EzzyMan01:
It’s my pleasure to finally join the USA �� student visa section, I’ve been following for over 2 yrs but I think � this time I shd get registered.

I’ve been denied visa twice in lag but this time(3rd) I picked Abuja but thinking of changing back to lag.

I will be going for B.sc

I will be clocking 32, single, no traveling experience. Pls advice me can these be the reason for denial?

Chief, going for Bsc at 32 is going to be an uphill task convincing the VO. It's not impossible but you have a lot of homework to do in convincing the consular officer. When you're going next, make sure you have cogent and very convincing reasons to back up your application.

Tbill:
Hi Guys,
Been very silent on the thread
So here is my transcript.

Visa approved in Lagos
School: UNC Chapel Hill- Kenan Flagler Business School
Program: MBA
COA: $93k
Business School Fellowship: $70k
Custom Graduate Loan: $23k

I had some worries before the interview:
1. I have once been denied a student visa to Canada and a visiting visa to USA
2. My wife is currently on OPT
3. I took a graduate loan

Interview at 8:30am;

V.O: Good morning sir
Me: Good morning to you.

V.O: kindly pass me your I-20 and passport
Me: I passed same as requested.

V.O: What school are you going to and what course:
Me: I am going to the University of North Carolina, at Chapel hill for my masters in business administration

V.O: How does this fit into your career plans.
Me: I currently have a wealth of experience in the Nigerian banking industry but my career goal in the senior management position is to focus on investment banking, Therefore the MBA program would develop my investment banking skills so I can provide superior investment advise to businesses in my home country who are involved in the development of capital projects. Such projects includes; The Eko Atlantic City, Lagos Light Rail and Lekki Free trade zone

V.O: After your MBA, would you be staying with your current company or you plan to move to another firm.
Me: I definitely would be returning to my current place of work as I would be taking up a senior management position. My company is currently evolving into a holding structure wherein the investment arm is being set up, hence I will be better positioned with the knowledge gained through the MBA for the investment role

V.O: What is your wife doing in the US
Me: My wife just got her MBA degree last month from *** and commenced her OPT program which ends in June 2022. After the OPT, She intends to return to Nigeria and take up a middle management role at **** bank which she already interviewed for. She had agreed with her new employer to resume in July 2022 just after her OPT program

And then the magical word, I have approved your Visa, blah blah blah. Honestly! I zoned out.

Special thanks to God almighty. And many thanks to my wife. @pefuele and @doyinsolar you guys rock.

P.S Though I know a lot of people are censoring their school details, but I have tried to be as detailed as possible so it could be of help to MBA aspirants. Especially those in doubt of the acceptability of graduate loan at the embassy. I also learnt so much from this forum.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your school. Let's continue with this same energy.

Duisburg:

Thanks, man.

I finally got from a relative.

And yes, what do the school look at? Is it the total transaction done over 6 months or the current balance. The account statement I got has about #53m transaction over the last 6 months but the current balance is #26,000.

Many thanks.

The school checked the transaction history and the closing balance.

fairheart:
Right! But then, the post you quoted is part of mentoring you talk about. It is also about "how to do your own research and get the infotmation you need." It is very plain, so I don't understand why you think I can't take my students through the process if I am a faculty member.

By following what is on that page, you can do your thing (if you have time) and pass the knowledge to others when you succeed. Mentoring can be obtained through reading too and students here who have been in touch and use ideas from this, from different people on this thread, can testify.

The intent is to encourage those who see the work, or being smart (!as you said) as the right thing to do, and not as suffering! The intention is to guide and that is what is right there.
Go back and read again!

@fairheart you need to relax. You're being too defensive recently. Why most people are challenging you is because of your impetus. You might be doing a great job with your "clientele" but then still realize that everyone is teachable. I noticed, you don't like being corrected or called to your faults. Don't feel you're superior to anyone or you know it all.
We all are a work in progress, no one is superior to another, from the comments and replies from people it's obvious you're the one who started with this "hiding school" trend.

