you traveling to U.S
Me: Holiday and Shopping
VO: where do you work
Me: MD of..... Company , we are into ......... And ......
VO: U said your company ship cars from U.S
Me: Yes.
VO: any Prove?
Me: In my mind I don catch you. I gave her shipments documents worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
VO: have you travelled before ?
Me: In my mind I don catch you again. I said yes and start to name. Switzerland, Germany , UK, Poland, France, Italy, Singapore, Greece, Malaysia, Dubai including African countries. And I told her what I went to do in each country.
VO: paused and look at me for 2 seconds then ask. Why where you in Malaysia again?
Me : To do.......
VO: Took my statement of account and scrutinized it. Went through my visas thoroughly in all my four passports then type for 1 minute.
VO: Are you married?
Me: No but looking for now.
VO: little smile
He gave me white paper and told me to pick my passport up.

Chikena!!

Things appear to have come full circle. I may be mistaken, but in the not too distant past, any mention of buying and exporting cars from the US = automatic denial! I wonder what was up with that?

Family › Re: My Father-in-law Wants Me To Always Prostrate Wherever I See Him by Mancala: 6:25pm On Dec 19, 2019

OP, I don't know what country you're in, but regardless of that, you need to take charge of your marriage and the future of your new family. You are a married man and it seems you and your wife are on the same page. There is a saying that goes "Fences make good neighbors". You need to create some boundaries so that mutual respect can develop. If I was in your shoes, I will look for a job in another state and move my family far away. If you're in the U.S., this should be really easy for you to do now. Legally, her parents have no hold over you. All thats in question right now is tradition. These issues will not resolve themselves and if you stick around, wil become even more toxic. Time and distance will make them easier to deal with. Move away, establish your family on you and your wifes terms then you will be on a better footing to deal with this later on. Success breeds confidence and attracts respect!

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 3:30am On Dec 15, 2019

carnal:
Just as the major oil and gas firms all have their private chat apps.noting is Impossible sha when it involves technology

Skype for business program is widely used .... capabilities include instant messaging, voice calls, linking up with your email calendar for conference meetings/calls. Very commonly used in the U.S.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 12:01am On Dec 13, 2019

wuki:
Could you please tell us what would have made OP’s story “hang” in a way that going on vacation and visiting a landmark in an extremely cold state couldn’t have? Perhaps if he had family in MN or if he was visiting NJ instead? Is that sort of the idea here or I’m I misunderstanding you?

OP wants to visit an obscure, unremarkable landmark in the largest indoor mall in America as a primary reason for visiting the state and at the low tourist season.. Begs further questions in my opinion.
This is my opinion only and what makes more sense to me. When asked for itinerary, he could have mentioned plans to visit some of these destinations/attractions that MN is known for. It makes it more believeable to me.
Canal park in Duluth
Skiing in Lutsen or just visit for spectacular views
Mennehaha falls
Eden Prairie ice castles
Lake superior ice caves
Gunflint trail
Snowmobiling … Waconia snowmobile trails
Visit an art Museum
Tour a craft Brewery.

Alternatively, visiting family and and wanting to visit Nickeloden universe in addition is more plausible. If you are a fan of Nickelodeon, and willing to fly thousands of miles to visit one of their theme parks in the US as a primary reason, the obvious choice is the NJ location. Its much larger, much better and overall airfare will be cheaper and more direct. For example, what would you think if a tourist wanted to visit Nigeria with the primary reason of visiting a Nigerian open air market, and the choice was Agbowo market opposite U.I. in Ibadan? Wouldnt that strike you as odd? Wouldnt you know that Ariaria or Balogun or Alaba or Onitsha main market would be more obvious choices, barring any other motives?

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 7:53pm On Dec 12, 2019

wuki:
You’re completely going on a tangent here. As someone pointed out earlier, I have no idea where folks come with certain theories: bell curve, sanctuary city, etc. California—and a host of other states—is also a sanctuary city welcoming to illegal immigrants. Not unique to MN. I am not questioning the specifics but then again you are reading WAY too much into this. Might as well ask OP to have applied to a different state with a higher likelihood of securing a visa. That’s sort of the crust of your argument — a better part of it was spent educating us about MN. So best to avoid applying for visa to MN moving forward.

