₦airaland Forum

To be honest, I don't know. From what I've read on this thread, I think you should

librangyps:
Ok.
Mine are not and below 7yrs. Should I go with them?

Wow! What a transcript! What a testimony! Congratulations ! You really prepared well and more importantly this is God's favour.

Molly90:
My visa was approved this morning. Lagos Consulate

Program: Environmental Engineering PhD
COA: 35,195 (no funding from school)
School: MTU

I started this journey last year after I got my admission for spring 2021. I checked on nairaland and saw few quotes on how it’s like passing through the needle eye if you’re going for PhD without funding. Also I didn’t get a favorable visa appointment date so I deferred after my expedited request was refused.

I tried applying to other schools, there was one with guaranteed funding among all, my hope was in that even if I was going to manage it because MTU fits perfectly with what I want regarding my career advancement. Applied to 6 schools in all, got rejected in 2, accepted in 2 and awaiting response from 2. I decided to give it a try. I have been praying for a year now and I activated the covenant of exemption. I got encouraged when Fairheart mentioned he did mock interview for someone who got visa for PhD without funding. I was also encouraged by Kemlaugh’s profile. Hence, they were the only two I contacted here. I told God that since some people on Nairaland said PhD without funding is automatic refusal, I exempt myself ooo and my testimony will give hope to as many in my shoes. I kept declaring this even in front of the VO (in my mind obviously). I’m grateful to God, Fairheart and Kemlaugh for their selflessness also, those that responded to my questions.


Transcript:

After all the documents check and fingerprints collection, I joined the interview queue. I won’t say there were more refusals. As at when I had mine, it was about an equal number of approval and refusal.

Candidate- Good morning

VO- Good morning (while trying to get my profile on her system and she apologized)

Then asked what I was going to do in US

Candidate: Going to .... university for my doctorate in envt. Engr.

V.O still trying to get whatever she was looking at on her screen then looked through I20 to keep the discussion. At this point I was quiet and praying within

VO: oh.. you’re going to .... university

Candidate: Yes please

VO: Why the University

Candidate: They have a department offering me a balance between science, engineering and policy which is what I need for my career compared to other school

VO: how many schools did you apply to

Candidate: I applied to Five others. Didn’t list

VO: Why the course

Candidate: the course will give me a blend btw science, engr, policy which is what I need and ther have research programs that aligns with my research interests in water and wastewater treatment

VO: what is the course about

Candidate: It’s a research based course, first two years will be coursework which at the end I will be writing a qualifying exam for candidacy, while the remaining will be focused on research

VO: Why do you need the course

Candidate: repeated what I have been mentioning but not verbatim which shows it wasn’t crammed or rehearsed

VO: what will you do after the course

Candidate: I will be coming back to work as a researcher in .....

VO: How old are you

Candidate: 31

VO: Then the dreaded question- Who is sponsoring you

Candidate: well my program assistant said PhD students get funded in second semester (while this is true and I went with a printed email conversation showing this but not in my I20 and DS) then she was going through my I20 pointing at the funding aspect, I added, however my aunty miss... will be sponsoring

VO: is she a relative

Candidate: She’s my aunty so she’s a relative

VO: How’s she related to you

Candidate: mummy’s sister

VO: Okay

VO: Have you travelled outside Nigeria before

Candidate: yes, in the last five years I have been to xyz. Also in 2011 I have been to abc.

VO: so you have been to 2 countries
On my DS I listed just one when they said in the last 5 years

Candidate: Yes I have been to 2 countries, xyz in the last 5yrs emphasizing that

VO was typing and tapping on my I20. At this point I told Holy Spirit to take control

VO: alright take your 120, you will need that. She dropped it in the tray with the white paper

Based on my testimony let them know your genuineness, speak with authority about the benefits of the program, school etc. know what you filled in your DS, fill the correct information. I have a relative in the US and my sponsor is based in the UK. One thing I also did was to fill my academic and career references I used for school admission in my DS form, the part where they stated that you should list point of contact in your country especially those aware you’re going to school. Above all, PRAYER is the key!

$51k COA .... Omo! Congratulations! It's proof that there are several considerations in the visa process. Also, Oil dey your head.