Don't impose your opinion on anyone, people here are adults, if you feel the need to give advice then do. But I noticed you're imposing with your ordeals.

Let people decide on what they want to do!!!!

mantics:
Hello Guys,

While filling the DS160 form, under who is paying for this trip, Am I to put my sponsor name there or Self? Note that I will be responsible for the flight tickets while my Sponsor is responsible for the Tuition.

Thanks

Put your sponsor details.

Duisburg:
Guys, I need help o. I have been hoping to get GA all the while only to be told now that the department has given out all their GA. And I'm to submit my proof of funding latest by July 1.

I need help with bank statement of $22,600 abeg. Just help me.

You need help with bank statement? Bro please don't put yourself in a situation where you'll be placed in a 10 year ban. Don't be desperate!!!

If you need a bank statement. Dont you have relatives? If not. Seek a loan from fintechs like mpower, prodigy finance etc. But please don't seek agents in getting a BS. If you get a ban you'll be so sorry for yourself.

My two cents.

fairheart:


Why do you need to know her University? So that people will bomb it as they now did with Western Illinois University? I heard yesterday from someone at the embassy that many applicants came with Western Illinois University I-20 and almost, if not all of them, including someone who is fully funded, were refused.

So I have advised those who are in touch with me not to reveal their schools on this forum. I advise potential applicants that will be approved to keep their school out as well. Let every student find their own school and have a unique profile, so that they will take you serious when you apply for your visa at the embassy.

For your information, WIU was funding students until over 2500 Nigerian students bombed the school with applications. Now, they are reaping the result with many refusals.

Remember, the United States has over 5000 colleges and universities, so find your own school. Do the work! Don't avoid the work! It will help your journey. This is for all of you here!

The issue of posting school name has lingered for long. And I see some people trying to impose their opinion on another, which I feel is wrong. I've been reading transcripts for a while and it's only recently I saw people censoring school information with "xyz" "abc" etc. - I doubt if people gain anything from such. It's better such transcript is kept to themself. I check indian blogs I don't see any of this censoring, if for any means they are always in unison in schools they apply to. I don't see any fuss in posting your school information. Some say it shows laziness in approach for those that copy and apply there, well wouldn't you rather want your Nigerian fellow with you in same school.

The idea of a school "casting" like WIU or University of new haven is a weak argument. People still get their visas from these schools, almost daily. The VOs are aware that most international students select these schools because of their low and affordable cost of attendance.

My deductions should be, if anyone wants to post their school they should be free to do so. Let's encourage a symbiotic environment and not a parasitic one, the sky is too big for everyone to fly. Hoarding information because "we want people to suffer before they get it" is a Nigerian mentality that's why we have things so hard in our land.

Visa will reach everyone, it's only a matter of time and chance.

mardean22S:
Good morning everyone,
I have a statement of account I collected 3momths ago for my i-20, my visit interview is next week. Can I go with the same statement of account or is it better I get a new one??

The only thing that will make it better is if the new balance is much more than the existing balance. If not, save yourself the stress and go with the one you already have.

statemanui:


Okay.

Can I tell VO that my uncle is sponsoring me through his company's fund or what?

Please advice.

Thank you

I don't see reasons why you're fretting. The company is owned by your uncle, and it's the same company sponsoring you. That's logical for the VO to understand.

statemanui:
Hello Guys,

Please I need your input on an issue.

I used my uncle's business account for SOA with a sponsorship letter signed by him.

Only for me to receive my I-20 stating his company's name as my sponsor.

Now I am at a cross road as I don't know if I should put my uncle name's or his company's name as sponsor on the DS-160 form?

Thanks guys in anticipation of your response.

It's always best you align what you have on your i20 with your Ds160.

Omonikansoso:
Hi everyone. Please can someone respond to me urgently. My passport expires in December although I have just gotten a new one yday and my appointment is in August. My appointment confirmation has my old passport number (validity is less than 6months). Would this be a problem during the interview? Should I carry both passports or I might have to reschedule?? Thanks

Go with your both passports. You'll be fine.

Temitopebisi:
The thread is so informative, thanks to all that contribute to it.

