Hello everyone,

Wow I have been looking for this thread for a long time, I use to be a part of this thread about 5 years ago before I got my visa to come to the US. I came here on a student visa back then and I learnt so much from this thread.
I see people talking about grace, yes there’s grace but without preparation and confidence grace wont come into place.
Some of my friends have been able to make it here with my help and I always tell them preparation is key.you can pray about it but also be prepared.
first Do you know everything about the school you are going to ? Do you know about the course curriculum? Can you answer questions in a concise manner when the VO ask you? Trust me when I say there’s no magic in this visa thing, once you can convince the VO that you are a genuine student then you already have a 90% chance.


Also, some people just choose to ignore the red flags in their application. Example. You are already in your 30s and you just want to go for a bachelors degree in the US. You will most likely be denied this is because the VO has seen a lot of 19 years olds and 20 year olds going for bachelors and 25 years olds already going for masters/PhD . So why is a 30 year old just going for bachelors, what has he been doing? Sometime you have to think for the VO and ask yourself “ if I’m the VO will I give this person the visa”
Please people research about the school and the course you are going to study. I wish everybody luck in their endeavors.

But why is it that Nigerians are always the first to here news and fake rumors about USA and even we living here don’t hear anything?
For USA to place such a huge ban on something like banning F1 visas , it is not a day job. It can take years to approve something like that. Even trump cant just wake up one morning and say he wants to ban something, it has to go through Congress, and most of the things he has brought up Congress no even Dey answer am. Even till today, they no answer am for the WALL!!

zolargeo:
BREAKING!!! USA Place A Ban On Study Visa For Nigerians Till Further Notice - https://doubleamedia.com.ng/2019/06/14/breaking-usa-place-a-ban-on-study-visa-for-nigerians-till-further-notice/

please, how true is this

But why is that rumors like this only spread in Nigeria and we living in the US no even Dey hear anything, the only truth in what you wrote is the one of Dropbox, and it was not even cancelled it was suspended for a while.
If you want to promote your blog, you can as well post more facts that doesn’t relate to visa issues,than all this gibberish you are posting.
I don’t want to call you an IDIOT for wanting to mislead people!!

icagbons:
Sudden Change In US Visa Rules That Affects Nigeria

May 28, 2019 | The Nigerian Voice


The United States Government last Week, without prior information or notice, launched a New Immigration Policy called "Build America" It is a new merit base visa application system that seeks to increase the standard of scrutiny of visa application to prevent people of questionable reputation, economic immigrants and People without travel history from getting US visa.

Under this new rules, key changes have already been implemented without notice, as follows :

1. End of Drop box (automatic visa renewal without interview for existing visa holders is cancelled. Existing visa owners will now apply and be interviewed like everyone else when their visa expires )



2. Green Card to be scrapped
3. Applicants for B1 or B2 visas without adequate travel experience will now be automatically denied.

4. Applicant with monthly income below $1700 will now be considered as economic immigrants and denied.

5. Strong ties & attachments (compelling proofs of what can bring you back )to Nigeria now to be strongly emphasized.

If look at the attached picture, you will see No AOS stamped on the passport. AOS means Adjustment of Status.

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/278550/sudden-change-in-us-visa-rules-that-affects-nigeria.html

This is the whole university in this building

Wow. You went to embassy without SOA. Like that’s even more important than your school certificate cos they hardly ever ask for it. You made the mistake there. Next time go with it. But I hope you know VIU is a one building school and it is partially accredited. I know this cos I have actually seen the school while visiting Virginia.
Goodluck

Phrance:
Good day all,
Am very new here, someone refer me to this page after my visa was denied on Friday.
This is the conversation ;
Vo: pass me ur visa and I-20
Vo: wat program are you going for in usa
Me: MBA accounting in VIU
Vo: why VIU
Me: my cousin introduce the sch to me. And my personal research shows the school have values align with my choice of career.
Vo: are you marry
Me: no but am engage
Vo: so where is your fiance
Me: she is a medical student doing her Houseman ship here in Nigeria
Vo: oh that's very nice. So aunt will sponsor you.
Me: yes, she has been in support of my career.
Vo: ok good (he started typing.... And stop)
Vo: but ur I-20 shows nephew.
Me: it's error from the school, I saw it late after my appointment have been booked.
Vo: so do you have her SOA
Me: I didn't bother to request it since the school already verify the account.
The VO now close the window call another colleague (maybe his supervisor) and they discuss for long. The open the window again and told me my visa cannot be granted for now.
I ask him why, he said it's in the yellow form.

