₦airaland Forum

Jolek15:
Please is it compulsory that the passport on my DS-160 form should be the same as the one I will take to the embassy, cos I snapped the picture I used for my DS-160 on my phone. So I don't have a passport copy.

Yes, its stated there.
Better find a way you will print it o

MelaninGemstone:
Thanks for your response. I get you

But at the end of the day, it still depends on your VO’s mentality.

There was a guy who answered all his questions just like you have outlined or even better and still got a denial.

Everyone in the queue was shocked!

Things dey happen true true

That happens. I have also seen someone who told me he didn't say anything reasonable and that it was the VO that forced him to talk. He is someone I know well. The VO was like please,go ahead, say something!

pennstate:
Check to see how funding look like in the department...how many TA do they give out each years?. Check if the Prof. has his own funding (very important) for research, hence he is looking for MSc students with the right profile. Finally, that some Prof. tell you to apply doesn't even equate admission, how much more funding.

hmm.. I see

Edaniels9:
This is so untrue.
I got my visa approved yesterday.
I did my BSC in electrical engineering and I am going for my masters in informatics.

I just told the VO that I wanted to change careers.

Guys just be confident, do your research and know what to say.

But most of all involve God.

Wish you all the best.

Kindly share your transcripts

Visa Approved.
Us Embassy in Abuja. 5th May, 7:45 am
If I say only one person helped me... I lie..
I thankgod for Fairheart, we met sometime early this year and it was funny. I thank everyone, I have gleaned things from everyone.. I ThankGod Almighty.
Most importantly, fast and pray..
Me : Good morning to you Madam
Consular : Please pass me your documents.
Consular: I see you'll be going to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for a masters degree in Civil engineering.
Me: Yes, madam
Consular : How did you hear about this school?
Me: I first learnt about this university in an online research paper that is on the production of biogas from the anaerobic degradation of food wastes. So I explored the program website, learnt about the professor and I added the school to my list and applied.
Consular: Did you apply to any other schools.
Me: Yes, I did. I applied to 2 other universities, nanely: old dominion university and the University of South Carolina.
(Consular was quite while she typed)
So I added, I received two admits, one from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the other from Old dominion university, while I had one reject from the university of South Carolina. So I had 2 admits and 1 reject.
Consular: What do you plan to do after graduation?
Me: with this masters degree, I hope to apply for a position in academia at my Alma mater,; Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu university, where I currently work as a research assistant at the Civil Engineering department. I want to pass on the world class knowledge I'd be acquiring to the new generations of Engineers in Nigeria,and also it will help me in achieving my long term goals of liasing with professors in my Alma mater ,as well as professors in other universities here in Nigeria ,so as to help start similar researches here in Nigeria, just like what I will be working on which is on the production of biogas from the anaerobic degradation of food wastes.
Consular: What is your highest degree ?
Me : I have a bachelor's of Engineering degree certificate .
Consular : When did you acquire it?
Me : in 2017
Consular : what have you been doing since then?
Me: After graduation in 2017, I went for the compulsory NYSc program and it ended late 2018. In 2019, I started preparing and I wrote the Standardized tests such as the Gre and TOEFL examinations. Currently, I work as a research assistant at the Civil Engineering department in my Alma mater, Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu university, were I assist with the preparation, writing, and review of journal articles and manuscripts, and so far we have carried out a research that is on the seasonal variation of the surface water quality of Obizi Stream.

Consular: Is your program 3years ?
Me: it's 2 years plus 1 year OPT.( infact I emphasized that it was optional.. So basically 2years,because that's what I filled on ds160 application)
Consular : Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: Yes, I traveled to India in 2016 ,to have a left robotic pyloplasty surgery, because I was suffering from a pelvic ureteric junction obstruction.
Consular: do you have any relative in the USA?
Me: yes, I have a distant relative.
Consular : How will you be paying for the deficit?
Me : In addition to the graduate assistantship I received that covers my full tuition, my mother will be paying the deficit.. ( She didn't even allow me to continue). She cut in..
Consular : Do you have the bank statements to show for the available funds?
Me : yes, I do... Then I gave her the statements.
Consular: The sum of $ dollars was deposited last week
Me: I said yes, in addition to the money that was previously in the account...
Consular: so that makes it $?
Me : Yes, in addition to my mother's salary bank account in Naira bank statement and her pounds bank statement.
Consular : What does your Mother do?
Me: My mother is a medical radiographer at **** where she has been working for 17 years now, and currently holds the position of the manager of the radiography department.

