₦airaland Forum

Congratulations!

SMREXY:
This is going to be a somewhat long...

Fams, in whatever you find yourself doing, always put GOD first. Without him, your hardwork and great profile could be regarded as nothing in few seconds. Indeed, GOD is nothing but Great and Awesome... Alhamdulillahi Robbil Alamin.

Also, NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR PURSUIT FOR SUCCESS!

My first visa interview was at LAGOS and was scheduled for November 27, 2019. I had a fully funded PhD in Civil Engineering (Water Resources Option) at University of Kentucky, Lexington.

So, this was how the interview went...

Me: Good morning ma'am
VO: Good morning, pass me your passport
Me: Should I include my I-20?
VO: Pls do
VO: Why are you going to the US?
Me: I'm going to the United States of America to have my PhD. degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky in Lexington
VO: Why University of Kentucky?
Me: I got to realize, during my online search, that the University of Kentucky meets my expectations with respect to my research specialization. I realized that Dr.__ specializes in fate and transport of environmental contaminants (had the mind to express myself further but wouldn't know what killed my morale at this point, just got blank)
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: I was able to complete my application to only University of Kentucky. I would have also applied to University of Colorado but my GRE score was not up to the required score of the school
VO: What's your GRE score?
Me: 300 (I proceeded to give the breakdown)
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as an Assistant Lecturer at....
VO: What will this PhD do for you?
Me: Apart from my research, the PhD will give me the opportunity to gain promotion to the position of full Lecturer as the position I currently hold is a training position that requires further training (meanwhile, I had prepared to say something different entirely but someone gave the advice and I thought it weighed more than what I planned initially, so my subconscious took it instead)
VO: Why are you changing career
Me: No, I would not be changing career. My first and second degrees were in Water Resources Management and I intend to specialize in Water Resources Engineering during this program. Moreover, I intend to focus on water treatment, which is better handled in Civil Engineering.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as an Assistant Lecturer at Federal University of...
VO: What do you teach? (I couldn't hear what she was saying until the third time)
Me: I teach water related courses (I had to say this twice and later realized I should have been explicit enough)
VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, I have never had the need to
VO: Are you married?
Me: No, I'm not
VO: Started typing...
Me: In my mind, I felt it was going to be positive as she continued to type. Then a smile appeared on my face as she opened her mouth to say the unexpected.
VO: I'm sorry I won't be able to approve your visa this time. Then she passed my passport and I-20 with a yellow paper to me.
Me: I collected them with a smile and told her thank you.


My second visa interview at ABUJA was scheduled for January 12, 2020.

Me: Good morning, Sir! How are you doing?
VO: Good morning, how are you doing?
Me: I'm doing fine, thank you.
VO: Pass me your passport and I-20
Me: Here they are.
VO: Are you employed?
Me: Yes, I work as an Assistant Lecturer at the Federal University of...
VO: Why are you going to the US?
Me: I'm going to the US to have my Doctorate degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering at the University of Kentucky.
VO: Why this school?
Me: Apart from the full time research assistantship I was offered, which covers my tuition fee with a generous stipend that covers my living expenses, the school meets my expectations with respect to research specialization. My guidance, Dr... who specializes in the fate and transport of environmental contaminants and their treatments also specializes in Water Disinfection, which is a problem I intend to tackle when I am back to Nigeria after my programme in the US.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as an Assistant Lecturer at the Federal University of... where I teach water related courses such as Water Quality Assessment and Pollution Control, Principles of Irrigation, Hydraulic structures and Elements of Hydrology. I am also a researcher by default (I had a letter from my Registrar but I didn't remember to mention it).
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: I completed my application to University of Kentucky. Though I also have a pending application at Steven's Institute of Technology
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, I never had the need to.
VO: Sorry, bla bla bla
Me: May I please know why I was denied?
VO: It's written on the paper
Me: Thank you


The third one was at LAGOS on June 1, 2021 for a different programme and school.