Please house what else can I do at the moment, I need advice

Sorry about the denial, but this is a community college, the vo will be thinking ,” he has a bachelors degree, now he wants to go for an associate degree which is not even up to the bachelors he has already. Why not masters.??’’

leyman10:
Visa denied today at window 11. A young lady in her early 20s.
Me: Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i20 (which I did)
VO: where are you going to
Me: Bunker hill college in boston
VO: you have a bachelor degree
Me: yes
VO: how old are you?
ME: 27
Then she handed the yellow paper to me. A very short interview. What could have been wrong please?

ProYouWebsiteUK:
Good day guys, please, I want to know how true is this information, I went for interview last week Monday but my Visa was denied and I want re-apply now but I was told that I can't reapply until after six months. I was told that it is the new policy of the US.

Thanks in advance.

If you are applying for a student visa. I don’t think you should listen to that since you didn’t hear it directly from the embassy. I got my visa one month after I was. Denied the first time. So......it’s your choice

IAMANGELMICHAEL:
Silent Reader, First interview. My visa was delayed today at Lagos.

My transcript:

VO: Why are you going to the USA?

ME: I'm going for my masters degree in Economics

VO: Why Economics

ME: While doing statistics as an undergraduate course, during that time I did econometrics 1 and 2 as a departmental course which is a branch of Economics I developed an interest for the theoretical part of its financials. Ever since it has been something I'm very passionate about.

VO: Why California State University LA

ME: The economics department of CSULA has a research area that most interest me and can benefit Nigeria if well detected. Which is international macroeconomics and currency crises.

VO: What will the course do for you?

ME: I will be exposed to devaluation and revaluation which is the adjustment in the value of a country currency in relation to other countries currency, and this devaluation is what Nigeria has been facing for the past few years I see this as a major gap in the country's economy which needs to be bridged.

VO: who's sponsoring you?

ME: My dad

VO: pass his bank statement

ME: I obliged

VO: Checked my I-20 and my bank statement... was calculating.... opened the last page was calculating (For my mind oga gimme visa jare the thing meet up). All of a sudden the guy just started shaking head for all of his family in the United States. Sorry, you're not eligible yen yen yen


PS: 15million+ is the closing balance and the esitmates on my I-20 is 13million, Is it the fact that it's as if I want to empty my dad's account for the study that causes the denial or what. The school resumes on 22, I'm planning to collect a letter of extension of resumption date as I'm planning to re-apply. The school doesn't accept an admission deferral.

Please let me know what you guys thing about this so that it will be considered while going to the embassy the second time.

There might be a huge deposit recently. That’s a red flag

Jackossky:


Don't get this part.

On scholarship, would love MIT or schools in Asian countries but I was made to understand that there will be a language crisis or something like that

So,how do I know If a school matches my profile?

Asian countries? Bro this thread is strictly for USA students enquiries and information.
So be sure what you want first

Jackossky:


In a nutshell , what are the procedures involved if I am to travel out as a student. Haven't written any scholarship but just curious. What will I get first? Things like that

First of all. Look for a school that matches your profile. That’s first things first

Jackossky:
Hello, I don't know if this is the right place to ask this.

Forgive my Naive mind, I have always thought of leaving the country but I don't know step or process involved. Someone had once told me that I will have to collect the Yellow Paper first, another said it's visa or was it passport? I seem to be in a conundrum and I beseech an enlightened one here to tell me the steps or process involved up to the point Of my departure. Also, my main purpose for wanting to travel out is Education and perhaps, curiosity.
I am the kind that love to explore... So,

What are the documents I need? What should I have in place? Which office should I visit first? After that, what next?
Will be in anticipation of a benign response.

#Sola

This your big big grammar na die.

Sheq:
you are so lucky...chai... i pray mine comes too... may you be more succesful than you think of there...amen..... enjoy yourself brother!!

