*

@ oliver twist, post your email address.

Ok I read a few pages and I got so pissed I couldn't read further. It is annoying that you guys allow this thread derail, can the moderator delete the irrelevant pages with all the back and forths? so that those  seeking info can get to what they need without going through the unnecessary pages of fights. Imperious, while you seemed like a great dude, I was a bit disapointed that you dragged yourself into this. One thing I know is sure- US is so large that different things apply to different regions, states and even counties within a state. I am an MPH student and I beg to differ from most of the opinion that has been given here especially about funding. While I will not try to put in what is right or wrong, I will say, whatever experiences we have here in the US, remember things vary in different schools. The city where I school would not have been my top choice considering how expensive it is here (and no, it is not NY or LA or Vegas) but it is one of the topmost schools of P.health so you can't blame me for choosing it. However, finances can get very rough and tough here and there are NO FREEBIES but if you live within your means, you should do fine/almost fine. I can't over emphasize that things REALLY VARY!!!, I have friends that pay 1/5th of what I pay for accommodation and No, I don't live in a neighborhood that will rank among the top 10 in the city. If you want to eat out (and remember not everyone will have time to cook), you will be spending so much money. Cooking atimes might be a better alternative. Amount spent on grocery shopping ranges. Chinese markets may be a cheaper place to shop (that I discovered a bit late, and the environment might not be as healthy/clean but who cares? Naija markets are worse).
In conclusion, this thread is about Visa application, anyone seeking advise about life in the USA should either send private messages to forum members or create a new page on that. Goodluck y'all!

Hey Imperious  congrats!

Aroy 1,  I couldn't help but notice your comment. But seriously, can't you just be happy for the guy? Whether he flunked it or not, the bottom line is - he got the Visa, On this page, I think you are the first person I observed that has criticized the response of an applicant who got his visa approved.  Just an observation not trying to stir up an argument. Cheers!

Dressing ke, na God do every oh. I no sure say she look that side. One thing i realized though is that your first minute counts alot. Start confidently and always have something to say about any question. But most importantly let God go before you because:


Hey Congrats!

looking at the bolded text from your quote, I think I once mentioned it here that the first 1 minute goes a long way to determine if you will be issued a visa and someone practically insulted me to shut up. Put yourself in the VO's shoes, you are interviewing a whole lot of people and some of these people are damn FRUSTRATING!!!!, You want to dismiss the person in front of you as early as possible so the first few words that come out of the person's mouth matter a lot. Another point worthy of note from this interview is , you hit a 12 feet long nail on the fact that you are coming back to Nigeria(even if you do not, lol). I admire smart guys like you. You seem to know what you are doing.

Guys, I believe in God, I believe favour got me my Visa as I was the first to be issued after 15 people denied that day but at the same time, it's important that we really know what we are doing when we go for interviews. Imagine when people ask " what should I say when asked why I chose my school", seriously, Don't you know the reason for applying to your school? Or someone who does not know what ranking his school is or the website through which to access school rankings? Forget about if you have traveled before or not, your dress code, the VO was in a bad mood e.t.c, pull out your strongest points, office affiliations, societal affiliations, your accomplishments, school rankings, e.t.c

I am not trying to sound all miss perfect here and I really enjoy posts (especially success stories) from this forum but at the same time, let us try impress too!

I really wish those going for interviews in the next couple of days good luck.
Happy holidays y'all.


P.S: Hmm, I am going to advertise for emirates here , lol, those guys I think have the best services ever at very affordable prices!

@javeset, sorry I can't disclose that here. But I am in the Northwest.
@tranceD: well,for me, to avoid issues, I try to get backed up evidence. So ask your program adviser to issue you a letter that supports that. She can email it if it will take a long time to get there by regular mail. But REMEMBER, you are supposed to enter the US by the date that is on your I20. People come after that date. But I am sure you will be questioned about that - no doubt. Just have backed up evidence. Everything possible, from print out of the website page that states that and more importantly, a letter from your program co-ordinator or the international student advisor that signed you I 20 stating that the school will allow you enroll after that date. I can't guarantee there will be no issues. I think you will be questioned though. Can't you get an earlier date for flight?

@javeset, you have a good reason. Not sure why you are asking again. You think it is more affordable for you that way. FINE!!!, except if there is something you are not telling. Moreover, what works for me or someone else might not work for you. My advise are ALL SUBJECTIVE. The immigration officer doesn't (might not) know how much flights cost so he shouldn't argue with you if you say that is affordable for you. Then sincerely, as long as you do not have anything shady, you can choose to arrive wherever you want to. Just make sure you are not arriving after your resumption date. If you are asked, calmly tell him-" I am catching a train to atlanta , then alabama, it is more affordable for me". (btw, NY to atlanta is about 14hrs by road I think). He shouldn't ask you to show evidence of the train ticket. If he does, hge is just doing that on his own opinion. As long as you enter the US with original docs, you are free here. Hey guys, google is your best friend. Try and get as much info from there.

