Your real issue here is that nothing significant has changed in between your applications. making it an easy denial for the VO. If you want to go next time make sure you have a significant change in your profile. These significant changes could be:

1. Some sort of scholarship
2. A different school (more ranked)
3. Your Personal life; new job, new commitment (Ties back home)

SammySuave:

Good day experts, I’m frustrated with these VO, experts in the house please check my transcript and give your best advice or feedback.

Visa denied
Lagos
Nov 27
Computer programming
$20k deficit no funding
First attempt

Vo: just approved someone before me
Vo: pass me your documents
Me: good morning ma (passed them)

Vo: why are you going to the Us
Me: I’m going to the US to pursue my bachelor’s degree in computer programming at Brigham young University Idaho

Vo: that’s fine, who will be sponsoring you
Me: my dad, he’s a top supervisor at XYZ, he’s also a successful entrepreneur. My dad has four residential buildings in Benin city Edo state which gives him additional income and he has a catering service company on the side running by my mom… cuts me off
Vo ; what are your plans after studies
Me: I’ll be returning back to Nigeria to take up a role as an instructor at xyz, on the long run i aim to own my private firm which will … cuts me off
Vo: how much does your dad earn monthly
Me: he earns about 10 to 15m monthly from all his business
Vo: how much
Me; 10 to 15m
Vo: typing…. Sorry you’re not qualified this time you can reapply


2nd attempt
Denied
Lagos
Jan 17
20k , dad still my sponsor
Second attempt

Ear piece man just Dey deny deny
Vo: signals to come foward
Me: went confidently , good morning officer
Vo: pass me your passport and I-20
Me : passed them
VO: so why are you going to the us
Me: (prepared) I’m going to the USA to pursue my bachelors degree in computer programming with specialization in software development at Brigham young University Idaho.

V0: why BYU
Me: I chose Brigham young university Idaho for three main reasons, to begin BYU Idaho is owned and operated by the church of Jesus Christ which I am a member of, so I chose to go to a school where it’s gospel center learning, I also started and completed my predegree at Byu pathway, graduating as one of the best students with that I got acquainted to their educational system and I believe this will bring educational cultural shock to minimal while I study on campus..
VO: ok what does your dad do
Me: me my dad is a successful entrepreneur he’s also a service advisor at XYZ he’s been working there for over 10years.. he deals with importation and sales of heavy truck spare part and also servicing of vehicles.. cuts me off
Vo: okay so I see my co worker interviewed you the last time, what has changed
Me: since the last time I was here,I attended two conferences expert tech Nigeria and art technology Lagos, this ignited my desire to continue my education, I got to understand that the knowledge and skill I’ll gain from this course is essential for my career objective, also the last time I was here I was really nervous and could not articulate some questions properly, which may have made me give wrong answers to some question the VO asked

Vo: sorry I cut you off earlier what does your mum do
Me: my mom is the manager of B and J catering services a company owned by my dad, she’s also the owner of joy cleanings, she earns about 65 million naira annually , together they both paid my international student advance deposit of $4000 and would have no issue sponsoring my education
Vo: I do appreciate your bla bla
Bla, however I can’t approve your visa at the point.. the paper will bla bla bla
Prepared me just collect documents in shock waka comot

Ideally, you should use your school address as the landing address. What’s your brothers status? Identifying you have a sibling in the US isn’t an outright denial. You just have to know their status hand the circumstance of their immigration. Family ties tells the VO is he absconded/misused his Visa type then there is a copious chance that you will replicate such.

Win121:
Hello house,

I have been following this thread for a while now and have learnt a lot thanks to you guys who keep answering questions and giving your bright ideas.

Pls I have a serious concern.
My sister Inlaw is in USA on F1 visa last year meant to finish this year and my sponsor is her husband whom is my brother, also I put her US address as my landing address when I enter USA. Now I have two concerns:

1). Since her husband is my Sponsor, should I declare that I have a relation in USA on my DS 160 form or not??

2). Will my sponsor or the address info link me to her and show the VO that I actually have a relation in the USA if I say no(cos that’s what I really want to do)??
I appreciate your responses 🙏🏾

Definitely getting a ban. We’ve constantly proselytized how the use of agents does more harm than good for this F1 visa. Yet people still fall smoothly for their charms. The person has to live with the consequences.