Amen bro. Your happiness is coming also. Just believe

Sheq:
bro abeg give us some small gist about the place...abeg

Travel transcript.
So I couldn’t literally sleep that night,my dad took me to the airport around 6am for a 12pm flight. Got to the airport around 7am. Waited till 8:30 for check in to start. I checked in around 8:40. Then went straight to immigration counters for clearance. Then boarded the Emirates aircraft at exactly 11:05. The plane left by 12:05. It was a long journey to Dubai first. Almost 8 hours.
Got to Dubai around 11pm Dubai time. I don’t want to criticize muritala Muhammed airprort,but you people need to see Dubai International Airport DXB.
I was astonished by everything I saw. They have a system that works. Layover was for 3 hours.
Then we boarded the next plane around 2:35. From Dubai to Jfk. A 14 hour 45 minutes flight.
That flight was so long. 14 hours nobi beans oo.
But the in-flight entertainment was so suberp that u will be occupied throughout the flight. Lots of latest films and music. I even watched arsenal vs bbournemouth aboard. That experience is one in a lifetime. Good food ,hostess were no nice.
Got to Jfk around 8:45 USA time. Then went straight to port of entry line.
Poe: hello. Why are you here.
Me: for my studies
Poe: lemme have ur i20 and admission letter. (Hands it. She checks)
Okay. Have it. Where are you going to be staying now. It’s almost Xmas.
Me: I have a friend in New York.
Poe: ok. Stamps passport. Welcome to the United States
Then I went to claim my bag and my guy was waiting already. Mehn the way I felt at that moment I saw him has no name. That feeling is nameless.
But one mad brezz first blow me as I stepped out. I was like yes. This is USA. It was so cold. 2 degrees.
This country is so beautiful. Then you start to wonder what’s wrong with Nigeria. Funniest part is that. Our leaders come here and they see how things are done, yet they still act like bunch of fools. It’s so annoying.
I hope Nigeria will be better someday. But it is better to be praying for Nigeria from another county

npmi:

And so?? we should cook beans

Wow. You are not happy for others. How do u expect to get ur own happiness. Before I got my visa I always congratulate everyone who got theirs. And now I’m in the US.
Change ur mindset!!!

Got to the US yesterday.....I must confess. This place is another world entirely.

Vandemoo:
Good morning guys, I had my interview today Wednesday 19th, 2018 at the Abuja consulate. I had previously been denied in Lagos in August so this was my second attempt. Before I proceed, I need to state that there are 4 elements to be considered before visa issuance.
1. Acceptance into an accredited school.
2. Possession of sufficient funds.
3. Preparation for course of studies to show if you're a credible student.
4. Presenting intent to leave the US at the end of your studies, i.e you need to display your purpose of travel and overcome the hometies barrier.

Most applicants don't have problems with the first 2 but rather with the last 2.
It's left to you to prove points 3 and 4.

Have it at your mind that your responses should address how to fix a problem in Nigeria.
Know your ds160 like the back of your hand. Prepare like there's no God, pray like you never prepared.

This is my transcript.

Me: Good morning.
VO: Responds, pass me your passport and i-20
VO: Why did you choose Bleep University.
Me: I chose Bleep University because it would help me gain more research and technical knowledge in seeking ways to reduce material and structural failure in made in Nigeria products that have engineering applications...
VO: What was your undergraduate in?
Me: Bleep
VO: From which school?
Me: Mentioned
VO: What will you specialise in?
Me: Composites, because there is no one single engineering material that meets a general application, so the knowledge of composites enable you to engineer materials to meet each specific function.
VO: Where do you work?
Me: I work in Bleep as a project analyst, I analyse, manage and execute projects and I also conduct needs assessments based on the service level agreement between Bleep and their clients.
VO: I can see you have a graduate assistantship, did you apply for it, run me through the process of how you got it.
Me: I told the school about my research work, they evaluated it, and because of the quality of the research, I was granted the assistantship.
VO: Who will be paying the balance?
Me: My aunt
VO: What does she do?
Me: She is into sales of building materials.
VO:What do you intend to do with this degree, your post-graduation plans?
Me: I plan to return to Nigeria and seek gainful employment in policy making institutions like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria where I can contribute to making policies that would help improve research and development in Nigeria.
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have any relative in the US?
Me: No
VO: Your visa has been approved, passes white paper & the rest is history.

Congrats

Oegbeyem1:
thanks a lot. Who is the best person to contact for this, departmental graduate coordinator or international student affairs coordinator

International student advisor or coordinator

Oegbeyem1:
which date go make sense on the extension letter now. Appointment is 14th, resumption is 7th. Cos of these embassy people.

Ask for 2 weeks extension

Oegbeyem1:
the extension will be in form of a letter that I will take to the embassy. I'll just take it along with the i20 I have already received right. I won't have to do anything again on us embassy site ba?

Yes. The letter will indicate that you are allowed to enter the US later than the date stipulated on your i20.

Oegbeyem1:
What can I do now, my emergency request was denied. I was offered admission on December 2nd, i20 was issued on 12th, got it yesterday and requested for emergency appointment yesterday and it was denied just like that, no pity, no explanation. nawa for us embassy o, after burning money. I attached my i20. I had tuition scholarship. What can I do now o, I'm confused. I'm starting to not understand these embassy people?

Request for resumption extension from your school. If it’s granted you are good.

Oegbeyem1:
honestly I think where you ducked up is sponsorship. They want to be sure your sponsor can conveniently take care of you. They want to be sure he is rich.

Exactly! You stated your uncle on your i20 as ur sponsor. When u got to interview you said it’s ur Mum and your uncle. That means you are trying to say your uncle alone is not capable to sponsor so your Mum is adding hers too.
Those VO aren’t fools. Infact their training nobi here oo

I don’t think you know. But age is also a determinant in student visa approval too.