My international passport expires October and I'm about booking interview for my visa application. Although I have applied for renewal but it's not ready yet. Can I attend visa interview with the passport?

Please help�

No you can't use that passport because of its validity is less than 6 months. I'll advice you push for your renewed passport urgently.

chibertha:
Very easy go to immigration website and fill your data then go and pay the fee at any bank that accepts eg union back at GRA junction or UBA at the ground floor in the federal secretariat. then gather all needed documents and go to federal secretariat and submit. If you go very early you will get it that same day by close of business.

Get her passport same day? That's being overzealous.

Shadomaan7:
Hello All,

I did my visa interview today at the Lagos embassy and was denied. The reason was because the VO said there is no proof that I got a tuition waiver from my school but I showed her where it was written on the I-20 but she said it’s not enough proof. I attack the I-20 screenshot below.

Transcript
VO: Good Morning. Pass me your I-20 and passport.
VO: Why are you going to the USA
Me: I’m going to the USA for my masters in Industrial Engineering at LSU
VO: Why LSU
Me: After I completed my GRE exam, I went online to look for universities that offer admission for Ms in industrial engineering and LSU was part of the universities that came up in the search. I emailed the departmental coordinator with my credentials and she gave a promising reply and went far as saying I can merit a tuition waiver from the graduate school with my credentials which I was later awarded.

—That is where the problem started, the VO said she can’t see any tuition waiver award on my I-20 but I told her it’s right there under the remarks with a ** and she said no.

Then I brought out a printout of the email from the graduate school where they gave the tuition waiver award and she said that is still not enough evidence and she will be denying my visa.

Normally total cost of attendance is $47,600 but with my tuition waiver it’s $22100. But yet this VO is not taking it.

Please help me guys, I am trying to reapply, could you please advise on what need to be done?

I just emailed the department coordinator, graduate school, and ISO office to notify them about this and request an official letter of the tuition waiver award but no reply yet coz I think it’s still very early in USA.

Please advise on what I can do about this.

Also:
What process do I need to take to reapply for my visa? Do I need to fill in another DS-160? Could some help with a high level view of how I need to reapply for appointment because I am trying to reapply today ASAP to get a date sooner.

Just went through the i20. The funding wasnt included. So the VO was very correct. If you can, request for another i20 before reapplying. Because if you reapply with this same i20 you might get same result.

Heddie21:
Pls my people I came out with a third class and I will like to further my education abroad, is there any school dat runs a pgd program in America, pls can any one with similar case or anybody have an ideo how to go about it. Thanks am a first timer here I was actually told I could get answers and solutions here. Thanks �

It's fine. Let me begin by saying no one has the ultimate solution. Every advice is given out of experience, forethought or happenstance.

With A third class its really going to be difficult to obtain your required assumption. You might want to take this, why not try doing a Pgd program here in Nigeria which qualifies you for an automatic masters. Ace your masters with nothing but a Distinctions.

With this done! try applying for a PhD in the US. I can assure admissions will be chasing you like Bonnie chases Clyde. Note that all these can be achieved in the space of a year. Unilag runs their masters program in less than a year. Just make inquiries.

Number 2 option, check your CGPA using WES. Fortunately it can raise to about 2.5/4.0. if that works. Then you're eligible on to get admission in some low tier universities- but you may not be considered for funding.

I hope this answers.

Seemeeoon:
I will sure come here with my testimony someday

may God grant you your heart desires.

Bigsecret:
Visa approved this morning at Lagos Consulate. Thanks to this wonderful family, I am forever grateful. Transcript to come soon

I read your diary here on Nairaland. You're one of a kind. Congratulations.

fdecisive:
My visa was approved today at the Lagos Consulate. Details shortly.

Congratulations, when I read your previous long post. it was obvious you had a plan. I wish you success in your endeavors.

People aren't posting transcript as often as before. It's clear that the creation of several WhatsApp groups is the reason for the decline.

But guys don't forget this Nairaland forum was your first love.

