₦airaland Forum

Broadway5007:
Thanks.

The name of the contact person in the school in the first and second 1-20 has changed. Also my intended date of arrival on the DS-160 is August 2019 instead of Jan 2020 ( i deferred my admission from fall 2019 to spring 2020).

I also noticed that the name of the course have been changed to Quantitative Economics instead of just Economics i used when filling the DS-160.

I hope all these wont be an issue.

The school contact person and your course is not a big deal.Quantitave Economics is a branch of Economics so you should let the VO know why you want to specialize in that area.

If you have not book your interview you can fill another DS-160 so that you can correct the information on the new DS-160 and use the new DS-160 confirmation number to book for interview.Alternatively,you can start a new DS-160 and use the DS-160 confirmation number on your ustraveldocs.You can log -in and change the details and then re-print.I have not done it before but I heard a few peeps have done it.

Broadway5007:
Dear All,

Thanks for the information so far. I just discovered an error on my DS- 160 after submission. I got my initial I-20 around july. i had completed the DS-160 then. i later had to defer my admission. The new I-20 has some information which differs from the earlier one i got. Can i still use same DS-160 for the interview or fill a new DS-160??

My interview is this week.

Kindly help.

What is the error?

riogrannde:
True. But considering that I'm going for the spring session which starts in january.. time is of essence. I'm looking at calling the school to see if I can make a deposit or something

Nope,dn't make a deposit.You can still get date.


It is not late spring yet.However,let the school know you were denied the last time you went.Ask them for help before you go a second time.

riogrannde:
Thank you so much... yea I'll put that into consideration.. the sponsor was always there. I just didn't have the opportunity to let the VO know as he was in such a hurry. And I actually didn't have bank statements just a sponsorship letter

Oops! you need to sort out all those in your next interview. Try to let the VO know next time you are asked about who is sponsoring you.

riogrannde:
I've always had an organisation sponsoring me on my i20. I just didn't have a bank statement to show for it

Oh ! Okay. U need to anticipate questions.If you are going this spring and you have changed sponsors in less than one or two months it can mean desperation.It can be a red flag.
If you were asked what has changed since your last Interview...be careful! Just be well prepared.
Also know the details of the organization.I guess the next VO will ask more questions on sponsor so be more prepared on it. Infact,know the number of employees in the company,what they do,their financial outlay....

riogrannde:
I think I will just request a bank statement from the organisation that offered to assist me initially. All I was given was sponsorship letter. Then I'll go back and try again. The issue I had was funding..

You want to change sponsor from your uncle to an organization?If yes,be prepared for why change in sponsor? You can be lucky to get a VO that will over-look that since it is all about discretion. But you just need to be more prepared next time...

LagosismyHome:
The law in the US is very different from Nigerian law so really how much ROI in that pathway.... going to a top ranked school doesn't always return high, the course also matters

I am not a law student I think he should answer how much he thinks that loan will help him if he goes that path. He is currently practicing law in Nigeria from his transcripsts but one thing I know is law is a pretty lucrative profession in the US. Whatever he wants to do with his career plans depends on him...

riogrannde:
Yea it is.. I just need to get my funding right... i wish i had an idea

Look,if you had taken loans from prodigy or Mpower it is better off.The school is well ranked.

You could have answered to pay $40k is huge but it is worth it considering the school is ranked in top 50 nationally. He knows the ROI of such investment will be great following the fact that he has been investing in my education since high school.He knows the value of quality education.

riogrannde:
Yes I think so. I'm just reflecting and realising now. He was convinced about the school. But he was satisfied with my funding. Plus my i20 indicated "ORGANISATION/FAMILY FUNDS" so funding was incomplete I guess.

I'm going to university of Illinois College of law

Oh! is it UIUC? If it is UIUC then the $40k definitely worth it if your uncle has the means. It will be a money well spent in a school ranked top 50 nationally.

riogrannde:
Any idea what I can do?

If you say this:

How many children does your uncle have?

Three. All of them are fully settled and doing well.

Where are they? If you mentioned countries like Aussie,Germany, Switzerland....it looks great.