VO: Good morning, how are you doing?
Me: Good morning, I'm doing fine. How are you doing too?
VO: Good, thank you. Pass me your passport and I-20.
Me: I did as instructed
VO: (Typed and glanced through his system and my I-20 for a while) I can see that you are going to Kent State University for a PhD in Geology.
Me: Yes please.
VO: How did you learn about the school?
Me: I used Google search and USnews.com to search and narrow down the schools that offer my course of interest.
VO: Why the school?
Me: Thank you for this question. Firstly, I will like to let you know that Kent State University offered me a full-time Graduate Teaching Assistantship position that fully covers my tuition fee and living expenses including 70% of my health insurance as you can see on my I-20. Also, I was able to establish a research correspondence with Dr... who was excited to receive my mail after mailing him to inform him about joining his research team towards conducting a research on the modeling of hyporheic zone which is the interface between surface water and groundwater systems and allows for the exchange of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Also, I should let you know that the school initiated a platform known as flashfriends that allows for the interactions between current and prospective graduate students to enable the sharing of information about the school and all, which was very helpful during my application process.
VO: I can see that you've been refused twice, 2019 and 2020.
Me: Yes, that's true for the same program in Spring 2020
VO: Which school was that? (I didn't hear well so I asked to be sure)
Me: That's University of Kentucky
VO: You applied for Water Resources Engineering then, why Geology now?
Me: Thank you for this beautiful question. I should let you know that my major, which is Water Resources Management, is an interdisciplinary course that cuts across geology, hydrology, civil engineering and environmental science including climate science. So I am going for the Geology aspect which will allow me conduct a research on the modeling of the interaction between surface water and groundwater systems which is similar to the research I intended to conduct with my PhD at University of Kentucky. (All this while he kept typing and wouldn't say anything). So I chipped in this... Also, I was unable to sustain my funding at University of Kentucky due to COVID.
VO: How did you get this great funding?
Me: Thank you. I believe the admission committee must have been greatly impressed with my academic excellence and research capability. I completed my first degree with a First class and my second degree which is a Master's degree with distinction grade. Also, I'm quite sure my recommenders must have submitted excellent recommendation letters on my behalf because they know me quite well having worked with them while they were HOD of my department where I currently work as an Assistant Lecturer. So they know about my capabilities quite well.
VO: Are you married?
Me: No, I'm single
VO: Do you have kids?
Me: No, I don't
VO: Typed for a while that I was already hoping I got the Visa this time... Then blah blah blah
Me: Felt bad, said thank you, then left.

The interview lasted longer than this as he was just typing, typing and typing. I noticed his countenance at some point while he was reading through something on his system so I have a feeling that the issue is from my profile which I wouldn't know what it is. The denial was quite shocking because I was not expecting it throughout the period our conversation lasted.


Now the fourth and the FINAL...

I wouldn't know how, but God perfected everything. The next 2 days after my last denial was my birthday. I checked my visa portal to see what's up and luckily, I saw first available date "June 28, 2021". I thought I was dreaming because the date appeared too close for a recent denial (that's a freaking 27 days after last interview). With faith, I rushed to pay another MRV fee and I was fortunate to still have the date intact at LAGOS Embassy.

What if I tell you that I do not really have a transcript to share for my fourth interview. I mean my experience was nothing but God's mercy. At the utterance of my first response, I was already about to give up because I realized I was in no way at my peak. However, God was merciful enough to change the story for me.

So, I was scheduled for 11:30 am but I left my hotel around 8 am. To locate me became an issue for my bolt driver so I spent several minutes trying to get him to find me. That didn't get me worried though because I felt I still had enough time since it's just a 25 minutes drive to the embassy. Eventually, I was able to capture him after he had passed me again. Thank God I saw his car colour and plate number on the app. I eventually got to the embassy arena and had my bag and phone kept with one of those business oriented fellows... If government no provide job at least some people thought it well to earn through a legit means other than scam and related ways. Meanwhile, they were not even considering the scheduled time of interview so I was just passed in for document verification. It's like not much people were fixed for today because the population was not so much as my first but more than my third.

After the whole waiting, I was eventually led with four other people into the interview hall. It was then I realized that people plenty small o... But still not as much as my first.

When it got to data capturing, the lady asked me when I took my passport photograph and if I had used it for a previous interview. Since the latter response was a yes, that's how she gave me a note to go and snap another one outside o. Thank God they already have a guy on standby in the waiting arena who was charging just #1,000. I went back in after I got the new passport and I completed the process. Then comes another long wait for finger print capture. That's how oyinbo's computer no wan capture my fingerprints o. I was like abi my international passport is fake ni abi dem don ban my passport ni... don't mind me, it's not a good thing to have visited the embassy several times without approval. He had to restart his system and apologized for the delay, then I felt a lil relief that the problem ain't from my end. At last the system came on and fingerprints were captured successfully.

Finally joined the last que for interview proper, then I started viewing different VO-Applicant interactions proper. In this life, until GOD says it is your time, my brother and sister just continue to have patience o because this visa approval/denial of a thing could make a denied best student feel like losing all hope. Some guys with strong case and everything intact, the next thing sorry blah blah blah�. While some with shaky voice and less effort will just get it ...boom... visa has been approved! There was the case of a guy who had previously went to US twice for tourism and spent 6 good months without any good reason to bail himself out. Mehn the VO tackled the guy till the end o even as he was trying to tender other high grade certificates to cover up his flaws. At last he was rejected and everyone kinda laughed because it was turning to a drama between them.

Meanwhile, there were 4 VOs (one was like a part-time because she wasn't really stable at the window but she eventually became my super hero).

I was checking out the scenarios at each of the windows but didn't let what was happening affect my morale because a lot of drama was happening for whoever is ready to laugh and some set of people were actually deriving joy from it. All the while, I just kept praying to God for mercy because after my 3rd interview, I knew what was left for me in this sojourn is nothing but Allah's mercy. I wasn't having any VO in particular in mind but was praying that I get interviewed by the VO that will be willing to allow God use him/her for my case. Thankfully, I got God's mercy in a miraculous way and my prayers were fully answered.