Edit: the so-called “statistical bell curve” with all the unique info for every city/state, I would want to assume VO pulls this up every time a candidate shows up at the window. Let me see: this is probably one of the many things they might be looking up behind the computer screen during a 2-minute interview?

Not sure how and why the obvious is not coming through. It's common knowledge what certain states in the US are known for. If your reasons for visit seem unusual, there may be doubt. This is not unique to MN. It applies to all states. A tourist may want to go skiing in Hawaii. This is possible, and I have done it. But highly unusual/out of the normal for that destination. If that is the stated reason for visit, it may raise doubt in the mind of the VO. Just saying, a story that doesnt hang through could contribute to doubt and even be a reason for denial.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 6:36pm On Dec 12, 2019*

AfonjaBoston:
Is this immigration "bell curve" you are postulating on any government portal??

Its not an immigration bell curve. I was referring to the historical range of tourist activites/reasons for visiting that are associated with a destination. For example, a tourist from Nigeria might say they want to visit a vineyard/winery in Wisconsin. There are vineyards in Wisconsin, but it is not wine country like California. That would be unusual without some further explanation and or reasons for being there. It is not known for its wineries in the grand scheme of things. Dairyland/cheese land, YES!

Why does this even matter? Because of a legal priciple called consular absolutism. In essence, it is the general doctrine that a consular officer’s decision to grant or deny a visa is not subject to judicial review. When a consular officer denies a visa, the visa applicant is generally without any recourse. Some applications may receive administrative review by the State department’s visa office but this is generally limited and can only occur when requested by a consular officer. A visa applicant has no right to request such review.

In essence, a VO has all the power to grant or deny! A gut feel is enough to trigger a denial without recourse. How much more a trip that does not conform with the usual norms and devoid of a reasonable explanation?

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 5:49pm On Dec 12, 2019

wuki:
Well I don’t agree with the argument about destination either: Minnesota vs New Jersey in your submission. That has already been heavily debated here. In fact someone was told on this same forum that their visa was denied because they were going to New Jersey. Again, those are baseless arguments but I’d rather not wake up sleeping dogs over this topic. Destination-based visa for whatever reason seems laughable at the very least. OP wasn’t *just* visiting Mall of America /Nickeloden Universe; he also said he was going on vacation (which I’m sure includes a good amount of indoor time given the season.) VO doesn’t get to decide how an applicant intends to “vacation.”

Your assertions are based on picking a single point in the array of evidence. Look at the complete picture. I am not saying destination is the only consideration. Question is what are you planning to do at the destination and does it sound reasonable. If you cannot be convincing enough on that simple point, how are they to believe you on your finances, assets, other ties to home country for which no evidence is being considered?
MN vs NJ is in relation to Nickelodeon universe. There is a bigger and better one in NJ. If your intent is to visit as a Nickelodeon fan, NJ is it. MN pales in comparison. I believe VO asked for additional itinerary for a reason.... what else are you coming for as your stated reason falls outside the bell curve? I read between the lines and thought the real question is ...do you have family here you intend visiting (y'all dont look like the winter activities crowd)? Why are you concealing that information from me if so? Those are logical next questions based on the situation.

"Destination-based visa for whatever reason seems laughable at the very least." This assertion is inaccurate in almost its entirety. At a visa interview, you will certainly be evaluated based on the law of averages concerning your destination. What does the average tourist go to do in MN? When do they go? If you fall outside the statistical bell curve, it makes sense to probe further for more details (what is your additional itinerary) ? If your response is not convincing or inconclusive, it is enough to create doubt in the mind of the interviewer.

"VO doesn’t get to decide how an applicant intends to “vacation.”... Yes, but visa officer makes a determination on immigration intent partially based on your stated vacation plans/how you said you want to vacation. If it doesnt hang together, there will be doubt. MN is known as a comparatively immigrant friendly state (even for illegals). Benefits are relatively easier to get and some jurisdictions disallow local law enforcement from asking for immigration status or holding suspects for ICE. You may not known these facts, but they may have been a possibe logical consideration for the VO based on intial doubts.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 3:25pm On Dec 12, 2019

Semisolasola:
No be human being dey live there abi them dey relocate during cold season..make una stop all this speculation and. Assumption..the VO no just wan give..probably tired or not even in the mood or just reflex sef..