Ibukun0910:
Lagos Interview
Appointment 7:30am
Date: 27th May 2021
US Student Visa Approved under 4mins

God showed up for me and I decided to post my interview transcript to encourage others who are applying in the next few weeks.
No Funding and COA is $51k
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
VO: Can I have your I-20
Me: Passed him my passport and I-20
VO: How do you intend to fund your studies. I can see here that your total cost is $51k
Me: My Dad is sponsoring me. However, he has made the funds available in my account few months ago when I started processing my I-20.
VO: what does your Dad do?
Me: He owns a Logistic, Haulage and Transport Business
Vo: Wow. Transportation? So how can he afford that kind of money?
Me: Well, it is not just a regular transport business. His company moves commercial goods for manufacturing companies from one state to the other.
VO: So did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes. I applied to 2 other schools. University of Connecticut and Framingham State University in Massachusetts
VO: Do you have siblings?
Me: Yes. I have 2 siblings.
VO: what do they do?
Me: One is an accountant and the other is an Architect.
VO: what is your position
Me; I am the last born.
VO: So where do you live now.
Me: I still live with my parents (smiles)
VO: Pulls out white paper
Me: I stopped listening…………………………I didn’t know how I got to the car park to meet my sister.

That is my story………my $51k COA is relatively high, and I didn’t have any funding, Yet the VO didn’t even ask for my bank statement.
I wish everyone the best of luck.

NigPatriot:
What that simply means , is that they're currently reviewing your app - GPA first by graduate college. Most schools have inhouse conversion of GPA's. So once their done, they'll get back to you in your application decision.

okay thanks

What if you said I'm a high school teacher but wish to join higher institutions as a Lecturer upon your return to the country that's why you need a graduate degree, just thinking out loud

Godgivs:
My Visa was denied
Location:Lagos Embassy
GA: 14k
Deficit: 7k

Vo: Good morning

Me: Good morning, Sir

Vo: you are going to North Carolina University and you graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University(Shook his head in a weird manner). So, why NCU?

Me: I made up my mind to go my Masters degree and I spoke with a professor in my alma mater who is an alumunus of the University...

Vo: Okay, you are a High school teacher? Since when have you been teaching?

Me:...Yes and I also consult for undergrads. I started teaching in 2016


Vo: a High school teacher? Who will pay for the deficit

Me: My Dad

Vo: what does he do?

Me: he is a business man who deals in industrial chemicals and agro allied products

Vo: Ok. So, you are a high school teacher?

Me: Yes (I wondered why he emphasized more on that)

Vo: Sorry, you should try and reapply

The Blue paper: ... You do not have a strong tie... Blah blah


I walked away

Favournice001:
Is this your first time traveling out of the country?
I was interviewed today and immediately the VO knew I had no travel history she rejected immediately.
So I really want to know, do I have a chance of getting accepted with having a travel history?.
And how long can I wait before reapplying

For the F1 visa, I can ultimately tell you there is no criteria making it compulsory for you to have a travel history.

I'll advice you post your full transcript of how it went. I can bet with you there is more that needs correction than the travel history you're referring to.

I am trying to book an expidite date for me and my wife. I am seeking F1 visa while she is seeking F2 visa. We want to travel together so we planned to go to the embassy here in Ankara - Turkey together being that we live here. Though the odds of my own approval of expidite date is high because of the 60 days period before the start of my program in August, i can't say the same for her. Can anyone tell me if she stands a chance of being given an expidite date too if mine is approved. Thanks my people.

Yes if you have the funds

librangyps
post=102117688:
Ok.
Mine are not and below 7yrs. Should I go with them?

Put her in your profile as your dependant.
So what applies to you applies to her too.

tonero4urch:
I am trying to book an expidite date for me and my wife. I am seeking F1 visa while she is seeking F2 visa. We want to travel together so we planned to go to the embassy here in Ankara - Turkey together being that we live here. Though the odds of my own approval of expidite date is high because of the 60 days period before the start of my program in August, i can't say the same for her. Can anyone tell me if she stands a chance of being given an expidite date too if mine is approved. Thanks my people.

KemLaughs:
To be honest, I don't know. From what I've read on this thread, I think you should

chibertha:
Yes if you have the funds

What I meant is do they need to appear with me at the embassy?

As in do they need to see them in person. Na the wahala to travel to the embassy with them I de reason o.

chibertha:
Put her in your profile as your dependant.
So what applies to you applies to her too.

Which profile? You mean my DS160 form profile or my visa interview booking profile?

This is urgent please.

If I sold my crypto portfolio and use as statement of account like less than a month to interview would it cause any trouble for me.