I really dnt know their profile. You are probably saying the right thing...

All these question is to know how close you are to your uncle and how many people is he still feeding.The VO probably checked the balance in the account.

Which school are you going to in Illinois?

riogrannde:
Hello guys.. please I need advice..
I was denied my F-1 student visa this morning at the Abuja consulate.
Interview went like this:
VO: can I have your passport and I20
Me: passed it on
VO: why Illinois?
Me: still talking when vo cuts
VO: you're going for your masters in law?
Me: yes
VO: you have a degree in law?
Me: yes I do
VO: are you a practicing lawyer?
Me: yes I am
VO: did you apply to other schools?
Me: yes I did. Was naming them when he cuts me...
VO: this program at Illinois is quite expensive, I see you were given a scholarship. You still will be needing approximately $40,000. Can I see bank statements..
Me: I give him my uncle's bank statement. Also supplements with mine.
VO: what does your uncle do?
Me: he is a contractor, deals in supply and sale of industrial and agricultural equipments/ building materials
VO: cuts in.... does he have children?
Me: yes he does, 3 daughters.
VO: how old are they?
Me: first is 36, second a few years younger, I'm not sure. Last is around my age.
VO: where do they live?
Me: first lives in Sweden, second lives in south africa and the last lives here.
VO: have they ever travelled to the US?
Me: I can't say..
VO: did you pay any money to the school?
Me: no I haven't
VO: ... types for a while, passes my passport and a green sleep. I can't issue you a visa at this time. Try again.

I'm still shocked, I don't know how to feel. I don't feel bad but I don't feel good either.
I have paid another visa fee. Hoping to apply again and secure another date before school resumes in January.

I was admitted into all four schools I applied to.
University of Illinois, university of San Diego, Arizona state university, st. Mary's university.
Illinois gave me $35,000 scholarship, San Diego gave me $10,000 scholarship.
Uncle had a closing balance of almost 10,000,000 and a good cash inflow.
I don't know where I went wrong. He didn't tell. All two F-1 applicants before me were denied.

Hoping to get another interview date in two weeks. I need advice guys

You had good scholarships but your response and your uncle Balance is the issue.

A deficit of $40k is around N15m(approx).The US embassy uses the rate of N370 to a Naira and the account balance is N10m.From your response seems your uncle has lots of responsibilities...

effyzzy:
Visa Approved || Passport collected
Venue: Abuja

Very calm place... Didn't have the usual Lagos rush.
Did the usual checks and biometrics.
I was asked to go retake a passport though... they needed something within the last 6 months. (2k just went like that)

Fast forward to my interview.
A woman in her late 40s. Very calm and friendly.

VO: So you're going to the University of New Mexico
ME: Yes, in Albuquerque
VO: How did you find out about the school?
ME: I did an online research using USnews and Princeton Review on schools offering Electrical Engineering with Communications as a Research area and a faculty with a strong Focus in my area of research interest which is 'Cognitive Radios'
VO: Cog what??
ME: Cognitive Radios
VO: what's that? I've never heard of it (laughing)
ME: Explains what 'cognitive radio' is
VO: Your school is expensive
ME: Yes ma, but I got a graduate assistantship position that fully covers my tution, with very generous monthly stipends
VO: Do you have any document from the school that shows this?
ME: Brings out my Admission letter
VO: They wrote here that it's just for one academic year
ME: Yes ma, it's renewable if I maintain a particular GPA level
VO: in case you lose your funding, do you have support from home?
ME: Yes, My cousin offered to support me in such a case
VO: What does he do?
ME: He's the head of blah blah at blah blah
VO: What about your family?
ME: Yes, my family would be supporting me as well
VO: What do they do?
ME: Explains
VO: Okay, (then types for like 30 seconds, the next thing I saw was that cute white paper) ...'I will be approving your VISA' was all I heard
ME: Thank you ma
VO: Hold on... In a case where you lose your source of funding, what will you do?
ME: I will come back to my country immediately
VO: When does your program start?
ME: January
VO: Make sure you don't arrive before Dec... Or you'll be turned back at the POE
ME: Alright ma, thank you
VO: Good. Take this... Do you have cash for your repository fees?
ME: No ma, but I have my card
(I proceeded to the ATM, made a withdrawal and paid)

Grateful for this thread, as it was very helpful in my preparation. Goodluck to everyone and see you in Trumpland.