When I began my journey to the US years back, I was also a novice. This platform and asking relevant questions helped me navigate through many discrepancies I had, and I understood the entire process from A-Z with not agents help. People can do better, and this results in a rippling effect as the VOs become more strict with stories like this.

Sisib15:
I take God beg Una pls be careful o A friend of mine in the US just called that her friend (not someone I know personally) went for her interview today, she was self sponsored but the agent had edited her i-20 to show that she was funded by the school. She was granted the visa but it seems the VO checked the i-20 on his system after she left and realized there were two different things. They called her back using a public address system and the VO asked for her funding letter which she could not provide, he then collected her white paper, returned her passport /gave her 221g administrative processing letter and told her to send them the funding letter via the consulate email, ofcourse they will confirm from the school. I don’t think I need to tell you that this ll probably end in a visa ban. Agent is telling her to write email to school now to beg them for funding, even if it’s 5k.. see how crazy that sounds? He don commot hand. This will put the school, Nigerians in general, and even funded students on

So i know this is interview season and there will denials and as well approvals. i'll advise applicants to define your own story, dont summarise or predefine your outcome by someone elses' transcript. Learn from it but don't copy and paste it to the VO. First of all VOs are humans, and sadly before you bring your case to the counter, the law already places you as an intending immigrant. Which is why you have to be convincing, confident and provide a compelling story. Funding, Family history, and Academic/Career background are defining sections you can delve on to mould your transcript. Knowledge is power, read up past transcripts and take lessons and use them to create yours, Do mock interviews if you can, that 2 mins in front of the VO can change your destiny. US visa is not impossible, many of us that are in the US now, were once like you, but we never gave up on this journey, why should you?

Codestorm:
May 16 2023

Denied
F1 visa
Southeastern Louisiana University

One slim woman at window 2

Vo: Good morning
Me: morning

Vo: why this school?
Me: I chose southeastern Louisiana university because of all the schools I was admitted into, it was the only one that admitted into their honors program, and gave me a 60 percent off tuition

Vo: How do you plan to cover this deficit?
Me:My father will be covering it, and he has been the operations manager of etex for 20 years, and I went on to explain his role, and the amount he makes.

Vo: What do you plan to do with this degree?
Me: I plan to apply as a systems administrator at ipnx, an internet service provider here in Lagos. I also plan to utilize my skills and knowledge to help address the digital divide in Nigerian by improving access to technology and bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.

Vo: Do you have an elder brother or sister
Me: no I have two younger brothers

Vo: sorry you are not qualified for a visa at this time


What could have happened?

Reason for denial is definitely funding. You made an initial brilliant statement which i highlighted, and you could directed your interview on that pedestal. However, you slipped when asked about your sponsorship. You stand the chance to get the visa if better prepared.

Lifeinbits:

COPIED
F1
3rd Attempt
Status: Denied
Interview Date: 16th May
Location: Abuja
School: Bowling Green State University
Program: Masters of Technology Management with Specialization in Engineering Technology
COA: $33500
Scholarship:12250
Personal Fund: $12500
Family Savings (Dad): $9250

VO: Have you travelled to the US before?
Me: No, I haven't

VO: Do you have anyone in the US?
Me: Yes, my wife is currently pursuing her MBA in the US. We attended the same school for our undergraduate and one of our goals is to grow together as a couple career wise. Hence, we plan to go for our masters degree together but then her company approved her study leave while my company did not approve mine hence she had to go for her program.
But my company just approved my study leave now with a 50% pay. Hence, my reason for my masters program now.

VO: She in Bowling Green right?
Me: Yes

VO: How long av been married.
Me: We been married for 10 months now.

VO: Do you have any kid with your wife.
Me: No, we plan attaining a certain height in our careers before raising kids.

VO: What will this degree in Engineering do for you.
Me: Pardon?
VO: What will this degree in Engineering do for you.
Me: I can't hear you please?
VO: What will this degree in Engineering do for you.
Me: This program will not only improve my knowledge in the field of Engineering but will as well improve my managerial skill which is the most important skill I need to excel as a service unit manager at Benin Electricity Distribution Company where I currently work as a feeder leader.

