RaniOpe:
My Visa was approved at the Lagos embassy on Friday.
I would have dropped my transcripts but believe, my approval had nothing to do with it, because I stammered all through.
It was just God's grace.

Thank you to everyone who always took time to answer my questions.

Moshkom Nigpatriot Ummsayd Chibertha

Congratulations and welcome to the United States, may you have a nice one here.

awele186:
Hello, hope having two years left on the international passport won't impact negatively when applying for a student visa?

its very okay, if it were anything less than 6 months that should have been an issue.

Godwilldomyown:
@ Nigpatriot pls kindly help me out for mock interview. My interview is nextweek. Thank you sir.

message me please.

DAramis:

Don't reschedule your date because it might be difficult to secure another one.

From the rule of thumb (going by what I observed on this thread), they will inform you when to bring your passport for the visa to be stamped into it. Just go for the interview, and excel.

Op that asked the question, Follow this advice above! When you're visa is granted they'll ask if you either want to leave your passport with the embassy, or take it with and DHL it back to the embassy at the stipulated time (120 days window).

Valolisa147:
Sorry to ask, so i have admission to north American university Texas to study Masters in computer science, I'm a political science graduate but i have worked as a tech engr for computer networking, and CCTV/ inverter installation. I have been attending visa interview and this is my 3rd attempt, my dad left for US last month through k-3 visa (spousal). My question is my stepmother and dad is living in the same city with the school and my funding is through 3rd party sponsorship. What can be done to salvage my situation because am really feeling down already. My interview is on the 18th this month and this is the 3rd attempt. Always on home ties issues. What to do to connect myself with a convincing response to the V.O. I think i need help. @NigPatriot @moshkom @chibertha

Your story is rather unique, but not impossible. As I always advise, try to be sincere in your application and sell your story in the most convincing way possible you can. Your interview is already close by, you have to attend it - as someone who hasn't been denied before. I don't know what you filled on your DS160, so I can only advise based on the information you've put forward. you clearly have more ties to the US than Nigeria. Focus on three things now - your funding, your work, and your ambition (your post-study plans). This will determine the outcome of your visa.

Starangel123:
@nigpatriot
Please can I send you an email?

yes please, you can!

Haha, I am glad to have played a role in assisting you. But you deserve the accolade. Your tenacity paid off. Welcome to America, I am certain you will excel in this land! Catch you up sometime hopefully!

whitewizardry:
I am currently in the US, and i realized i haven't shared my transcript. Find below, it would inspire someone to not give up!

Visa approved

4th Attempt (2F1s, 1B1/B2)
Abuja
July 2022.
PhD Construction engineering
Fully funded
COA: 25,000 dollars
Funding: 30,000 dollars.

Fringe VO dark hair

**I dressed very casual, 4th attempt isn't your mate na, �. I just needed a miracle.

VO: good morning pass me your documents.
VO: have you travelled to the US before?
Me: No ma I haven't. (My legs started shaking because she had denied like 4 people before me)

VO: where do you work?
Me: I currently work as a research assistant at my alma mater where I graduated as the best in my department, and my CGPA is one that hasn't been attained in the department in the past 5 years. My roles include; statistical data analysis in the field of construction engineering, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis of data using SPSS, python, and R programming language. I also assist undergraduate students with their research papers and assignments, I attend conferences and produce technical reports from these events. I also assist undergraduate students with laboratory work and testing such as slump tests, Nondestructive tests, and abrasion testing. I help to source for data for proposed publications, I also assist in reviewing literature of proposed publications. (I said all of these word-for-word, while staring her in her eyes. While saying all of these, she was looking at what I filled in on my Ds160 - the work description, to see if it actually rhymes).

She started typing for like forever.
Then she asks;
VO: what will you do when you return back:
Me: I will be returning to my alma mater where I currently work as a RA to take on the role of a senior lecturer - I had an incredible CGPA and the faculty members are really certain that I will be an asset to the department when I return back. On the long run I will be starting up a first of it's kind consultancy firm that will focus on safety in construction. Currently, from my master's thesis, I analyzed that in Nigeria about 900 construction workers die as a result of poor safety measures. I would be...(she was nodding - seemed impressed at this point, then she cuts)

VO: would you be taking a study leave?