GOD ALONE BE PRAISED!!!

Boss,I just sent you a PM.

Suntory:
Yes, I did.

I had my debit card with me, so I just withdrew there in the interview hall and paid cash.

Oh! Okay...

vinomoe:
Thank you..so that means I can request for I-20 from 2 different schools for this next year spring?

Yeap, but you only need one for your F1 Visa Interview.

Suntory:
Visa Approved.

This thread has been so helpful. Had to sign up today to give back to the thread.

I'll drop my transcript once I get my passport.

Congrats.Did you pay the reciprocity fee after Interview?

greyoyy:
Please does anyone know if it is advisable to apply for a US student visa for the 2nd time but to a different school...thank you for a prompt response.

Yeap,if the school is more credible and will offer you more . That makes your profile more competitive.But let your course be the same.

vinomoe:
Hello house..please can I be given I-20 from two different schools?

Yeap,if you request for both. I had two i-20 last fall/summer.

adeyesam:
Please I need clarifications on the following as I just received my i-20:
1) My overall estimated cost is about USD 2k below funds available from the assistantship offer, do I still need a statement of account for my interview?
2) Is it required application be made for my wife and son alongside mine considering they fact they won't be going with me immediately?

Thank you all in advance for your replies.

Please I just sent you a Personal Message.Please respond.

Biggggboy:
Thank you very much for the advice and format
God bless you I pray I get this visa in Jesus mighty name Amen������

You are welcome

Sesandennis:
I was denied visa into u.s to study in August, masters in sociology but i had my first degree in Economics. How do i blend the two together during interview when next am going.... Kindly help a brother in need. thank you.

Do you currently work in a role related to your Masters degree?

Biggggboy:
No the highest I have stayed is two months
And I wanted to start school all over again because Nigeria university undergrad degree is not valued that’s why I tried community college so I can transfer to a four year college after 2 years

Ok,most of your responses are not detailed.

Why the US? Because of global recognition and help you achieve your career goals? What is your career goal? Link that with global reputation that US school provides

How did you know the school?

You conducted intensive research online? Via what? Ms in us?princeton review?us news?

How will this degree help you?

This degree will afford me world class business management skills such X,Y abd Z.It will also prepare me to be a member of the Board of Director as a ? upon my return to Nigeria in my family's group of companies.

Why you chose Texas southern?
How does their course curriculum aligns with your career plans? That answers should be more specific not broad.

What are your study plan?

I am require to complete 42 credit units in 24months.This compromises of 36 credit work and 6 credits elective.Some of my courses include X,Y,Z,A,BC.Upon my graduation I will return to my family's group company in an X role.

Biggggboy:
I was applying to a community college and my interview date was very close to my resumption date

Ok,Have you over-spent your time in the US on B1/B2? Be honest.

Why community college?

Irrespective of how close to resumption you may request for a letter of extension.