VO: Whats your wife's program?
Me: an MBA

VO: Who's sponsoring your education?
Me: Aside my $12250 scholarship, av been able to save up the sum of #10,000,000 for my education. Hence, I'll personally be paying $12,000. My dad, Olaleye Kehinde Lawrence will be supporting me with $9,250. My dad is a coaco farmer and a coaco merchant. He makes about #75,000,000 annually with a staff strength of 63. He grows coaco on about 30 acres of land. He has about 17 coaco bean warehouses around south west, Nigeria and Partners with Coaco Products limited Ile-Oluji for the sales of coaco beans. Over the years he's been investing in real estate so he currently has landed properties and houses for rent around South West Nigeria.

VO: So your wife's uncle is sponsoring her?
Me: Yes, her uncle Kehinde Oluyedun is sponsoring her Education. She lost her dad at a tender age, and he's been the one catering for her education.

VO: So your plan for your F2 application is to transition to an F1 on arriving the US?
Me: No, I only planned to Visit her during my 4 weeks compulsory annual leave since my study leave wasn't yet approved.

VO: I'm sorry, ure ineligible for this visa at this time. Gimme blue paper.
Me: can u please tell my the reason for denial.
VO: section 214B........................................................... next applicant please

So many inconsistencies from this applicant, its quite sad he/she wasnt prepared for the interview.

Fortunia123:
Good Day Guys. I am in a unique situation and need help. I just got admitted to a Masters program (with funding) in the US but the problem is that I recently resumed In Germany for another masters program but I want to leave it for the US offer.

I want to know how to go about the visa process. Is it possible to do the visa interview here or must it be in Nigeria? And what is the possibility of visa approval given the fact that I am currently enrolled in another program?

I will appreciate all the help I can get.

you can definitely schedule your interview at your current location in Germany!

LEEJORDAN270:
April 11th 2023
Visa category: F1
Masters degree in Communication
School: Eastern New Mexico University
Visa Approved


So my interview was by 6:30, i got there around 3am, due to Lagos traffic, because i live in Ikorodu, i don't want to take any risk i would later regret.

Interviewer was a black American lady, sort of busty. Window 5

ME: Good morning, How was the holiday (Easter)

VO: Good morning it was great, yours?

ME: Great also, thank you.

VO: What course did you study for your 1st degree?

ME: Linguistics

VO: When did you graduate?

ME: 2019

VO: Have you ever traveled out of Nigeria before?

ME: No i haven't

VO: So why is it now you are going for your masters after 4 years?

ME: I needed to acquire some set of skills before going for masters, which i did, but then masters degree has a very big edge over bachelors degree here in Nigeria.

VO: But it is also the same way in the US.

ME: Well, like i said before, i have traveled out of Nigeria before, so i can't say i know how it is outside the country, i only know for my home country.

VO: (Smile) So what do you do currently?

ME: I was a software developer as at last year October when i filled my DS-160 form, but now i am a content and program editor for a radio station (radio name)

VO: I want to know what you do currently?

ME: I am a content and program editor.

VO: Who is funding you?

ME: I have a GA with the school and my elder sister is paying for the remaining deficit.

VO: What does your sister do?

ME: She is a Senior Software developer and also has a side business, which is real estate.

VO: (Typed for long and fast, then she looked at me and said) Your visa has been approved, congratulations...

Omo i nearly prostrate for her. Grace found me, at my first try for traveling out.

Congratulations!

shollyshine:
Pls I need an honest answer. Is it possible for someone studying in the us(masters) to travel back to Nigeria to attend some important function and also travel back without having an issues.

For sure, with a valid visa you can. Update your i20 too to show you’ve actually resumed at the school. International office of your school can do that for you.

BigIyanga:

If they dont, why do they require your social media handle during application?

That portion of the DS160 is optional I guess. And that’s not used pre-interview. Most times the VO even opens your online profile while being interviewed.

VisaInfoNL:


Do VOs go online to do background check on each applicant before interview date?