She took few minutes typing, she withheld my international passport ,served me the white slip on directions to pick my passport...

She finally approvedy Visa. The I said God bless you Ma.

brainboss1:
Yes, its stated there.
Better find a way you will print it o

.

Thanks

Elect Eng to IT-esque courses is a popular switch. That shouldn't be a problem.

MelaninGemstone:
Informatics is not that off.

Koskos95:
Visa Approved.
Us Embassy in Abuja. 5th May, 7:45 am
If I say only one person helped me... I lie..
I thankgod for Fairheart, we met sometime early this year and it was funny. I thank everyone, I have gleaned things from everyone.. I ThankGod Almighty.
Most importantly, fast and pray..
Me : Good morning to you Madam
Consular : Please pass me your documents.
Consular: I see you'll be going to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for a masters degree in Civil engineering.
Me: Yes, madam
Consular : How did you hear about this school?
Me: I first learnt about this university in an online research paper that is on the production of biogas from the anaerobic degradation of food wastes. So I explored the program website, learnt about the professor and I added the school to my list and applied.
Consular: Did you apply to any other schools.
Me: Yes, I did. I applied to 2 other universities, nanely: old dominion university and the University of South Carolina.
(Consular was quite while she typed)
So I added, I received two admits, one from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the other from Old dominion university, while I had one reject from the university of South Carolina. So I had 2 admits and 1 reject.
Consular: What do you plan to do after graduation?
Me: with this masters degree, I hope to apply for a position in academia at my Alma mater,; Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu university, where I currently work as a research assistant at the Civil Engineering department. I want to pass on the world class knowledge I'd be acquiring to the new generations of Engineers in Nigeria,and also it will help me in achieving my long term goals of liasing with professors in my Alma mater ,as well as professors in other universities here in Nigeria ,so as to help start similar researches here in Nigeria, just like what I will be working on which is on the production of biogas from the anaerobic degradation of food wastes.
Consular: What is your highest degree ?
Me : I have a bachelor's of Engineering degree certificate .
Consular : When did you acquire it?
Me : in 2017
Consular : what have you been doing since then?
Me: After graduation in 2017, I went for the compulsory NYSc program and it ended late 2018. In 2019, I started preparing and I wrote the Standardized tests such as the Gre and TOEFL examinations. Currently, I work as a research assistant at the Civil Engineering department in my Alma mater, Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu university, were I assist with the preparation, writing, and review of journal articles and manuscripts, and so far we have carried out a research that is on the seasonal variation of the surface water quality of Obizi Stream.

Consular: Is your program 3years ?
Me: it's 2 years plus 1 year OPT.( infact I emphasized that it was optional.. So basically 2years,because that's what I filled on ds160 application)
Consular : Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: Yes, I traveled to India in 2016 ,to have a left robotic pyloplasty surgery, because I was suffering from a pelvic ureteric junction obstruction.
Consular: do you have any relative in the USA?
Me: yes, I have a distant relative.
Consular : How will you be paying for the deficit?
Me : In addition to the graduate assistantship I received that covers my full tuition, my mother will be paying the deficit.. ( She didn't even allow me to continue). She cut in..
Consular : Do you have the bank statements to show for the available funds?
Me : yes, I do... Then I gave her the statements.
Consular: The sum of $ dollars was deposited last week
Me: I said yes, in addition to the money that was previously in the account...
Consular: so that makes it $?
Me : Yes, in addition to my mother's salary bank account in Naira bank statement and her pounds bank statement.
Consular : What does your Mother do?
Me: My mother is a medical radiographer at **** where she has been working for 17 years now, and currently holds the position of the manager of the radiography department.

She took few minutes typing, she withheld my international passport ,served me the white slip on directions to pick my passport...

She finally approvedy Visa. The I said God bless you Ma.

Congratulations

Please guys does anyone know an affordable hotel close to Lagos Embassy that I can pass the night before going for my interview very early in the morning? Thanks

Well spoken..

Pefuele:
Every question that a VO ask has a meaning:

What is taking you to the US. You spoke too much. Who doesn't know that SIT is prestigious in NJ? Infact, that point is generic. Is like you are going to Carnegie Mellon University and you are still telling the VO it is prestigious.
For guys that doesn't have funding there are three questions that you should talk a lot,why this school, why this course & what does your sponsor do( you should praise your sponsor well here except your sponsor is a rich public figure so you dnt need to talk too much). You should be able to defend all what you say.

