CFCman:

Lol
If an immigrant wants to buy a house in San Francisco/Silicon Valley, the immigrant must have saved up to $800,000... but we all know it's only Dangote or Davido who have thank kibd of money saved up from years of hard work

Those places are even worse. Small matchbox houses that goes for $600K upwards! Kilode?! Abeg I prefer my SoCal. But even at that, its not like its cheap. But the houses are at least bigger

CFCman:

You invested smartly
I'll soon start a 401k investment; I'm only doing my research on the best deals out there.

The earlier the better bro. It can never be too early. My hubby actually advised me to do so. My company has a good 401K package. They match a very high percentage of my annual salary. Hubby does so too. Combined, we were able to shore up 20% downpayment for our house to avoid paying PMI on the loan

chukzyfcbb:
most of these fellas abroad live on debt aka mortgage.
infact I remember a survey that says just about 25% of the American citizenry had savings of at least $100,000

What's the percentage of Nigerians that have #4,000,000 (roughly $11K) saved up? Not to talk of #36,000,000? Lmao. Mortgage is inevitable, except you have $400K stored up in the corner of your room to pay for your house cash down or you want to continue helping your Landlord pay for his mortgage via your monthly rent check. Your choice...pick one.

CFCman:

It must be fewer people who have such an amount in their savings account.
I know that 75% of Americans cannot pony up $500 for an emergency; but we invest in 401k and other retirement plans.

Exactly. Invest in 401K and retirement. Depending on the terms of the 401K, you can withdraw or loan from it once a year. If you're like me, invest in 401K and also have a separate savings account that is not tied to terms like a 401K

bameyi:
SirJeffry pardon me and if you take offence am sorry.. based
You don't have to have credit to have a happy life. Two in the States there's a saying that cash is king most immigrants, buy their cars cash the only thing they apply for credit is home ownership. So debt profile is not import.

Living by your self if you are new as an immigrant pls. one of the best way to save is to have a roommate. If am not marry why not have a roommate. So what's the relevant of that question

SirJeffry you've never had an American experience.

Lmao. Oya please tell me how many immigrants have $45K cash to pay on a car immediately. Lolol. So I won't buy a house because I do not wanna have credit cards? Or I won't marry because I don't have cash to pay for a $400K house? Lol.

Key is to educate yoursel sir. I have never paid one cent on CC interest and I have gotten more than $1K back in cash backs.

Hotstew:


Many of them don't understand how credit cards works. Tone they hear "credit" it means debt in their little minds.

Pay them no mind. They will always find a way to undermine you like saying all of us are in debt or we wash plates or dead bodies for a living. Yeye dey smell

dingbang:
hi.. Are you married?

YES

SirJeffry:
Madam, we are saying the same thing. I have total of 5 credit cards with limit of approximately $100k. My monthly utilization hasn't been up to $3k except if I buy airline tickets which I balance at the end of every cycle.

When I wanted to buy a home, I had a credit limit of only about $15k which impacted a little negatively on my mortgage approval.

All I am saying is how much limit does a man have? If he has utilized up to 50% of what he has, then there's a problem.

That's true and that was the same thing I was trying to get across as well. Enjoy

SirJeffry:
Oga, debt profile, length of credit alongside good debt servicing habit make up good credit. Those that have CREDITKARMA account will understand.
As for your last paragragh, I've lived in Los Angeles long before you even applied for your Malaysian visa in Lagos but I'm also a villager like you called me 'cos I travel home every year.

You're almost right except for the debt part. You don't have to have debt or service them to build up a superb credit profile. I run my bills through my credit cards then pay it off by the due date. I let a small amount report to the credit bureau though and then pay it off before incurring interest charges. That way, I don't have CC debt but I have some utilization reporting every month. Max of 15%.

kimbra:
You said the gospel truth op. Those people live on credit card. Always working to pay off outstanding loans.

Speak for yourself and your acquaintances auntie. Not all of us live on credit cards. I have multiple credit cards, but I don't owe anything on them, neither do I pay interests. I use it to build my credit profile and creditworthiness and get some cool cash back from them. Like I said, speak for yourself and for the people you know and not for all of us. Wehdone

LagosismyHome:


Cool ke.... anyway you have been adviced ooo

CALUMS is accredited by ACICS which means as an international student no Opt and h1B quota when you graduate ....what the point attending such a school ..OPT/H1B is very essential


Recently US Department of Education announced that itis no longer recognizing the -'ACICS' the agency which accredits some of the small US universities.

International students attending schools that are being recognized by ACICS will not be allowed to get OPT (Optional practical training) and will not get H1B in Masters degree quota.