Me: yes, I would be.

VO: is it paid or unpaid?
Me: it's paid but I would be only paid about 50% throughout my 5 years.

VO: I see that All your family are in the US? (Omo my mind was like �). - (at this point she looked straight into my eyes, if not that I was prepared, I would probably have stammered or just gotten lost)
Me: I said No I have a lot of my family members here in Nigeria inclusive of my dad, brothers and sisters, although my mum is a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR), while my other siblings are on OPT, who will be returning to Nigeria soon. As for me, my sole intent for travelling is to go for study, after which I would return to Nigeria, because Nigeria needs me more than the US, and this skill I would be getting from this PhD is very vital. I have a strong ambition to become a full-time professor before the age of 40, and to publish high quality research content that will improve the current state of things in the construction industry here in Nigeria. (She smiled, and typed back into her system)

VO: have you been to any other country outside Nigeria?

Me: No.

VO: Are you married?
Me: No.

VO: Any Kids
Me: Not anytime soon, I am really focused on my career in academia (she laughs).

Then she touched the blue papers (my mind almost cut, but I was ready for any outcome, as I felt I had been astute and sincere enough) then she moved the blue papers to the other side and reached out for the sought-after white paper and said the golden words congratulations. I just fell down on the ground, everyone was laughing like who's this village boy ��.

Vo put her hand on her chin and was just shaking her head while smiling. I picked up my white paper was almost in tears while giving God praises. - people must have been so shocked to see my reactions. But i couldn't hold my emotions;

This is my 4th attempt, and I had the odds against me, because I have been denied severally even without the VO checking my i20. Once they see that I have my family members in the US they already assume that I have immigrant intent and instantly deny me.

One thing I'll advise people, is to be truthful with their DS160 (especially what you filled on your first DS160, please be consistent with it), I declared the family members I had in the US. In all the DS160 i filled. (Even when people kept telling me, to lie about that - the chances they have the information about them in their system is high), so just come out plain and truthful. And defend yourself as to why your intent is genuine.

Let your story make sense. VOs are human, especially when you have a VO who's ready to listen to you. Please don't give one-word replies. That's too dangerous.

Maintain eye contact with the VO, and watch the body language of the VO.

While you're waiting for your interview, please listen to the questions the VO is asking other people - there is a high chance it's the same questions you'll be asked.

Speak boldly, don't be shy about whether anyone is watching you or not, your purpose there is the white paper so please stay focused - and shout if you can. Confidence is an underrated skill in this journey.

If you can get funding, please do. Funding plus adequate preparation works magic. (Less questions, you'll be more confident). Most of the people they approved today had at least some level of funding ( even if it was 20%)
Write standardized tests and cold email professors. The chance of being denied when you have full funding is very slim because VOs know you have a low tendency to abscond when you get to the US.

Lastly, delay is not denial, I knew that I really needed to study in the US, so I made up my mind that it had to be the USA or nothing - call it desperation, but I call it ambition.

Appreciation to all the several groups (mocks, prayer groups, date groups) I was in - we shall all win. Although, i was scared to do mocks because I knew my story didn't resonate with that of others. So, I just listened, and asked questions from people who had experience in this Visa Journey.

Thanks to @Geraldine from Active Participant group she's amongst the reasons I got a date in July ��. She kept re-adding me to the date group even the admin kept removing me �. That admin guy, if i catch him ehn .

Also, Major thanks and gratitude to @NigPatriot on nairaland, i believe he is a cheat code in this visa thing . That guy should be a visa officer. He's too damn smart. I reached out to him and he helped me for free without charging a dime; in answering questions which were troubling me with regards my visa application and also provided clarity for me in this application process. I wish every applicant success in their upcoming interviews.

I am

ogieva12:
Please what does it mean if vo issues yellow or blue paper

Colour of paper given to you at the embassy means nothing. The content of what inside the paper means everything.

Plannie22:
Hi Everyone, my friend had an interview earlier this week in Lagos and was issued a white paper under the section 221(g) because the visa officer wanted him to provide additional documents. Please does anyone know how he can schedule another interview so that he can bring the additional documents to the officer and get his visa. Also does he need to pay a new MRV receipt?
I really hope that he doesn’t have to go and select a date using the regular scheduling cause there are no dates�.