What this degree do for you: Your response are generic. Why are you interested in Network protection & data security? How will these courses help your career?What promotion are you seeking? To IT Manager? You should back your points with examples.

Who is Paying: My mother is okay. *I have the account statement here* shows desperation and you shouldn't do that. Only when the VO ask for any evidence to support your mums sponsor is when you ask: Do you mean like a Bank Statement? Then you can bring it out. Unless VO ask for a document dnt push for it.

What does she do: You played it low! My mum is a respected real estate developer in Oyo State. She has acquired land worth over N300m & has several developed lands worth more than N100m.My mum has also patnered with the Oyo State Government to provide lands to Civil Servants & to several big wigs in the entertainment industry...... you should praise your sponsor.

How many staffs does she have: The VO wants to know how many people your mum is feeding that's why there's a follow-up question of how much does she earns annually & you answered that with nervousness. So, get the logic! Next time check your SOA well to know the net cash flows per month and get a rough estimate for a year by multiply by 12. There are a lot of questions on SOA that I can't talk about here that the VO can ask.

Who does she live with? She wants to know whether some guys at home also depend on your mum or how close you are with your mum.

Who do you stay with: whether alone or your fiancee is wrong. It doesn't make sense to be married and staying with your fiancee and your mum is sponsoring your Education. It will make more sense if you and your fiancee are sponsoring it ,your fiancee is sponsoring or you are sponsoring.

Normally, an ideal DS-160 should look like this. You are single,you are staying with your mum and your mum is sponsoring your Education.

Please is this a good answer??

Why did you choose this course?

I want to study computer systems networking mainly for two reasons. First, to build my knowledge and to help develop my country. We know that the level of networking and digitalization in Nigeria is weak and it needs improvement. So my plan in studying this course is to build the skills needed to become a network engineer here in Nigeria. And my long-term goal is to own an IT company and also help young Nigerians to develop their skills in this field

I'm an undergrad... please let me know if my answer is okay enough....thanks

fdecisive:
Long post alert!!!

I'm doing this for the benefit of others not established gurus in the house, who know better than me though. So ogas feel free to correct me where I'm wrong.

Some of the points been posted by some of us are not true, based on my personal research about US immigration law for F-1 visas. That is what the VO applies on you, sentiments apart.

Facts:
- Some people do not just meet the requirement for F-1 visa. Why?
They are not going to the USA to study. Simple.
If you're talking to "a student" you will know. They are mentally agile, their application will demonstrate their academic interest and you will see the enthusiasm.
If you like carry all documents, you may still not be eligible, if you're really not a student.
Do mock Interviews with your school officials, formal folks, or others, and see if you are convincing enough. Research your course of study and understand it. Show your capacity for research - abi you no be student? If you can't convince yourself, you can't convince anyone.

- The visa interview process is not documents based. It is an open conversation where WHAT YOU SAY is really what will be used to judge you. That's why for some they never look at you BS or credentials before approval or denial. They really don't care so much about that.
Who are you? Are you telling the truth? From the way you are speaking and acting (your carriage matters), do you sound like someone who understands the purpose of education or a masters degree? Do you have a clear idea of the impact your study will have and how you will create that impact? Ask yourself.

VOs want to gauge from the totality of your application (DS-190, I-20, etc), if you meet US immigration law requirement for entry under F-1 status. US Immigration Law is clear:
- You are admitted to an approved institution.
- You have the academic and mental abilities to study and graduate.
- You can fund your total living & study expenses.
- You have ties and intent to return. (Even if they know that if you get a job you may not return)

If you're a VO, would you approve a visa for someone who can't articulate confidently why they want to study for a Masters Degree or a PhD? Or why that particular university among the hundreds in the US? You reason am naw?

Look at Nigeria, the problems we have in this country should give anyone enough facts to make strong case to support their application. Do a deep research, find a problematic area that your course of study will tackle. Rationally and logically articulate why it is important for both Nigeria and the USA for you to study for this degree. If it's sensible and well communicated, even the VO will be struck by your reasoning, except they are simply mentally unstable, which they are not.

These are just my thoughts as someone who has successfully attended international educational interviews before.

I'm an applicant. Got full funding. My proposed MA is different from my BA, but I have relevant 3 years experience across 3 African countries. Been doing some late night research about the course, the likely questions, and how to address them succinctly and decisively. Only when preparation has been fully done will I engage God in prayers. God is not mocked whatever you sow, you reap.