@Javeset, there shouldn't be any problem, I arrived at houston though my school is in a totally different state (about 4 hours flight from houston). I wasn't asked. But if you are asked, (i don't know the reason why you are not flying directly) you could say you are connecting with a flight to your school or something (esp if you have sufficient days between your arrival and resumption). You have a relative picking you up who has your ticket to your final destination state or your relative will help you settle in since it is your first time etc (remember this is very cogent if you have sufficient time between arrival and resumption). For me, Emirates doesn't fly directly to my school. I arrived houston and toured about 4 states before going to my school. Once you enter the USA, you wouldn't have any problems or show your visa to go into other states. All you need is an ID eg passport.

Like it was suggested, You could post the questions here about POE so everyone can benefit. Moreover, I have exams due pretty soon so it will be difficult to chat with individual guys when I can just answer everything at once.

I will advise DO NOT CARRY MUCH CASH ON YOU WHEN TRAVELLING. Asides safety issues, there are a million and one convenient ways to pay your school fees. I don't know if this applies to all schools but for my school, deadline payment wasn't till after 3 weeks into resumption. You can always open a dorm account in Nigeria and pay directly for your school fees. Some banks have that option of helping students pay for school fees. eg access bank. Be sure to get enough information. Also, you can open a dorm account and then when you get here and open an account (which takes about 15 minutes), you can always do a transfer of funds from your Nigeria account to your USA account (some charges might be incurred) but really guys, just go to banks in Nigeria and find out available options. It is 2011, things are more convenient than carrying cash around. In the USA, liquid cash is not a common occurrence. E- transactions is the order of the day. You have a limit of carrying 10k dollars (I am not sure about that- google it) when coming into the USA. So even if it is your school fees if you exceed that amount, you have to declare (and I don't know the procedure for that) so why bother yourself if you have other, more convenient options? NO ONE WILL CHECK YOUR SCHOOL FEES AT POINT OF ENTRY!!! That is not the immigration guy's job description. He is only to ensure you comply with proper immigration status. Your I 20 shows that you have your fees available(cos u sent statement of account showing you have that).

You can hold enough cash to see you through till when you can transfer funds. I have family here so I had on me barely $500. Every other amount, I transferred when I got here but this might not apply to you especially if you have to rent an apartment immediately or if you have to self cater for yourself initially.

You are welcome.
* Point of correction the declaration form (can't remember what it is called now) would be given on the plane (about 1-2 hours to arrival). Also, the immigration officer at the point of entry might ask you some questions - nothing in particular. Just make sure your answers tally with your documents and travel info, he/she might start asking you again what you are in the US for, what school, bla bla bla, it is all scope. Consistency in answers provided is the key. If you do not know something in yanky or you are not sure, TELL them. No one expects you to be perfect. As long as you are not coming across as lying, you would be fine.

Dress code for female: Same as i said. Smart and comfortable. I had on a button down fitted knee length gown. I made my hair just the day before. I had just basic make up. I looked neat. I don't think you have to be all painted up or with hair flying around. Present a look of "I am serious" (though I don't believe seriousness should be judged on looks, but if they want that, give it to them). Simple top, pants, skirt, medium heels or flat regular shoes, anything should do. Just use your discretion to judge 'simple'.

Hey all!
So to the recent question, please just dress decently and as comfortably as you can. It is an interview but for a student, doesn't call for you suiting up- except if you are going to work afterwards anyways. Male, a simple shirt(short or long sleep) or a neat T shirt with a pair of trousers (pants/ Jeans)would do. During my interview, a woman going for a Yoruba art exhibition came all completely dressed in trad attire, aso oke and she was denied. My friend with me on the other hand, was dressed in a shirt with his sleeves rolled up and was granted. To summarize, you just go looking decent. As an intending student, the dress code here in the US is very informal. T shirt with jeans so I don't think you will be any better if you go in suit. Ultimately, it depends on what you say and your documents. Be smart in your responses and have COGENT reasons to back anything up. They atimes google what you say. SO if you say well, my school is one of the top schools in the US, the guy would check it out. In MY opinion (which is SUBJECTIVE), I don't think denial is based on things like "you have not traveled before" or 'the VO was just being wicked". Like I once said, you will be surprised what Nigerians say during the interview even those who have 100s of millions in their account. Confidence is also paramount. As a student here in the USA, I have seen confidence in a whole new dimension among my classmates.