Grateful for a prompt response because resumption is around the corner.

The person won't necessarily have to schedule another appointment, those documents are supposed to be sent to the embassy using DHL. Please confirm, with the paper given at the embassy.

Tunnazboi:
What happens when one attend visa interview before 120 days as required of class start date?

Currently because of the dearth of dates and long wait times, VOs don't take this in full consideration. Anytime you have a date, please go for your interview.

morgang:
Hi guys, I need your thoughts on this.

My girl’s visa appointment is on August 18th and the school’s official resumption is on the 15th (same month). She’s being offered a letter of extension until September 1st.

Do VOs/POEs still recognize formal letter of extension or it depends solely at the discretion of the interviewer?

and Lastly,

Could her late appearance result to a denial ?

Your personal thoughts and experience are highly appreciated.

If she can be more ambitious she can ask her school to include this on her i20. For F1 students. The i20 has the ultimate say.

Jojoarmani101:
Hello everyone I just got admitted for the fall session which starts on the 17th of August, should I defer my admission to spring or I have hope for emergency date. And if I get denied for my emergency date can I still use the same visa to apply for another emergency date for spring session.Please advise

You can apply for emergency especially if this is the first time you'll applying. Aim for Lagos, Abuja currently is on hiatus for dates. One thing you should also consider is your program start date. Ensure you work with that in mind. By now you should be seeking program extension letter from your school.

JaimieRobertz:
Hello,
My Visa interview is Soon and I would like my transcript to be reviewed please, and if anyone is open a for mock Interview, I am available

My transcript
VO: Can I see you i20 and passport
Me: Hand it over
VO: Why are you going the US
Me: To get a Masters in public health degree with a concentration in environmental and occupational health from the University of South florida.
VO: Why the school
Me: I choose USF because it us a researched based institution, the environmental and occupational health program has the Centre for environmental and occupational risk analysis and management which carry out researches in chemical exposure in agriculture industry and occupation and its risk and effect on human health, a centre i am very interested in working in, USF also carry out community engagement which would help me interact with agricultural workers on the field and learn current problems they encounter pertaining to the environment and what is being done to control them, and they have the graduate student research program which facilitates students to write for grants, funding for research and partipate in professional conference presentation which would improve my leadership and communication skills in my future career endeavour.
VO: How many schools did you apply for
Me : I applied to 5 Universities, I got admitted into 3 and I choose to attend USF
VO:who will be funding your program
Me: my uncle ... Will be sponsoring my MPH program, he has been my responsible for my education after the demise of his sister who is my mother
VO: you have a bsc in agric.
Me: yes with a concentration in soil science
VO: So, why a MPH degree
Me: During my internship, I got to work on the field with agricultural producers and I experienced the amount of chemical exposure that goes on in production of the food we consume as well as to the agricultural producers who do not take measures to protect themselves from these chemicals and chemical exposure in food can lead to some diseases related with the lungs and even cancer, that was when I decided that I wanted to protect agricultural producers while preserving the environment and meeting food requirements with safe practices and this degree and the coursework will help me achieve this goal
VO: research interest
Me: I am in contact with a prof who is the director of the Centre I am interested in working in and he as shown interest in what attracted me to the degree and has offered me a position in his research team and I intend working with him.
He is currently working on presence of arsenic in rice and its effect on human health and I am interested in this research because rice is one of the staple food in Nigeria
VO: Future plans
Me: After my degree, I will return to Nigeria to resume a position with SRS to carry out chemical assessment and toxicology evaluation of chemicals used in agricultural production to ensure they are safe to use for both man and crop and are efficient and also carry out occupational safety checks on Agricultural industry . I also intend to partner with NGO and young agricultural producers to carry out sensitization on the need for PPE on the field as well as why traditional prepared preservatives does more harm than good.
I would also work to bridge the gap between health and agriculture in Nigeria.