Anybody with experience

@walspring is the best! Very reliable and trustworthy you can always refer to him for your SEVIS fee! He is indeed d plug!!!!!

Bookey005:
@walspring kindly help i sent an email to you concerning my SEVIS fee

Ibukun0910:
Lagos Interview
Appointment 7:30am
Date: 27th May 2021
US Student Visa Approved under 4mins

God showed up for me and I decided to post my interview transcript to encourage others who are applying in the next few weeks.
No Funding and COA is $51k
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
VO: Can I have your I-20
Me: Passed him my passport and I-20
VO: How do you intend to fund your studies. I can see here that your total cost is $51k
Me: My Dad is sponsoring me. However, he has made the funds available in my account few months ago when I started processing my I-20.
VO: what does your Dad do?
Me: He owns a Logistic, Haulage and Transport Business
Vo: Wow. Transportation? So how can he afford that kind of money?
Me: Well, it is not just a regular transport business. His company moves commercial goods for manufacturing companies from one state to the other.
VO: So did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes. I applied to 2 other schools. University of Connecticut and Framingham State University in Massachusetts
VO: Do you have siblings?
Me: Yes. I have 2 siblings.
VO: what do they do?
Me: One is an accountant and the other is an Architect.
VO: what is your position
Me; I am the last born.
VO: So where do you live now.
Me: I still live with my parents (smiles)
VO: Pulls out white paper
Me: I stopped listening…………………………I didn’t know how I got to the car park to meet my sister.

That is my story………my $51k COA is relatively high, and I didn’t have any funding, Yet the VO didn’t even ask for my bank statement.
I wish everyone the best of luck.

Congratulations

tonero4urch:
Which profile? You mean my DS160 form profile or my visa interview booking profile?

Your CGI portal, the visa interview booking profile

Milkshakes01:
Your CGI portal, the visa interview booking profile

Okay. thanks so much. Though Turkey don't use CGI. They have a different way to book for visa appointment.

Mcquine:
This is urgent please.

If I sold my crypto portfolio and use as statement of account like less than a month to interview would it cause any trouble for me.

Anybody with experience

Yes it'll affect

yes you no get choice
You can fly

librangyps:
What I meant is do they need to appear with me at the embassy?

As in do they need to see them in person. Na the wahala to travel to the embassy with them I de reason o.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ9gk-GrNmc
I hope this video I saw online will help someone here

horlahsunbo225:
Yes it'll affect

What if I added like a letter explaining the deposit.

CGI profile but you must fill a ds 160 for her too and every member of your family going with you to the embassy.

tonero4urch:
Which profile? You mean my DS160 form profile or my visa interview booking profile?

horlahsunbo225:
Yes it'll affect

Oga stop misleading people. How and why do you think it will affect his chances?

Misterdhee1:
Oga stop misleading people. How and why do you think it will affect his chances?

Do you have any ideas?

Don't have any sponsor

Mcquine:
Do you have any ideas?

Don't have any sponsor

Do you have any form of funding?

Misterdhee1:
Do you have any form of funding?

Yes I do.

About $8951 per year.

It's a 2 years masters program

I think he's referring to the 'sudden increase in account balance' in 1 month. The VO's see it as a red flag if the funds hasn't been consistent in the account. Your account shouldn't go from 0-100 real quick. If you have a solid explanation though, that should cover.

Misterdhee1:
Oga stop misleading people. How and why do you think it will affect his chances?

KemLaughs:
I think he's referring to the 'sudden increase in account balance' in 1 month. The VO's see it as a red flag if the funds hasn't been consistent in the account

It's a salary account.

But like I was asking the other guy would it help if I added a letter of explanation of some kind.

I think you should explain verbally if it's your account. If not, a letter is Okay.

Mcquine:
It's a salary account.

But like I was asking the other guy would it help if I added a letter of explanation of some kind.

KemLaughs:
I think you should explain verbally if it's your account. If not, a letter is Okay.

Yes it's my account.

Ok I'll explain verbally but still I'm going to draft a letter with all the transaction details just in case.

Hopefully it works

This is helpful thanks.

chibertha:
yes you no get choice
You can fly

Ok na. No wahala.

What is the possibility of one getting a Visa approval if his sponsor is based in US?
I am in that shoe right now, got a partial scholarship for MSc in Engineering Data Science at the University Of Houston and my uncle who will be funding the deficit lives and works in the states.