For those who got thier visas, I can just chip this in. Clearance at point of entry shouldn't be any hassles- depending on the airport you arrive through. Some are more tedious than the others. Then if coming just after christmas, there is tendency for them to be busy. Whatever food you bring along, make sure to declare on the form given at the airport so you don't have issues. I had ogbona, crayfish, stockfish, dried vegetables, pepper, maggi, garri , etc. I wasn't harassed for any (cos I declared EVERYTHING) and when asked at screening, I told them what I have. Worst case, they will collect it from you if it is not allowed (you wouldn't be deported 'cos of that). Also, avoid chicken products (especially maggi chicken). Make sure they are in transparent white nylon(or Ziploc) and if possible label (all these are not necessary but might just help you reduce hassles at screening).
Have ALL your related travel documents and school documents in your hand luggage, at the point of entry, they will screen your I 20 and passport. Be sure that your I 94 date stamped is correct and the duration (it might bare something like D/S meaning duration of stay).

Hmmm, what else? At the naija airport especially lagos, the immigration people will harass you for your food. Claiming bring 4k or so. Please do not be fooled. Insist you are a student and you have to eat. If they delay you, give them 500. Believe me, they can't do anything. Worst case, you drop the food or if you want to, go ahead and give then the 4k-depending on how rich you are. In my opinion, I think Emirates is the most affordable considering the services they provide. The only problem is the time you spend (as per having to go to dubai) but it is worth the experience!!!

Finally, this has always been an issue here and I hate to bring it up again. When coming to the US, depending on your financial status, be prepared for a little period of hardship (depending on the state you are in). Things are not same as we have at home. Be ready to be prudent with spending . But in a few months, if you are smart, you will settle in perfectly and then, things become really enjoyable. USA beats Nigeria a million times over (in most aspects). BUT there will always be that initial hardship though, imagine like 7 pieces of Red pepper(rodo) for 7 dollars? lol, but otherwise, food 'boku' jare.

This thread helped me once and I am always happy to give any advice that is needed.
Good luck!

@syndikate,tsk tsk, use of strong words.that is rather uncouth esp if you are speaking to a lady.if you disagree with my views,you can say S̶̲̥̅Ơ̴̴͡ in a more disciplined manner. Cheers!

Guys, let's not start another argument. I have applied for the USA visa lottery (mostly for the fun of it) for over 6 times, and my interview was less than 1 minute before I got the visa. I have a bro who is a perm residence in the USA and I wrote it in my DS 160 contrary to the 'redflag" many said it would be. The VO asked me and I said yes I have a bro who is a perm residence but he also noticed that my bro stays way far from my sch (abt 6 hrs flight) also, I went with just a letter of sponsorship (no account statement from my office) but I had accnt from my parents so technically, I was going to use 2 diff sponsors (which many of u have said is a red flag) still I got my Visa under 1 minute. Most importantly, the first 2 questions throw you in the path of a denial or an acceptance. I impressed the VO from the word go (cos my sch is like the 4 th best sch of Phealth in the US) and I hammered on that, Again, my interview was less than 1minute.

So whether u applied for lottery or not, it shouldn't affect your chances.

Also, one thing you people should know is: Anybody can say anything here. It might nt be exactly the way they said it when they were in front of the VO, infact except for some specifics, I can't remember verbatim, the exact thing I said when I was at the embassy. Lets not give unnecessary back and forth headache over these mundane issues.
Cheers!!!

@imperious, ALL sevis nos start with N, credit card especially if the address is Nigeria is not acceptable. If the person paying is in the US, he can pay by credit card, mail a check or pay via Western Union, they get it within 1 week. Credit card payment is not dependent on the alphabet. Again, ALL sevis nos start with N

@Others, can't we just stop this argument of Yankee is/is not tough. Don't you know what you are going in for? Before you go to the US, you should have an idea about what accommodation fees are. Which range between as low as 300 to as high as 1500 dollars/ room depending on where you stay and what amenities are provided. That is way more than what you will pay per room in most parts of Nigeria. If one person says US is tough does that stop you from pursing your dream? Don't they all say US is tough? have they died?
You should know or have heard there is no "my relative" abroad. If you are staying with a relative, they might expect you to share bills et al, when you leave for the US, go prepared. Be ready to spend a whole lot in the first few months especially as you will not yet know about getting the best deals. After a while, though things might not necessarily get easier. but you will get tougher.
If you are on an F1 Visa, you shouldn't expect to enter yanky and then it all becomes a bed of roses. Yeah you might get cheaper food, better amenities et al but there is still hardship. Face that reality and lets stop going back and forth about people discouraging others from going to the US.

