₦airaland Forum

Dayoaf:
Please I want to do mock interview too,
Should I email you?

Kindly do

123456789ww:
@Moshkom we can I sent you a dm

Ok. Replied �

Gent2nice:
Hi, for someone who just want to go through his D's -160 form for recollection purpose, can he just use the retrieve application?

Maybe. But don’t forget to still update the new ds160 application no on the cgi portal.

123456789ww:
Hello everyone, please I need someone to do mock interviews with me, my interview is next month. And it’s approaching Please guys. @ Walspring @Fairheart. @ Moshkom. Anyone.

Just seeing this. I’m bad.

Late or we can still run it?

Spauld77:
Please this is very urgent. Do I need to create a new application or would I have to message the embassy to allow me to edit it.

Check the attachment below

Hycent007:
Good after house, please I will be having my interview in two days time, please I just want to be certain, what documents am I supposed to take along. Thank you.

_F1 visa appointment guide_

1. Get to the embassy 1 hour before your appointment...If you can arrive earlier, good.

2. Hold like 5k cash, just in case.

3. Follow the document checklist below and do NOT patronize the guys at the embassy who will tell you to print or photocopy something, take another passport etc.

4. Dress comfortably and eat something light because you will be doing a lot of standing.

5. Certain things are not allowed into the embassy: smart watches, airpods, phones etc. It is best to make arrangements to keep all your belongings and go in with just your clear folder.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa application document checklist_

1. A valid passport.

2. The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160; (Only the Barcode page).

3. The application fee payment receipt.

4. Appointment confirmation.

5. A passport photo (“5cm by 5cm” or “2 inches by 2 inches”).

6. Form 1-20 *SIGNED* .

7. SEVIS payment receipt.

8. Receipts - personal documents needed to prove whatever you say: financial statements, test scores, marriage certificate, funding offer, letter from employer etc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview guidelines_

1. Prepare your answers prior to the interview day. While you do this, remember to not to cram your answers. If you do this, your statements will sound unnatural and will be perceived as contrived.
An example is “…Furthermore, this course will equip me with the scientific…Moreover…” Your prepared answers should only give you AN IDEA, not the exact thing you are going to say.

2. Speak clearly, articulate your words properly and maintain eye contact with the VO.

3. Arrange your documents in a way that you know where everything is.

4. Do not talk to anybody or make friends at the embassy, there are different characters in that place, and they can bring down your confidence.

5. Do not profile a VO, this can give you cold feet. They say correlation is not causation, this means if the VO denies 3 people before you, it might not necessarily mean that the VO is wicked, it can be that the VO just managed to interview 3 people that did not do the right thing in a row.

6. Do not answer a question you were not asked or offer a document that wasn't requested.

7. Have a positive mindset and know that studying in America is not a do-or-die affair.

8. Memorize your DS-160, and do not contradict any information in it during your interview.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview process_

The VO is only interested in 3 things.

Question 1. You are really going there to study, and you are qualified to do so.
Question 2. You will return after your academic program.
Question 3. You can afford the program.
*all questions asked are often linked to the three things outlined above.

*Likely Questions*
1.Why did you choose X university? - This answers question 1.
Keep your answer short and impactful, say something specific about the university (link it to yourself) and be honest. They can also ask this question in the form of "Why are you studying in the US?”.
*Note*: They can also ask specific questions about your school or city, especially if you give the impression that you are familiar with them.

2. How many universities did you apply to? - Be honest here, it also helps to answer question 1. You might also use the answer to this to answer the “Why did you choose X university?” question by saying why you chose X school over the other option(s).

3. Who is sponsoring you? - This answers question 3.
Follow up questions might follow, they will address:
a. Your relationship to the sponsor.
b. Their financial capability (This is often asked in the form of "what does your sponsor do?".
c. The sponsor’s willingness to sponsor you .
Give them any documents requested, you can make your sponsor write a letter to the embassy and take it along.

4. How many siblings do you have? - It answers question 3.
If you have siblings (or if your sponsor has kids), they will consider how much it will take to take care of them while they are evaluating the financial documents. A follow-up question can be "what do your siblings do?".
This can also be a form of home-tie and it answers question 2.

