₦airaland Forum

imperiouxx:
I just have the opportunity to do this

@ Tunmise100, TheGrandChemist, Tohlou, TheSuperladyy, Nitta08, Longhite01, ghs007, aribolseg, NeverSayNever11, PHUMEELAYO, ajxii, Husky14


Cheers! https://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/party/party0016.gif

Thank you

PHUMEELAYO:
Hello good people.... The queen of silent followers association over here whup whup

July 21st, 7:30 I was interviewed by the beautiful black American Lady (the young light-skinned one), she was just so calm and focused and it really helped me regain my confidence. Whenever she asked a question I didn't have an immediate answer, I would say excuse me.... The time it takes for her to reply, I was already thinking up an answer. I did breathe-in-breathe-out exercise at the beginning.

She was just staring at me and smiling, not typing much.... I couldn't afford to fidget or flinch at any question.

I: Good morning ma'am

VO: Good morning, and how do you do?
I: I am great, thank you and you?

VO: good, good. pass me just your i20 and passport please. So what's your course of study?
I: Masters of social work at east Tennessee State University in Johnson city Tennessee

VO: what do you do now?
I: I am currently employed at xyz specialist center, a special needs school that caters to children with developmental disorders like autism, ADHD and Down's syndrome. As a program facilitator, my main duties are (she cuts me off, she was cross-checking with my DS160 throughout)

VO: so who would be sponsoring this trip?
I: I got a merit scholarship that covers 50% of my tuition, my great-uncle and sister would cover the rest of my expenses. Then she goes through my i20

VO: Why didn't you apply to more affordable programs?
I: well most of the other schools expect their MSW students to pick a concentration at the second year but since I don't have a BSW nor basic SW knowledge, I wanted programs that offer a generalist practice model where I would be able to experience every aspect of the profession

VO: any standardized tests
I: yes, I sat for the GRE with a score of 314 and IELTS with an overall band score of 8

VO: who would you be staying with? Do you know anyone that has applied to or attending this school?
I: I will be staying on campus at the Buccaneers ridge apartment and already made a deposit. No I don't know anyone at the school

VO: how then did you know about the school
I: I made use of the worksheet available on the EducationUSA website and was able to solidly define my priorities. Then I researched for schools using socialworkdegreeguide.com, usnews, mastersportal and gradcafe and I was able to shortlist the programs fitting my requirements.

VO: What other schools did you apply to and how many admits?
I: southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, University of Maine at Orono, Michigan State University at East Lansing, Ohio State University at Columbus and Georgia State at Atlanta. I was admitted by four of them.

VO: can I have bank statements to backup your claims (handed over my sis first, savings with over #11m) what does your sister do?
I: she is a level 13 civil servant with the Lagos State govt

VO: (just looks at front page of the statement), has she ever left the country?
I: No, she hasn't

VO: looks at my Uncle's (>$100k), where does he reside and what does he do?
I: He stays at Maryland and is a real estates agent

VO: how did he get to the US?
I: (laughing) he's my great-uncle and it would have been rude for me to ask him that, it was a long time ago even before my mum was born. From the stories passed down, I hear he was given a federal scholarship when he was in secondary school and later citizenship, I don't really know specifics, you know how stories can change when passed from generations to generations.

VO: (laughing along with me) congratulations, I would be approving your visa..... Blah blah DHL.... Blah blah i20.... POE
I: thank you ma'am, I do hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
VO: I hope so too, thank you

This is my second interview, was denied June 27th.... Will dig that up and post later.

It would be remiss of me not to thank the wonderful people of this thread especially Texrem (wonderful man with a beautiful soul), Sorelee, Walsprings, lagosismyhome, profojah, meritdee and sponge3.

