₦airaland Forum

Fully-funded PhD Position at Texas A&M University, USA

Suitable for students with background (&interest) in Biogeography, Statistics, Ecology, Biology, GIS, and Spatial Modeling.

You'll work with Prof Daru.

Please Apply

https://twitter.com/drhammed/status/1402188789389406210?s=21

Since I cancelled my previous appointment, I have been unable to see Lagos dates.

Malone122:
since when have you not been seeing dates ??

Like 3-5 times a day with intervals
What I did then was logged in and refresh every 5 minutes to avoid logging out

Hello guys, please I’m filling my financial affidavit/support form and my sponsor is using his company account. Should I put the company name in bracket beside the sponsor’s name or I should write only the sponsor’s name? Someone should help please, I’m about to submit the documents to the school.

richieboy1994:
This is the provide feedback after clicking Bro. I can't still the available emergency dates oo. Pls direct me

Click on that drop down where you have interview appointment, request emergency appointment is part of the options there

Laye92:
Since I cancelled my previous appointment, I have been unable to see Lagos dates.

first timer ?

Check the screenshots bro, "request emergency appointment" is not there. Please what can I do?

customised87:
Click on that drop down where you have interview appointment, request emergency appointment is part of the options there

jojoey:
Hello guys, please I’m filling my financial affidavit/support form and my sponsor is using his company account. Should I put the company name in bracket beside the sponsor’s name or I should write only the sponsor’s name? Someone should help please, I’m about to submit the documents to the school.

Can someone please advise?

jojoey:
Can someone please advise?

Only his name(s), don’t bracket anything. Since you’re going to attach/go-with an affidavit stating he’s the one helping with the Company’s SOA while going for your interview.

Goodluck �

Wow! Congrats . I tap this blessings

Mayorism:
Hello All,

I want to thank you guys here for such a nice job in guiding F-1 visa hopefuls. I stumbled on this thread while searching for helpful info during preparation for my F-1 visa interview and I must confess the hunts and advice i garnered here were very helpful particularly regarding the particular kind kf questions to expect and how to convincingly answer them.

My interview, on the 18th May, was successful and I want to share the transcript here to encourage someone.

Program: Political Science, PhD
CoA: 43k
Funding: Full Ride

VO: Good Morning, passport and 1-20 please.
Me: Good morning (handing him the docs)

VO: Why are you going to the States? *starts typing vigorously*
Me: I am going for my PhD in Political Science @ XYZ

VO: How many schools did you apply to? *still typing*
Me: Just this one

VO: Why just this? *stops typing*
Me: One, the quality of its faculty and especially the works of two memners whose profile intersect with mine, and two, the opportunity for career growth in terms paper publications and conference attendances the program provides.

VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes, with two kids

VO: Are they travelling with you?
Me: Not for now

VO: Will they join you any time in the future?
Me: Yes, My kids are pretty too young to be detached from their dad for so long.

VO: I will be approving your visa
Me: Thank you.

I was so happy I almost forgot my 1-20. The VO had to call me back to get it.

My advice: Pray as hard as you can, what God cannot do does not exist. In my case, GRE was waived, English Test was piad for by my Program and I got full funding.

God is still in the business of blessing those who trust in Him. Shalom

jojoey:
Hello guys, please I’m filling my financial affidavit/support form and my sponsor is using his company account. Should I put the company name in bracket beside the sponsor’s name or I should write only the sponsor’s name? Someone should help please, I’m about to submit the documents to the school.

My school specially said they need only personal account so please be sure business account is acceptable before you go ahead

Friedpotato:
this is the total truth sha. Prepare and pray because the mood of the V.O is 50% in determining your approval. That’s why you’d see some people talk rubbish and they’d still be approved. Prepare very hard nevertheless.

Congrats. Gods grace for me also �.

MooreCode:
Hey Guys,

My first attempt. Help me thank God, my visa was approved June 3.

Thanks to everyone that posted their transcript here because I used it to practice.