Yes, na human being dey live there. And as a matter of fact, those who can, do relocate during the winter season and come back in the summer. It's a very common practice. The Midwest/ Minnesota is not called fly over country for no reason.
As a casual observer, all I said was that the combination of destination and itinerary was not plausible enough to me. Under these circumstances, If one part of the story is in doubt, the entire house of cards is likely to come crashing down.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 2:16pm On Dec 12, 2019

wuki:
My cousins got a visa last week @ Lagos [b]to visit their sister for the holidays [/b]in Minnesota. What do you have to say to that? I have never heard of visa decisions predicated on weather. The embassy might as well deny visa applications in the winter depending on destination; after all, Minnesota doesn't have monopoly over freezing weather -- from New England/Connecticut/Massachusetts to Chicago, the story is the same. So I'm assuming if we are to go by your logic: people traveling to these parts of the U.S this time of the year automatically get denied because of inclement weather? C'mon.

The operative word here is conjunction! My supposition was not based solely on weather. It was in conjuction with the stated purpose of visit to the Mall of America /Nickeloden Universe. Visiting family ,as I mentioned, is one of the top reasons to visit the state, especially in the winter. Being familiar with that part of the country, I think it unusual (not implausible) to fly thousands of miles to Minnesota in the winter for a purpose that falls outside of the usual big winter attractions especially when there is a bigger, better and cheaper option in NJ.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 5:02am On Dec 12, 2019

The weather may really have been a point of consideration. Minnesota is so darn cold right now, and I'm not talking about U.K. type of cold/winter. This is in a different category entirely. Oftentimes, it's colder in Minneapolis than in Alaska. Tourists to the state at this time of the year are usually outdoorsy types that are looking to ski, snow shoe, hike, ice fish, hunt and all the other winter type activities the state is famous for. Or they are visiting family. It's kind of unusual to want to visit at this time of year with the sole purpose of going to Nickelodeon universe. The Mall of America itself that houses it is a much bigger tourist attraction. Nickeloden universe in Minnesota is honestly a lame attraction. I'm guessing this is why the VO asked you for your itinerary. Probably was not convinced that you would visit Minnesota for that attraction when there is an awesome 9 acre Nickelodeon universe in New Jersey that outshines the Minnesota version by light years. It's the largest indoor theme park in the U.S.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 2:03am On Nov 22, 2019

skdfu747:
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab popularly referred to as the "Underwear Bomber", is a Nigerian man who, at the age of 23, confessed to and was convicted of attempting to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his underwear while on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253, en route from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan, on Christmas Day, 2009.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umar_Farouk_Abdulmutallab

Tell me what background check was done on this individual.

As at the time he committed the crime, he was not a known terrorist and not on any of the databases. He already had an existing multiple entry visa that's one of the reasons why his handlers selected him for the assignment. Anyone with that same name or similar name will have an extremely difficult time getting a visa or even boarding a flight pretty much anywhere in the western world

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 8:08pm On Nov 21, 2019

skdfu747:
Specifically for B1/B2 visa the U.S embassy depends solely on the information an applicant provides in the D.S 160 form the next stage is to defend the application on the day of interview.
There is not background check especially for of B1/B2 visa.

This is not accurate. Background checks that I know for certain are done include checking that the applicant is not on any US no fly database or flagged terrorist list. In addition, they have the ability to access interpol criminal records to determine if the applicant has a criminal record; if they so desire.

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 11:57pm On Nov 19, 2019

Spanishmilf:
Singapore
You mean they don't need a visa to visit Singapore.
Mad ooh

A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days for Ghanian citizens. However, a visa does not guarantee entry. Their requirements can be somewhat strict at POE. You can use this website to search visa requirements for pretty much any country.
https://www.travisa.com/Visa_Search

It's a pity that Nigeria does not qualify. In fact, there are very few countries that require a visa to Singapore and Nigeria is one of them. This Singapore govt website link shows the countries that need a visa to enter.
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Washington/Visa-and-Entry-Requirements

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 11:47pm On Nov 18, 2019

@Seyewest; @Spanishmilf.......... please sheath your swords biko. Not worth it attacking each other. This is a well respected thread on the forum in part because participants discuss ideas and provide facts and also because it is one of the more peaceful threads on Nairaland. It's not who is right, but what is right that ultimately matters. Please lets try to move on.