Wow. Thanks for this information. I never knew ACICS lost accreditation. I need to point out one thing though.. Student that attended those ACICS accredited schools can apply for the regular 12month OPT. They just cannot apply for the 24month STEM OPT Extension (even if they graduated with a STEM Degree) and they can still apply for H1B, but only under the normal quota and not the Masters' quota. All these restrictions are stupid and I will advise anyone to steer clear of such schools (i.e CALUMS) anyways. It's not just worth a hassle.

Personally, I see no reason why anybody will come all the way from Nigeria to attend CALUMS. It's a one building university and I don't even think the certificate carries much weight. People get deceived by the name California University of Management Sciences and thinks the school is a public state institution, but its not

femi321:
It all depends on the sector you are talking about. I know guys with Engineering degree and they got jobs with phd. This might be true for social science courses though but not some STEM majors.America's back bone is research unlike in our country Nigeria where a Phd holder can only work in academics, and US education incoporates normal office job skills unlike Nigeria where all we do is read book and pass exams. Its even easier to get a green card with a Phd than with a masters, so everything has its own merit and demerit

Lol. Tell me how easy it is for a PhD holder to get a green card. I didn't say PhD holders don't get jobs, don't get me wrong. I only said recruiters like to give them the "You're to qualified" story. Talk to anybody that is in the industry and they will affirm. It's even hard getting in with aasters sef unless you're in disciplines that give much credence to masters degree like Geology.

femi321:
Thank God you said debatable, thats means its not a fact but a claim/propositions/assertions.So you based your judgement on the fact that US have more foreign-born faculties? Okay. So that we don't derail this thread.lets end it here. BTW 11 classes? are you an undergraduate or Ph.d student?

Amanze15 is not lying. It's harder to get into a regular job with a PhD if you do not want to do research or teach. They will always give you the "You're over-qualified" story. It's easy to progress in your career with a PhD though, if you already have a job in hand and just seeking to advance. There are always exceptions though, but I know majors like Geology, Physics, Biology, Psychology and so on rarely hire PhD holders for their regular office jobs. I know some people who had PhD in Geology and are teaching in colleges now

priscus:
Please house .my very close friend have to the embassy 4 times he was refused .The reason of the first refusal was from the school which the corrected .but After the ist one he went for the 2nd one and he denied .The reason was thar why did he choose the school .that is not really recognised school.Please house I need help.i strongly believe that God will do it this last time

Aunty.. or is it Uncle? Which one is "My very close friend?" We all know the "very Close Friend" refers to yourself, you gave yourself out when you wrote this Please house I need help.i strongly believe that God will do it this last time. Nobody knows you here so why lying to complete strangers that might help you out? This is a no judgement zone, where suggestions can be given that might aid your visa approval process.

Anyways, questions for you:
Which schools did you get admitted to earlier that got you those denials?
What course did you apply to?
How old are you?
What level of study are you applying for?
Can you give transcripts of previous interviews?
How far apart were those interviews?

Your answers to the above questions can help people here have a more thorough view of your profile and help you make a decision about what should happen next.

Mayflowa:


Nice. I think I will check out Geico. I was thinking Esurance is the cheapest. I am on comprehensive for $98/month. The car is a AWD V6 2008 Lexus IS 250 sedan car. It's kind of a luxury car. The insurance payment depresses me monthly. Hope I cut a better deal with these tips.

You need to. One of the cars we insure is a late model Lexus SUV as well, but with all the discounts and all, its still around $150/month for three cars. Make sure to get an online quote before you go and try to use all the discounts possible to lower your rates.

gunther6:


Na GEICO I dey use o and Na liability I dey( $137/month) , those thieves quoted more than ($200/month) for full coverage. And baba I fit walk o nothing do me but I must still do therapy just to be sure and I'm fighting that 50/50... Even the police report from the scene blame the guy and I get eye witness

Geico is supposed to be one of the cheapest insurances, you're paying too much. We pay $890 for 6 months on three cars and two of the cars are 2013 and upwards. And for them to rule it a 50/50, you need to hassle Geico very well, they might budge a bit. since you have an eye witness and police report, fight the claim of 50/50.

