₦airaland Forum

sboj:
My visa was approved at the Lagos embassy on the 22nd of November 2019. I arrived at the embassy ahead of time for 8am appointment by 6:10 wearing a white shirt, a GOJ customized wine tie, blue trouser, brown belt and brown boots, I stood with bae at the parking lot, and she asked me questions from my proposed transcript which I answered.
Then a call was made for 8am appointment to form a queue, then proceeded for cgi confirmation. We were asked to seat at the pavilion, where we waited till 8:30, while waiting the person seated next to me started a conversation and that helped me stay relaxed.
We proceeded for security scan at the embassy building, same guy was in front of me, and then we did the 10 printing but while waiting on the long queue awaiting interview the cgi guy requested we all take a U-turn and take the 10 printing again.
All through this process my new friend was behind me and we kept talking and smiling, fast forward to when I was at the front of the line, I was directed to window 1 where a young slim tall man was seated, my guy was directed to window 3. The 2 persons before me had their visa delayed and my heart was beating fast, then it was my turn. I stepped up and the following transpired:
Me: Good morning (in a very audible and confident tone looking at him in his eyes)
VO: Good morning, can I have your passport and I20
Me: Sure
He typed for some seconds and then opened my i20
VO: why are you going to America?
Me: I am going to the state of Maryland to study for a master’s degree in business finance at the University of Baltimore, after which I will be returning home to help actively with my family business and take my CFA exam.
VO: why this school?
Me: the school is staffed with faculties with whom I have share a mutual research interest in persons of Prof Joel Morse, Dry John Weiss and Dry Jerry Yu who are renewed entrepreneurship and investment researchers, the opportunity to learn under them will be beneficial for my development, the curriculum at UB help me prepare for the CFA exams and finally it fits my budget financially.
VO: how many schools did you apply to?
Me: Two
VO: Name them?
Me: University of Baltimore and Bentley University.
VO: I can see you have been to America on a j1 visa in 2018, where did you stay?
Me: west Yarmouth Cape cod
VO: where did you work?
Me: blue water resort at west Yarmouth about 15 mins ride.
VO: what position?
Me: I worked as a front desk officer, but moved to housekeeping to help during the busy period of the season when we were understaffed.
VO: who is paying for your trip?
Me: my dad
VO: what does he do?
He is the md of a bdc, petrochemical company, aluminum importer and a real estate developer (he cuts in asking me to call them again).
VO: so it is a conglomerate, what is his monthly income?
Me: yes, the mother company is Bleep Company. Currently his monthly income is 30 million (he saying seriously) yes, as his profit.
VO: can I see his bank statement?
Me: sure, passed it with a letter from the bank. He flips through the statement of over 100 pages for a while.
VO: I will be approving you visa, do you have your reciprocal fee here?
Me: thank you and yes with a big smile.

Tips:
-Guys the main reason students are mandated to appear for an interview is to for you to make a case and prove you will return home. Many students get their visa delayed because they don’t establish home ties even after defending the reason for the course and school perfectly. So from your first answer and at every available opportunity state your intention to return home.
-Never underestimate the power of fasting and prayer, it is a believer weapon. Try Isiah 40:31, Joshua 1v9, Mathew 6:25-34, Hebrew 11:1, Proverbs 3:5-6.3
-I have read of people undermining the power of been properly dressed, please don’t fall short o, wear a formal outfit (not a suit o) it shows seriousness and intention.
-Get a practice partner to ask you possible interview question, so you can work on your spoken answer and tone or stand in front of a mirror (I prefer this because it will help you work on maintaining eye contact).
-Do your research to provide a realistic answer for the questions why this course and why this university? And when you saying it say it like you mean it.
-All through the interview maintain eye contact and keep your head up even when the vo is typing.
-Your social media says a lot about you, from the moment of application please be intentional with what you post and comment on the internet.
-Remember the school deemed you fit for admission, so go to the embassy with all the confidence and show them why.

jyemsta:
My younger sister VISA APPROVED...................................

