₦airaland Forum

Epithet:
I had my interview at the USA Embassy at Abuja.
A few(or a lot) of check in procedures were the most tasking activities that day.

The Conversation;

VO: Why did you pick this school?

Me: Aligned Faculty interest in Biofuel and sustainable energy Research, I worked on a design project that entailed pyrolysis of agricultural waste to produce Biogas, and also it allows...(VO cuts in)

VO: You have a degree from what university?

Me: Federal University of Technology Minna. My Bachelor's degree is in Chemical Engineering and my Doctorate program is also in Chemical Engineering

VO: You are going for a doctorate program do you have a Masters degree?

Me: Just my Bachelors Degree. The PhD affords me the opportunity to carry out research at the highest academic level. Moreso, I get to apply for a senior lecturing position....

VO: What would you be doing with this degree?

Me: Thats what i just said. I would have the opportunity to apply for a senior lecturing position in my alma matter.. With the recent expansion of the engineering faculty...


VO: What are the major problems facing Biofuel?
Me: Lower Energy Content as compared to fossil fuel, high proportion of glycerol, high water consumption, poor cold properties... And also there's the food vs fuel debate

VO: So I would be approving your Visa, I'm keeping your passport, here's your I20

Me : Thank You

She gave me a Red Paper, with a smaller white slip specifically for F1 Visa Applicants, just reiterating the program start date rule and the 30days mandate, also stated was the fact that I would need my I20 and passport at the point of entry.

The only distinct thing was that she was also standing at her window (Window 9).

abid4akin:
There are now surfeit vacancies on Saturday 21st July- Lagos embassy, I think this is specially designed for those that will be applying towards this coming fall... This would be good news to many people, especially for those that are hoping to reapply.

NefT:
Hello all! I am in the process of filling my DS160 form. I am open to any location for my visa interview. However, I would prefer Lagos and a date before 24th July using the expedite/quick appointment option if it will be possible because I am applying for the first time.
My question: must I click Lagos consulate in the drop down menu when starting a new ds160 and generating a code? I am asking because I am afraid that I might not be able to choose Abuja dates when booking appointment if I decided to opt for that location due to possibility of not getting my Lagos desired date.
If I were to book an appointment for Abuja, must I start with Abuja embassy from the beginning of the DS160 code generation or is it that the location you choose prior to checking for Available dates on the visa appointment page does not affect your ability to navigate the site and view available dates in Lagos consulate and Abuja embassy?
Thanks as I anticipate your timely response...

NefT:
Hello all! I am in the process of filling my DS160 form. I am open to any location for my visa interview. However, I would prefer Lagos and a date before 24th July using the expedite/quick appointment option if it will be possible because I am applying for the first time.
My question: must I click Lagos consulate in the drop down menu when starting a new ds160 and generating a code? I am asking because I am afraid that I might not be able to choose Abuja dates when booking appointment if I decided to opt for that location due to possibility of not getting my Lagos desired date.
If I were to book an appointment for Abuja, must I start with Abuja embassy from the beginning of the DS160 code generation or is it that the location you choose prior to checking for Available dates on the visa appointment page does not affect your ability to navigate the site and view available dates in Lagos consulate and Abuja embassy?
Thanks as I anticipate your timely response...

jagaban17:
So many dates in July at the moment for those wanting to schedule or Reschedule.

pauwick:
Consular officer, a man

pauwick:
My second interview transcript and denial:
VO: what's your course of study?
ME : I am going for my masters degree in information technology
VO: Why this degree
Me: A masters degree in information technology will give me access and proficiency in using the latest cutting edge technologies in my work....VO cuts
VO: what do you mean by cutting edge technologies
ME : Modern technologies....VO cuts
VO: Do you think i dont hear English i say u should mention those technologies.....if u fail to mention them,i will not give u a Visa
ME: We have Fire EMS Record Management system, Pre-fire plan applications,incident command applications Smart fire hydrant and alarm systems etc
VO: So, what do you want to do with all these
ME: I work as a fire maintenance Engineer...VO cuts
VO: which company
ME : HTL
VO: Why concordia University?
ME: I got excited with the papers written by Prof Gary Locklair the program director on Modelling and simulation analysis. This tallies with mybrrsearch interest which is Dynamic modelling and simulation of intelligence physical system for fire safety....VO cuts
VO: How did u get to know about the school?
Me: a colleague i met at NISCN in october last year gave high recommendations about the school. I later researched using princeton review and USnews to confirm the school
VO: why did you choose this course
ME: 30yrs ago, computers were not existent in fire service today the scenariohas changed as the use of computers is the norm in effective fire safety mgt. due to technological advancement. Industries and businesses in Nigeria are changing from manual system of of operation to computerised and automated...VO cuts
VO: i dont need you to talk about Nigeria
VO: Did your colleague finished from the school?
ME: Yes
VO: What is his name?
Mention his name and spell his surname
ME: TIMOTHY
VO: You are single?
Me: YES
VO: how many children
Me: (smiles)None. am single
VO: sorry i cannot approve ur visa( issues 214b)
VO: Said something like u can re-apply if u like