LagosismyHome:
I would say US because it would come with warranty and if it spoils during that time it can be fixed for free. Don't know how naija works with warranty

Horlartunes:
Who's is in Lagos that can coach on how to pass interview very urgent my agent is doing me anyhow he even mistakely filled my F1 to b1/b2 visa type saying when I confront him to change it up till now he do nothing saying I should shut up and print what he asked me to print please I need urgent help

NeverSayNever11:
Alhamdulillah, checked my visa status in the morning, it has been changed to "Issued"

I was interviewed by the black VO at window 5

VO: Good morning
ME: Good morning
VO: Pass me your passport and I-20
ME: I Oblige
VO: (She was perusing my I-20 for a while, the she started typing, she started perusing again. After some minutes she look up)
VO: How do you intend to fund your program
ME: (I was not expecting this to be the first question)I was offered a Graduate Assistantship and (She cut in angrily)
VO: But your I-20 says it doesn't cover your whole tuition
ME: Oh Yes, my uncle will take care of the rest (I have about $10,000 left on my I-20)
VO: How did you hear about the school (Lamar University)
Me: It was recommended to me by my undergraduate supervisor and (She cut in, so I stop)
VO: continue, you said and
Me: And I went further to do more research using website like usnews.com (she cut in again)
VO: What year did you graduate
ME: 2015
VO: (she was typing faster for a while then she asked) What have you been doing after NYSC
ME: I work with XYZ Technology as a software developer where I develop sofware solutions for Health management organizations and hospitals
VO: Since your work experience is related to computer science why are you going for mathematics
ME: (I didn't know what to say, so I form deaf hear while thinking) You said what
VO: she repeated herself
ME: Because I want a career in lecturing
VO: What is your highest qualification
ME: Bachelor of Technology in Mathematics
VO: You said your uncle is your sponsor, What does your uncle do
Me: He's a senior accountant at a government parastatals
VO: At where
Me: At XYZ local government
VO: Pass me his SOA
Me: I Oblige (Here I was thinking my visa is about to be approved)
VO: She kept on perusing and perusing and typing and typing, she continue looking at it while typing
ME: I was just looking at her
VO: what will you be teaching
ME: You mean what?
VO: what will you be teaching, Or will you just be teaching mathematics
Me: Ohh you mean my area of concentration...I'll focus on Bio Mathematics
VO: what is Bio Mathematics
Me: (Gbam, I just find one nonsense talk) it is the use of mathematical techniques to understand phenomena in biology
VO: She keeps typing and checking my SOA for a while
VO: (She pass the SOA back to me and started typing)
ME: (Here my spirit was dow, I felt I will be deny)
VO: Is your uncle residing in US
Me: No
VO: Do you have any relative in the US (while typing)
ME: No
VO: Are you married
Me: No
VO: Engaged
Me: No
VO: Any children
ME: No
VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria
ME: No, I've had no reason to
VO: (Typing again)
ME: Looking
VO: Typing
Me: Looking
VO: Typing
Me: Looking
VO: Typing
Me: Looking
.
.
.
VO: I will be approving your visa (at this point I was not even interested in what she was saying, I was just happy)


Seriously I know I didn't practise well enough before going for the interview because I got my i-20 late, and early interview date showed up, so I had to pick it like that(else na till august o), plus my job is time demanding because of clients project I need to complete. I am really grateful to God.

Special thanks to Kolade, Todimu, Oludare, Matti, Fesobi, Walspring, Texrem, Adebimpe, Hushy, Engr. Hassan, Patrick, God's Own Scholar, Lagosismyhome, and all my Nairaland family

Nahum777:
I quoted your post and I got banned too lol..

whyqueu:
God bless your new journey ! I'm glad you made it !! Enjoy and I will always keep on touch..

Tunmise100:
BIG CONGRATULATIONS. GO AND EXCEL

yuscodguy:
Congratulation lady

Incomparable:
Congrats ma'am.