I got her I-20 about 10 days ago and i remembered not finding a date earlier than December 18th. My trick for getting a closer date (November 18th ) was to check the USA embassy website between 1am - 2:30 am, your chances of getting better date is higher.

My little advice: When applying to schools, please be involved in the process because it gives you at least 20% of your answers during interview. Although she was just out of secondary school, i made her write a SOP demanded by one of the schools (that gave her clear vision) and i sent her compiled transcript i downloaded on this forum for personal study. 8 days to her interview, i paid my cousin who recently finished NYSC to go and train/sharpen her interview skills for the last 7 days........They have 3 sessions of interview daily and i call in at midnight to conduct the 4th and check her progress. After the first 3 days of shaking, she became so confident and i knew what was left is PRAYERS......
Depending on your personality, always get someone to conduct series of interviews with or you stand in front of a mirror and practice like you mean it...........Say it out with strong expression and you realize they stick.........

You: Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Where are you going or which school are you going
You: I am going to the united states for my bachelor degree in Microbiology at Bowling Green State university, Bowling Green, Ohio.

VO: How many schools did you apply
You: I applied to four schools namely; Bowling green state university, East Tennessee State University (Johnson City), Tennessee State university (Nashville), and California State university (East bay)

VO: How many schools admitted you
You: All four offered me admission, but I choose Bowling Green State University

VO: Did you write any exams (e.g., SAT, TOFEL, IELTS, ACT)
You: No, it was not required. Especially when I have an outstanding WAEC result

VO: Why did you choose Bowling green State university
You: I choose BGSU because of the outstanding curriculum and course content that matches my career goal of becoming an Immunologist. Also, they offer scholarship opportunities for outstanding student like myself, and the region is also relatively cheaper and known for it very low crime rate

VO: Why did you choose Microbiology
You: I choose microbiology because since I was 8 years old, I have always loved to take care of sick people and also know why they fell sick. During my secondary school days, my best subject was biology and I was also the health prefect, this equally increased by passion for the field.

VO: What is microbiology
You: Microbiology is the study of microorganisms or microbes, which are unicellular or multi-cellular organisms and causes infections, they are too small to be seen by naked eyes but by microscope. Some branches of microbiology are, immunology, virology, & parasitology, etc

VO: What is immunology
You: Immunology is the study of the immune system in all organism and is a very important branch of biological sciences. The immune system helps us to fight and protects us from infections.

VO: How old are you
You: 17 years, but I’ll be 18 by January next year

VO: Do you have family in USA
You: Yes, I have a brother who is a Traction Power Engineer @XXXXXXXX in California

VO: How long have your brother been in the USA
You: Like 3 years now

VO: Where are your siblings
You: 1 is in Germany, 1 in USA, and others are working with different ministries and companies here in Nigeria. I am the last born of the family

VO: What does your parents do
You: My dad was an .......... of Customs, Federal Operations Muritala International Airport Ikeja and my mum is a .............. with the Lagos State ministry of education, Alausa Ikeja.

VO: Who is sponsoring you
You: My Eldest brother

VO: Why does he want to sponsor you& not your parents
You: I submitted both my brother and my parent bank information, but the school used only one because the amount in the account was enough.

VO: Can I have a look at his bank/financial documents
You: Yes sir/ma……..then pass the bank papers

VO: Where will you be living in the USA/school
You: I will be living in the school hostel for my first two years because this is the policy for new international student in Bowling green State University

VO: I will be approving your VISA, do you have your repository fee?
You: Yes........................

ALL GLORY AND HONOR TO ALMIGHTY GOD.....................

LagosismyHome:
Are you expected to pay $20,000 per year for 4 years since its BSC ?............ except it a parent who is the sponsor , it very hard to believe that one uncle would support all through 4 years . Most VO would go toward the angle that the student is most likely to be out of status shortly . For master Uncle is ok for 2 years but for 4 years uncle sponsor . i think most VOs will have made up their mind

Olumuyiwalasode:
Do you have a BSc already? If yes, why are you going for another?
And did you state in your DS 160 of any BSc qualifications? And how old are you??