5. Do you have any relatives in the US? - This is for Question 2.
Be truthful! They are likely to have this information in their records. People with close relatives in the US are somewhat likely to stay behind.
However, this is not a criteria and they'll ask something else to investigate further.

6. Why don't you do this course in your country? - This answers number 1 and 2 simultaneously. Coming up with an honest and convincing answer to this should not be hard.

7. What will you do after you complete your program? - This answers question 2.
The VO wants to know if the purpose of your visit is to stay back in the US or study temporarily.
You can also propose how you can use what you learn to benefit yourself (or the society) in Nigeria.
Remember! you are applying for a temporary non-immigrant visa; not a work or "live in America" visa. Do not suggest to the VO that you plan to stay back, it is not a good look.

* The VO might also try to gist with you and ask for other details. Gist back and smile with them, be comfortable, tell a joke (if you can) and flow well.


The interview moves very fast, and it is a short process. No shaking!
Good luck!

Neephemie:
Hello everyone. Just got to know about this thread and my visa interview is next week Monday. Don't even know where to start checking for info/QA on here. I have a GA role and a financial aid (a few dols). I've just been doing random search for preparation on the internet before now. Please help with what to look out for and questions to prepare for. My school is to resume on the 16th of August, I applied for emergency date but was denied. So I had to stick to August 2nd. Been worried coz of the closeness of the dates but I'm just trusting God. I'll appreciate any help right now. Thank you

Kindly send a PM. So that I can send the rest files (JPEGs) and other preparation techniques.

Vahn:
Hello everyone, please i just got my i20, They told me to sign the first page. Which i haven’t done.

Please can i go ahead to pay my visa fees and can i use the GTBank app?

The process are: i20 - SEVIS payment - Ds160 filling - - Visa fee payment - Appointment - Visa Interview.

So now, follow and do the next step. *hug*

ebbie9ja:
For Contact Person in the U.S, I can only fill either the name of an individual or Organization Name. If I uncheck "Do Not Know" box for one, the other automatically checks itself and blank out. Please confirm this is not peculiar to me.

Only the initial of my other name was written on my I-20 (Firstname and Lastname are fully spelt). Although passport name on same document is written in full including my other name. When I wanted to pay for SEVIS Fee, I saw an instruction that the name entered should be exactly as it appears on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Can I proceed with the payment with my full name as it is on DS-160 or I should pend the action until the name on I-20 is corrected?

@Moshkom @Prodigee @Pefuele @Malone122

I guess their system is malfunctioning atm. You guys should fill in just the names of the US CONTACT PERSON (the school DSO), since the Relationship of and and the person is already picked as SCHOOL OFFICIAL, you are good. Leave the Organization/ Address / Location for now.

mrsmideP:
Please I am also having similar problem with the person in U S contact .Have you rectified it? How did you go about it, if yes please . Thank you

I guess their system is malfunctioning atm. You guys should fill in just the names of the US CONTACT PERSON (the school DSO), since the Relationship of and and the person is already picked as SCHOOL OFFICIAL, you are good. Leave the Address / Location for now.

ebbie9ja:
Please share with just4e21(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thanks.

Sent

ebbie9ja:
For DS-160, please help answer the following:

1. Tribe/Clan: Yes or No. Filled Yes and indicated Yoruba but someone said I should change it to no.
2. Mum&Dad Date of Birth: I don't know. Hope there's no consequence putting as " Do not Know"
3. Education: Can I fill in my secondary school?

Thanks.

@Moshkom @Prodigee @Pefuele

1. It’s NO oh. In short, all that section are NO; No; No.

2. You ask them na. Or do normal calculation with you guys (their children) age to arrive at it, if unknown.

3.sure. You have to fill that after filling your undergraduate.

PS: anyone can DM me for a guide on ds160 filling. I shared it here the other day sef

ebbie9ja:
For the sponsors, I have GA from school (Full tuition waiver with stipend totalling 28k) but with a deficit of 12k (living expenses and other fees) which I propose to offset with personal funds. Should I then say it is self sponsored?

Yes!

ebbie9ja:
Please advise on the following for DS-160 completion:

1. Intended Length of Stay in U.S: For a master's degree, should this be 2 Years or the 3 Years maximum duration indicated on I-20?
2. Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip (Travel Information): Is this for travel expenses alone or tuition inclusive? If the later, please advise if the best option for student with GA? Self, Other Company/Organization or Employer in the US?