Seyewest, if you pointed out what you think is incorrect, we could all learn from it and discuss. I have little knowledge of the unique U.S. visa application process in Nigeria so I do learn a lot from these discussions. Spanishmilf, keep an open mind, you could learn something new and Seyewest too.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 11:32pm On Nov 18, 2019

skdfu747:
No maybe in the next millennium (1,000 years) Nigeria might be one of the countries to be included in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Sadly no single African country is included in the US Visa Waiver Program.

Nigeria has come a long way, but it's sad that we went the wrong way! There was a time that Nigerians could get a visa on arrival in New York. There are Nigerians still alive that can attest to this. My parents used to spend Naira in NY and also in London. BTA of 500 Naira per person was big money back then. Don't doubt it, one day we will have waiver status. We are going to collect our ancestors entitlements!

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 3:57pm On Nov 16, 2019

yinksob002:
Thanks for your observation but the truth is that there is no guarantee that it would be granted if she had applied with me. Whilst I was on the queue, a young couple who have both had extensive travel history spanning US, UK, France, Holland and just got back from Canada were refused by the same VO. What excuse can we make for that considering that it was also a renewal interview like mine?

So, I feel the VOs just grant at their own discretion and no matter how hard you try, they may or may not grant it.

Coming from a country like Nigeria, one of the significant hurdles that needs to be overcome is the economics of the situation. Does it make sense that an applicant is proposing to spend a significant portion of their savings or multiple years salary on a single vacation trip? We all know what a lot of Nigerians do when they get to the U.S. They take on a job and get paid cash under the table. The VO's know this too. They also know that we also engage in trading .... bring stuff to sell or buy stuff to take home and sell. Many will not even return home.

The conference hand has also been well overplayed. You do not need to be physically present at a conference to contribute or gain knowledge from the proceedings. You can attend/contribute via skype or video conferencing. It's amusing to see an unemployed graduate applying to attend a conference that is hardy tangential to their field of study.

Finally, extensive travel history can be a red flag. Again, based on the economics, it throws up the question of hidden activities. I will not go into details grin

But before I stop, I have mentioned before that the interview process appears to be unfair. Most Nigerians leave the embassy feeling that they have not been given a fair shot. I myself have seen this, a case in point being a reknowned academic that was invited by a U.S. government agency and denied a visa, but granted when the agency interveined. If only Nigerians in the U.S. can come together and form a single political voting block like the Indians and Somalis have done. These folks influence the process in their countries by putting pressure on their members of congress. We need to do the same.

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Family › Re: What Does A 16 Year Old Need A Smart Phone For? by Mancala: 12:01am On Nov 01, 2019

Technically, a 16 year old is a minor, so I will answer your question with a question. Do you have his parents consent? It is quite common that parents want their child to earn their first phone as a way to teach them responsibility. So would be wise for you to ask his parents consent especially if it's a smart phone with internet capabilities.

Family › Re: My Rich Brother Does Not Care About Us.... by Mancala: 4:21pm On Oct 27, 2019

OP, if your objective is really to bring your brother and family back together, y'all need to start showing love and care for the things he cares about. First, you said he sends money to your parents. Is he the only one sending money to them? Do all of you send money to them? Imagine how proud and happy your brother would feel if your parents should tell him that he should only send half of what he normally sends because his younger brothers are now sending them something regularly. Or when something comes up that needs to be taken care of and you are up to the task and do it before he even hears of it. There are 7 of you, you need to share the burden. In addition, if he has kids, remember their birthdays, send cards, call. Remember his family on Christmas and other holidays. You said you visit him. Have you ever invited his family to visit you? You do not need to be rich to show that you care.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 6:34pm On Oct 17, 2019

helpee:
The only right you have when you apply for a visa is the right to get a decision. Since you paid for it, they must give you a decision. So the moment they deny you the visa, they have fulfilled their contractual part of the process. They owe you a decision. How they arrive at that decision is non of our business