The US F1 visa is largely dependent on your sponsorship, so try as much as possible to touch and be explicit on that - include what your sponsor does and have (properties). When you don't have funding/scholarship, you need to do heavy work on your fluency (delivery). Especially when talking about your sponsor.

konkonbilo:
So guys please. I have one old man in my area that is daughter is a citizen of America. So we normally talk every time so I told him I'd like to relocate too to the U.S that he should talk to his daughter if she can help in anyway and all. So today he said the daughter told him to tell me that America visa lottery is out that I should go apply. I tried checking on the internet even went to the social medias of America embassy in Nigeria and I found nothing there. I know there are so many fake websites telling people to come apply for visa lottery. I just want to ask if anyone have any information about U. S visa lottery abi it's just fake. Because the man called me I should go to America consulate this week to go apply. Abeg make ona help me make person no go fall in the hand of scammers

The US visa lottery as of 2022 doesn't include Nigerians to participate in the program. So don't fall victim to scammers. Nigeria was excluded from the list sometime in 2015, because we have had about 50,000 immigrants sent over to the US in the previous 5 years leading to the ban.

A simple google search could do you lot of good.

Kaido:
I have a BSc (3.11/5.00) and MSc (3.93/5.00) in environmental related course. Already have students transcript (Both BSc and Masters), and I just applied for passport.

What are my chances/tips of getting a fully funded scholarship for a PhD in Canada or US with my average grades?

To japa is my only chance. Naija don too stress me.

Your chances are 100% dependent on you!. Even with only a BSc others have gotten full funded PhDs.
Read past threads there were some extensive tips and notches on how to go about what you're asking.

Btw, your last sentence is suspicious. I'll advice you begin this journey as someone who genuinely wants to study and not just needs an F1 visa to "Japa"

Cyingfreeman:


Congrats sir. I heard they rarely deny doctors visa. However, I'm also going for an MPH program at Charlotte. Your transcript will help alot

Don't go with the mindset that they rarely deny doctors visa. It will make you lackadaisical and nonchalant towards preparation for your interview.

Just prepare accordingly. And pray you are attended to by a VO who believes your story.

unstoppable1:
Good morning all,

Please I need your advice on the next steps to take.

I already bought a return ticket to travel for my annual vacation next week Tuesday (July 5) on my B1/B2 Visa before I got an offer from the University of Maryland for MBA/MSc Information Systems (Fall 2022) with partial funding and a graduate assistantship.

I have made the first deposit and the school has sent the I-20 with the earliest admission date of July 23 and a program start date of August 22. However, I am yet to apply for a student visa because the available dates are way after the start date.

Please I need your opinions on whether it is wise to proceed with my travel as planned and try to change to F1 after I arrive in the US either by going to Mexico or wait in Nigeria till a date becomes available because I don't want complications. A newly admitted student in the same program told me that she paid an agent for an interview date but hasn't gotten in more than 2wks. I don't want to pay an exorbitant fee to change my ticket and still not get an interview date to enable me to join this cohort. That would mean deferring till January 2023 and the funding isn't guaranteed.

Please is there anyone here who has gone the route of applying for an F1 visa from neighbouring US countries or changed from B1/B2 to F1 in recent times? Please what is the success rate? I know that applying from Nigeria isn't certain and I am mindful of that as well because if the student visa is denied, entering the US on a visit visa becomes questionable because of a change of intent.

I have extensive travel history and never overstayed my visas. I have renewed my US Visa multiple times without issues and do not want to jeopardize that.

Please help.

Thank you

Changing status from b1/b2 takes time, (one year or more). So if I were in your shoes. I'll go for the vacation (since you have your tickets already). Return on time - if you can, since you're aiming for the (Aug 22 deadline). While at this, seek a letter of late resumption from your school (2 weeks post resumption). When you're back to Nigeria, then apply for F1 visa and use the expedited appointment (Emergency request) to get an appointment date

If these odds favour you, you should be able to make it this Fall for resumption.