I am so happy for you Timotee, I met a friend who knows you and she even gisted me about your ordeal the other time. I know that you are a genuine brilliant doctor.
@Imperious, No, the chinko lady is no longer there( I am not sure if permanently or otherwise) but it was said(by a very reliable source, sorry I can't give details) that her colleagues also complained about her so they had to take her off.

gt my visa like 2 hrs ago.abuja, gist you guys later.

Hi reloaded,
first, do u mean spring 2011 or 2012? I guess you meant 2012 cos it's not possible for you to be going in for spring 2011 at this point.

You would need to write to the school to send you another I20 form. You might not 'necessarily" have to send financial documents for them to issue you a new I 20. Why you would be needing a new I 20 is because the date expected to resume must have changed since you deferred resumption to a later date (even though every other information might remain the same). Also, I am not certain if your I20 number would remain the same ( I guess it should). Make sure you contact your school international student advisor to inform you on this accordingly.

If the I 20 nos remains the same, then you need not "necessarily" fill in a new DS 160 form nor pay a new SEVIS fee.

However, all these are subject to confirmation from other credible sources!

hey cutegirl, congrats!, hope ayanfe got hers' too (tho' she had a couple of controversies here, she did sound smart), congrats to her!
Where did you have your interview?
and as expected,, share the experience.
cheers!

Hey guys, I am not sure if this is right but I can't see the posts of all those who were insulting themselves here and brought so much ruckus!!( hope tis just not my browser having problems), apparently, all we had to do was to report them to the moderator(which I did anyway last night), tho' it was entertaining, but I think the insults got too much and too personal, I mean, bringing their innocent parents into it?
I wish all the august guys God's favour, remember, speak the truth always, cheers!

morotioluwa, congrats! AND i think you were right with your answer on the GRE percentile score (perhaps, he just wanted to confuse you), did u have to take financial statements from your office? Or just letters?

@US BOUND, This truly IS the hand of God. Congrats dear. I am very happy for you. Cheers!

Hey Waryz, what i noticed from your posts: You seem to be all fidgety. I dnt think this is the best approach 'cos if you are worried now, believe me, you will be worried on that day and inadvertently, it would reflect during your interview. While everyone here has helped you with tips et al, bear it in mind that each person's interview is unique. SOme questions are generic, eg. why the sch? who will sponsor etc, however, more important than your documents, the questions asked,the answers given (whether right or wrong) [b]is your confidenc[/b]e. If you fidget, it is interpreted by them as "having something to hide", I know that getting the VISA is very important however, dn't worry and fret over it like if you are rejected(God forbid) it is the end of the world. Starting now, just stay positive that you will get it and keep the confidence level up, no matter what experiences are shared here, yours might or might not be the same aight? All the best dear!
Cheers!
P.S: As per the fixed deposit account, I think you can use it. fixed deposit accounts have dates that it can be withdrawn and if that date falls before your resumption, you can cleverly inform the VO that your parents(or whoever owns the account) chose to keep that money fixed solely for your academics and it would be available for withdrawal before your resumption date (as stated on the fixed deposit receipt. I think that is a clever reply and you have to say this confidently, it is not whether it is the correct answer or wrong answer, it is your ability to convince the VO that it is the truth!

@kildran,it's fine.no pictures are submitted at this stage.u would have to take photo passports with you for the interview though.check the US gov website for more info.
@smoothsail,as at last week of may,the earliest date for abuja was first week of august.I dnt know about lagos but rumour has it that lagos has more available slots.(some guy posted it here last week or so. but i can't confirm it's veracity)
cheers!

Hey Syndikate, sorry if the tone of my post sounded that way. DIdn't mean the question was silly, just was putting in my advise. I apologize!
@imperious, I am a girl!

Hello y'all, been reading posts from here and it's been awesome. I have also had the discretion to separate facts from scums being said here. Overall, I think this site is very helpful. I am a potential fall applicant also. I would like to chip just something very lil'-no offence to any one. Please, when we pass info, let us be accurate with it. I have seen a lot of people pass the wrong information here. I am privileged to always be online and I get a lot info from the internet too (Thank God for internet and google). Often, people ask questions here that they could easily find for themselves on the US embassy website.
@ syndikate in particular, it says that a visa can be issued to a student at least 120 days to resumption. Furthermore, you can only enter the USA only at leas tas from 30 days to yr resumption. I will advise that You have your i20 nos sent to you by email (the nos I said) cos I have also not received mine, but so as to book a date early, I had the school email me the nos while the hard copy was posted last fri. I booked my date last fri and for abuja, the earlies date I got was august 8 . Pls, I would advise you to book ASAP before the dates all get filled. aight?
ALL the best y'all and again, lets verify info before we post them here. You can't be issued a Visa 6 months to resumption. Only 120days(4months) to resumption