When it was almost my turn, there's a guy in my front that was about stepping to window 2 (or so) where the part-time VO is but was beckoned on to move to one of the active VO window where dramas were happening. This left me open for the window 2. I got there and the following happened...

Me: Good morning ma'am (with a smile)
VO: Good morning
Me: How are you doing ma'am?
VO: I am doing fine (with a smile)... Maybe she likes my attire because I wore native
VO: Pass me your documents.
Me: *(After getting rejected 3 times without me being asked if I have any document from my employer, a friend advised that I include it with my I-20 and fake ignorance. After all you've been denied before so it's no new thing, the most the VO will do is to return it)* So, I folded the letter of introduction I got from my Registrar (stating that I'm a bonafide staff of the Institution with my job role, including that I am expected back at my job after the programme) and placed it in front of my I-20 in-between my international passport, then passed it to her.

VO: (Luckily for me that was the first thing she saw) She removed the letter and glaced through it so swiftly as if she didn't read anything and returned it back to me that she doesn't need it. In my mind I was like... *chai mama don vex o* �
Me: Collected it and felt as if nothing has really happened.

VO: Why did you choose this school?
(Me that I already have a good proposed response for such question just realized that nothing was in my head again o, but at least went ahead to say the rubbish English that my mouth could speak at that time)
Me: I chose the school because among the schools that I applied to Kent State University had my focus with respect to course interest and research focus. I currently work as an Assistant Lecturer (VO cuts in...)

VO: that's okay, you work as an Assistant Lecturer? Where?
Me: At the Federal University of... in...

VO: Okay! What will this degree do for you?
Me: As an Assistant Lecturer, it is expected that I ensure (VO cuta in again)

VO: Where did you say you work again?
Me: Federal University of... in...

VO: Checked something on her system, then was like University of what did you say?
Me: Federal University of... in... In fact I have a letter from my Registrar incase you wish to see.

VO: No, I don't need that. Who is paying for your education?
Me: The school offered me a Graduate Teaching Assistantship position that comes with tuition fee waiver and a generous stipend which I am grateful for that covers my living expenses and 70% of my health insurance leaving me with a deficit of $1,835.

VO: So who is paying for the balance?
Me: I will be covering that with my personal savings.

VO: Checked my I-20 and was like 'Okay'

I was just staring at her. That's how she carried my passport and dropped it inside a box and removed a white paper o. Then she faced her system and started reading through what's there. Then everything started looking like a film trick. She wasn't really happy with what she's seeing there. So she took out my passport from the box and also picked my I-20. At this point, I became really scared and started saying all prayers that my mouth could say. Thank God there's nose mask to shield my mouth's movement. All I was asking for was God's mercy as much as I could. She eventually stepped out to speak with someone I was not seeing, but it was obvious she was soliciting for a consideration on my behalf (only God knew what these people don write for my case o). She came back, started doing something on the system and it seems like copy and paste or deleting something sha. Meanwhile, she's yet to return my passport into the box but at the same time still have the white paper placed beneath my I-20.

VO: What position will you attain with your PhD?
Me: Lecturer II

VO: Okay!
She resumed to her typing and after a while, the golden words came out of her mouth... "I am approving your VISA"

That's how my system just scattered that I was trying to listen to what she was saying but my ears no gree hear o. All I wanted at that moment was to allow her stop talking so I could thank her for the consideration.

Eventually she finished talking and I thanked her and pray that God continue to bless her abundantly. It was obvious from her facial expression that she's happy about the decision and how I felt afterwards.


Special appreciation to my one and only chiefest chief, PEPEronically macaroni who saw my first interview transcript on Nairaland, reached out to me and gave me some encouragements that denial is nothing, that I will eventually get it if I remain steadfast. Thank you very much great Scholar, brother, leader and all-in-1 personality. May God continue to be your fortifier.

God didn't stop at that, He always had people sent to me at every point of my bad times. In no order of arrangement, these Scholars have been of great and immense support to my morale in all ramifications: Afeez, Ariwoola Mattew, Demmy, Yusuf, Debik, Zaynab, Mayowa, Chinonso, Gifty, Enyo (Nairaland), Eyo, Kemi (Nairaland), Kush, the whole ACER family and FCLN family. You guys are the best!

Alhamdulillahi Robbil Alamin... God will not start what He cannot complete. So, remain steadfast in your pursuit for excellence!

Peter52:
Congratulations!

congratulations to you I tap in your blessings

I think this a more prepared transcript, make it short and precise.

Then the part why you choose the school, Start with “during my search I found out Dr. bleep research interest which aligns with mine” then add other two point you listed.

All the best.

Boonducks101:
Good morning everyone,

My sincerest apologies for just responding to those who asked me to submit my transcript and I didn't. Honestly, I was disappointed in myself that I didn't come across this thread at all, before going in for the interview. Reading a few transcripts here, made me feel I didn't deserve or work hard towards preparing for the interview. Just like you asked, I'll post it and then I'm including the new transcripts I'm working on for my next interview.