At the same time I believe if I answer truthfully and honestly, visa will be approved, cos I'm really going to study, not trying to "japa". If it's not, then it's not an indication of my self worth. Life and the pursuit of purpose goes on.

Jolek15:
Please guys does anyone know an affordable hotel close to Lagos Embassy that I can pass the night before going for my interview very early in the morning? Thanks

Google them confirm, never used Dem and can repost here, there prices .. if im wrong anyway

Thanks a lot boss

I appreciate

horlahsunbo225:
Going for second masters is not advisable except it pertains to career change....else comot that first masters from your app

2 family friend is not good....rebrand him/her as uncle/Aunty

CC TWoods , Stevenssen and every other knowledgeable sir/ma Please while filling my ds160 I have been holding the same employment since 2017 till date
I am at the point of present employment which I imputed my present employment start date as 2017

The other page takes me to previous employment if I am correct my answer should be “no” since I haven’t changed my employer since 2017 right ??

MelaninGemstone:
Another tip for intending interviewees!!!

If your masters course of study is far unrelated to your Bachelors degree!

Except you are going for an MBA

Straight denial!!

2 guys were denied yesterday by 2 different VO’s for that reason.

The question they would ask you is why the sudden change in career? And if you can’t defend yourself well, denial letter

Also, avoid filling things or saying things that would lead to unnecessary question you cannot defend.

I could remember few days ago someone said since the first time you posted here, you have always talked about visa denial and the person asked if you needed help. You eventually got denied due to lack of preparation and you’re still preaching denial again? You need to stop this cos we all have different story to tell the VO

starboy2016:
Please house I want to ask if someone can take scanned i20 to interview at the embassy and also travel with it to USA !! I was sent a scanned i20 through the email address so I want to know if I can use it for interview and also use it for my port of entry arrivak

Yes due to pandemic this version is now allowed... just print as clear as possible

horlahsunbo225:
Writing the exam makes the VO to look like you that you're serious about your academics but since the pandemic as hit, the requirements has been relaxed but my advise still stands on write on for writing sake

How will the VO know who wrote or didn't write an a test?

neurosci:
How will the VO know who wrote or didn't write an a test?

Sometime they do ask

Good morning everyone,

Please I need advise on the best approach on visa application if one has a minor-should I apply for her immediately or as soon as I get there.

Please does anyone have the same issue or experience in this area, do you know if the VOs object to leaving your wards behind while you go.

Please I need your inputs,thank you.

Please does anyone know the direction to the Abuja embassy? I'm asking because with the barricades and road blocks, I don't know if one can pass through diplomatic drive when coming from Area 10 or whether one has to use Independence Avenue. Recently, someone told me that when he was coming back from Envoy hotel, he was not allowed to go through the Diplomatic Drive road that would have allowed him to easily burst into Area 10.

Please is electronic i20 accepted?Thank you.

flairlady:
Please is electronic i20 accepted?Thank you.

Yes. It's still accepted.

neurosci:
How will the VO know who wrote or didn't write an a test?

sometimes, they ask for your test scores.

Here's wishing every applicant best of luck with the interview this week, next week, and coming months. May the force be with you all!

adesco2k9:
Google them confirm, never used Dem and can repost here, there prices .. if im wrong anyway

Thanks boss

kastgeraldino:
Please does anyone know the direction to the Abuja embassy? I'm asking because with the barricades and road blocks, I don't know if one can pass through diplomatic drive when coming from Area 10 or whether one has to use Independence Avenue. Recently, someone told me that when he was coming back from Envoy hotel, he was not allowed to go through the Diplomatic Drive road that would have allowed him to easily burst into Area 10.

Pass through Area 10, the road directly in front of Ministry of Defense (Ship House) you will be fine.

Thanks!

PotentialNurse:
Pass through Area 10, the road directly in front of Ministry of Defense (Ship House) you will be fine.

Please,do you have to involve npower volunteer work while filling the form especially those of us that are nagro who did not go anywhere.

Good morning guys.

Please can someone take me on F1 Visa Mock Interview.

VISA approved today at the Lagos Consulate.
School: The University Of Texas Health Science Centre At Tyler
Graduate Assistantship: $23,039
Deficit: $6,806
No documents was requested for.