aribolseg:
UPDATE............ my transcript proper

V.O—Good morning
Me and my wife- (Stepped forward). Good morning sir with a warm smile.
V.O- Pass me your documents
Me- I passed both passports and our form i 20s
V.O- What school are you going to
Me- Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC)
V.O- could see you want to study MSc Agribusness Economics
Me- Yes sir
V.O- what is your Highest Qualification
Me- I had in a Bachelor degree in Agriculture
V.O- what year was that
Me- 2010
V.O- so what have you been doing ever since
Me- I have been in banking all through. Currently working as Agrifinance officer in XXXX Bank. I am involved in the lending activities to farmers and all other businesses across the agric value chain
V.O- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 5
V.O-how many admit
Me- 4, my application to the fifth one was inconclusive. I could not send my transcript down prior to application deadline. This was due to ASUU strike action.
V.O- So why SIUC
Me- I was offered full funding as graduate teaching assistantship with monthly stipends so the financial burden will be minimal. The remaining amount is for some fees which is very insignificant. (he checked my i20 again and i expected him to look comfortable but i didn’t really see that so i continued)- Also, there is a current research in SIUC on Agric development policy which greatly aligns with my career pathway. Agribusiness is getting more focus from the government noting our dwindling revenue from oil and gas., everyone is looking at diversifying our economy and the only viable option is agric. So i believe with the degree i will be able to contribute to the ongoing development in the country on my return. (then i got that conviction i was desperately looking for). My expectation is that the country will require expertise like me…. He cuts in
V.O- ok i get it (nodding in affirmative)
V.O- who is sponsoring your education (he remembered my grad assistantship and rephrased). so how do you intend to pay for the remaining fees
Me- The remaining fees is just 2k per semester . my wife and i both work and we have enough savings to take care of ourselves during our stay in US
V.O- do you have statement account to that effect.
Me- Yes please. (i passed it down). He looked through very carefully. I quickly interrupted that we have a Nm treasury bills we roll over every 180 days so he should understand why some period has low end balance. And he responded
V.O- oh yes i could see that. He returned the statements to me.
V.O-have you travelled out of the country before
Me- I have only been to neighboring countries but my wife has been to UK and Canada, she also owns valid Canada visa till 2021.
V.O-He checked her passport and confirmed all that
V.O- (faced my wife)- you have got family members in Canada?
My wife- yes. my siblings stays there.
V.O- so you want to go with your husband
My wife- our marriage is still early plus i will like to give him emotional stability. (with a big smile)
V.O- he laughed ( to me the laughter sounds like- uhmm you sha don’t want another woman to take over your property)
V.O-so what will you be doing when he is off to school
My wife- i am aware i won’t be allowed to take up any paid job and i do not intend to violate that part of the law. I just want to be close to him.
V.O- So what do you do after you get bored for a month (smiling so well)
My wife- i cant be bored. will be cooking for him (also smiling)
V.O- i will be approving your visas and he gave me a white paper,cycled where to pick it up. You will get an sms and email to pick up at this address.
Me- Thank you so much sir. I hugged my wife and told her... yes we made it.
V.O- Pointed out our 120s and said . do not forget to bring this along. It will be required at POE. You will not be allowed entrance and will be returned back here if you fail to provide this
Me- Took my documents with a heavy smile, trekked down to car park (not minding the rain), thank my GOD, enter my car, shared my good news with those that matter to me, drove down to a better restaurant and had a good meal

Additional information

From my experience. I noticed the following
1. For study visa, there is no point applying for visa when you cannot reasonably convince yourself to align the course benefits to what you are doing now/in the past, what you intend to do, how these somehow relates to your home country and how you intend to pay for it. Mind you i got admitted last year to some universities but I did not bother apply for visa when i honestly know i cannot fund it. I could have ruined my chances if i had multiple denied applications in the past. In my opinion, Visas are never strictly by luck but 90% Merit and probably 10% luck.
2. Secondly, be real. Once you can handle my point one, just flow naturally with the V.O and not cram a rehersed transcript. i overheard someone’s interview and it sounded to me like the person crammed a written transcript. I don’t know if he got blue or white but i don’t think he was real or genuine.
3. People should understand that the touts at the car park has nothing to offer. I honestly don’t know why they have not been chased away. Charging to staple what its not needed.
4. If you are driving down, you will not pass through walter carrington drive, just get to one bus stop they call checking point or so or ask questions. There is a garage where you can park for 500 and trek down some few meters.
5. Dress to reflect who you are. I dressed like a banker and looked like one. No one could have doubted my profession.
6. Look innocent. My wife was surprised till today why he didn’t even ask of our marriage certificates despite the fact that her passport is still in her fathers name. I feel we showed love, hugging and holding hands even before it got to our turn. so we genuinely looked like a married couple even without saying.
7. Find what kills your nervousness and boost your confidence. For me it is good looks, sharp wears, nice haircut and big smile. it works for me most of the times
8. Above all. GOD for favor and good luck… Another VO could have looked at our case like we might not want to return since we would likely give birth and start family in the USA but God gave us that favor to make him think otherwise. Even though we have intent of returning.