HaywhyUnusual:
First attempt: Denied, Abuja
Bsc English and Literature
Stillman College, Alabama
Funding: $14000
Deficit: $5,750

Vo: I can see you were admitted into stillman college
Me: Yes (I know I made a mistake here, I should have told her 'yes, I will be going for my undergraduate degree in English with a concentration in Journalism)
Vo: when did you finish high school
Me: 2017

Vo: what have you been doing since then
Me: After finishing high school, I decided to take 2 years off to really find out what I want to do in life so throughout 2018 and 2019, I interned at EBS and interning at EBS made me realise I wanted to become a journalist so in 2020, I took a foundation course in English and the University of Benin and ended it in 2021, after that, I decided to study in the US and luckily, Bleep gave me a wonderful scholarship ..

Vo: who will be sponsoring your studies
Me: My Dad


Next thing, blue paper.....

I was not asked any question related to my family but I was denied because I do not have strong ties to my country...
What do you think is the problem here guys

Was that line @bolded really necessary? You can be truthful but tell the story in a way that shows you as proactive.

Also your sponsor, you have a 14k scholarship why didn't you talk about that?

You easily would have gotten your visa if you came prepared. Better luck next time.

Richdee1:
Good Day, please where can I begin from? How to search for schools and also how to apply to schools
I'm looking to study Social Work Msc, any heads up?

Check Usnews.com also check 4icu.org. use Google search and target keywords. Read past transcripts and see students who applied to same course check out their schools.
Begin with these steps.

gorgeousnogo:
My US student visa was denied last Friday 24th June, 2022

At Abuja Embassy

I-20 is 59k and all the funding is from my uncle

I am a female and was interviewed by a male officer. I cried so much that I didn't eat the whole day.
I don't even know my next line of action for now. I won't give up hope though. I pray for divine direction.

Here is my transcript

Abuja Embassy

Officer: Your passport/i-20 ( I handed it over to him)

Me: Hi, Good morning ( not sure how I greeted again)

Officer: Good morning

Officer: So, you are going to the University of North Carolina for Information Science?

Me: Yes

Officer: Why information Science

Me: ( I pulled down my face mask to answer)

Officer: (Pointed at my face mask, and said i should put it back up)

Me (Female) : Oh sorry
( I pulled it back to my nose)

Male Officer: Okay, Let's complete the biometrics first. Place your finger....... ........... then after the capturing. He said, Place back the two thumbs, it didn't capture well ( I did )

Male Officer: So, why Information Science?

Me (Female): Information Science covers a wide range of courses that will help me excel in my current job role as an IT research Officer. It covers Information retrieval, Data Analysis, Research methodologies. These will help me get the knowledge and skills that will help me excel as this is a male dominated industry.

Male Officer: So, where do you work?

Me ( female) : I work as an IT research Officer with Nirsal, Central Bank of.Nigeria

Male Officer: So, you work for Central Bank.of Nigeria?

Me (female): No. I work for Nirsal, that's Nigeria Incentive-Based.... . ... ....XYZ..... It is under the Central bank of Nigeria.

Male Officer: okay

Male Officer: So, who is your sponsor?

(he now turned and look at me eye ball to eye ball. I maintained eye contact)

Me (Female) : My sponsor is my uncle.

Officer: What is he into?

Me: He is into furniture business. He has showrooms and factories in the south-eastern part of the country. He has over 50- 60 people working for him. He is is passionate about my education, that is why he is sponsoring me.

Officer: I'm sorry, we cannot....( handed over my passport

Me: I left and cried my eyes out.

Sorry you had to cry that much. If you're a spiritual person then seek guidance on the next step.

But on a birds eye view, your answers are rather too basic especially since you're not on a scholarship. Any question asked should be answered explicitly without needing reiteration from the VO, and always make your story unique to you.

Buchi1539:
I am to attend interview on the 19th of August 2022 with school resumption date as January 17th but my passport will expire on the 11th of April 2023 although I have booked appointment for renewal. What are my chances of obtaining visa with such passport status.

How are you able to know resumption date for January 17th. That should be spring resumption, Fall session hasn't even begun.

Anyway, as long as your passport has six month validity you're good to go.

Teejay13:


CGPA is 3.2, can I get a fully funded schorlaship for a second masters with it?

YES you can.

Firstly, how can you relate your existing masters with your intended masters? Pen this down in your Statement of purpose. A second masters is like a two edged sword it can sway in your favor and against also, depends on how you sell your story.