My transcript:

Me: Hi, good morning.
Vo: Good morning! Pass me your passport.
Vo: Where are you going in the US?
Me: I'm going to study for a Master's degree in Biotechnology at the University of Texas Health Science Centre at Tyler.
Vo: When did you finish high school?
Me: 2010
Vo: What about undergraduates?
Me: 2017.
Vo: What have you been doing since after graduation?
Me: Went for my compulsory national youth service in 2018, completed in 2019. Then I started working at *** Pharmaceutical company as a Medical Sales Representative, then I started working at *** as an Associate Product Specialist - I stopped here, but I realized he was still expecting more - then I continued, my roles include recruitment of Doctors to our platform, engaging Specialists through presentations and webinars to introduce our products, customer service.
Vo: *He stopped typing, then looked directly at me and asked* Why do you want to go for a Master's degree in Biotechnology?
Me: I intend taking a role as a Biomedical researcher at the Nigerian Institute Of Medical Research. The master's degree will provide me with the necessary skills to excel in the field. Also, I have always had the dream of being a Biomedical researcher, however, there hasn't been chances to work in this field, this is the reason I decided to go for a Master's program.
Vo: I can see you have a graduate assistantship, who's paying for the rest?
Me: My Uncle
Vo: What does he do?
Me: He is a medical doctor
Vo: What are your plans after graduation?
Me: like I mentioned earlier, I will return back to Nigeria to pick up a role as a Biomedical scientist at the Nigerian institute of Medical research.
Vo: picks up white paper, "We will inform you when to come pick up your passport". He then picked up my I-20, "have this with you always, you'd be needing it at the point of entry, blablabla (couldn't hear him again)
Me: Thank you very much!

I have been following up on this thread since 2016, and had always wished that some day I'd post my transcript too. I was denied VISA to this school in 2019, though I went for interview late and I only had partial funding. Fortunately same school was able to defer my admission up to 2 years to 2021. I'm super excited and grateful.

My school is still accepting applications for fall. Although they indicated that application to qualify for funding ended in March, you can still try your luck. Also application fee is free. If you are interested in Biomedical research, you can apply here.

.

charliejose:
VISA approved today at the Lagos Consulate.
School: The University Of Texas Health Science Centre At Tyler
Graduate Assistantship: $23,039
Deficit: $6,806
No documents was requested for.

My transcript:

Me: Hi, good morning.
Vo: Good morning! Pass me your passport.
Vo: Where are you going in the US?
Me: I'm going to study for a Master's degree in Biotechnology at the University of Texas Health Science Centre at Tyler.
Vo: When did you finish high school?
Me: 2010
Vo: What about undergraduates?
Me: 2017.
Vo: What have you been doing since after graduation?
Me: Went for my compulsory national youth service in 2018, completed in 2019. Then I started working at *** Pharmaceutical company as a Medical Sales Representative, then I started working at *** as an Associate Product Specialist - I stopped here, but I realized he was still expecting more - then I continued, my roles include recruitment of Doctors to our platform, engaging Specialists through presentations and webinars to introduce our products, customer service.
Vo: *He stopped typing, then looked directly at me and asked* Why do you want to go for a Master's degree in Biotechnology?
Me: I intend taking a role as a Biomedical researcher at the Nigerian Institute Of Medical Research. The master's degree will provide me with the necessary skills to excel in the field. Also, I have always had the dream of being a Biomedical researcher, however, there hasn't been chances to work in this field, this is the reason I decided to go for a Master's program.
Vo: I can see you have a graduate assistantship, who's paying for the rest?
Me: My Uncle
Vo: What does he do?
Me: He is a medical doctor
Vo: What are your plans after graduation?
Me: like I mentioned earlier, I will return back to Nigeria to pick up a role as a Biomedical scientist at the Nigerian institute of Medical research.
Vo: picks up white paper, "We will inform you when to come pick up your passport". He then picked up my I-20, "have this with you always, you'd be needing it at the point of entry, blablabla (couldn't hear him again)
Me: Thank you very much!

I have been following up on this thread since 2016, and had always wished that some day I'd post my transcript too. I was denied VISA to this school in 2019, though I went for interview late and I only had partial funding. Fortunately same school was able to defer my admission up to 2 years to 2021. I'm super excited and grateful.

My school is still accepting applications for fall. Although they indicated that application to qualify for funding ended in March, you can still try your luck. Also application fee is free. If you are interested in Biomedical research, you can apply here.

Congrats boss....wishing you the best