My transcript:

VO : Your passport and I-20
Me: Good morning ( I passed it)

VO : Why did you choose this course and this school?
Me : I have been an ardent follower of professor xyz and he happens to be a lecturer in this great institution. Also, I have a couple of previous and current colleagues who are graduates of this institution and they have amazing reviews about the standard of education.

VO: what do you do currently?
Me: I’m a senior software engineer

VO: I can see you have a scholarship of 17k why is your sibling still sponsoring you with 32k?
Me: before the scholarship, she has already promised to sponsor me with that amount.

VO: What does she do?
Me: She was formally an accountant with xyz oil and gas Ltd but she currently runs her own company and she’s doing absolutely well.

VO: How long has she been running this company?
Me: 2 years now

VO: Are you sure she can afford the amount since she’s been running this business in this country for just two years?
Me: Oh yes, she makes a lot of profit and she already has a staff strength of 22 employees

VO: (Turns off mic and types for a long time and takes my i-20 to another of her colleagues to confirm a couple of things)
Me: (singing in my heart Moses bliss song titled faithful to fail me, also praying that I’ll not leave here with a blue paper)

VO: (closed my passport and returned I-20 slide her had into the pile of white paper)
Me: (singing in my heart JudiKay song titled Capable God)

VO: you’d need this 1-20 blah blah blah...(hand over my 1-20 with white sheet, said a lot of other instructions then said)
I wish you a safe trip to the United States of America.
Me: thank you.


When I stepped out, I was actually crying, a lot of people were telling me don’t worry you can try again, without realizing that I got an approval.

Guys, you need to pray, your visa is totally dependent on the person interviewing you, his/her mood and what ever they feel at that time.

A lot of people were more prepared than I was, answered better that I did, where asked more technical questions and they gave amazing answers but were also rejected.

I’m not trying to scare anyone but trust me, when you get there you’d see for yourself.

This is my first time and when I entered the hall, I was gripped with fear, but I had just one confidence, and that was God has gone before me and He was also with me.

I wish everyone success and thanks to Everyone sharing there experience.

congrats . Gods Grace of me also �

.

No, you can use your cousin no problem about it as long as he has the money. They really don’t have to know that he’s not really your cousin as long as the money is genuine.

Yes you can still apply for the visa if it comes out this month.

cliffton:
Thanks for the response bro.
I was just asking if I could use my cousin - the guy owns a bank or my father in-law whose account has been updated (but currently less than the COA - although this can be updated with time. But am scared of sudden lump sum to the acc).

My qs is this, my mum hasn't really travelled before, so I plan to claim that this cousin of mine is my Uncle to make the blood relationship firmer. Wil this hurt me? Or should I just use him as my cousin.

His truly my cousin and my mum helped raise him. But I don't know if the embassy would believe this cos we bear different surnames.

I already applied for fall 2021 but yet to receive admission decision cos of WES delay. Though the school is still waiting for my WES report to make a decision and I have identified and done a successful interview with a Professor.

Do you think if my admission decision comes out positive this month that there is still time to apply for VIsa?

...And would using my cousin as an uncle help matters or worsen it?

Thanks a lot bro for you time.

Slayyy001:
congrats . Gods Grace of me also �

Congratulations to all those who got their visas approved. I rejoice with you


It's my turn to testify..

Thanks a lot, that's why I have strong confidence is this thread.

Ifedolarpo:
No, you can use your cousin no problem about it as long as he has the money. They really don’t have to know that he’s not really your cousin as long as the money is genuine.

Yes you can still apply for the visa if it comes out this month.