Cc
Chibertha biglyanga nigpatriot

Frm my knowledge, No they don’t before the interview date. However, after approval sometimes they do their checks, that’s were you see “administrative processing “.

Keyin:
Gurus in the house please is it ideal for someone whose admission status reads "Program review in progress" since October last year to write to the department graduate program coordinator intimating him that he has been able to add to his publication lists having published two articles after he submitted application. The person's intention is to boost his chances since it seems he has been wait listed

Why not? Do anything legitimately possible to strengthen your case.

alexohams2000:
Hey guys, I want to know if anyone here has gone for F1 visa interview earlier than 120 days to beginning of program. How was it? Was it issued or denied? If anyone also has an idea of someone who’s been in said situation kindly let me know. I have this candidate who was issued admission for Spring 2023 but unfortunately couldn’t get a closer date so differing to Fall 2023. But the thing is, this candidate’s appointment is about 150 days before program start date. Please anyone who’s been in this situation or know someone who’s, how did it go? Thanks all.

The person can go ahead, the only clause is if the person is approved, they won’t issue the visa immediately they’ll ask the person to either drop their passport, or send it in via courier services (DHL) within the stipulated time.

Mickeywilliams:
I've received an official fully funded PhD offer from the University of Florida for the summer term.

Next is visa ooo. Lol.

I think I prefer Abuja. I'll have to wait for January.

Congratulations, dont get complacent too, you should begin your visa preparations early.

Also I noticed most of the questions some people ask here have already been answered numerous times on this thread. So it’s advised to do your due diligence by always reading through the US visa thread before asking questions.
Every knowledge I have today about this US-F1 visa thingy mostly came from here/people’s experiences. I read from the first thread since 2015. Before understanding the rudiments of this whole process. So it can be you.
Happy holidays everyone. To those waiting for dates, stay hopeful and vigilant. To those whose interview dates are approaching and you’re scared with the “what-ifs and what’s not” I advice you continuously prepare, hopefully you get your visa granted.

Kiddyong123ayo:
Good morning house.. What is the best answer to this question if asked by the VO.

why does your uncle want to sponsor you to the USA?
Incase of I am asked by the VISA OFFICEER.

See this question as the VO asking you; What’s good about you that someone asides your direct relative will be willing to spend thousands of dollars. You could answer this question in two ways; 1. Out of Sympathy/empathy 2. Your past academic excellence/acumen.

For the first, it could be his way of showing appreciation to the family/or you lost your mum/dad and he’s been your support ever since. Frame it in that way; you don’t have to lie just be convincing.

Secondly, if you have very outstanding academic achievement then you can fish it into the conversation, after all everyone wants to be associated with a success story.
I can’t give you verbatim all you should say but the above can guide your conversation.

CalmKay:
Please guys, i submitted 6 PhD applications for fall 2023. I want to know if it is advisable to pay for MRV form so as to get a suitable interview date for fall admission.

Yes you can and yes you should.

Tehilla23:
I need your help guys,
One of my recommenders (,the only professor)has issues with his official email address and the application deadline is this week.I messaged the post graduate college and my department to know if he can use his personal mail but I didn't receive any response.

Do you suggest he uses is personal mail? will that affect my chances since the letter is on a letter headed paper.

Also,if one submit more than the required no of recommenders, will it be an issue?
Thanks

Personal mails are allowed at the the discretion of the school. Always preferred to use schools mail domain.

Kiddyong123ayo:
Omoooooooooooooooooo

My visa got rejected o, at the Abuja embassy, the VO was a lady one whitish thing like that. She had a bright smile and fine face but na snake.

Our convo goes thus:

VO : Hi good morning

ME: GOOD MORNING how are you doing (me trying to use my Barry tone voice)

VO: Very fine thank you, Can I see your documents ( I hand over i20 and passport).

VO: So you are going to Wayne County Community college DISTRICT.

ME: Yes I am, I got admitted to study business administration and management on a 2 year associate degree program. ( see how detailed I was)

VO: Who is your sponsor

ME: My sponsor is my uncle Mr bla bla bla

VO: What does he.do for a living

ME: In my mind, He is a kidnapper (lol) he is into business and he is a pastor.