Also, try and renegotiate your contract with them if you're thinking of continuing with them after your 6 months is over. Make sure to get a quote online before you go so you can ballpark your eventual quote from them. If possible, team up with someone to buy the insurance together. They also have numerous discounts like Good Driver, Multiple Vehicles, Subclass Categories, School Alumni (you don't even have to show proof that you go to that school, just mention any school to them), Group Insurance Plan, Anti-Theft Vehicle and so on. Dealing with insurance companies (either Vehicle, Dental, Medical or whatever is a pain). They will always find ways to rip you off if they think you're oblivious of their crooked ways (AAA was just ripping us off before we woke up). Pele

Okay, In the spirit of giving back. My company is currently seeking H1B workers in two positions. Below are the details:

1. Title: QA Analyst
Period of Employment: 09/04/2016 - 09/03/2019
Salary Range: ~$60,000/Annum

2. Title: Oracle Applications Express Developer
Period of Employment: 09/26/2016 - 12/08/2018
Salary Range: ~$111,000/Annum

They are specifically looking for people to file H1B visas for. I just saw it this morning at HR

Disclaimer: I don't work in HR neither am I involved in the hiring process (My boss will be doing the Hiring for the Oracle Job though, but I do not have the ability to affect his decision). All I can do is help submit resumes and if I know you well enough, help put in a good word. Thanks.

virginice:


Mama Nas......awon admsn saver reh ooo. Iya wa come me too need help for my cousin o yeye pikin I go pm u

See this jero. Na Jay I go send make he come help me finish you

seeker88:

How kind-hearted and supportive!!! May God continue to bless you real God. Your selfless service in this thread is awesome!

Amen sir and may God bless you too. This thread has helped me a lot. The least I can do it to pay it forward and give back to people on here

cseejhay:
Happy bday msnas....God bless ur new age...Amen!

May God remember you for good. I really do appreciate. Thanks a lot, God bless you.

happyday:

Here comes THE MsNas! Long time no jam. How you doing, sister?

lol. Na real "Long Time No Jam". I've been good jare. Too much to do these days, Lord help me. Hope you're good?

Dontknowmuch:
I have graduated. My problem and fear is that complication you mentioned. But can I just use my result, my cgpa is around 2.46?

You can work around it. Depending on the course. Send me a PM, let's talk.

Motoshor:


Good to see MsNas post something...... such an intelligent and wonderful person. How're you doing sister?

I'm fine bro. Long time, hope you're good?

warriboy21:
guz pls...apart from direct job posting on OPT...

can staffing agencies be trusted with job opportunities?
are there good staffing agencies out there?......any recommendation?

thanks

What kind of staffing agency? If its the American ones like Act-1, Apple-One and co, you're fine. They are reputable and do have good and legitimate jobs posted. But if its those Indian ones, be careful. Many of them are shady and they strive to make you sign a contract that basically makes you indebted to them without actually giving you a job to do... Or simply giving you a bogus "project" like their fellow Indians call it. There may be some of them that are good, but I usually don't bother with them

You best bet will be to start applying on your own...indeed.com has tons of jobs posted everyday and if you're dedicated with your applications you'll definitely get called for interviews and eventually get a job. All the best.

Una good evening o

90mph (145kmph). 2015 RX350. I don't have the mind to do such anymore. Especially when I have my child in the car. I have to live for my family.

electronic:
Hello guys a close friend wants to register for TOEFL for OCT 29 and he needs urgent help
he has the money but needs some one to help him pay.
Please a fair rate would be appreciated. Thanks

Send me a PM. I can help if the rate he/she is offering is reasonable enough.

lekkyg:
hello house.... you guys are really doing a great job. pls am new in the house. i'd love to read all the previous pages but posts are so tedious to go over unless if you guys will be precise to me of where i can get my exact information. these are my questions guys;
1] Am planning to go for my masters in California USA. i have my auntie that we bears the surname and has been there for more than 40 years(She s my dad's immediate sister and we are close)
2] Can i get the list of afordable unis for masters in California pls
3] And how do i go about the whole process. can my auntie help me with all the processes of making enquiries from the school i want and also help me apply..

We v bin in the wrongs hands before and we wasted lotta money.. i dont wanna make the same mistake again.. pls i want the whole house to help me......
Am prepaing for January(Spring) 2017 admission....Thanks and God bless you guys as you respond to me IJN

California Universities and affordability don't go in the same sentence. Maybe CALUMS though, but na one building university. All the best.

Are you still needing dollars? I have a small amount to sell.

mevisbleek:
Good day Guys,

It been a minute since i last logged in. Returned from Denver yesterday after a 9 days trip to usher in my spouse to the USofA. Omo men, you guys are probably used to visa interview transcript and departure transcript. Let me start something new, transcript from a sponsor, lol.

Jehovah, America is super pricey and they only care about your money. Advise to people in naija, I beg if your sponsor no stand well I BEG no leave naija. If money no too dey i beg go Canada cos the place is cheaper and you can work off campus for 20hours as a student. I was told by the international student office at University of Denver that for thr first year one can only work on campus, to get campus job sef no easy. My forecast was that my woman would get a gig on or off campus, little did i know that America no be as them dey take talk am.