[color=#006600][/color]

Bigsecret:
As promised
Status: Approved
Embassy: Lagos Consulate
Window 5
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning
VO: How was your night
Me: (In my mind, this VO nice o), fine and yours?
VO: Fine. Passport and i20 please
He kept typing for like 2 minutes. I was praying under my breathe
VO: I see you are going to Miami University for your Masters in SAHE
Me: Yes, Please
VO: Why Miami
Me: I chose Miami because the program is focused on Social Justice and Equity. I am interested in this topic as it will enable me provide the right support for students particularly underrepresented students like students from low income background. ( I was talking too fast)
VO: (looks up at me for the first time, all the while, he was typing) hold on. I am not rushing and you not. Looks like you are reading from a script.
Me: Should I continue?
VO: No, it’s just fine.
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
ME: 5
VO: name them
ME: NIU, UCONN, MIAMI, KSU, OSU
VO: How many admitted you?
ME: they all did
VO: why not go for the other schools?
ME: To be very honest, it was hard making the decision because all the schools gave me full funding. However, Miami’s program is focused on Social Justice and Equity, a topic I am interested in as it will enable provide support for students particularly underrepresented students when I come back to Nigeria. Also, I love the theory to practice approach that the program adopts. I got an assistantship that covers the total cost of attendance, the funding includes tuition waiver, meal plan, accommodation, phone bills and monthly stipends.
VO: that’s generous
Me: with a smile, yes it is. (I continued). In addition to this, it is also required of me to gain experience in 2 other functional areas of my choice. This will give me a better understanding of the field both in theory and practice which will aid the transfer of learning when I come back to Nigeria. Moreover, the graduate advisor….
VO: okay, that’s enough. How did you get this generous funding?
Me: I will say the strength of my application and my performance during the interview days. I had interview with the Graduate coordinator (mentioned her name) and the associate director of Reslife (mentioned her name too)
VO: So?
Me: I believed they were impressed with my performance and decided to give me based on merit.
VO: Do you have any experience in this field. What course did you study in UNDERG?
Me: English Language and Education
VO: oh, education. I will be giving you a chance. You will need your i20 at the POE.
ME: Thank you.

Congratulations. I’m also going to TU this fall. Let’s connect, I already sent to an email.

Mamnenge:
Hello everyone.

I have been a silent follower and have read so many transcripts etc which I gained from.

I just had my visa interview today at Abuja (9:45am). I was checked in at exactly 9:45am but had my interview at about 12:10pm.

VO : I understand you are going for a master's degree in agricultural economics at Tuskegee university
ME : Yes

VO : I understand you have an assistantship.
ME : Yes

VO: What will you do after this program?
ME : I will return to my Nigeria as the doors of employment are still open to me with my current employer.

VO : You work with LFN, what do they do?
ME : It's a non profit organization that is committed to training youths and farmers in modern and sustainable ways of practicing agriculture ....(I said more).

VO : Why would you want to return to work with your current employer? What's going to be different this time?
ME : I'd be opprtuned to work this time at senior management level and not mid management level which I currently am and I'll also get opportunity to work with bigger organisations like the African development Bank which particularly looks out for people with masters degree in agricultural economics.

VO : Keeps my passport aside.
Hold unto your I20,(passes my I-20 and white paper under the window)you will need it at the point of entry to the US...

At this point I didn't hear anything else.
I have never traveled anywhere.

May God grant everyone their hearts desire.

cliffton:
I just wonder why they are taking so much time. I applied to Iowa State University been contacted by a Prof for a possible research area. I replied and she asked for my CV which I have given her over a month now. I had to keep sending series of emails to her to know if she got my CV with no luck. Only for her to come back this Monday, gave me a survey she did on that research area for my further reading. I read the paper sharperly and responded Wednesday, as usual, she has gone silent again. T
The admission deadline is next week Friday and my application is still showing under review by graduate department.

Is this a positive or negative sign as am really worried. That school is the only school I applied to.

How far? Hope you have finally heard from her?

customised87:
It has to be paid by somebody in the USA. If you don’t have relatives that can help, contact Fairheart or Walspring here on NL. They help people do the payment. It’s $350 and must be paid latest by 3 days before your appointment date. You can book appointment without it though and then pay before you go for the appointment

Thanks so much for the info

emmanuelle27:
I'm in Port Harcourt, preparing for GRE too, the center in Stadium Road is no longer operating for now, they have issues with ets, they nearest place you can write now is in Owerri, get in touch if you wish

Is there a GRE study group? I’m writing too.

Hear Fire! She kept doing MIA until the admission passed. But we are still in talk. Having an interview with her soon. Though my interest is off due to her antics.