NB- something funny happened recently. A guy got stranded on a bad road cos of the rain. When he got the front gate of house he used to have a lady friend, he decided to go in and ask her if he could park the car around. The GATE WAS NOT LOCKED. So he pushed the gate open and was instantly faced with two giant fighter dogs who were not chained. They belonged to the landlord. They seriously battered him. When he got to the clinic, the landlord told him he won't be responsible for the entire bill cos the dog was not a stray dog and the guy didn't knock. The argument of the guy was that they should have locked the gate. The man said....did that dog bite you within or outside the compound? The man said he didn't invite him and it is non of his business wether he locked his gate or not. This story may not be related with what we are saying but the only lesson there is this....YOU CANT DICTATE TO THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE HOW HE SHOULD SCREEN HIS VISITORS. If you don't want to be bitten by a dog or you don't want to waste money applying for a visa, stay clear of the embassy.

I guess we can agree to disagree on this. America prides itself in doing the right thing and takes it as a thing of pride. They welcome this type of feedback. I have no issue with the approval or denial rated. I believe they can do much better in the way they treat us especially when compared with other similar countries in similar situations

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 3:23pm On Oct 17, 2019

Beautyaddy:
I kinda understand what you're saying but I don't think I agree with it.

I know as we all know that getting a US visa or any Countries visa is a privilege and not a rights. But the way your argument is going it is trying to make the visa process a "right".

I want to believe that anything that is given under a privileged category will not be given the same scrutiny among different applicants.

Take for example who you let into your home. Even when you have a standard procedure to go by scrutiny of people your instincts will still set in because of some of those applicants past history.

You do have some rights when you apply for a visa because it is akin to a contractual process. I am saying those rights should include (if not already implied) a fair adjudication process. A process that is evidently fair to all. In practical terms, this is called abiding by not only the letter of the rules governing the process but also the spirit if the rules.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 2:43pm On Oct 17, 2019

TWoods:
We pay for services in Nigeria that we never receive, but for some strange reason we hold the US to a higher standard than our own country. I will never understand that mentality.

I can speak for myself, and myself only. I personally demand value for my money wherever I am..... Nigeria or the U.S.
However, one key distinction here is that unlike Nigeria, the American system espouses these values and actually holds them as truths. All I am asking is that they walk the talk at the consulates in Nigeria.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 2:33pm On Oct 17, 2019

TWoods:
I think you should see it from their point of view too...

Yes you're paying a kings ransom... to visit THEIR country. They are under no obligation to grant you an entry visa neither did they solicit your application. You applied on your own volition. The choice to apply and pay the costs are entirely voluntary, you could choose not to pay and stay in your country. Its not possible for them to do the thorough check you're asking for given the thousands of Nigerians who apply for visa interviews daily. If they were to do that, they would be unable to interview anymore than a fraction of the number of people they interview today. Other countries do not have the same sheer number of people seeking to emigrate, or level of fraud so they have more time to do a thorough interview. In countries with good reputations, the citizens rarely have to go through an interview.

I feel you're seeking to scapegoat the US for the consequences of our own failures of government. If you're unhappy with the US visa process, do not apply to visit the US.

You speak some truths but not the whole truth. The choice to apply and pay is voluntary, but when you pay, guess what? You have entered into a contract to be provided the services you paid for. There is no guarantee of the issuance of a visa, but we should be guaranteed a fair and transparent process of adjudication which to me does not exist today. The process should not only be fair, but should also appear to be fair to all involved... values espoused by American system.

"Its not possible for them to do the thorough check you're asking for given the thousands of Nigerians who apply for visa interviews daily. If they were to do that, they would be unable to interview anymore than a fraction of the number of people they interview today"
This is far from the truth. Case in point; India is in a similar situation like Nigeria. They interview significantly more people at the consulate on a daily basis especially in the summer months. They know how to do this!