Americanpizza:
Sorry for this delay, do you have any kind of funding?

SisiNini:
Sorry for that.

Did you have your interview at the Lagos Consulate? My F2 Visa was denied this morning too. I am so sad.

NewHeaven3:
Visa denied this morning

NewHeaven3:
Please @Lagosismyhome, the American, Walspring, Shwarma, fairheart and other Gurus in the House. It's about my proposed transcript. Please assist me in scrutinizing it. My interview is in 3 days time

I was denied 3 months ago, and I'm going for my Bachelor's degree in Biomedical science. Actually I switched my Major from Computer Science to Biomedical science after the Interview. Please I need assistance most especially in Why the switch?

Tuition and fees: 28,000 dollars
Scholarship: 8,000 dollars.
Deficit: 20,000.


MY PROPOSED TRANSCRIPT

Why going to the US?
I'm going to US for my Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science

What has changed?
I'm more Confident now to demonstrate that I'm a Credible Student , which I wasn't able to do in my previous application.

Why US
Us has an impeccable education system with it's syllabus offering a right blend of both theoretical and practical Knowledge more than any other Country, and also as an academic experience in US is highly valued here in Nigeria, it will help me to establish myself upon my return.

Why this School?
The Biomedical science curriculum in this School is structured with A Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research interests that most interests me and can be applicable to the current situation of my State. A research interest by Dr Sumali Pandey on Elucidiating the mechanisms by which pathogens invade and proliferate in the Host Cells or tissues using molecular techniques, and the Impact of Environmental toxins like the Endocrine disruptors on the immune system. With This experience I'll acquire the research skills and the Knowledge of the Pathogenesis of the health issue in my State..
And lastly the opportunity to learn anatomy with cadaver dissection in the undergraduate level. In which they're one of the very few undergraduate institutions to learn anatomy using cadaver dissection. Having an experience with this is an added advantage to me since it's meant to be practiced in a Medical school.


What will this Course do 4 U?
Studying this Course will equip with the Knowledge and research of the Pathogenesis Of the Prevalent Health issues in my State, Especially the Gastroenteritis.
Also there's an increasing demand and need for Professionals in this Field in my State as a result of the health issues, So acquiring the recent Methodologies and Research Skills from this course in US will make me Valuable and Qualified for a position in the State Ministry of Health and So Contribute in researching solutions For the Good Health of our Citizens.

How did you hear about this school?.
I conducted a search on affordable best colleges in US, in which I got a result in Usnews.com, and then went into the School Website to read about the Curriculum offered.

How Many did you apply?
3 –>Concord University West Virginia, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and University of Central Arkansas. Was admitted by 2.

Tell me about your Study Plan.
A completion of 120 credit unit hours is required for this Course. I'll be taking these Courses during the period. Human Anatomy, Molecular biology, immunobiology, Genetics, Microbiology and Human Physiology.

Why the change of Course?
During the times in my mum's pharmacy, I acquired some experience in medications and not too long ago I found out that a mere prescription of drugs doesn't have a cure on some of the prevalent Health issues in my State especially the Gastroenteritis because they're mostly Virally infected which requires a special Medical attention and novel treatments options to sustain Life, and just 4 months ago my Cousin became a Victim of this health issue. Studying this Course will equip me with the Knowledge and research of the Pathogenesis of these health issues.
Also there's an increasing demand and need for Professionals in this Field as a result of the Health Issues so acquiring the recent Methodologies and Research Skills from this Course in Us will make me Valuable and Qualified for a position in the State Ministry of Health and thus contribute in researching solutions to the health issues.

tosin18:
VISA APPROVED

Dear NL. I am a silent follower of this platform. I was scheduled for interview at the Lagos Embassy this morning at 6:45am and got my visa approved. I am thankful to God for His favor and mercies. I was one of the very very.. few that got visa approval this morning. The rejection rate was massive and its not an exaggeration to say less than 5% of all applicants were issued visas. The Vos were just denying visa applicants for both visiting and student categories. A family had just been denied at the next window to me...
now fast forward to my transcript.