1. The exact duration it states on your i20. You can convert to months and fill in, in your ds160.

2. The person, you would say it’s your sponsor during your interview, MUST CORRESPOND with what’s on your DS160 as Trip Sponsor and on your I20 as sponsor.

If the person name isn’t being State on your i20, then you’re good.

But TRIP SPONSOR === Sponsor Sponsor

The attachment below is a proper way filling DS160. Kindly check out. Please. Yeah, I am begging!!!

watchwoman:
Good evening everyone

Please can I have a comprehensive list of what I should take to the embassy for my interview, to make sure that I am not missing anything. Thank you

F1 visa appointment guide_

1. Get to the embassy 1 hour before your appointment...If you can arrive earlier, good.

2. Hold like 5k cash, just in case.

3. Follow the document checklist below and do NOT patronize the guys at the embassy who will tell you to print or photocopy something, take another passport etc.

4. Dress comfortably and eat something light because you will be doing a lot of standing.

5. Certain things are not allowed into the embassy: smart watches, airpods, phones etc. It is best to make arrangements to keep all your belongings and go in with just your clear folder.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa application document checklist_

1. A valid passport.

2. The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160; (Only the Barcode page).

3. The application fee payment receipt.

4. Appointment confirmation.

5. A passport photo (“5cm by 5cm” or “2 inches by 2 inches”).

6. Form 1-20 *SIGNED* .

7. SEVIS payment receipt.

8. Receipts - personal documents needed to prove whatever you say: financial statements, test scores, marriage certificate, funding offer, letter from employer etc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview guidelines_

1. Prepare your answers prior to the interview day. While you do this, remember to not to cram your answers. If you do this, your statements will sound unnatural and will be perceived as contrived.
An example is “…Furthermore, this course will equip me with the scientific…Moreover…” Your prepared answers should only give you AN IDEA, not the exact thing you are going to say.

2. Speak clearly, articulate your words properly and maintain eye contact with the VO.

3. Arrange your documents in a way that you know where everything is.

4. Do not talk to anybody or make friends at the embassy, there are different characters in that place, and they can bring down your confidence.

5. Do not profile a VO, this can give you cold feet. They say correlation is not causation, this means if the VO denies 3 people before you, it might not necessarily mean that the VO is wicked, it can be that the VO just managed to interview 3 people that did not do the right thing in a row.

6. Do not answer a question you were not asked or offer a document that wasn't requested.

7. Have a positive mindset and know that studying in America is not a do-or-die affair.

8. Memorize your DS-160, and do not contradict any information in it during your interview.

angels1:
I am not sure i understand you. I have not done any change at all. I only booked for lagos but the avaialable dates are not okay by me. I want to cancel and change to Abuja but this message is in my profile. Can I use same recipt for abuja? I cant afford to pay another MRV fee

If you are yet to cancel BEFORE. You can go Ahead. But it in mind it would be the last time. Yeah, you can use same receipt.

stevewrites:
Hi boss,

What's your email or how do you I reach you sir?

Sent you a PM rn. Kindly check your inbox or junk

stevewrites:
Hi Everyone,

My F1 visa interview is this Thursday but I am a bit scared due to some reasons:

1. My 2 years work experience does not correlate with I am going to study for Msc.

2. I do not know how I can strongly demonstrate a home tie.

3. I want to ask if I can still edit my already completed DS-160 form between today and tomorrow Night.

4. I need volunteers who wouldn't mind to have mock interviews with me (Please don't air me ). If you have passed through this journey before and you prepared well, please kindly help me out.

God bless you all

Kindly PM Me.

Tricia14:
Hi Everyone,

Please assist me with the names of the cheapest hotels close to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Many thanks!

The best ‘lodge’ close to MMA is inside the AIRFORCE BARRACKS, the second gate that’s close to local and international airports not the gate that’s close to Oshodi oh.

The only problem there is that, it’s mostly not for civilians. You know how the country military people are, but if you can find your way in (knowing someone), it would be very ok. An average room is less than 10k, ofc, total security and they obey the Military rule of everyone should be in by 10 Pm.

