towbaynah:
Port of Entry (POE) Experience

Good day, e-family. Greetings from Indiana. I left Naija on Friday at about 6:30AM, Nigerian time. Arrived Casablanca around 10AM. Layover lasted for 11hours. My connecting flight departed Morocco around 9PM and arrived JFK on Saturday at about 4AM, Nigerian time. I traveled with Royal Air Maroc. My journey was relatively smooth except for minor bouts of turbulence experienced from Casablanca to JFK.

On arrival, I headed to Customs and Border Control (CBP). We were to verify our visas with one machine like that, but it turned out the machine doesn't recognize F1 visas and a couple other visa types. So my verification had to be done manually by a CBP officer. The
queue for manual verification was longer than Mugabe's term in office. Had absolutely no problem waiting though.

Finally, it got to my turn. The CBP officer was a light-skinned man of South American extraction, presumably in his mid-thirties. I presented my passport (had my boarding passes inserted at the visa page), my I-20, and the declaration form given to me on the flight from Casablanca. He returned my boarding passes, verified my visa, took a brief glimpse at my I-20. I even forgot to sign my declaration form, so he gave me to sign it and collected it afterwards. Then he asked me to put the four fingers of my right hand on a biometric machine. After that, he took a snap shot of me and proceeded to stamp my passport. BAM!

There was no much exchange. He did not ask me any single question and he didn't even say "Welcome to the US". I sha carry my passport examined it and saw the stamp. It read, "ADMITTED". A smile of pure satisfaction spread on my lips. I bounced off happily to Baggage Claim.

The journey begins...

Alex2626:
Hi house was rejected Dis morn by d old lady pls i need assistance @texrem @lagosismyhome pls i need ur assitance as i plan to reapply

Obayomimi:
My visa was approved yesterday after 6 denials.
Let me tell my story because I want it to motivate someone out there.

When I was young I have always wanted to be behind the camera because my uncle works with the Nigerian Television authority as the head Camera unit. I love the job and I made up my mind to do it too. Later I got admitted to OAU ife to study plant science. When I got there i was studying and i was doing editing training in town to follow what I actually love to do which affected my academics. I failed CHM 101, PHY105 and MTH 105 I only passed BOT 105 and ZOO 105. My Cgpa was not below 1.0 but I was not just interested in the course. I decided to leave the department and concentrate on my editing class and write another jamb and go for an ARTS course.
I was so determined to have a BSC so I went to ibadan to write another waec in art subject.
Fast forward to 2010 I got to know about souther illinois university Edwardsville I applied to the school to study mass communication and i got the i 20. I was denied twice in 2010 and 0nce in 2011. When I got denied in 2011 I ran to jamb office to get jamb form because they must not know at home that I am no more a student and I started all over i had to tell my parents after I got admitted again to the same OAU but now an art course. When I got to school again I was ashamed somehow especially when it is the convocation of your mates and you are in part 1 and you will be the one to sing for them in AMPHI. I did my tin and I left AMPHI theatre. I got to know about new york film academy in my second year and I applied for a year conservatory prog in Filmmaking in 2013. I got the i 20 also but I was also denied twice then I got to know about nairaland. I read all pages for 3 days and I decided to stop applying until I get my BSC here in Nigeria .
I got my BSC and I refired to the same new york film academy for masters in fineart but now I am not too desperate because I have a lot of editing jobs to be done. I got the i 20 in April this year and I was forced to apply again by my brother. I went for the interview on 3rd of July 2017.
Me..............Morning