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 7:30pm On Oct 16, 2019

Spanishmilf:
people are too much at the embassy and i think they close by 2:00clock in d afternoon u can't expect a vo to spend 10-15min on one applicant

Yes, I really do expect them to spend the appropriate amount of time on the interviews even if its 15 minutes. They are providing a service for which Nigerians are paying for. I can guarantee you that this process will be deemed unacceptable in the U.S. .If an applicant has submitted documents and they have vetted and validated all the information and are satisfied, the interview should not take long. In my opinion, its merely a matter of validating identity. In addition if all does not line up a quick rejection after a couple questions is in order.
A quick 3 minute one size fits all interview fliws in the face of logic especially coming from a country that espouses very high values

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 3:20pm On Oct 16, 2019

TWoods:
I agree with the above... but a typical visa officer has only 3 minutes to interview you. How does he know you are the only good one out of a sea of bad applicants he's had to see? I strongly believe that if Nigeria had a good digital system where a visa officer can easily verify the information on your application - like bank information, job status, criminal record, education, addresses etc., it would have made it that much easier to quickly weed out the bad ones so only those who are trusted are invited to the interview, if that was even necessary. We oftentimes only have ourselves to blame.

True dat. But why only 3 minutes for such an "important" interview? From what I hear, they are also somewhat dismissive and could be more empathetic during the process. Nigerians do pay a Kings ransome (by our standards) and deserve a fair shake. Why can't they take their time and do a thorough interview like they do in other countries if the can't rely on documentation? There are other countries in the world with a similar reputation for shady documents where they take their time and do a proper background check and document vetting through third party contractors before the interview. I believe this is what they need to do in Nigeria. Besides, isn't that what the visa fee is supposed to cover?

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 8:57pm On Oct 11, 2019

OmoBendel24:
Our government; our people, over the years; our economic, political and security woes won't let us be great if we would be truthful to ourselves. The flight risk is just too high with us!

But this here is the textbook definition of scapegoating or stereotyping. Because a lot of us are bad doesn't mean all of us are bad. Why can't we be treated on an individual basis and not pre-judged before we even set foot in the embassy? These are some of the ideals espoused by America but not exactly practiced in relation to Nigerians

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 8:47pm On Oct 11, 2019

Beautyaddy:
lol!...I think that US Constitution rights happen post CBP clearance into the US.

And that's why getting the US visa approved in the first place comes with very strict and extra scrutiny.

Not entirely accurate because the asylum process is actually governed by international law.

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 8:37pm On Oct 11, 2019

[quote author=Mancala post=83054814][/quote]I'm aware of all these. I however can't count the number of applicants with noble visit intentions I know of that got approved since this "strict" development, but the number of approval for those planning to run has decreased drastically, that is the reason you hear more of these refusal complain.... Our "ogboju" time is almost up!

I know of a group of about 20+ in recent times for instance that got almost 40% approval of their application, each of those approved were with the right ties and not planning to escape, they already are back to Naija. Those refused actually almost all had the right ties except for one or two, but not even one with the intent of vamoosing (despite the right ties) got the visa, and I'm told they were the angriest and most desperate of the lot. Yes, they are refusing some qualified people still (mostly because of how they handled their interview and form filling), but they are getting better refusing those on the escape route. I know this will never go down well with the bulk of people getting refused, but search yourself oh!

I really have no skin in the game, but what irks me is the double standard. For example, a Nigerian that wants to go shopping in New York or even just visit for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving parade has higher hurdles to overcome, all things being equal, than a similar visitor say from Brazil or even Argentina.

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 8:17pm On Oct 11, 2019

OmoBendel24:
I'm aware of all these. I however can't count the number of applicants with noble visit intentions I know of that got approved since this "strict" development, but the number of approval for those planning to run has decreased drastically, that is the reason you hear more of these refusal complain.... Our "ogboju" time is almost up!

I know of a group of about 20+ in recent times for instance that got almost 40% approval of their application, each of those approved were with the right ties and not planning to escape, they already are back to Naija. Those refused actually almost all had the right ties except for one or two, but not even one with the intent of vamoosing (despite the right ties) got the visa, and I'm told they were the angriest and most desperate of the lot. Yes, they are refusing some qualified people still (mostly because of how they handled their interview and form filling), but they are getting better refusing those on the escape route. I know this will never go down well with the bulk of people getting refused, but search yourself oh!