Eporshe:


I have 5000 dollars deficit and in my I-20 my uncle was written there. So it's a crime for uncle?

But you just mentioned 2 people during the interview

Eporshe:
Guys, i was denied visa at Lagos embassy despite my full tuition waiver and 1,086 dollars monthly stipends.

Here is the transcript.

Me: Good morning
VO: frowning

VO: your pass and I-20
Me: pass

After typing for what I believe is my service
Is service number, he then ask why do I want the school

VO: So why WIU?
Me: Aside the fact that this school is known for its groundbreaking research in Aquatic biology, which attracts me, I have been offered a Teaching assistantship with full tuition waiver and monthly stipend; Also, WIU is located along Mississippi River in moline, where the school has been able to carry out series of research on aquatic ecosystems protection and fisheries management control. Which is in line with my research interest. I have also been offered a lifetime academic opportunity to engage in aquatic research and have international university teaching level experience, which will enhance my chance to continue to the post of assistant lecturer at university of Lagos.

VO: but your uncle will paying your deficit
Me: yes with my mum.

Vo: Have you traveled before,
Me: No

Then he typed and gave me blue paper.

What would you advise to reapply or differ and pls what's the best possible date I can get.

I think this has to do with sponsorship

jerrypeacelinks:



My observation:

1. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL?
here VO meant how did you get to know about this school and not what factors made you choose the school. Your answer could be that it was recommended or you searched for it using xyz website or stuffs like that. let them know how u got to hear about the school and not y u chose it.

2. Your sponsor and then your age. By that question, I think VO will be wondering why your sister's husband will want to sponsor ur advanced studies. What is your ties with him? I think saying ur sister sef or an immediate family member is better and shows more ties than an inlaw. My opinion though, I might be wrong.

3. After u talked about ur inlaw being your sponsor, VO asked about ur age and I guess u r above 30 and they expect you to have a savings of your own as well to help lift the financial burden from ur inlaw. that way, your inlaw will first see you as a serious person first before the VO will confirm this as well. VO will see it that there is no real ties between u and ur inlaw. Your in-law is likely to attend to his own immediate family financial needs first before considering yours (who isn't his immediate family) . Again, it's my opinion o.

You are so correct!! Why would your inlaw sponsor you, when he can sponsor his own siblings instead. I’m sure that’s what the VO was thinking. He’s probably over 30, the VO will feel at 30..you are a able bodied man, why will another able bodied sponsor you when you can sponsor yourself.
That’s what I think tho.
You should have just said your sister instead.

Spring2019:
I also got denied today at Abuja embassy. I think today was just a bad day there cos I am going to refire. So to those two other people that didn't get, just calm down, reconstruct your transcript and reapply. Today was just a bad day in both embassies cos no one got while I was there for almost three hours.
Transcript
VO: Pass your passport and I-20
Me: passsed
VO: How did you choose this school
Me: I wanted a school that would allow me have my clinical rotations at the center for disease control and prevention so I chose this school because it would enable me have that opportunity
Cuts in
VO: what are the other schools you applied to
Mentioned them
VO: Who is paying for this
Me: My sister's husband
VO:How old are you?
Me: Mentioned
Then she passed the paper and said sorry
She was at window 6, tall white woman with pointed nose but she wasn't even giving people the room to talk and defend themselves.
Even families that had a lot of travel history were denied.
Finally my people, US Visa has never been easy. 20 years ago it was like this, 10 years ago it was very difficult and that is how it will be. You will be the one to be strong enough to always refire till you get it.
Alot of people here got it after their first, second and even third attempts so don't let that weigh you down
And as for me, I am going to Lagos to collect my visa

Sorry about your denial. You can refire. But sister’s husband as sponsor is a red flag. The VO might be thinking why would he pay such as amount for you when he has other responsibilities.
You didn’t even state your age tho

obojememe:
pls can u use the attached image to suggest ?

That’s about $22k. 8.2 million naira

obojememe:
pls, can u suggest a minimum balance to be maintained in an account before the interview date , as regards the sponsor’s financial capacity...

Depends on how much your tuition is on your i20

sensisosu:
I need to ask the gurus in the house an important question

Do embassy verify the SOA you present to school for admission

The EMBASSY only verify the SOA you present to the EMBASSY!

.

Abacino007:


Like I should start the whole process afresh?

Fill a new ds160. Then update the number on ur appointment page.
You will see a column on the appointment page. “Update profile “ put the new ds160 number where you put the old one. Then click save.

Abacino007:


What can I do? I have already booked appointment. The info in it are correct. Pls what can I do.

Just fill new one ds160. And update