Eh, so this is why VO's put so much emphasis on who is sponsoring you. Anyways, my journey started in Calgary, Canada which is a 2hrs 30mins flight to Denver. Jesus, biko see expenses below:

Return ticket to Denver = $586
Rent= $900/month, paid 2 months = $1800 (1 bedroom apartment close to bus station and grocery store. Most importantly, very close to Wing Stop, lol)
Cable & Internet- 150mbps (Comcast) = $99.99/month + $100 deposit since we didn't have SSN= $199.99
Power= Got this setup but expecting first bill in the mail in Sept. forecast $40/month
Security Deposit = $200
They had to do background check before signing the lease= $100 for the both of us (Never heard of this in Canada)
Stayed in Hotel on the first day = $135 + $12 parking + GST
Wifey registered for 3 courses which cost = $7500 ($2500 per course)
Health Insurance= $2660 for one year
Car rental= $56/day for 9 days, used EZ Rental = $504 + GST
House furnishing, student style which includes couch, tv, bed frame, mattrass, etc = $1800
Walmart shopping which includes grocery, pillow case, microwave etc = $386

Total expenses for the 9 day welcome trip cost roughly $15k

Biko, ejo, please in any other language wey people understand, after this experience e be like say Canada come make better sense for hustling students oh. I never even land I met a Nigerian girl pleading with my wife to stay in her apartment because she has no money and life is kinda tough for her in yankee. Wetin concern me, I agreed since I will barely live in the apartment.

To people still in naija, I beg discuss well with your sponsor before leaving naija, America wey i see no easy at all. At the end, its worth waiting 5 weeks for that Canada visa oh. lol.

This is not meant to scare anyone, I am just sharing my experience. Make i go back to my job sothat I can generate more money for American government to chop.

Stay blessed guys

Quit educating! But I beg to differ on a few things (expenses wise). No pun intended oo.

First, I'll say you have quite the money to spend. Cos I'm pretty sure most of us international students never spend up to $10,000 in our first semester not to talk of $18,000. Lol

1. Everybody knows that an F-1 student in America is not allowed to work outside of campus whatsoever (except you're on CPT or working illegally). It's not a secret at all so that should not be a surprise to you.

2. You paid $900 for an apartment? As a student? Well, she lives in Denver and that's the Capital of Colorado. Housing is not bound to be cheap at all. It's just like living in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Phoenix all those capital cities. Rent is more expensive. That's why pay international students go to the small cities to study. My apartment was $500 a month for a 2 bedroom with washer and dryer. That means my rent is $250 a month. I also didn't pay for any background check.

3. Your flight expenses, car rental and hotel are unavoidable. I also paid heavily for those when I was visited Canada, so it's not specific to the US.

4. You paid school fees and health insurance, that's also unavoidable. You gotta pay anyway anyhow.

5. You got cable and Internet? Lmao. Does a student have time (in between classes, project, papers and work) have time to watch cable? Sir, my phone was my cable. I didn't even have time to watch anything except during holidays. I had Suddenlink high speed internet, that I shared with my student neighbors and it was $40 a month. Which meant I was paying $10 a month as my share of the internet bill.

6. Couch? I no get. I was always on my bed. I had a futon tho, that I used as my couch and also bought a recliner for dirt cheap. Like $40 or so. My microwave, I got brand new from resale sites for like $35 or so. TV? You can also get those on resale sites. I eventually got one but I rarely turned it on cos I had a laptop, a phone and a tablet. No need. Bed frame? Nah. I just used my box spring and my mattress.

So, oga mi, your expenses were subject to your own personal tastes and your choice of city which was Denver. Most of us don't even get close to what you spent at all and most students I know learn to live cheaply. I'd rather go for my American visa and have lots of opportunities after graduation than to go to Canada o. All man for him own. Lol.

Please tell your wife that all Nairalanders on the US thread are welcoming her oo. And to take care of you well, cos you be better husband.

imperiouxx:


Don't forget that you're talking from an IT specialist standpoint.

What's good with you?

That's very true Sha. I'm talking from an IT standpoint. I'm fine o, enjoying the sweltering Californian summer. How are you and the family?

masquellett:
MsNas. Thanks for the tip. Can you please forward a sample CV to my email address (noob_ig@yahoo.com). Thanks in anticipation. I sent you a PM but you are yet to acknowledge. Kind regards.

I actually don't have a sample CV. I can edit yours for you at my free time though if you want.