Biggggboy:
CGPA:3.47/4 WES
GRE:283
TOEFL:78
Proposed transcript
Please I have an interview in few weeks time at the abuja embassy
Full funding from my dad about $50k in the account
Vo: good morning pass your passport
Me: good morning sir
V.o: where are you going?
Me: I’m going for my masters in business administration at Texas Southern University
Vo: why USA? Why not Nigeria? Why know Canada?
Me: well simply because the United States educational system has a well known global recognition and reputation and it will also help me achieve my career goals
Vo: How did you get to know about Texas Southern University
Me: I conducted an intensive research online
Vo: How is this degree going to help you?
Me: This degree is going to help me sharpen my business management skills and enable me join the board of directors at my family’s group of companies as we have plans of issuing an initial public offering and being listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange
Vo: What was your first degree and when did you get it?
Me: My first degree was in accounting and I got it in 2018
Vo: What have you been doing since graduation?
Me: Well I went for the compulsory national youth service for a year just recently concluded it
Vo: Did you write GRE/GMAT/TOEFL
Me: Yes I wrote the GRE twice and the TOEFL once scored 283 in the GRE and 78 in the TOEFL
Vo: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: five schools
Vo: How many schools admitted you?
Me: three schools Texas Southern University Praire view a&m university and University of Baltimore
Vo: why did you choose Texas Southern University?
Me: because Texas Southern University provides a well structured curriculum that aligns perfectly with my career goals
Vo: can you tell me some of your lecturers?
Me: I know of dr John Williams and Mr Antonio Basillio
Vo: What is your study plan?
Me: well I would be taking 36 hours of course work and 6 hours of electives which would help me build in depth knowledge of a particular business discipline
Vo: What courses will you be taking?
Me: accounting 306, marketing 336 and I will also be taking some courses on management information systems
Vo: who is your sponsor?
Me: my dad
Vo: What does he do?
Me: He is the chairman of bleep group of companies they have interest in real estate, manufacturing, foods and beverages and hospitality he owns a lot of properties around Nigeria ,a lot of factories and a 75 bedroom hotel
Vo: okay I will be approving your visa
Me: Thank you very much
Note: I was denied beginning of this year in January and I have been to the US about 8 times I spent about two months on my last visit which was September last year and earlier this year my sister applied for a student visa and she was denied plus her b1/b2 visa was revoked she spent about 3 months in the US before coming back to Nigeria to apply for her student visa I still have a valid b1/b2 visa
Please shawarma, lagosismyhome,fairheart and all the visa experts in the house I need your help please help a brother out thank you God bless as you do so

Why do you think you were denied in January? Be honest with yourself.

Juwon21:
House can I still use the statement of account of my sponsor that I used at the embassy in the month of July when i was denied again for my coming interview nextweek?


Please i need advice of gurus in the house

Nope,that's far.Use a recent SOA.If your interview is next month you can use an SOA of late this month.

Goodbloke:
Am presently on the Australia thread now, planning to read and digest all Information there

Thanks

You are welcome.And it easier to get VISAs in those countries once you have the funds..

N2B2:
Good day House

My uni has just sent my I-20 via courier, and I should be getting it in a few days.

In the mean time, what do I do next. Do I pay my SEVIS fee now, and then go ahead to pay visa fee?

I'm sorry for the poor question.

You can pay your SEVIS once the school has issued you SEVIS ID and the school code.
However,only book for interview when you have received your i-20 .You will also need the information on the i-20 to fill some information on the DHS website and on the cgi website.
Ensure your DS-160 confirmation number is the same as that on the visa appointment confirmation.

Goodbloke:
Lolll baba you funny die

Am thinking of potential countries that I can move to and schools with low tuitions it’s not compulsory to be US or Canada or uk or Germany

Can you help out with countries that are not so difficult

Check Australia and ireland if you have budget of N7m+

Goodbloke:
is age a determining factor compared cos am currently 24years but am also skilled in plumbing

You are going for which? Bachelor's or Masters?

Goodbloke:
Is it compulsory that I have a sponsor in order to study abroad cos I have beeen saving and working towards this exercise and I intend sponsoring myself abroad.

Pls Is this acceptable ?

Yeap,as long as you have the funds that will cover your total cost for your first year.
And your SOA must be busy with deposits and withdrawals..

hammed71:
guys is it too late to apply for spring 2020

Not really.Some school deadline is October 31st,some November 1st and some December 1st.So,it is not really late.

Before applying confirm the school deadline for priority funding if you are looking for funding.

odayofunmi:
I finished from FUTA ,estate management to be precise with a 2.41 2nd class lower grade. I need advice on how best I can further in the USA with this grade.

The first step is to convert your GPA to US standard using WES IGPA free online calculator and see what you get.Then,proceeds to check school requirements for your course.Check TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirements and GRE requirements.

Adesegun1:
Thank you for your advice. God bless you plenty plenty.

You are welcome