Notably also, try as much to evaluate your CGPA using WES, to rate it on the 4.0 scale.

Your application is holistic, so CGPA is just one of many criteria used. Ensure to have your best recommenders put in detailed word for you. Then also follow up with professors in your department - seeking funding (tell them what you can add to their existing research), and remember to apply early. Follow this guidelines and then your chances of getting funding will be greatly improved.
All the best.

Paultaiwo101:
Tirinng, thank you for your response. I will actually be getting my funding letter in July. But I'm already working on getting my I-20. On my I-20, it will show that my dad and myself will be funding the admission. The I-20 will not show the scholarship. But by my interview date, the offer letter will be ready so I can show the VO. I hope this is fine as well. Thank you.

Please also reach out to me via 07067717883 on whatsapp.

it would be best to ensure that your funding is indicated on your i-20, but in rare cases when funding comes late, then an offer letter from the school can be accepted by the VO. This also has its cons as some vos don't like to listen to anything outside of the i20, but if you present your case concisely without a doubt, then the VO can understand with you and see reasons as to why to consider the offer letter. but if you can, try expediting the scholarship to be indicated on your i20.

Tirinng:
Nigpatriot

I sent you an email, please check your spam

Sorry but I didn't find any message from you there.

Tinafusty:

Blue paper is blue paper, they don't write Abuja or Lagos on it, I can get u the blue paper from Lagos but with some little charge, dm me

Monetizing everything will leave us in a world where kindness will be hard to find. Sorry but It's a shame.

Tirinng:
@NigPatriot

Permission to send an email please

I'm all yours...

Deeyo09:
Denied
Lagos Consulate
VO-(The lady beside the one with white headset)
31/05/2022
COA - 39,908
Total funds available is 42,064
BREAKDOWN:
GA WAIVER - 20,064
On Campus employment - 10,000
Deficit - 9,500

V.O - What will an Msc in Information technology do for you ?
Me - It is my career goal to be a CIO sometime in future, having studied computer science and worked as a software dev for over 4 years, this degree will help me learn theoretical and hands on experience in other aspects such as IT management, Network security, Data Analytics, Data Management. *I'm not sure I said any thing extra here, I was really expecting her to ask me more questions*
V.O - Who is paying for the deficit ?
Me - I will be doing that with some personal funds that I have saved up. I will also be getting monthly stipend from my department
V.O - Yeeea, I can see that
V.O - How much do you earn ?
Me - About 500k monthly
Then she handed me the blue paper, and said thanks for coming.

She only asked me 3 questions, I don't know what the problem was, is it a problem to use personal funds ?

Personal funds is always tricky especially when deficit begins to linger between 10k dollars and above and working experience is less than the 5 year period. I would advice you to get a "proper" sponsor. You already have funding shoot your shot again.

Tirinng:
Nigpatriot Ummzayd Moshkom and every other helping person
Good morning

Please i need advice

COA is 56,000 (tuition: 32, other expenses 24)
There's a 50% scholarship off tuition which is 16000

Deficit; 40,000. No sponsor, No personal funding.
The department says there's a probability of securing on campus employment or graduate assistantship after resumption.

This might be my last opportunity

Should I go for it?

By every means go for what your heart desires.

By the way, you need to get a sponsor, to cover for your deficit. If you're using personal funds. Ensure you can defend how you are able to raise above 32k dollars. And if you've not been working for more 4 years that might be an uphill task. You can find a relative whose willing to sponsor you. And you can use bank statements of him/her.

Since the school is giving you hope on assistantship upon resumption, you might not even need his/her real funds when you resume. That can serve as a back up.

But I think you stand a chance, you have a scholarship. Ensure to emphasize on this scholarship when interacting with the VO. Merit based and not need based.

All the best.

Evaowokotomo:
Please do I need to submit my DS-160 form to get the DS-160 Confirmation number?

Also please do I need to submit the visa application form and DS-160 form before I can see the available dates?

Please answer me

You don't need to submit your DS 160 form before you get the number, the confirmation number is generated as soon as you begin the application.

Secondly, to find dates you need to pay your visa fee, then input the reference number on the receipt on the CGI platform. From which you'll be able to select dates. Hope your questions are answered.