Please review and put in your input. I won't mind a mock as well. I need all the help I can get.

Please @Fairheart @LagosismyHome @Pefuele @Brown2Green @Nobody @NigPatriot @Textrem @Time2win @Tesla, I am willing to learn. I also welcome anyone willing to help in this regards. Many thanks

Date 15 July 2021
Programme: MBA (Concentration: Global Supply Chain Management)
Funding: $3,564
CoA: $28,461
Attempt: First
Outcome: Delayed
Single & in mid-30’s


Questions asked and responses.

I see you are going for an MBA, how will this benefit you?
Apart from the fact that studying this program gives credibility to anyone in my field, having worked in different roles of supply chain; I have had interesting and fair share of challenges in the roles. I know with this degree; I will be better equipped on how to navigate business challenges and propose the right business optimization tools for effective and sustainable production line or services. This would also help me grow, in terms of managerial education and experience

When did you graduate and where?
I graduated in 2009 and I graduated from Babcock University

So what have you been doing?
I have been working since then

Where do you work and what do they do?
I work with XXXX and it’s a subsidiary of Bleep Group. I work as a Contracts and Procurement Specialist. They trade in petroleum products with operating companies active in the downstream, midstream and upstream energy sectors

What role do you play at the organization?
I establish SLA’s with vendors while monitoring contractual activities and, I monitor systems, purchases and policies and create value through strategic sourcing and supply chain and oversee major pricing decision.

Who is paying for your deficit?
My father

What does he do?
He runs/owns a steel manufacturing business. His company produces high strength TMT reinforcement bars used for large construction of concrete structures, bridges, dams, roads and more. (Thermo mechanical Treatment)

Have you travelled before?
No

She checks my passport

Asks again… any travel history?
No

She closes the passport, proceeds to give me the blue slip and says I’m sorry you are not qualified at the moment, you can reapply again.


Reason for the delay of visa: No specific reasons given as I was given a generic denial letter





PREPARATORY TRANSCRIPT
University of New Haven
Programme: MBA (Concentration: Global Supply Chain Management)
Funding: $3,564
CoA: $28,461
Attempt: Approved by the grace of God
Single & in mid-30’s


So what changed in your application?
I believe I was not able to provide sufficient reasons enough to convince the VO of my study plans and return

Why did you choose this University?
My criteria for school selection was primarily focused on a curriculum offering a Capstone project which I’ll leverage on to gain an international practical experience. I’ve been in communication with Dr Bleep on his research “The impact of Bullwhip effect on manufacturing supply chain when firms share their MRP”. I strongly wish to work under his tutelage as it will help me address irregular swings in forecasts that expands to large variances, which causes inefficiencies in my current job role. This is essential to my career progression as the knowledge gained will be useful for applications at work. Also, I was awarded a dean’s scholarship.

What are your plans after graduation?
My organization has made a commitment to grant me a study leave once my visa is approved. I will be returning immediately to take on a higher role as a senior corporate strategist, leading all of supply and distribution chains of the Group.

Where do you work and what do you do at your place of work?
I am a Contract and Procurement Specialist. I work with XXXXXX which is one of the subsidiaries of XXXX

1. I optimize purchasing synergies between the company’s entities and establish SLA’s with vendors while monitoring contractual activities
2. I develop distribution plan and forecast quarterly distribution expectations
3. I determine the organizations need by participating in the development of specifications, studying sales, inventory levels & cycles and access supply-side market conditions and
4. Finally, I monitor systems, purchases and policies and create value through strategic sourcing and supply chain and oversee major pricing decision.

Have you Travelled before?
Yes, I recently made a trip (I intentionally made a trip outside the country because the previous VO asked twice)

Which schools did you apply to?
I applied to 6 schools

Why did you choose to study in the US?
I took into cognizance the significant contribution the US has made towards advancement in the supply chain industry. This is a system I would love to learn from as I will be fully equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed in solving challenges associated with the Nigerian supply chain system so as to be able to make ground breaking achievements in the industry.

Why not study in Nigeria?
Without requiring extra months of study leave at work or an extended stay in the US, I have the opportunity to modify my curriculum and take some certification courses in other fields. I won’t have that opportunity here in Nigeria.

Who is your sponsor?
My dad is fully sponsoring me throughout the period of my program. Additionally, I have some saved up funds.

What does he do?
He owns a steel manufacturing company which produces high reinforcement bars used for large construction of concrete structures, roads, bridges and more. He also has a construction company and is invested in real estate properties

How did you find out about this school?
It came highly recommended through an online community and MBA forum called India MBA discussions

What skills you will be learning from this MBA degree?
I’ll be learning management and analytical skills. I will be learning skills like Strategic management, leadership, problem-solving, decision making, and analytical skills to crunch data for solutions.