VO: Okay why do you want to study in the USA..

ME: Ghen ghen (Omoooooooooooooooooo again)
I intend to study in the USA to harness the skills and knowledge the vast experience of the lecturers of this great college would impact in me and use my learned skill and degree to use it to work back here in Nigeria at the end of my program. Chikena

All this time she was nodding her head in some form of agreement...

VO: Okay what do you do for a living

ME: Again in my mind (I am a drug peddler) oloshi
I work as dis and dat at my uncles company, now I noticed when she asked this question she leaned towards the glass to kind of like hear me well, like she wanted to get a kiss or something. Me too leaned forward almost closed my eyes that I was about to break the record of the first Nigerian guy to kiss a consulate during interview and get accepted (lol)

Omo na so this white babe type type type, like 30 seconds me I was already happy small small that at least this time my interview lasted a little longer than the previous one, (that first one ehn na 20.secs I swear)

Omo.next thing wey I hear na say, sorry I can't grant your visa as there hasn't been much changes since your last application, This was 7 months ago (I think the reason they put glass between the VO and us is that incase we wan tear them slap). I was looking like a flying fish, just turned around said thank you and left.

My observation is that
1. That Abuja consular is less crowded compared to Lagos.
2. The whole process is well organised
3. The visa officers are more patient compared to Lagos ones.
4. But na oloshi be American embassy, they waste your time and efforts.

Barely reading your transcripts, (your responses, sponsor, school - too many red flags), shows you don’t seem ready to get the visa yet! Your answers are shallow, and I’m sure you know that. Your 4th observation: Insulting the embassy would not change their decision. You need them more than they need you.
Work more on your answers if you intend to try again. People have gotten their visas after numerous trials. VOs are trained to do what they do; they don’t waste your time and efforts! People have quit their jobs to focus on this process, people have also dedicated resources for this because it’s an investment worth every penny!
You’ll only be wasting your time and effort if you don’t take this whole process seriously as it should.

Olayemi99:
good afternoon.
please can one get an f1 visa with an admission that is not funded. my husband work in the usa and will be funding my studies. what are my chances of getting a f1 visa. please reply me o. I am begging you.

Yes you can still get the visa. Although, it's a known fact that funding aids the visa approval process, however it's not a stand alone criteria. If I were the visa officer I would be wondering; this looks like an "escape route" for you to meet your husband.
So that brings about the question: what ties you back to Nigeria. You have kids? "going with them? Do you have a viable business in Nigeria? Any landed properties?
No one will tell you a direct answer to your question, but your situation is tilted a bit. You might want to evaluate iate your circumstances before sending your visa application.

One more question. You said your husband is working in the USA, if he has legitimate stay another option can be for him to file form I-130 for you.

Agbeni33:
@ shalom,moshkom, Nigpatriot

Hello everyone. I just got admission into Seattle uni. I sent email to my program director for graduate assistantship. The screenshot below show his response.

Please what kind of convincing reply can I give?

Yes he asked a valid question, what kind of assitabtshio are you looking for, RA, GA, TA... But I think it will be better if you let him suggest whats best fit for you (your academic profile). There are many unannounced assitantships, so share with him your academic strengths and gest what options he gives. You can as well indicate your interests to other departments (maybe as a grader, administrative personnel etc). The options are numerous.

Kayyy:
Hello all, pls I have a question, on the course of searching for Msc course amongst all the schools in the US, I found out that most of the school's I am interested in have an online class version for the course, is there a disadvantage for this interms of the visa application ?, Thanks

According to ISS, for you to remain on status as F1 out of your 9(SCH) - at least 6SCH must be in person, or in some cases one in person one hybrid and then one online is the least basis requirement. However confirm with your school international office for more information.
N. B SCH means Semester Credit Hours.

sydney070:
Hello great minds,
Please I want to be sure of something.
What is/are the consequence(s) of creating a new CGI profile for VISA appointment? because I want to apply for VISA renewal.
I lost access to my old account because my old email was compromised and I can't even retrieve using FORGOT PASSWORD because I no longer have access to my old email.

Please, guys, what should I do?
Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks

You have no issue creating another account. There will only be issues if you're using both account concurrently for same application - which isn't technically possible.