PS: It’s trackable to the local airport and like 5mins drive to international airport (we dey treck am sef). N200 or less for a cab.

Shalom!

Dabex171:
need the same info too boss can I PM you

Feel free boss

teejhaay:
Alright, no problem. Thanks..incase there's any channel through which I can get real time info I won't mind... someone posted that there's a group for Lagos people trying to monitor normal dates..I don't know if Abuja applicant have such too

Kindly PM me

ifeanyimoses:
Please guys, how do I pay for my servis and visa fee, as I have researched online and can’t get what I’m finding, thanks guys.

Kindly send a PM, lemme send a pdf file on how to go about SEVIS and Visa and Ds160 filling.

Miaanita:
Pls can anyone help with walspring number pls. I want to pay SEVIS..

Contacts i got are like three..

Kindly help

Send PM

kayuz40:
I was denied before at lagos embassy some months ago.
I just paid another 67k now to pick another date for lagos . I am trying to see dates but i cant find.
Now I want to change it too abuja.
Since i avent submit Ds160 and pick date.
Is it possible ?
Is the 67k visa fee still valid ?
Can i use the visa fee receipt at abuja

Yeah. You can use it for Abuja. Just make sure the two location on Ds160 and appointment portal are same. Lag; Lag or Abj;Abj.

Goodluck Boss!!!

Tomilola922:
Hello everyone, I'm new here, I just want to start my F1 visa application, please I need tips on the filling of DS-160 form so as to avoid errors and also tips to have a strong visa application. I read the testimonies and my hope was restored because I'm kinda scared because all I hear is denial denial and denial� But I know my case would be different and I would come back here to share my testimony very soon. Thank you.

You can email me, let me guide you on its proper filling.

TheReaper17:
Hi guys, someone in the US is trying to help me pay my SEVIS fee but the folks at the Western Union outlet she went to insisted that her name has to be the sender's name (and not me that she's paying for). I don't know what the implications are for me. My name is on the coupon that was generated and all. Can I tell the person to proceed or is that gonna be a huge problem? Pls help if you can

Her name as the SENDER on there own form (the western Union store) right? Then, no issue. So far all the other deets you filled in on the pdf you generated are correct. And again, cross check the email you filled in again because that is where you’d receive the payment confirmation deets for you to print the main receipt out. Ofc, on the main/actual SEVIS receipt there no column that indicate the SENDER. So, no biggie. In short, They (the western Union) have been doing it for a while now, so they know the right procedures and process.

jojoey:
Can someone please advise?

Only his name(s), don’t bracket anything. Since you’re going to attach/go-with an affidavit stating he’s the one helping with the Company’s SOA while going for your interview.

Goodluck �

opeyemioguns:
Thank you for your response. I added all those ones because of d 4, 5 schools I usually see in transcripts

Lol. You see yourself?? You’re using other story to makeup yours. Bad!

Boss! Your own; na your own. Forget others!!

Sexiestprince:
Goodmorning people, please I was advised by a friend to change my Sponsor from Nigerian sponsor to relative resident in US.

Are they approving mostly US sponsors now??

And I don't have the US sponsor's Statement of account...

Please kindly advise me

You want to use what you don’t have? Lol

Boss! Use what you have, prepare well for your interview, believe and be hopeful. Forget dem say; dem say.

Shalom!

opeyemioguns:
Please help me check this out. Is it a good answer during visa appointment?

VO: How many schools did you apply to?

Me: I applied to Western alone. I got the admission early, in April, when the application window is still open for other schools. The application window at Western was actually earlier than other schools. Having compared the programs in a couple of other schools, I decided to stick with Western as the program details suit my career goals very well. I would have applied to other alternatives if Western had not accepted me.

Omo! Nobody ask you for all these Shalaye oh. is HOW MANY SCHOOLS DID YOU APPLIED TO not straightforward as a question to you enough?? Ah! Haba, na! Go straight to the the 1 or 2 answer and leave talk for Matthias.

Luck!!

osigiepurr:
I got my visa approved last week and I just need someone to help me with information on how to book a cheap ticket and other pre-departure plans.

I plan to fly from MM Airport (Lagos) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Please, help a brother

Download SKYSCANNER app from your PlayStore/AppleStore Boss.

Safe!