Please help me review and tell mw my mistakes, i have also written my new answers up there ,pls help me criticise and review them. Thanks

oluezekiel:
Please, do not take that offer. I was almost in that shoe last Fall not until I made the school realize I wouldn't be accepting the admission offer. PhD program, it's like a paid job in the US, please wait for another semester and get a good admission with another school.

femi312:
My question to you is.. because of the norms, you wont apply for Visa? Go with what you have and hope for the best. However, If I were you I won't take the offer because Phd is stressful enough to now add the constant thought of finances. What is your profile like?

sunshineluv5:
30th July as at 12pm today for first timer ooo i dnt know if it's same as regular.

NefT:
I guess this is for Lagos consulate, does anyone has information on the current date for Abuja applicants?

tolatof:
like i said earlier, different schools different rules..
some schools have more seats for Phd than MSc, it all depends on the faculty Size and research area..

It is not cast in stone.

Most MSC research/thesis based students go in for their PhD after their MSC..., so bros, it is almost the same once you have a good academic profile and scores.

Most schools offer their MSC research and PHD students funding, thought majority are directed towards PhD cause of the long term commitment.

It is easier to get in for an MSC coursework degree. (This is the Cash Cow for most Schools), but baba MSC research Thesis and PhD are almost the same in Engineering, your research area matters.

I REST MY CASE.

Emmanuelson:
About rejecting it, maybe it’s a mistake I’ve learnt from.
And about the interview maybe another VO won’t have a problem with that like you said, the black American lady wasn’t smiling at all.
Thanks mam

sunshineluv5:
30th July as at 12pm today for first timer ooo i dnt know if it's same as regular.

donanod:
Good day everyone.
I have learnt a thing or two here and I think it’s best I give back.

My visa interview on 22nd May went thus:

VO: Why are you going to The University of Texas Arlington?
Me: To pursue my MS in Materials Science and Engineering

VO: How did you get to know UTA?
Me: A combination of advise from EducationUSA Advisers and my interest in Materials for Solar energy research informed my choice

VO: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes I did - Stevens Institute of Technology and University of North Texas

VO: So why did you pick UTA over the others?
Me: My correspondence with the Graduate Advisor at UTA convinced me that the Materials Science and Engineering program at UTA matched my proposed research focus best

VO: When did you get your Bachelors?
Me: 2015

VO: What did you do afterwards?
Me: Went for my NYSC which concluded in October 2016

VO: Where did this take place?
Me: Told her

VO: What were your duties and responsibilities?
Me: I taught Physics and Further Mathematics to secondary school students

VO: Who will be funding your studies?
Me: My Dad will

VO: What does he do?
Me: Told her

VO: Do you know anyone in the US?
Me: Yes, my Uncle and Sister

VO: What is your sister’s major?
Me: Told her

VO: Your visa has been approved, be sure to keep your I-20 well because it’s very important. You will be contacted via text and email as soon as your passport is ready for pickup.

For some context:
UG GPA: 3.51/4.00 (Major: Materials Science and Engineering)
GRE: 315 - Q160 V155 AW3.0
TOEFL: 105 - R26 L28 S26 W25

What worked for me may or may not work for you. Similarly, what works for you may or may not work for me. However, we never know what works until we try.

I believe in God; He was and still is very important in all this.

Thanks to everyone who makes out time to offer their opinion and advice here.
Cheers!

ayopaul84:
So VISA approved this morning. 7:15 appointment
Thanks to you all on this thread.
I just don't know if there is anything to learn from it. Quite short.
After all the screenings at various points, I was directed to Window 3.... Here is the transcript:

V.O: Pass me ur passport and I-20.
Me: (Did that while greeting her). Good morning.
V.O: Where are you going?
Me: I am going to the University of Kansas for a PhD in Biochemistry.
V.O: Ooh, you want to be a Jayhawk?
Me: Yea, I wanna be a Jayhawk!
V.O: So is it a direct PhD or you have a Master's degree.
Me: I had my Master's degree last year from the University of Lagos.
V.O: What course?
Me: Biochemistry
V.O: Have u travelled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, I have not had any reason to.
V.O: Do you have any kid?
Me: No
V.O: Okay. I will be approving your VISA........bla bla bla
Me: Thank you very much.

It was just sheer favor. No document was requested. No serious question at all.
All glory to God.
And thank you all. I read and re read every transcript and advice on this thread. Thank u all

Renewable0216:
Hello guys,

First, I'd start with an apology!

I almost totally disappeared from here since I got to the States; believe me, it wasn't intentional but trying to grapple with a new system in one hand and balancing research/course workload on the other hand is no easy feat. That's not to say it's impossible to come back here once in a while after you resume school but I own up for being one of the feeble-minded who can't handle too many things at a time. Apologies!

