₦airaland Forum

justwise:
No amount of lengthy episode will change my stand on this, WhatsApp group is very self idea as its only available to few number of people , open forum like this serves everyone both registered an non-registered individuals visiting this forum.

If you are so concerned about helping people to get a date what stops you from notifying people here when date is available?

If you can't share it openly here then well and good but don't use this thread to feed the whatsapp group.

You have your opinion and I have mine. I'm just as entitled to mine as you are to yours! So don't try to impose whatever on me.

Why are you so bothered anyway? If you also care so much about helping people and not being unnecessarily antagonistic, you should join in lending a helping hand here. At the very least, I did my part in answering pertinent questions on here to the best of my ability.

And obviously, you missed the part where I mentioned how quickly appointment slots get filled. Posting available dates here to people who are not even online at the time is defeating! You should rather see reason instead of being headlong focused on rebuttal, missing the point.

And validates my response above. I'm not even an admin of the group and I was not and I'm not now seeking to populate the group. The OP asked for help for a date search group and I sent an email with the link, same way someone here sent me the link and I was able to book an appointment date early. It's because I posted the notification, that's the cause of all these. If I didn't post it, you wouldn't have known. Again, no rule was violated.

As a leader, if you can't take criticisms whether constructive or otherwise, then you're not fit for that position!

And I don't care if you have an irrelevant discontent with my criticism. I believe my critique is well placed and valid. I don't know you, neither do you. Coming here to act like you're the alpha and omega is just a nonsensical attitude. There's more to life than having some obligation on nairaland.

justwise:
Ok let me just say this to you directly...sharing of WhatsApp group link here for whatever reason is not allowed. there is Nothing legitimate that can not be shared here, so there is no need for WhatsApp group.

Whats App group is a selfish idea and self -serving

The link was never shared here. I only notified them via the post on here and my message specifically read "check your email". So what's the point of having the email contact functionality on this platform anyway? Communications would have still happened via email without anyone's notice as anyone can email anyone here. Or is it because I did the courtesy of mentioning it via the post? I'd take a back seat on that one.

We all can agree that the goal is "Date Search" and WhatsApp provides quick notifications for when dates are available for applicants to go book their appointments on a timely note. Many people here including myself have benefited from that group when it comes to interview dates and snap updates by others.

No doubt this platform serves its purpose but so does a WhatsApp group for specifically "Date Search". We cannot do "date-searching" here, it'll be almost defeating the purpose. We're talking about timeliness! And appointment slots get filled up fast!!

They asked a legitimate question to which I responded without breaking any rule and I consider it personally disrespectful the action that followed.

Your opinion is that WhatsApp group is selfish but I vehemently disagree with you. Far more people share quicker dates on there than on here. How many times has anyone posted about availability of dates on here since the last 4 weeks? Yet, people are booking appointments because selfless applicants like themselves are helping each other.

I really hate to write long epistles on inconsequential stuff as I've gone past the stage of tantrums.

I'd expect a better excuse for the exaggerated censorship not this!

justwise:
What exactly do you mean by that?

Exactly what I said! Despite trying to help on here, I'm supposedly viewed by a moderator as an 'agent' and my post censored, for what reason? Simply because I sent to the person who asked, a legitimate link to a real group for date search and notified them as such through the post.

If they thought the group was a fictitious one or that I tried to extort them, I'm pretty sure they'd have made their comment on here without delay. Why being selective on which post to redact as tho they're actively on my case for the slightest mistake?! And what's the point even trying to help if unnecessary scrutiny is the priority? The excessive censorship is exaggerated.

I'll sit this one out, because it's obviously difficult for them to know who's real or not and efforts are not even appreciated. If over censoring becomes the order of the day, then I doubt people would be willing to help even when they have the answers (because their post may be deleted).

I do hope the moderators are taking note.

I see they deleted even the original post! They can as well delete this post or even get me off the space because constructive criticism isn't welcome. I thought we celebrated FREE SPEECH!!