Yikes12:
Good morning guys ! When I wanted to start this visa processing my agent told me that I can't apply for F1 visa cause my age is above 20 . So he said I should get another Birth Certificate and I should use the new age to get my passport . I got my first passport and 2002 was written there as my DOB and I was born in 1998 cause I have this age on all my documents... Have been given admission with scholarship but am wondering if there might be any issues on my interview day ....cause the vo might ask 4 my age ...I posses two DOB now . 1998 is on my i20 while 2002 on my passport ... Am confused pls help me guys [color=#000000][/color]

If you want truth, I'll tell you. You're above 20 years, and "an agent" most likely with no qualification, came and told you it's impossible to apply for an F1 visa (schooling), at that age I mean an easy Google search would have given you an idea that your agent is probably more clueless than Nigerias current president. Now you're coming here when the deed has been done saying you're confused. The truth is, you're not actually confused you just need someone here to encourage you in your despicable act.

You might be lucky the VO won't ask/notice of which I highly doubt, or you might be unlucky that the VO finds out and gives you an outright ban (10 years) for falsifying documents. Because at this point I don't know how anyone can assist you, your passport and your i20 contradicts.

You're always advised never to use agents, but some of us have too much to throw to the wind.

Schrodinger1:

No, It is not advisable. PhD without funding is subtle rejection.

This is so not true and very debatable. Some very good schools that I am very aware of, admit PhD students and only provide funding to about 10% of the admitted students, with the aim of funding more than half of the rest as soon they get enrolled in - Most of the time after the first semester. This is to ensure the profs get familiarised with the interest of the student.

So would you say they subtly rejected the rest because they didn't provide funding at the earlier stage? Yes it's good to be fully funded for a PhD student - so as to focus, but it doesn't always happen and doesn't mean it's a rejection, one can still head to the embassy and get a visa approval, because even VOs understand how it works. As long they can show financial provision for at least the first year.

Majority of the time they'll get funding in their second semester and in some cases even before the first semester elapses.

MistaJoey:
Finally i can post my transcript at Abuja embassy on 27/05.

PhD course: Polymer Engineering

Status:Approved

Financial Aid/Funding: Fully funded

It was one short interview,

------------------------------------------------------
So i Arrived at 7:36am and did the usual checks

Interview proper.

Vo: Good morning, passport and i20
Me: Good morning, here you go.

Vo : I'll be needing that ds160 confirmation page to scan the barcode...(So I gave her.)

Vo: i see you're fully funded for your PhD studies right?
Me: yes, I have a full ride scholarship for my PhD at the University of Akron

Vo: that's nice, Ohio right?
Me: yes, Akron Ohio

Vo: what's your thesis on?
Me: my research will focus on the advances in polymeric materials for sustainable paints and coatings

Vo: do you have family in the US?
Me: no I don't

Vo : here you go, I'll be approving your visa.

Then the usual bla bla bla that you won't even be able to hear because of joy��

Thanks to all who have always posted here. I have always to contribute to this amazing forum.
This was my 3rd attempt. Glory to God.

Congratulations, yeah I know you've been on this since 2018. Good that you didn't give up .

Mcquine:
This is urgent please.

If I sold my crypto portfolio and use as statement of account like less than a month to interview would it cause any trouble for me.

Anybody with experience

Logically, why would it cause any trouble? It's your personal funds. You should be able to defend it/state it even before you're asked by the VO. Cus the VO might wonder why the huge inflow at such a short time. So before the VO contemplates that, you should state it upfront.
I hope this helps.

Favournice001:
Is this your first time traveling out of the country?
I was interviewed today and immediately the VO knew I had no travel history she rejected immediately.
So I really want to know, do I have a chance of getting accepted with having a travel history?.
And how long can I wait before reapplying

For the F1 visa, I can ultimately tell you there is no criteria making it compulsory for you to have a travel history.

I'll advice you post your full transcript of how it went. I can bet with you there is more that needs correction than the travel history you're referring to.

emmanuelle27:
Brethren pls what does this reply mean? I sent my application I followed up with the Graduate advisor via email, here's our conversation

What that simply means , is that they're currently reviewing your app - GPA first by graduate college. Most schools have inhouse conversion of GPA's. So once their done, they'll get back to you in your application decision.