Why are you going for your studies now?
Nigeria is transforming her business processes from manual to automated processes, and the time is perfect to key into that to develop myself and contribute my quota to national building and development.

How does this fit into your career plans?
I have a wealth of experience in the supply chain industry but my career goal in the senior management position is to focus on supply chain Analytics. This specialization will develop my analytical skills so I can provide advice to Organizations in Nigeria who are involved in the supply and distribution of petroleum products within the downstream sector, while leading with management skills

Tell me about your study plans
My program is for 22months and I will be taking 25unit Core courses in the first year that includes Strategic Management, Managing in a Global Economy, and more. It has been carefully planned for me to understand an organization and it’s business impact in the society. In my second year, I will be focused on electives with 15units and subjects in Supply chain Analytics and Resilience, Business forecasting, Data Visualization and Communication, I’ll learn and apply the right tools for optimization and leverage on big data for decisions. I’ll be concluding with a capstone project which will in-depthly help me learn the mastery of my discipline before graduation, after which, I will be coming to Nigeria using the skills acquired to contribute to the system.

How will this course benefit you?
It will provide me with the skills needed to have a successful career as a supply chain professional as my current portfolio requires me using data to improve processes, efficient supply lines while shortening the supply chain lifecycle. I will be better equipped for my role after this program

What skills you will be learning from this MBA degree?
I’ll be learning management and analytical skills. I will be learning skills like Strategic management, leadership, problem-solving, decision making, and analytical skills to crunch data for solutions.




Now I feel this is exceptionally long and might bore the VO, maybe I'm too uptight about my responses but please I need your help on this

Please stop quoting long transcripts to say 'congratulations.' You're taking up space and making this thread boring.
Thank you.

Please does anyone know VO opinions about married man /woman putting on a weeding ring during interview ?

Bigsecret:
Congratulations Bro

What's the required means for receiving an i-20? Express courier or email ?

SaMajeste:
Please stop quoting long transcripts to say 'congratulations.' You're taking up space and making this thread boring.
Thank you.

I don’t think your visa has ever been denied. If you understand how difficult getting an approved visa is, and the ray of light people see when someone gets approved, I think you wouldnt be too concerned about a boring thread

Low CGPA with IT skill can try this school.
University of San Francisco,
Computer Science bridge MS.

Take time to read all...

nues012:
I think this a more prepared transcript, make it short and precise.

Then the part why you choose the school, Start with “during my search I found out Dr. bleep research interest which aligns with mine” then add other two point you listed.

All the best.

Point taken. Thank you so much.

Any applicant for pub admin in Alabama?

Boonducks101:
Good morning everyone,

My sincerest apologies for just responding to those who asked me to submit my transcript and I didn't. Honestly, I was disappointed in myself that I didn't come across this thread at all, before going in for the interview. Reading a few transcripts here, made me feel I didn't deserve or work hard towards preparing for the interview. Just like you asked, I'll post it and then I'm including the new transcripts I'm working on for my next interview.

Please review and put in your input. I won't mind a mock as well. I need all the help I can get.

Please @Fairheart @LagosismyHome @Pefuele @Brown2Green @Nobody @NigPatriot @Textrem @Time2win @Tesla, I am willing to learn. I also welcome anyone willing to help in this regards. Many thanks

Date 15 July 2021
Programme: MBA (Concentration: Global Supply Chain Management)
Funding: $3,564
CoA: $28,461
Attempt: First
Outcome: Delayed
Single & in mid-30’s


Questions asked and responses.

I see you are going for an MBA, how will this benefit you?
Apart from the fact that studying this program gives credibility to anyone in my field, having worked in different roles of supply chain; I have had interesting and fair share of challenges in the roles. I know with this degree; I will be better equipped on how to navigate business challenges and propose the right business optimization tools for effective and sustainable production line or services. This would also help

Now I feel this is exceptionally long and might bore the VO, maybe I'm too uptight about my responses but please I need your help on this

Hi, so I wouldn't quote the entirety of your transcript for the sake of brevity. However, don't beat yourself too much, your responses from the first interview weren't appalling, but then I guess the VO was all about travel history - which I can see that you've worked on. When asked what will this course do for you, try as much to emphasize "returning back to your home country" and " a clear progress in your career". Also regarding the travel, don't make it obvious that you traveled just for the sake of "fulfilling travel history", you can associate your travel to your career - this is so you don't appear desperate.
There's still more to work on, but you can work your way up!

cheers!

Nietab:
What's the required means for receiving an i-20? Express courier or email ?

Due to Covid, the Department of Homeland Security permits I-20 to be received by email, duly signed by your Designated School Official (DSO). Please confirm this with the International Service of your school.

Vahn:
I don’t think your visa has ever been denied. If you understand how difficult getting an approved visa is, and the ray of light people see when someone gets approved, I think you wouldnt be too concerned about a boring thread

You're free to say congratulations but don't quote the whole transcript to say it. You can easily cut it off. Saves pages.
I don't understand how difficulty in visa approval relates to what I wrote.