Plus, I didn't get enough funding when I was leaving so, trying to work and study must had some impact too.

Luckily, I got a 'rare' 50% scholarship the very last week of school: it was a miracle and funding for subsequent semesters seem sure from now.

Bottom line: Don't be desperate, when you are desperate you make terrible decisions that might not be easy to correct for years. When it's God's time to get things done, he'd work things out for you!

Don't be mad at yourself when things are not working as planned, I know it can be demoralizing but that's time to work on yourself, do your due diligence and research! I never advocate short cuts(tricks and other illegal things such as falsifying documents, etc). Even when you don't have the means personally, when it's the right time, God will provide support.

To balance this, It would be fair to come out clean to explain that having funding secured is one the best things you want to get done before leaving Nigeria. If writing GRE and TOEFL will make a school provide funding, prepare well for those exams and do them well: if you can't be diligent with GRE, how will you be able to cope with school demands?

Also if you're working, save as much as you can, that helps too! I think it was one of the things that helped me convince the VO.
I am somewhat very displeased when I see young folks trying to get into school but spending their 'little Nigerian salary' showing off petty clothes/things on social media. That's puerile and being short-sighted!

For some schools like mine, chances of getting funded before you arrive as Africans is rare especially in Engineering. They want you to come on your own bills the first semester, demonstrate your abilities, then you might be considered for funding. You also want to be discuss this with your program Coordinator and be very sure funding will be provided after the first semester, never assume!

Usually there are more funding opportunities during the Fall; if your school is not funding you, you may want to politely ask why and confirm if there will be funding for subsequent semesters.

In all, I'm a strong preacher of diligence, hard work, smart work and trusting God to crown your efforts.

I hope this helps someone!

My best wishes guys!

Renewable0216:
Hello guys,

First, I'd start with an apology!

I almost totally disappeared from here since I got to the States; believe me, it wasn't intentional but trying to grapple with a new system in one hand and balancing research/course workload on the other hand is no easy feat. That's not to say it's impossible to come back here once in a whil after you resume school but I own up for being one of the feeble-minded who can't handle too many things at a time. Apologies!

Plus, I didn't get enough funding when I was leaving so, trying to work and study must had some impact too.

Luckily, I got a 'rare' 50% scholarship the very last week of school: it was a miracle and funding for subsequent semesters seem sure from now.

Bottom line: Don't be desperate, when you are desperate you make terrible decisions that might not be easy to correct for years. When it's God's time to get things done, he'd work things out for you!

Don't be mad at yourself when things are not working as planned, I know it can be demoralizing but that's time to work on yourself, do your due diligence and research! I never advocate short cuts(tricks and other illegal things such as falsifying documents, etc). Even when you don't have the means personally, when it's the right time, God will provide support.

To balance this, It would be fair to come out clean to explain that having funding secured is one the best things you want to get done before leaving Nigeria. If writing GRE and TOEFL will make a school provide funding, prepare well for those exams and do them well: if you can't be diligent with GRE, how will you be able to cope with school demands?

Also if you're working, save as much as you can, that helps too! I think it was one of the things that helped me convince the VO.
I am somewhat very displeased when I see young folks trying to get into school but spending their 'little Nigerian salary' showing off petty clothes/things on social media. That's puerile and being short-sighted!

For some schools like mine, chances of getting funded before you arrive as Africans is rare especially in Engineering. They want you to come on your own bills the first semester, demonstrate your abilities, then you might be considered for funding. You also want to be discuss this with your program Coordinator and be very sure funding will be provided after the first semester, never assume!

Usually there are more funding opportunities during the Fall; if your school is not funding you, you may want to politely ask why and confirm if there will be funding for subsequent semesters.

In all, I'm a strong preacher of diligence, hard work, smart work and trusting God to crown your efforts.

I hope this helps someone!

My best wishes guys!

Lamzee:
which game? Ogbeni are you so daft? First you said I was begging for money, why should I contact him? were you not here when people were saying I wanted to dupe them or don't you see his post when he wrote he can't use mini laptop cos of what he wants to use it for. Bye

Lamzee:
Must you show your shallow Brain on the internet, your first assignment should be the meaning of Application fee and not rushing here to post false allegations, Oga Justwise

Richypman:
Just STFU!!! you messed up already and its now very obvious you are the same person, Abi what's the meaning of this below, sounds like some sorta desperation kicking in... This right here is very disgusting;



Its people like you that denies genuine people the opportunity of getting help from such good benevolent people.

folmus:
No msg from you o.

folmus:
How do one demonstrate this? By solving questions Expecting reply.

ponpon:
email Patrick.jimoh60@gmail.com

ponpon:
Baba, you wan kill me with laugh

folmus:
Thanks for your analyses jare. Baba Twood has told her already. That lies will still hunt her. How you go mary your uncle?

Fwesh101:
Thanks here is my mail
Makinde.mayor@gmail.com