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 8:13pm On Oct 11, 2019

OmoBendel24:
"As soon as they land" here would mean? As soon as they disembark or as soon as they get past CBP? I understand though, the A part of my second question is a major reason both the US and Canada will not allow you transit via their country without their visa. Right?

As soon as they land at a border post or disembark and declare their intention to seek assylum. They do not need to get past CBP. Same with a visa holder who is being denied entry. Yes, they are very wary of transit without a visa because you don't need a visa to declare assylum once you're there. There are too many loopholes. But they set the rules, immigrants follow them. They know what to do to fix this yet they wont.

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 7:43pm On Oct 11, 2019

flourishing247:
This is one of the consequences of lies our people tell at the embassy. They will still come up with stricter measures. So people that think they are smart should think again.
Do the Honourable thing, get your visa, go on holidays and return back to Nigeria simple. You can live a good life here if you work hard. Stop messing up genuine people's chances of getting visas to visit their families. Hian

To be honest, this latest development will not deter those who know how to work the system. Once you're on American soil, the rules change. You have more rights than most are aware of. They cannot just deport you if you know what to do...... call an attorney immediately grin

' even at the point of entry! Truth is, if you were issued a visa, you have a right to
•An exclusion hearing before a judge to determine your admissibility;
•An administrative appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals;
•A judicial review or appeal of any, or all, of the above decisions.
This is why Mr Trump is determined to stop people setting foot on American soil in the first place. Even assylum seekers have rights as soon as they land. But if you're processing your case from outside the country, your options are severely limited.

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Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 6:49pm On Oct 11, 2019

agbulagu:
Hello everyone, please I have interview next week and I don't know what and what to take to the embassy, I don't want people to know I am going so I don't want to ask family and friends. I am going for a conference and my sponsor is my dad.

I have just 35k with me and I am hearing reciprocity fee. How much is it exactly and must I go with the money, and which other cost am I going to incur at the embassy .

Thanks

No offense intended to the OP, but this just cracked me up. "I don't want people to know I am going so I don't want to ask family and friends"[b][/b]
We don't trust ourselves, yet we want foreigners (VO) to take our words as true for whatever we say or at face value. This is one of the subtle cultural underpinnigs that they pick up on, along with our past actions, that now makes it difficult to be successful at the consulate. OP, I am not saying you are not justified in saying what you said, but think of the irony it presents for those adjudicating your application.

Travel › Re: USA Visit Visa Part 4 by Mancala: 4:07pm On Oct 11, 2019

TEXAS79:
NIGERIANS ARE TOO QUICK TO JUDGE,BUT THANKS FOR ASKING FOR CORRECTION IF U WRONG,I ACTUALLY DID MY CHANGE OF STATUS WHEN I GOT HERE FOR A ONE YEAR COURSE,ANYWAYS MY STAY HERE IS LEGAL NOW AND WITH MY FAMILY.

Lets keep it real. Granted, your stay is now legal. But the path you took is what is contentious. I am not passing any judgement but I need you to examine the facts yourself and see how this situation will be perceived.

You were issued a visiting visa after stating that you had solid ties to Nigeria. You had a job (for over 20 years), your wife was in the military and your 2 kids were in school. You also stated that you were going for a short visit and staying with a long term friend. After arriving in the U.S., you decided to enroll in school and change your status. Any rational human being (including a VO) will conclude that this was not a decision you took after arriving in the U.S., but was preconceived and pre-planned. This is what folks are saying will negatively impact future visa applicants in Nigeria (including you.. I will explain further). Do you think the next applicant, with a profile as strong as yours initially appeared to be, will get the same benefit of the doubt like you were accorded? Hell no! The VO will go into the interview with a higher threshold to overcome before approval.
I mentioned that what you did may likely affect you too. Even if you become a citizen in the future, anybody linked to you that applies for a visiting visa will have a higher threshold to overcome. If you return to Nigeria and apply for another non immigrant visa, you may have a very difficult time convincing the VO. One thing most folks don't understand is that the fact that you were allowed to change your status in the U.S. by USCIS (under Homeland Security rules) does not automatically grant you parole for violations of the Visa that was issued under the Sate Department until you either get a Green Card (that's even questionable) or become a citizen.

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