My VO is a young man possibly in his early 40s or close to 40. I was praying quietly as I knew it would take God's grace to answer confidently.

VO: Pass me your i20 and passport please.
Me: I did smiling and said good morning to him
VO: Why are you going to the US?
Me: I am going to study for an MBA in Enterprise Resource Planning at Bleep University. (I forgot to mention the location of my school)
VO: Where do you work?
Me: I work at Bleep plc.
VO: How much is your salary?
Me: (he looked at his screen waiting for my response.
VO: You have a good job, why are you going for an MBA.
Me: I work in a financial services company but my background is technical and I need a business degree that would give me a competitive edge and acquire business skills for my short term and long term career goals.
VO: What are your long term career goals
Me: the school will be assisting me with the endorsements and certification I require to become a business consultant in this market and this will lead me to starting my own business.
VO: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes I applied to 2 other schools and I named them.
VO: Have you ever traveled out of Nigeria?
Me: I was on honey moon with my wife to Gambia and Senegal, I have been to Ghana to attend some courses and I have traveled on some occasions to South Africa on business meetings. I have also visited the US on four different occasions.
VO: When was the last time you visited the US?
Me: I mistakenly answered 2017 and also mentioned that i was in the US in 2018.Told him I took time off work on vacation and tried to write the GRE exam while in the US but unfortunately there were system issues so I had to come back to write it in the country. (the VO kept looking at the system and typing as if verifying my answers)
VO: Are you planning to apply for F2 visas for your family?
Me: My wife is an entrepreneur and she is busy with her business. My kids are in school and i am hoping they would be able to visit me in the US during my wife's off peak business period and when my kids are off school.
VO: How do you want to fund your studies?
Me: ( I had 27k on my i20. I passed my acct statements, fixed deposit certificates and letters from work stating my salary/position/designation, payslip, letter of recommendation from my boss and every document that can give a positive impression of me. He started looking at the documents page by page and occasionally took his eyes black to the computer screen.
VO: (Then he picked up one of my acct statements which is very busy with transactions but with no serious money.. Lols)
Me: That is my salary acct. I fund the other acts from there.
VO: Tell me about the location of your school. Tell me about it.
Me: (I started stammering cos I wasn't expecting such question. I said a few words mentioning the cities around the location and the flooding in that area. I felt unsatisfied with my response and asked the VO if I could ask him a question. I did this just to cover up in case he wasn't satisfied) Please can I ask you a question?
VO: Sure, go ahead
Me: I am wondering why you asked for the location of my school. Is there something happening there that am not aware of.
VO: Nothing really. At times we ask such questions to be sure students know where they are going.
Me: Ok
VO: I have made up my mind to issue your visa. (He handed over my documents and advised on instructions at the port of entry. He directed me to where I would pay the reciprocity fees.
Me: (I was no more listening. I picked up my documents, said thank you and walked away) Congrats

Broadway5007:
Thanks.

The name of the contact person in the school in the first and second 1-20 has changed. Also my intended date of arrival on the DS-160 is August 2019 instead of Jan 2020 ( i deferred my admission from fall 2019 to spring 2020).

I also noticed that the name of the course have been changed to Quantitative Economics instead of just Economics i used when filling the DS-160.