NigPatriot:
Due to Covid, the Department of Homeland Security permits I-20 to be received by email, duly signed by your Designated School Official (DSO). Please confirm this with the International Service of your school.

Okay. Thank you

Please any school whose spring admission is still on for business related courses should be suggested for me please. I'm also applying with an unofficial transcript. Your suggestion will be highly appreciated. Thanks my good people

Please someone should notify us when there are available dates

Please can someone notify us anytime there are available dates? GOD BLESS!

Lovelypam:
On your second attempt, You were denied because u failed to wait for 2 months before going for another attempt. I guess you used an agent who probably knew about this but refuse to tell you because of money. When booking an appointment you are specifically ask if you have be denied visa within the past 2 months. If you click yes, no visa date will be available to you. If no, then you can schedule a regular appointment. Beware of those agent. I was a victim. My advice try and get a date from November 16. DO NOT GO FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT THIS MONTH!!!

Please nobody should listen to this. People have gotten visa the very next month after they’ve been denied. I understand that you’re angry because you got delayed, but please don’t try to drag people into your situation by misinforming them. Do better!

good responses,,but i will like you to work on why you choose this school, the response is not convincing and a bit generic. you can come up with two or three reasons why you choose the school. always put your strong points first, you wrote GRE, TRY to find a way to put it in your response, that shows a serious student

Another observation is your study plan. after you said all what your courses consist of, pls round it up with what the course will do for you when you back to your country.

ALL THE BEST,




SCHOOL: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Spring 2022
COURSE: MSc Computer and Info Sc
AGE: 26

CONSULAR: Good morning, Pass me your Passport and i-20 Please

ME: Good morning, Before we start, I would like to say that I am very nervous and whenever I am nervous, my talking is fast and distorted, so if you don’t hear what I’m saying just tell me to repeat it.

1. CONSULAR: Why Are You Going to the US?

ME: I’m going to the USA for my masters degree program in computer and information science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock

2. CONSULAR: Why the US?

ME: The US has more advanced and sophisticated tools and methods used by fortune 500 companies, like Facebook, google, Microsoft and so on. Skills which I require to be able to visualize and fetch more information from Big Data.( tools and methods like Cassandra, spark, storm etc incase he asks)

3. CONSULAR: How Did You Hear About This School?

ME: I carried out an extensive research using Google and some academic websites to search for schools that offers my course of interest and I found a few schools that I met their requirements amongst was University of Arkansas

4. CONSULAR: How Many Schools Did You Apply To?

ME: I applied to 4 schools and they are university of Arkansas at Little Rock, Iowa state university at Ames Iowa, University of Houston, Houston Texas and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

5. CONSULAR: What Do All These Schools Have in Common?
ME: They all offer my course of interest

6. CONSULAR: Why Did You Choose this School?

ME: The University centers on a core of courses covering major traditional areas of computer science in line with my course, and it allows the flexibility in acquiring an in-depth knowledge in various other areas of specialization through elective courses.

7. CONSULAR: Tell Me About Your Academic Background?

ME: I finished from university of ilorin in 2016, then I went for my compulsory NYSC in 2017 at the federal university Lafia at their ASUU office, where I worked as a secretary using small data analysis tool like excel for data entry and management, after my nysc program I got a job at xyz Nig LTD in January 2018 as a data analyst and I’ve been working with them till now

8. CONSULAR: Why Do You Need this Masters or What Will this degree do for you?

ME: Working with companies in the past, I realize the importance of Big Data Analysis. And this Masters Program will help me advance from being a data analyst to becoming a data specialist, equipping me with advanced and sophisticated skills and methods using more advanced tools used in processing Big Data.
Which in turn will make me competent and valuable in my field as a data specialist and as a consultant and i will be returning to Nigeria to take up a new position proposed by the company I work for, as their Data Specialist, and eventually over the years as I build in my career as my own personal goal, I’ll be setting up a Data Consultancy firm to serve clients and prospective customers especially now that there's significant boom in the IT/Financial technology sector.

10. CONSULAR: What is your work role?

ME: As a data analyst, I’m responsible for scrutinizing information using data analysis tools like Tableau, I extract needed data using computerized models, I remove corrupted data, perform initial and final analysis to access the quality of data. The meaningful results i pull from the raw data help employers or clients make important decisions by identifying various facts and trends.

11. CONSULAR: What’s this course about?

ME: The program is Data Science, concerned with the collection, screening, storing and presenting of data. Now, when we talk data, we mean Big Data from companies like MTN, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Facebook and the likes, which will help them in decision making for the now and future. Data is money, and companies that have Big Data without good analysis is losing big-time in the money market. These type of data is how Facebook is able to monitor users online behavior, and come up with deciding on what business to propose to their users and display in their screens. Most of these comes in form of ads.