Above is my submission as i promised to give back to the house. and i honestly hope this would help someone out there. Good luck to every one once again.

who knows where i can cheap tickets ooooo. thats the next headache now

cheers

Slevin2k8:
Hi all,

Do the VOs just look at the closing account balance of the statements provided, or do they check the cash flow? Must the closing balance of the statement provided be equal to or greater than what's written in your I-20?

akatovic1:
Please members of these thread, is it possible for my SEVIS Fee to be confirmed before next week Friday(my interview date) if it was paid on Monday via mail by someone in the US?

Geo4646:
I have sent him
$600 estimated to 216 thousand naira, and his balance remaining 500thousand naira, the school name is America Jewish university, and I sent him my O'level certificate, date of birth my int'l passport, passport photography dat he requested, and I ask him how long will the legal approval take? he said he will informed me, dat it is not his first time of doing student for ppl, he said dat he is waiting for legal approval for d school. am confused, I have send him all I had for now. cos I dont have any money for other requirements, and I don't really know much about them. please I need a matured advice to handle dis problem urgently.

adedoja99:
So my experience.
Interview date: 8th of June
Time: 6:45

I got there 5:35, then they called 6:30 first then 6:45 next. We went through the whole security checks and all, man I was scared afff but I was over prepared so I kept my cool.
Got in and did the thumb print then queued for the visa. So quickly, people abeg apply to a good school and answer the question they asked you pls. A girl went before me and nailed herself. She did well until she was asked until she was asked to mention the schools she applied to ( iglobal, and 2 other universities that are not that bad) but immediately the VO heard iglobal, the VO asked the girl to mention the schools again, and that was when I knew she nailed herself. The funny thing is she wasn't going to iglobal, but she applied. She was also asked "did you take any exam"? She answered: I tool IELTS, but it was not required!!! I felt bad for the babe sha. So my own proper (in no particular order)

VO: Goodmorning (smiling)
Me: Goodmorning (trying to hide nervousness)
VO: so where are you going?
Me: Morehouse college, Atlanta Georgia
VO: To do what ?
ME: To get my bachelors degree in computer science
VO: how did you get to know about the school?
ME: it was introduced to me by Mrs ********* , who's the advisor at educationUsa, then I learnt more using Collegeboard big future and I used commonapp to apply
VO: Did you use this commonapp to apply to other schools?
ME: Yes, I did apply to 9 other schools
VO: Wow, you (I didn't hear the rest)
ME: Yes I applied to 9 then I mentioned (Davidson college and the rest)
VO: Davidson college? Where?
ME: North Carolina
VO: so why computer science?
ME: I chose to study computer science because I have a strong desire for innovations and would love to have a career in software engineering because virtually every industry in Nigeria today uses a computer, and a degree in this field would give me a career that is marketable in any business environment and with just one degree, I can work in the engineering field, medical field..e.t.c
VO: Good
ME: (smiling)
VO: Who's sponsoring you?
ME: I got $40k in scholarship per academic year and my aunt (VO cuts in)
VO: That's a huge amount of money (smiling)
ME: I was just relaxed at this point
VO: How did you get it?
Me: I took the SAT, TOEFL (cuts in again)
VO: What did you score on the SAT?
ME: I got 1430 on the new SAT
VO: That's a good score
ME: (I was just thinking about how I'll locate the pick up location)
VO: I've approved your visa.....

I heard the rest, but I can't remember rn. That's it broskis!! Thank you all

VECOH1:
Please what should I write as my mailing address, as shown below

VECOH1:
Good day everyone, please I need an assistance.
I am about to book for my F1 visa, What should I indicate as my mailing address to pick up returning documents.
Its URGENT.
Thanks

Ubah1:
July 16th as of today

learner007:
MY STORY IN FULL!!!