I hope all these wont be an issue.

arcTY:
good evening house
please i just gained admission for spring 2020 in north carolina agricultural and technical state university.
1 how does it take for form I-20 to be ready and courier to Nigeria because it is over 3weeks that i was given admission and im yet to receive the form I-20?
2 Also if i apply for visa this week, is it possible to get an appointment before nov15?
3 what is the most easiest way to pay for sevis fee?
please i need an answer

Gospelozy:
Good morning and Happy New Month. Please anyone in the house should help me out here as I stuck. Don't even know where to put the pin.
Thank you.

lillith:
Good Morning, Guys.
Another silent observer but my visa was approved this morning and I want to give back as I received a lot from this thread.

After the Biometrics , I was directed to a white middle aged lady, that she handles F1 visa applicants.

V.O Good morning
Me: Good morning, maam
VO : why are you going to virginia tech?
Me : I am going there for my masters degree because they are ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world by world report and usnews and
VO : cuts in...Yes yes I know all the statistics. what do you do ?
Me : I am a mechanical engineer with bleep organization
VO: whats your present level
Me : told her
VO : did you write the GRE?
Me: Yes I did
VO : what did you score?
Me : told her
VO: I see you got an assistantship, how did you get this?
Me : I wrote to the professors whose interests aligns with mine and those that were interested wrote back, then we had a skype interview and I got the offer
VO types for a while then : are you married?
Me : No
starts typing again then I interrupt
Me : I do have study permit from my organization ( holds it up to show her)
VO waves it away : I have made up my mind, go to this window and pay the reciprocity fee and dont arrive after school starts or you might be turned back
Me : ok, thank you maam
VO : one last question, if you couldnt cope and lose your assistanship what would you do?
Me : return home since I cant afford to stay there
VO : Right answer. You come back
Me: Thank you maam

sipicilia:
Thank you so much to all the people that reached out to me and helped prepare me well for my interview....God bless you all.

MY TRANSCRIPT
Vo: Hello good morning
Me: good morning with a very big smile
Vo: why are you going to the us
Me: I'm going to the us for my masters in public health at University of Illinois Springfield
Vo: why public health
Me: Many experience inspired my interest in public health, I have always had passion for humanitarian services and as such I have volunteered in some NGO, during this time I was opportuned to visit some rural, urban areas and IDP camp where I interviewed and monitored the health facilities, I discovered that most people had little or no knowledge about health as regards disease prevention, treatment and control......
Vo: which NGO did you volunteer
Me: One.org, Queens league, Lagos food bank and antodec foundation
Vo: how many schools did you apply to
Me: I considered 2 schools
Vo: which and which
Me: Drexel university and University of Illinois
Vo: why do you want to study in the us
Me: because the country has one of the best educational and public health system in the world and is widely known for its quality teaching and research
Vo: what's your undergraduate degree
Me: physiology
Vo: wow
Vo: who is your sponsor
Me: my uncle
Vo: (looks at me in a funny way), why is he sponsoring you
Me: he has been very supportive right from.....stops me
Vo: what uni did you go to
Me: university of Illorin
Vo: did he also support you
Me: yes
Vo: what secondary school did you go to
Me: command day secondary school Ikeja Lagos
Vo: did he also support you
Me: yes
Vo: what does he do
Me: He is the MD of bleep company that deals on softwares and supply of computers and other ICT equipments
Vo: how old is your sponsor
Me: 41 years
Vo: is he married
Me: yes
Vo: what does the wife do
Me: she has a boutique where she sells kids wears
Vo:how many kids does he have
Me: 1
Vo: how old
Me: 12years o
Vo: do you have a bank statement
Me: yes
Vo: y was this huge payment made on this day
Me: my uncle got a contract that lead to the payment of such huge amount but I didn't ask him, I just requested for he's bank statement
Vo:okay and types for the longest 1min of my life
Vo: I'd be approving you visa..........
Me: thank you.....������

LagosismyHome:
if that the reason why you choose the school then feel free to talk about research

NewHeaven3:
Hello everyone. Please my school has an undergraduate degree research in the Biosciences. Is it Ok if i say about the research during the interview?, Or is research only meant for Postgraduates?

LagosismyHome:
click on the name in the post, and on the profile and send an email