11. CONSULAR: What are those courses you’ll be taking/ Tell me about your program/What is your study plan?

ME: The study program spans for a period of 24 months (from Jan 18th, 2022 to Jan 20th, 2024), during which I'm expected to complete a total of 30 credit unit, out of which 2 of it are thesis instead of projects. And I will be offering courses like software engineering, operating systems, computer architecture, technology and networking, analysis of algorithm, among others.

12. CONSULAR: Can you not continue your education in your country?

ME: No, it'll be somewhat difficult, as that will not make me competent.
Reason is, education and academic calendar in Nigeria is either always interrupted or not well delivered.
I'll prefer to be exposed to a global standard, be competent, bring that training and idea back here and do better for myself.

13. CONSULAR: Did You Write Any Standardized Test?

ME: I wrote GRE and scored 314

14. CONSULAR: Are you married and with children?

ME: Yes I’m married but no children yet

15. CONSULAR: Have You Travelled Before?

ME: No I have not had any reason to

16. CONSULAR: Who Is Sponsoring You?

ME: My husband is sponsoring me

17. CONSULAR: What Does Your Sponsor Do?

ME: My husband is into oil and gas sector, he has trucks that lifts petrol within kwara state, and supplies petroleum products to different gas station like Mobil, shell and total and he’s into farming as well and he has a very big farm in kwara state and export farm produce locally and internationally

18. CONSULAR: what’s his monthly income?

ME: 24million

18. CONSULAR: How Many siblings do you have

ME: I have one sibling from my mother and seven from my father

CONSULAR: Do you have any relative in US

ME: My sibling from my mom lives in Chicago

19. CONSULAR: Where do you work and How long have you been working?

ME: I work at the xyz Nig LTD and I’ve been working for three years

20. CONSULAR: What do xyz Nig Ltd do and what’s their staff strength?

ME: xyz Nig Ltd is an information & communications technology (ICT) & management services company rendering management information system (mis) consulting, software development, system integration, project development & cloud hosting, we have two offices, one in Offa another in osogbo, with an approximate of 60 staffs in total.

22. CONSULAR: Is your husband travelling with you?

ME: No, he won’t be coming with me for now

23. CONSULAR: So where will you be staying?

ME: In the school hostel
Congratulations I’ll be approving your visa��

PLEASE DONT IGNORE.. You as a V.O, please decide my fate[/quote]

Vvv

Hello

Please have been searching for schools that has low Cost of tuition and also accept un-official transcript in Urban and regional planning (MSc)


Can anyone help me with one please !!!!

Thank you so much for your input. I have taken note of the points and will work on it. I sincerely appreciate it

NigPatriot:
Hi, so I wouldn't quote the entirety of your transcript for the sake of brevity. However, don't beat yourself too much, your responses from the first interview weren't appalling, but then I guess the VO was all about travel history - which I can see that you've worked on. When asked what will this course do for you, try as much to emphasize "returning back to your home country" and " a clear progress in your career". Also regarding the travel, don't make it obvious that you traveled just for the sake of "fulfilling travel history", you can associate your travel to your career - this is so you don't appear desperate.
There's still more to work on, but you can work your way up!

cheers!

Ehizy007:
Firstly, I ascribe all the glory to God for His mercies and grace ��. If you believe in God keep believing, trusting and having faith do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Never underestimate the power of prayer and Grace!
I'd also like to say a big thank you to this platform for the wealth of information/knowledge herein and also transcripts shared, which I richly benefited from.

1st Attempt:
Appointment - 7th June 2021
Consulate - Lagos
Window - 5
Status - Denied.
It was a day of dishing out blue paper, for every 10-20 people interviewed, only 2 or 3 were approved while I was still there (not exagerating, you can ask those that had their interview on that day). I was interviewed by a dark elderly woman (black American in her 50's). On this day I was just gradually recovering from Malaria, so my voice wasn't as audible as it should.

V.O: Good morning, pass me your i20 and passport.
ME: I did.
V.O: Why are you going to the States?
ME: I'm going for my masters in Architecture with concentration in Sustainable Architecture (types...).
V.O: Who is sponsoring? (Glancing at my i20 and then staring at me).
ME: My mom (said where she works)...I also have some personal savings which will cater for my living expenses (types...).
V.O: Do you have proof to show that?
ME: I passed my sponsorship letter (glances through).
V.O: switches off mic and says I should give her
some time, she went inside with my documents...after 2mins she comes back, types for a while and then reached for the blue paper, returns my documents and passport and says I can try again (putting on a pity face). I was in shock as I didn't see that coming and didn't know what she went inside to confirm.

2nd Attempt:
Appointment - 29th July 2021
Time - 7:30am
Consulate - Abuja
Window - 7
COA - $32k
Funding - Nill
Status - Approved (8:30am).
My interview lasted for about 3mins. Interviewed by a beautiful white lady in her 30's. The two guys before me on the row were denied. Immediately I saw that and I was next to be interviewed, I resumed my words of affirmation, declaring that "my case is different, I shall not return with my passport" ( I was the first to be approved In my qeue).