ObodoNaija:
How far? Hope you have finally heard from her?

TWoods:
Yours is complicated. You have a thriving business in Nigeria so you definitely want to come back after 1 year in culinary school... however, it will take you a couple of years (unless you marry) to get a green card. How do you combine that with running your business here?

Also, I don't think it matters that you don't have a bachelors degree to attend culinary school. Having a restaurant should be a sufficient qualification to get a visa.

The US will never give you a visa to go to culinary school. Take that to the bank any day of the week. To learn what? To cook American food? American food wey be burger and fries. Na wetin she no fit learn from YouTube? This na rejection straight

Does anyone know?

FlyingColors:
Hello everyone,

I am new here.

I currently work remotely for a foreign company, but I am in Nigeria.

I am worried about if this would affect my visa interview (for studies in the U.S)?
Especially how I would need to convince them that I would come back to Nigeria after studies (because I will).
Do you suggest I remove it from my CV?

cliffton:
Hear Fire! She kept doing MIA until the admission passed. But we are still in talk. Having an interview with her soon. Though my interest is off due to her antics.

Nawaoooo! I pray it favours you. Hope you have other options?

mohyeen:
VISA APPROVED.

I have been a silent member of this group for about 4 months & I have gained a lot reading other people transcripts so I am posting today as a way giving back to this group

Appointment time: 7:15am, Lagos US Consulate.

Profile:
Full tuition waiver with monthly stipends
Deficit: 11,419 dollars

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning

VO: please pass me your i20 & passport
Me: I passed it

VO: what's your study plan?
Me: Master of Accounting at Georgia Southern University takes 2years to complete with a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate course work. This includes 18 core credit hours & 12 elective credit hours . The electives courses are designed to allow students to personalize their program of study to fit their career objectives.( I wanted to add the courses I will be taking but he cut me & said he wouldn't be needing that information)

VO: what are the benefits of this degree to you?
ME: A master degree in Accounting would enable me build on my existing skills & knowledge as an Accountant, as I presently have a bachelor of science degree in Accounting and also 2 years of relevant work experience working as an Accountant in Both a manufacturing & an Accounting firm.

A master degree in Accounting would also provide me with the education qualification to be qualified for senior/managerial roles in the accounting sector here in Nigeria.

VO: How did you find out about this school
Me: I carried out an extensive search using academic websites such as USnews.com and gradschool.com. I then streamlined my search to schools that offer an M.sc degree program in Accounting & also to schools whose course curriculum aligns well with my goal.

VO: I can see you have a full tuition waiver, who will be paying for the rest of the fees
Me: My dad & uncle would be paying for the deficit.

VO: what does your dad do for a living?
Me: My dad is a Civil servant & owns rental properties both in Lagos state & Ondo state Nigeria. while my uncle is a motor dealer, he import fleets of motor cars & buses from other countries sell them here in Nigeria .

VO: He gave me a white paper & said he will be approving my visa....................( I blanked out at this point & didn't hear the other things he was saying)
Me: Thank you.

Brother I just got my admission and I'll like to know some procedures you took when you got yours.

I wouldn't mind if we talk on WhatsApp.
Thanks

FlyingColors:
Does anyone know?

you might find this useful.

Why not say, you work remotely as a freelancer.

State the services you render and your average monthly earnings. I believe that should work just fine.

Yes, I do bro. Thanks a lot man.

ObodoNaija:
Nawaoooo! I pray it favours you. Hope you have other options?

Hello Guru in the House,

Please a sister is just paying her Sevis fee today and her interview is tomorrow.

Please is there any risk.

adeyusuf2000:
Hello Guru in the House,

Please a sister is just paying her Sevis fee today and her interview is tomorrow.

Please is there any risk.

Mega risk ooo.
Sevis fee is supposed to be paid not later than three days before the appointment date. They may not be able to confirm it at the embassy

Stevenssen:
Congrats. welcome to WSU

thanks can I chat you privately please?

Are you in PH?

Nozino:
Is there a GRE study group? I’m writing too.