Najdorf:

I appreciate your efforts sir

Na, you good bro. I do what I do because I also learnt from others while I was in Nigeria. So I give back my little way.

justwise:
Strange that this very active thread has suddenly got quiet since this issue of fraud was brought here. It goes to show how terrible some Nigerians are.

No doubt about it, the thread has lost substance over time, I try to answer as much questions as I can, if I can. But people barely come back to post transcripts or their experiences which can as well help others. So it's tiring, it's more like a place where people just seek but don't want to give back.

I for sure never supported the WhatsApp group link posting on here. It was bound to defer the focus of this thread. Moving forward, I think you should ban those who post links here.

throste:
Good day all.

I am new here and so many things are sounding strange (Expected right?).

I will like to relocate to the USA via study route with my family (3kids).I already have an MSC,ACCA and work experience of over 10years as an accountant.

Really don't mind another Masters. But i was told that I have higher chances of getting visa with my family if it's a PHD and funding too .How true is this my people ,please?

Left for me I just want to do a one year program and start working.....PHD takes longer period.

Are there schools that don't require GRE?

Based on my situation,what option will suit me best in terms of program,course of study,school, funding,affordability,visa approval(can't leave my kids behind)....?

Will appreciate you sincere feedbacks,I beg una.

Hi throste, your situation aligns with several people in the past, no one can give you a definite answer to all you've asked, the best you can do is to understand this process. This USA application process needs to be understood and you'll see how smooth and easy it can be. My first advice is to go through this thread, you can use the search buttons to be specific in what aspect you're searching for.

Then when you've understood what the entirety is about what you want, you can ask definite questions and I assure you, you'll get answers. All the best in your search.

Jacknn:
Please I need help with science Journal to publish my undergraduate work. Geophysics/geology/science research work plss. Either free journals or Journals that require little payment. I would appreciate this help.. thanks fam!!

Google might help you with this; what you can do also is to look out already published topic that's similar to yours and check the publishers that published theirs, you'll see this usually at the top of the papers

DSuperiorBrand:
Hi. I'm male, educated and working class.

I'm looking for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. I'm also planning to relocate to the USA soon.

Specifically, I'm looking for a registered nurse, who's willing to relocate abroad with me. For me, age is just a number.

Send me a pm if interested.

I think this is an unsuitable post for this thread @justwise

cookie01:
Has anyone here been denied student visa before and got their student visa after a second trial

Yes, also many people have even gotten their visa after 4th, 5th, 6th...9th attempt. It's all about how you can present your case in every attempt and not demonstrating desperation in your application.

Jaylo79:


Hello, please I’ll really appreciate if you could reply my Email request. I’ve spoken to you from my last interview last year and we exchanged contacts. But I guessed you changed yours. I’ll really like some briefing from you before going to the next one. Thank you.

Oh really, please don't hesitate to hit me up.

Keren12:
Is it possible to change school after being enrolled? And classes have started with some tests and other activities?
The reason: is boring, only enjoying the maths aspect. The annoying part is the prof that's taking 1 credit load that wants to kill us with assignments. "Na small sheet the always smell". Two white guys left already. So I am thinking as a Nigerian as anyone got such experience before?

Schooling in the US is "easy" you must have heard this times without number. But then the work load is something people don't talk about, assignments upon assignments, readings upon readings, papers upon papers. But it's doable. First of all, you have to erase the Nigerian teaching mentality of "it only gets serious during exams'. In the us curriculum you can't afford laxity.
That being said, before you consider transferring be sure it's for the right reasons. White guys or citizens drop out from programs very often because for them it's always easy to re-enroll whenever they deem fit again to.
But you as an immigrant, your case isnt so. You have to always judge your reasons front he angle of " I'm on a different journey". Look out for what best works for you holistically.

Yes you can transfer to another school; most times on the clause that you haven't spent more than 30 days in that school.

Edriscoal:
Pls I need clarification.
I was refused last week & passport returned as usual. as I tried to log in today to reapply I saw on my dashboard that my passport is still at the embassy...what does this means?

its normal. no need to bother yourself, if you want to reapply, you are still open to.