Paularge1991:
Good day all. I have paid my MRV fee for a B1/B2 US visa and got to this stage, this is the message I got whilst trying to book an appointment. I am lost, someone should please help me as to what it means and the necessary action required please.

You may want to post in the appropriate section for US visit visas to get adequate response.

Anyway, what it means is that you have submitted a request to book an interview and the consulate/embassy will send you an email once your request is approved. After then, you can go ahead to choose a date for your interview.

Flixvevo:
Please, after filling a new DS-160 form and updating it on my profile here https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/updateprofile, do I still need to email/call the CGI support ?

GboyegaD JMG12. NoseDive2Succes

No you don't need to call or email CGI. Just ensure any update you make is at least 72 hours/3 working days before your interview.

NoseDive2Succes:
Hello

For the sake of the general readers your educational profile starts from your secondary school only omit your primary school detail. Regards.

Agreed. Follow here @Flixvevo

Phraser:
I keep getting this message, even when people say that dates are available. I’ve been previously denied a visa, but I chose “Regular,” as I was told that it will expedite my getting a date.

Does anyone know why this message keeps showing, even when other people can see dates?

It's widely reported by many people in the same situation as you. Just keep monitoring the appointment calendar. I assume they'd eventually open up the dates.

Flixvevo:
Please, do you mean inside this box ?

Yes. You can add as much details as possible. Just include it after writing about your present job duties.

Flixvevo:
Please ooo,
1. Is there any where on the DS-160 form to indicate that you have a business aside your job ?
2. And is it necessary to indicate it ?

No, you can indicate it in the section where you include details about your present job.

Yes, if it will help your application especially with defending your earnings.

VeeInsider:
@Themaths @Oyotunjiusa @Mayford

Appreciate the great help! I'll work towards getting an affidavit and maintaining two names. Thanks once again.

You're welcome

Ellskc:
Hello everyone.

Is it possible to make changes to your DS-160 application after submitting it? I have already completed all the remaining steps and gotten my interview date, but I realized I needed to correct something. If not, will creating a new one mean I have to pay the MRV fee again?

Hello, it is not possible to make changes to the DS-160 after submitting it. You can fill a new DS-160 with the details from your previous application if you still have the old application ID. Otherwise, just fill a new one afresh and then update your CGI profile with the new confirmation number at least 3 working days before your interview date.

Wf007:
My profile …GTA with deficit of 6,595$
And yes am working at obafemi Awolowo university
Protein subunit research

Please can you gimme a piece of advice or tips because the school program will start by August 12th if I should buy another appointment date before then or what did you think 🤔
P
Help help

Hi, paying another MRV for a new appointment will only delay you further as you'd have to get approval first before you can schedule an appointment and there's no guarantee you will see a favourable date.

Keep monitoring the appointment calendar for a reschedule and if possible, you can switch to either Abuja or Lagos depending on which location has the best dates before your resumption.

If it helps, you can join date search groups for updates on date availability.

VeeInsider:
Thanks for your reply and contribution. I'm also getting this message:

"Ensure that the name on your passport and other official identification matches the name you use in your application. This is particularly important for visa applications."

How important is this?

@OyoTunjiUSA @mayford, please do you have anything to say on this?

Hi @VeeInsider, the details on your passport are the most important elements at this time. Your transcript and degree certificate can still be accepted by the school. Though you bear an additional name (middle), they can still confirm that you were a student of your Alma mater and that your credentials are legit. It's understandable for omissions to happen, that's why courts are there and the notary public will help legitimise your documents with the additional name.

So for your visa, please use the details exactly as they appear in your passport for all your visa application and required processes. Your First & Last names are what they care most about, besides not everyone has a middle name.

Flixvevo:
Please,
can one create a new DS-160 profile after being given appointment date for interview ?

Hi, Yes you can create and fill a new DS-160 form even after securing an interview date

Flixvevo:
I mean will there be any issues doing that

No, there will be no problems. Simply update your ustraveldocs (CGI) profile with the new confirmation number of the DS-160 at least 3 working days before your interview date.