VO...............no response(I was too angry but what can I do)
VO........... Have u traveled out before
Me............ Yes. South Africa and Dubai for a shoot.
Vo............. are you married?
Me.............no
Vo............. you can reapply. Thank you.
I don't think I have seen that kind of ntervuew before. I left and I called my brother that I am no longer 8nterested I want to go to South Africa which is sure and cheaper and he agreed.
On Sunday my brother just called me that he has paid for my visa fee online that I should go again and I schedule the interview for yesterday. I just went with cgi receipt, appointment confirmation,sevis, I 60 confirmation, I 20 and passport. No interest again at all but I knew if the consular should ask me anything about production he will not want me to stop because this is my field.
When I got there i was moved to the woman that denied me the last time but I dint bother because I just wanted to do the interview and go back to the studio.
Vo........... good morning
Me ..........Morning ooooo
Vo............. did you write any test
Me.............no
Vo..............are u married
Me............ no
Vo............I interviewed you before
Me...........Yes
Vo.............I will have to allow another Vo to interview you for fair hearing. And he passed me to one old woman that has been denying people.
New vo;
Vo.........I like your cloth
Me........ thank you
Vo..........tell me about your application
Me......... I applied online, sent my transcript through my university, wrote my sop( cuts in)
Vo......... what do you do
Me........ I am a film editor and a content provider
Vo........ Av u done any project to yourself
Me........Yes
Vo..........tell me about it
Me.........I did a shot film about what is happening in nigeria.bokoharam and kidnapping *cuts*
Vo......... you have been applying since 2010 and your application has been on media and production which shows you really have passion for it and you have been denied 6times. Give me one reason why I shud approve your application.
Me............(for my mind I was like this is the question I have been expecting for the past 7 years). There is a course i will be taking in the second year of my program at NYFA which is about production business. It is divided into 2, the first part is for ppl who wants to to be an executive producer and the the second one is for someone like me who wants to come back to Nigeria and have a film school.In Nigeria today there is no standard film sch all what we have are acting classes. We need a film school whr there will be gaffer department, makeup department, costume class, well equipped editing suites ( I mentioned softwares too)cuts
Vo..........inform me when you arrive to Nigeria and start your film school. You really know what you are doing. PICK UP YOUR VISA ON FRIDAY.
IT IS TOO LONG BUT I HAVE TO WRITE IT INFACT I HAVE EDITED A LOT OF TINS.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING IF POSSIBLE SO THAT WEN YOU ARE DENIED IT WILL NOT WEIGH YOU DOWN MUCH AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO REFIRED AND AQUIRE WHAT YOU DESIRE.
IF YOU ARE DENIED AND YOU COME BACK HERE YOU WILL WANT TO REAPPLY IF YOU HAVE MONEY. THANK YOU GUYS AND GOD BLESS YOU

teepee4Him:
Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.

1. I wish I knew a student in my school : By all means, PLEASE get at least two 'CORRECT' students in your prospective school that can advice you. Information sometimes can be more useful than thousands of dollars as a new student. I never knew any student in my school then and I still regret a little till date. To make matters worse I entered when school wasn't in session. So, I met no 'CORRECT' student until orientation day.
Likewise, make plans to attend the Orientation. I know some will tell you it is not important BUT I THINK IT IS. Apart from the valuable information you will get, you will also get the opportunity to meet new people. I will never forget the Guy that 'gingered' me after orientation to knock at doors and speak directly with Professors for Jobs - TAs, RAs and the likes. That paid off for me.

2. I wish I learnt a handiwork : To some that are financially comfortable, this might not be necessary but to others on the street this might aid to ease of some stress - Learn a trade. (Fashion designing, Hair dressing, Barbing, even Mechanic). My fisrt day in U.S, after picking me from the airport, my uncle drove me to a restaurant and then to have his hair cut. Lo and Behold - I was shocked to learn he had just had an hair cut for $20 (especially because I just had mine cut two days ago in naija for less less than #300.) I did calculation immediately and was kinda

3. I wish I knew how to drive and came with an International Drivers License. Imagine me - I had access to a small car at home then in naija and wasn't working BUT I JUST DECIDED NOT TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE. That's one of my foolish decisions. Public transportation in the U.S is 'Zero in some cities' and if you dont have a car, it is as simple as you dont have a leg - YOU WILL BE CARRIED ABOUT, not without stress, heavy bills etc. Why not save yourself the stress now and learn in naija. Likewise, INTERNATIONAL Drivers License is permitted to drive with in some states.