On the back of 5 visa denials (admitted into UBC, Canada and visa denied 3times due to insufficient funds, travel history etc plus Cleveland State University - admitted, no GRE, no funding, denied twice last year) I went to the embassy yesterday. Got there about 5:50am for a 7am appointment. After all the checking in, we got on the queue to be interviewed. Windows 1&2 were not available so we sha couple. A VO was speaking Yoruba to aged applicants, it was really funny . Lots of Babcock students were on the queue, all of dem just collecting white paper like kilode Every interviewee had 2 others lined up behind them. The CGI lady sha put me in between 2 queues wen i got to d front. As I tried going to the lady in window 4 in an attempt to avoid a man from interviewing me based on my previous experiences, the lady dragged me back to the guy in window 6. Na so I look up say God Na mercy I need. After he denied the person right in front of me, he beckoned on me. I was like Jesú Klisti ooooooo. Did you mean me or my ancestors Then the long interview started:

VO: Good mrng how are u?
Emi: i'm fine thank you sir and you
VO: Good, pass me your I-20 and passport
Emi: I did
VO: *typed For long and finally asked* what school are u attending in the USA
Emi: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign IL
VO:What programme
Emi: Masters in teaching of mathematics
VO: what's your highest level of qualification and what year
Emi: BSC Ed maths...2011
VO: So what have you been doing after NYSC
Emi: Working as a maths teacher and tutor
VO: Did you apply to any other school?
Emi: Yes
VO: What are their names
Emi: UT ARLINGTON, YESHIVA, BGSU
VO:HOw many admitted you
Emi: All 4
VO: Why UIUC?
Emi: UIUC was an easy decision for me because they are very good at maths, the maths programme at UIUC is ranked among the top 20 BEST maths programmes in the USA and also I got a full ride
VO: Did u take any tests
Emi; Yes I did GRE AND TOEFL
VO: What are your scores and let me see ur score sheets
Emi: I responded and did as he requested
VO: What are the things expected of you as a TA
Emi: grading papers, leading small group discussions and stuff
VO: Do you have any back up funding plan
Emi: Yes, I have been saving up some cash for my dream since a long time and my mum is a strong backup?
VO: What does she do
Emi: She is into sales and supplies of building materials
VO; Are you married?
Emi: No
VO: Any kids?
Emi: Not at all
Have you traveled outside Nigeria before
Emi: No, I haven't had a reason to travel until now
VO: I will be approving your visa...two things, first pick up at the circled location and secondly, don't travel without your I-20 or else you are gonna find ursef in the next flight to Nigeria
Emi: I smiled, thanked him and left...I heard everything he said

I thought my interview was gonna be short, but no be so. The guy really drilled me, but I was not tensed at all. He had a super friendly ambience around him. I'm sure he picked few questions from previous denials..eg GRE. If you were on this thread last year, you probably read my denial transcripts under my old moniker 'sshola'. After those denials, I sat back and decided to write GRE and TOEFL and then gun for better schools UIUC and UTA. It really paid off big time. I also decided to be a learner, but a smart one like James Bond (007). Hence my name...learner007. I asked very dumb questions on this platform because I planned to ask my way to a visa approval and people really hit at me but I was trying to be cautious this time around, if u no go, u no know. I want to appreciate a lot of people here. For all visa hopefuls, may you find grace in time of need. My dream has finally come through!!!

Paulbets, walspring, Lagosismyhome, Femi321, Bigfrancis, Scholastica etc

My advice:
1. Dont always follow the path of least resistance, when you do the easy things, life becomes hard but when you do the hard things, things become easy

2.WHATEVER U ARE ASPIRING FOR, PURSUE DILIGENTLY AND DON'T GIVE UP....rest if you must, but DONT GIVE UP!!!

James89:
Bro please I will like to talk with you personally ,how can I contact you abeg?

kingfintan:
And my cgpa was 2.71

hiddenfigure:
Hello house,

Please I need evaluation services that are fast in evaluating. I'm really pressed for time, and I was planning on using WES since they claim it only takes seven business days but people have always complained about how long they take and their inefficiency. If anyone can provide the names of NACES members they have used that were fast with evaluation, I would be grateful. I'm applying for undergraduate admission. Thank you.

EFGH:
I fix mine 2 weeks ago for 4k at gionee office Kaduna.