Greatkenny2:
Oh thanks.. so I should go ahead and change the password?

Yes please

Greatkenny2:
Hi guys, is it normal for your CGI profile to ask for a change of password when you try to log in into your account.. please who has experienced this? Is this normal

Yes, it's normal.

Happens after a while since your last password change.

VeeInsider:
This is another amazing reply from someone who wants to help. Thanks for @mayford and many others helping us on this thread. I'm new to this and still doing research into schools for Spring 2025.

Thank you @VeeInsider and thanks for your contributions too.

We're all here to learn and help each other achieve success in our interviews.

Ajibade105:
I disagree with what you just said, I know someone recently whose B1 visa was canceled when the F1 was denied. The VO said this to the applicant by saying do you know you can't travel to the US with your B1/B2 anymore because it has been canceled.

You are welcome to disagree. It's an exchange of opinions but expert opinion is more desirable.

I tell you confidently that one can have both visas valid without cancelation. The discretion to cancel lies solely on the Consular Officer. I encourage you to read the entire statement again to the point where I mentioned Cancelled Without Prejudice (CWOP). You can look it up.

Individual situations do not override general policies. It is a case-by-case basis at the Embassy/Consulate.

And ask the person you know, the reason for the cancellation. He/she knows exactly why their B visa was cancelled despite their F-1 visa being refused. There are many reasons.

I do not want to engage in argumentative analysis of facts. So I won't be responding to this topic any further. Please do your research.

adelawry:
Hey,

Yes, you can apply for 2 different visa categories within a year but *YOU CANNOT* hold both visa at the same time.
Keep in mind that, if your F1 is approved, your B1/B2 would be void. But if your F1 is not approved, you still have your B1/B2 valid. But you cannot hold both at the same time.

Other people have spoken on the cgi profile thing. Not seeing earlier date has nothing to do with your B1/B2. The embassy frowns at having multiple profiles, but some people have gotten away with it using different emails.

You can do a quick research on possibility of holding both F1 and B1/B2 visas at the same time.

Not necessarily, they won't have to cancel his B visa if his F-1 is approved. He could travel with either one depending on the trip purpose, e.g. attending a conference in a month's time, when resumption for school is still 5 months away - it'd make perfect sense to use the B visa because it's relevant for that particular trip.

Only in rare cases, such decision lies on the Consular Officer who would cancel the B visa without prejudice (if they believe there's no need to keep the B when the F is already there and no reason would warrant the use of the B visa, especially if applicant's resumption date is so close).

Tmoo:
———
Do you know they have a law against opening another account- a change of email address and a new MRV? Someone in similar shoes was able to open a separate account yesterday and that was when he saw the earlier dates released. He was not able to see early dates previously.

Well, I have no knowledge of that law but there have been cases of people having more than one account and getting error messages on CGI for duplicate account ish because of similar data.

Do what works best for you, but exercise discretion.

Tmoo:
Hello,

Please does anyone know whether one can apply for two different visa categories in less than a year? I got my B1/B2 and travelled with it less than a year ago. I applied for F1 2 months ago and I’ve not been able to get any date earlier than October. Although I am able to see when early dates are released on the “cancel appointment” page, when I go to the “reschedule” page, all I see is dates from October upwards.

Yes, you can have more than one visa type at a time. Your F-1 approval may depend on how long you spent in your previous travel with the B visa and the length of time between when you came back and when your F-1 interview is scheduled. They'd usually want you to spend some significant amount of time in your home country upon return from your trip, as a sign of "home ties".

Tmoo:
I was wondering if my having a valid B1/B2 is what’s preventing me from seeing early F1 dates. Has anyone experienced this before?

Is it okay to open another cgi profile?

No, your having a valid B visa does not affect your ability to see earlier F1 dates, neither does it prevent you from obtaining an F-1 visa, so long you qualify. It is a common problem for many applicants at the moment who are able to see December dates but can't see the newly released July dates for both Lagos Consulate and Abuja Embassy. It also affects you if you're applying for the second time. Perhaps they may eventually open up dates for everyone else.