Ibukun0910:
Lagos Interview
Appointment 7:30am
Date: 27th May 2021
US Student Visa Approved under 4mins

God showed up for me and I decided to post my interview transcript to encourage others who are applying in the next few weeks.
No Funding and COA is $51k
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
VO: Can I have your I-20
Me: Passed him my passport and I-20
VO: How do you intend to fund your studies. I can see here that your total cost is $51k
Me: My Dad is sponsoring me. However, he has made the funds available in my account few months ago when I started processing my I-20.
VO: what does your Dad do?
Me: He owns a Logistic, Haulage and Transport Business
Vo: Wow. Transportation? So how can he afford that kind of money?
Me: Well, it is not just a regular transport business. His company moves commercial goods for manufacturing companies from one state to the other.
VO: So did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes. I applied to 2 other schools. University of Connecticut and Framingham State University in Massachusetts
VO: Do you have siblings?
Me: Yes. I have 2 siblings.
VO: what do they do?
Me: One is an accountant and the other is an Architect.
VO: what is your position
Me; I am the last born.
VO: So where do you live now.
Me: I still live with my parents (smiles)
VO: Pulls out white paper
Me: I stopped listening…………………………I didn’t know how I got to the car park to meet my sister.

That is my story………my $51k COA is relatively high, and I didn’t have any funding, Yet the VO didn’t even ask for my bank statement.
I wish everyone the best of luck.

Congratulations. The odds are in your favor.

iamtoluola:
Good morning Nairalanders,
Please I’m asking for my cousin that had his F1 visa denied in Abuja based on home ties issue and he’s planning on reapplying to Lagos because his school starts by August, can he reapply without any changes on his Ds160 and does he have a chance of getting approved this time and what other way can he convince the VO that he’s going for actual study or is there a document he needs to get this.
Thank you.

Yes, he can reapply and state what has changed from his previous application. Put reasons why he thinks he was denied earlier, then state the latest update.

As for his chance on getting approved next, in most cases people have gotten at 3rd or 4th attempt, but that decision is subject to the VO and also subject to the uniqueness of his case.

Document for what? Please tell him to avoid agents too, at this point people will come with all sort of "panacea" which most times worsen the case.

August is still a distant relatively, that's the beauty of applying for visa early, you have multiple shots and ample time to get the goal.

TWoods:


No one should be paying for a mock interview... you have enough info on these threads if you are willing to invest the time.

I agree with this 100 percent.

For those of you posting mock transcripts, I'll advice you either join groups where you have someone act like a VO and interview you or you have a friend scrutinize for you or better still post the challenging questions to which you haven't found an ideal answer. But posting your entire "to-be" transcript here won't do much good and it's misleading too.

Why I'm saying this, Most people juxtapose mock transcripts for actual transcripts. It's confusing.

You don't have to post the entire transcript. Just post the question (s) that is/are challenging to you and your overhead response. Instead of the entirety of transcript. And then people can look into and provide their feedback for you to modify.

Asiwaju101:
Pls oooo,
Are people pursuing undergraduate degree not in this platform, most transcript here are for masters students, is it that undergraduate students don’t get visas?


Pls if there’s any undergraduate transcript pls share �

Check part 15-14 of this thread. You'll see transcripts of undergraduates. The likes of Fried potato and many others. Just check judiciously.

Cfine2021:
Happy Sunday my people. I need advice for experienced fellows. I would like to know the possibility of securing admission for PHD program in US.
I am about 45years with over 18 years experience in the Banking industry. I have HND in Accounting (Distinction) and PGD/MBA in finance (4.2/5) and later BSc in Accounting (1st Class). I have other professional qualifications

Is it possible to secure PHD admission in Accounting or Finance with MBA? Considering my age and work experience, can get a scholarship? I would equally appreciate suggestions on universities with affordable tuition and possibly scholarship.