V.O: Good morning
ME: Good morning.
V.O: Place your fingers for your biometrics
ME: I did.
V.O: I can see you're going to BG for your Masters in Architecture (starts typing...).
ME: Yes, that's correct...then quickly added with a concentration in Sustainable Architecture (nods head and continues typing...).
V.O: Will you be focusing on Green Architecture?
ME: Yes, exactly (keeps typing...).
V.O: What will this degree do for you?
ME: I intend to come back to Nigeria and hope to utilise this specialised knowledge and skill acquired in creating a niche for myself as an Architect, and my company where I currently work, here in Nigeria as I would be one of the pioneers to bring this back home (nods head and continues typing...).
V.O: What do you currently do?
ME: I'm an Architect in one of the leading real estate/ construction company in Banana Island, Lagos (nods head and continues typing...).
V.O: Who is sponsoring this?
ME: My mom (said where she works)...I also have some personal savings which will cater for my living expenses (nods head and continues typing...).
V.O: What did you go for on your last visit?
ME: Vacation.
V.O: Congratulations I will be approving your visa.
ME: Thank you.

Then she went ahead to talk of the strict Covid-19 protocol and all but I actually didn't hear anything just kept my gaze on her and was smiling behind the mask as I remembered what peeps here always say about "not hearing anything" (facts).

Advice/word of encouragement:
DO NOT Giveup on your dreams. Stay focused! A delay/denial isn't the end of Life, Try Again! (Na who giveup carry last). Above all, Trust God! Pray, fast if you can. DO NOT tell Lies. Speak with Confidence, maintain eye contact at all time. God that did it for me will do same for you �� (What God Cannot Do Doesn't Exists) GO GET YOUR VISA's! #Believe.

This person got approved the next month even after he got denied.


If a VO will deny you, they will do that and most of the time nobody here can give a correct answer concerning the reason for the denial, God will do it for us

is there a website like nairaland for Ghanaians?

Which USA University come with free application fee .. abwg make una reply me

Good evening house, though my last interview was denied. But why did the VO decided to keep one of the 2 passport photographs? I only saw one after the rejection.

Is it possible to get multiple GA? If yes will both be useful or you'll have to settle for 1

Guys my interview is next Tuesday can i still update my Ds-160? I need a response badly

kaey10:
Guys my interview i next Tuesday can i still update my Ds-160? I need a response badly

Yes

Digbick:
Yes

owk...cos i have submitted it before but i want of retrieve it, make changes n submit again. Jst wnt to be sure

Hi Fam and greetings to all the Gurus in the house. I’ve been following thread here for while now and It only just dawned on me that I might be in a mess. Please it’d be lengthy but kindly read and help me out as I am really confused at this point.

So I got back from India last year November where I went to study masters in social work and graduated as the best graduating student with a gpa of 9.09 of 10. Before returning back to Nigeria I decided to start up my Canada applications. The initial plan was to go for PhD but I had also nurtured the dream to have 2 BA degrees as I really don’t like my 1st degree(was in History) so I decided to go for Women and Gender Studies at university of Manitoba. Since I was not yet in Nigeria and was at the time trying to complete my thesis in India, I found one agency on Instagram WOKOSTRAVEL&STUDY to help me with.

They started the process and in less than 5 days I got the admission decision (I was so busy that I didn’t even check to see that they the decision reads “UNIVERSITY 1” I think that’s something like a pre-degree or so) so it’s not entirely a direct admission to my course of study. Afterwards they told me that they could also assist in the visa application which I obliged to and paid handsomely for their services. They also helped me provide a SOA that I didn’t see, all these while I didn’t see any of the transcripts of whatever application they’ve made so far, when I requested I was told that it’s not within their policy to give passwords of application.

They helped with all the process I only sent them documents of my non-profit and one landed property in my dad’s name, they requested to help me forge an insurance whatever which I refused as I was already tired from the hundreds I’ve been paying them. Fast forward, I got a date went for biometric and capturing.. etc. Less than a month later I was sent a denial letter/visa response.

I focused on what was next for me which was Nysc as I didn’t go for service before my masters. I’m currently serving at a federal psychiatric hospital and should be rounding up in April 22.

I applied for PhD in 3 schools: Boston College, University of Alabama and University of Pittsburgh (I sent cold mails and got potential supervisors at Alabama and Pittsburgh before applying for admission) so I’m at least 40% sure I’d get one out of the 3 (By God’s Grace), plus they are all fully-funded in these institutions.(course: PhD in social work).

Now, my problem is that if this pulls through, I’m worried I would be asked at the US embassy why I decided to apply to Canada first, why I decided to go lower(applying for BA and University 1 for that matter). Would I really need to show POF even after being fully funded with GRA position?

Worthy of note: I am volunteering part time at an institute as a lecturer (although I get paid per lecture, it’s not that serious as it’s just for special professional classes)

Please I do need advice. Would this Canada rejection pose a trouble?

No, not at all. Just don't mention it anywhere in your application. Nothing links the two!