No need to open another cgi profile. Use your original account.

mickee2u:
Thanks, your responses are really very helpful and I so appreciate it.
If you wouldn't mind please, I'd like to ask one more question, incase you had any idea about this.
Since her initial appointment was scheduled for the Lagos consulate and she filled a DS-160 for that and they have now cancelled the appointment, is it possible/sensible/safe to now pick a new date this time in Abuja, and fill out a new DS-160?
I'm asking because I want to know if it would be a problem to fill out a fresh DS-160 document and schedule in Abuja.
If this is would not be an issue with the embassy or during her interview, then the safest bet would be schedule a new appointment in Abuja.
I'll really appreciate your insights.

Not at all.

You're free to schedule your interview wherever you decide. It's your preference.

So if she tries to book a new date and sees Abuja is available for August before her resumption, of course she can go ahead and fill a new DS-160 and simply update her profile with the new DS-160 confirmation number at least 3 working days before her interview.

mickee2u:
Thank you so much for your swift response.
Using option 1, It would mean that she has to first choose any other date before then using the emergency request option, yes?

You're welcome.

Yes. She has to first choose a date (the next available date on the calendar) before requesting emergency appointment. Once she submits the emergency request along with a brief explanation on why she needs the request and uploading essential documentation, she can await response within 2 business days.

If approved, then she can cancel the appointment and book a closer date that has been made available to her.

mickee2u:
Good evening guys.
Please, my wife just called me with tears, complaining that her F1 visa interview date initially scheduled for July 16th was suddenly cancelled. Her resumption date is sometime in 3rd week of August.
If you have ever been in this situation, please what did you do to resolve it?
Thanks.

Hi,

Many F-1 appointments in July were cancelled, initiated by the Consulate.

She can use any or combination of the following options on her profile:

1. Emergency Request option to get a closer date.

2. Schedule a new date in either Lagos Consulate or Abuja Embassy and continue to monitor the calendar for a closer date so she can easily reschedule using the reschedule option.

August dates were released 2 days ago for Abuja and filled up fast!

Adeore15:
Here is my situation, my passport will expire January and my visa interview is this month (5 months), I already applied for a new passport which obviously will not be out before my interview. What should I do? Will my visa be approved?

You don't have any cause for concern. The 6 months validity beyond intended stay or travel date requirement for Nigeria has been relinquished according to a 2023 Gazette by the State Department.

So long as your interview date is before the expiration of your passport (I mean, your passport is valid beyond your interview date), you're good. You just need to apply for a new passport ASAP! And you're eligible to do so. Your visa will be stamped in your current (old) passport and even when it expires in January, you'd already have the new passport to travel with as well for airport validity checks.

Passports in Nigeria are renewable if they'll be expiring up to 6 months ahead. So apply for renewal, and simply combine your old and new passports whenever you're traveling back and forth USA (because you'd certainly need a valid passport for your entire stay in America).

For now, all your applications should be done with your current passport.

idirect:
Hello people,
I wanna ask if it is not screaming desperation if I appear for interview with my work ID? Thank you

Lol no one needs to see your work ID except you're just being proactive enough in the event you may want to provide it to the Consul for workplace identification purposes.

ObamaMessi:
Thank you so much for your timely response.

I'll request for my transcript because CU Boulder accepts unofficial transcript to process admission. I just hope that everything will be timely and F1 Visa will be approved! ❤️

You're most welcome and I wish you all the best.

ObamaMessi:
Hello OyotunjiUSA,

I emailed CU Boulder and their response was that application for spring will open 1st August. I want to know when spring admission decision is usually made. I also want to know when is the usual resumption period for spring. I'm aiming at Spring 2025 as a transfer applicant.
Thanks.

I believe you quoted the wrong handle.

Nonetheless, admission decisions are typically made within 1-2 weeks depending on the school and their vetting/confirmation process of documentation submitted.

Spring semester resumptions typically begin around second week of January.

You can confirm from the school website on their academic calendar.