Best Regards

Why are you contradicting yourself. From your previous post, you said you're 17 years. Now you say you're 45. When you need assistance, just be truthful about your plight.
However, in answering your question, whoever the 45 year old is. Yes PhD can be done at any age, there's less scrutiny towards attaining a PHD at any age. So yes "the person" has a high chance of getting admission plus funding.

tonero4urch:
Hello people, could you guys help with looking at this mock interview questions & answers and evaluate by constructive criticism etc.. Here it goes ;

Why are you going to the US?
A: I’m going to the US for my masters in Statistics ( Biostatistics concentration) in the department of Mathematics and Statistics at Georgia State University in Downtown Atlanta Georgia - USA.

Q: How Many Schools did you apply to?
A: 13 schools in the USA, 2 in Canada and 1 in Singapore

Q: How many of them offered you admission?
A: 6 of them offered me admission while others are still pending.

Q: Why Georgia State University ?
A: Apart from the fact that they offered me full tuition waiver, an employment and a monthly stipend, Georgia State University stands out for me because they match my objectives, training opportunities and field research . These are in line with my goal of being a lecturer after my Masters and PhD Programs. Also, apart from the fact that he has been helpful to me through out the admission process, I am particularly fascinated by the research work of Professor Gengsheng Qin. He researches on "statistical methods in diagnostic medicine and biological research" ; " survival analysis" etc which will be very effective in my quest to being a biostatistic lecturer of note after my PhD studies. I also chose this school because of its rich culture of faculty and student diversity.

Q: Where is Georgia state university located?
A: It is located in Downtown Atlanta Georgia USA.

Q: Why do you want to have this degree?
A: My dream is to impart knowledge to the younger generations and in order to do that having a masters and PhD degree will increase my market value when i return to my al mata (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) in Nigeria

Q: Who is your sponsor?
A: My school( Georgia State University) is sponsoring me. They offered me a tuition waiver with an employent as a graduate lab assistant and a monthly stipend. The deficit will be covered by my first cousin Mr Michael Uhuegbu.

Q: What does he do?
A: He is studying for his PhD in Vanderbilt University right now.

Q: Are you married?
A: Yes i am

Q: Do you have a relative in America?
A: I don't have a immediate relative but i have a first cousin by name Mr Michael Uhuegbu

Q: Why is he sponsoring?
A: He has been so passionate about my career and I told him about my ambitions. After i got my admission and he saw the funding deficit he immediately said he would cover it.

Q: Why do you want to study in the US?
A: Apart from the part that the US is known to have one of the best education system in the world having my education in the US will expose me to the advance practical and theoretical aspects of statistics. Also like I said having a master and PhD degree from an america university will do my credentials a whole lot of good on returning to my al mata Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

Q: How did you get to know this school?
A: After outlining my aims and objectives I decided to do a comprehensive search to find and filter schools in line with my goals. I did this by using google and other academic websites like USNEWS.com etc

Q: What is your study plan/What are the courses you’ll be taking?
A: It would take me about 28 months to complete the total of 30 credit hours ( comprising of 24 hours coursework and 6 hours thesis research). My courses include but not limited to Survival analysis, Advance methodologies in Biostatistics, Linear Statistical Analysis etc

Q: What’s your plan after graduation?
A: With my updated knowledge of the various aspects of Statistics and its application, I’ll be coming back home to the role of a lecturer in my al mata Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

Q: If I give you this visa, what will you do?
A: That means I have 28 months to equip myself with the theoretical and practical skills needed to be a lecturer and then I will head back to my al mata Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nigeria to take up a lecturer role and impact knowledge. My al Mata have since been experiencing dearth of statistics lecturers and i I would like to fill this void.

Thanks!

I'll point out a few mismatches;

Why do you want to have this degree? It will increase your market value? Sorry to ask are you in the transfer market like footballers? Please say something more convincing.

Also, do you have a relative in the US, you said no I don't have a relative, I have a first cousin? Really! isn't your cousin. Your relative?

You have to come off straight, once these VOs sense dilly-dallying with your responses, then your chances become slimmer.