4. I wish I spoke the truth. Well, I am not the kind of person that believes in lying but whatever came upon me at the POE when asked if I came with food items, I still can't fathom. I at first said no to the officer. I later said except few dried fishes and snacks. However, I had several types of foodstuffs, from dried fish to Garri to Ogbonno, to Egusi etc. I had to be delayed for about an hour and half where I later now listed all I can remember was in my bag . Not without fear and anxiety. Save yourself the stress and simply tell them what's in there. (They already know)

5. I wish I came with a minimum of three jeans and probably a snickers. . For new students, I don't believe the first few months will be one where you need to spend money on stuffs like wears except you are obo. One or two correct jeans will do the magic. JJC like me, I don't put on jeans in naija so I came with 'half' jeans.

6. I wish I came with an Extension/socket/charger that works in U.S. Laptop chargers, Phone Chargers and other electrical appliances will not work if they are not 'two mouth U.S kinda thing'. N.B: I think Voltage also differs. Few electrical appliances and chargers I came with became a candidate of the trash. (The one wey pain me pass nah my clipper). My candid advice is PLEASE Find and get those extensions or whatever they call it at Ikeja or anywhere else believe me, THIS WILL SAVE YOU ALOT OF STRESS!

7. I wish I came with more medications. I don't like drugs so I came with only a sachet of Pain reliever and 'Tetracycline'. 'After few days, tetracycline finish o'. I have a sensitive digestive system and it reacted to the different kinds of foods.. Likewise, I reacted to the Pain reliever in here. I had to request for a friend to help with the 'chalk' she came along with which is what my 'system' knows as pain reliever.

Finally, Be a friend of your school's website, ICE's website and Homeland Security's website and play around it. KNOWLEDGE is POWER.

Wish everyone a glorious stay!

fecosequence:
ever since I got rejected bk last year December.. it's Bn hard for me to apply again because of fear.. though I intend going again before this year runs out.. I need someone to help me with proper orientation and how to go abt it. God bless you all.

mudi1012:
Don't be scared to fail, Believe in yourself and pray for the spirit of courage and boldness always because nothing will change if your give up on your dreams ...You can do it bro

BenNash:
Hey guys please I need your help on something. I've applied to a u.s university for this fall and I was notified through email that I'm admissible by my profile and I need to send my sponsor's bank statement to complete the admission process. The thing is that money goes in and out of my sponsor's account and presently the account balance is not up to the balance needed by the school and it'll likely remain so till the end of this month. The question I want to ask from the gurus of this thread is if it is possible to have the school direct my admission process to January instead of the fall semester which I applied for because I'm expected to send the bank statement before the 20th of this month. So that by the time my sponsor's bank statement is ready all I'll need to do is send my bank statement to complete the admission towards January instead of fall semester.
Expecting your expedited response, thanks

LagosismyHome:


Saw this school come up a couple of times in fall transcripts..... so u should be able see one or two

OGreene:
You have good memory

Bibiakonure:
send me a pm.

phdmscbsc:


i will appreciate if you can link me up with your brother schooling there. Thank you for indicating to help, i will send you a pm now.

fecosequence:
my brother is schooling there..I hope to join him next year

emmanuelex1:
Please I want to do my masters in Nutrition, but I need serious to guidance to apply for a school in United STATES of America

josuilf:
pls ooh which school can one actually apply for in the state for MBA

LagosismyHome:


Saw this school come up a couple of times in fall transcripts..... so u should be able see one or two

jordan122:
Good morning good people of nairaland .I give gent to help me to secure admission for fall of 2017 and he keeping telling me is still on processing That anything that want to be good do delay somehow and am afraid maybe my visa will not approve if I don't go for interview in this month till ending of next month ...pls I need advice good people here

josuilf:
pls ooh which school can one actually apply for in the state for MBA

femi312:
Now that you have done the most reasonable thing to do, you should try and contact @brightify He posted this in part 11 On Jun 29
''Anyone coming this summer to houston should beep me
Free ride and one week accommodation including free ride throughout the one week''.

gaviria:

I wish someone like that was in my school

phemmyB:


Pls I need to know how soon one can reapply

fairheart:
Possible question: who's going to pay for your tuition? Tell them, and carry your statement in your hand bag, not in the travelling bag.
Who do you know in the Kansas (the state you are going)? Nobody; I am going to the school
What do you plan to do after you complete your studies. I will be going back to Nigeria

Warning: US border immigration has changed. I am not scaring you but to avoid delay, and even intimidation that may make you freak at port of entry, please do follow the following advice:

Clean your cell phone. These days, the immigration offers have started checking people's phone at port of entry; he might go through your chats, contacts and txt. I am not joking here! Make sure you don't have conversation that can create problems for you on your phone. And make sure you have your school admission recruiter or counsellor or a major school official you share you traveling time and date with. A young man I handled his admission almost got returned to Nigeria last August. But he saved his own head because he he told school officials his traveling schedule. Would you believe that the immigration officer called his school to confirm? Yessss! At that same location, A chinese lady was returned to China; she would have to buy another ticket to come in again.

Where are you going in the US?

beejhay69:
ma guy don de fear oo!

fairheart:
I am aware that students who have recieved their I-20 are preparing for visa interview, and that is good. Let your preparation have substance, and be ready to talk as intelligent and cool-headed as much as you can. Know all you need to know about your chosen program, and be ready to say why that program is worth travelling to the US, and that "particular school" for. (I hope you didn't pick those yeye program. Some programs will literally cause your visa rejection; so I hope you chose well?)

Don't talk too much that you forget the need and importance of listening! Listen, and listen and aswer accordingly! No go do I sabi all infront of Oyibo oo; he/she will knock you down! Just make sure your answers are brief and have substance; give convincing points.

If you have never made straight eye-contacts before, do prepare to do so with the consular.


Dress as a responsible person; don't pretend. The only impression you need to make is that, "I am here to convince the you that my application for a US student visa is purely genuine, and I am going to the US to study, and I have what it takes to do just that" Nothing else! If there is anything else, nobody cares. And even if you are applying for the Visa simply to run and never return, do make the impression that you are going for studies.

If you are a man/guy/boy (well, maybe others, you know?) shave two days before your interview. Not a day before it. The two days interval would have helped you look fresh, unlike when you shave yesterday.

Do not be afraid, for you will experience the very thing you are afraid of. What we fear usually happen. Isn't it?
Watch short videos on youtube on how to remain calm in situation that arouse emotional tension.
Do not be afraid, I beg you oo.

Other thing I would like to say is that. Getting a US visa requires either luck or favour ((both are the same (luck is a worldly term that in our religions we call favour). That is, aside from your preparation)), and it has to do with whether or not it is your time, and if the travelling align with your destiny (now, I am not preaching; I am simply telling you basic philosophy of life, of chasing of dreams and of attaining them).
If you can do dedicated fasting and prayer like a week or so before your interview, for successful visa interview outcome, do so. (This is not a requirement, please! I am not even recommending, as this doesn't guarantee positive visa outcome).

I want to hear your story after the interview, and so, write to me if you want to. Oh, one more thing: first, second or third visa denial is not "final denial". Never take visa rejection for such. One of my best friends was denied 8 times before he got his student visa; he got it the 9th time. He is in US now, hail and happy, and progressing in his pursuit of education and happiness! If you are denied, there is always a way. Always! Write to me!

I wish you good success!
E.

shayhune:
Visa re-approved today 26/06/2017 12am batch. Transcript reloading. All Glory to God

LagosismyHome:




As you wish for so shall it be ....... Congrats , good news . God bless your new journey

sshola:


Congrats bro... Pls does it mean same person cannot interview one twice cOs I was delayed too last week

patovicy2k:
Hello Bro, I need to talk to you, it is very urgent, we had similar issues, but God has helped you. The woman that denied you the first time, actually denied me today based on thesame question, I want to ask you few questions please. Here is my whatsapp contact, I sent a PM to you as well. Please reply as soon as possible.

Thanks.

patovicy2k:
Please someone help please, I want to reapply, I just paid my VISA fee, will I still fill another DS-160 form or I will just book an appointment. Please help oooh, it is urgent