₦airaland Forum

Tamad101:
Congratulations @LucyAA. This was such a beautiful one.

Oofay:
Dates are available for Abuja regular appointments o.

MiamiePizza:
"Congratulations your visa has been approved". I pray you get this before the end of the year if you're expectant.

kennethjunior:
Visa Approved
2nd November 2021
No funding
$31k
Lagos second attempt

First attempt
Abuja Nigeria
August 2021
VO: Have you traveled out before
Me: No I haven’t
VO: Your first time right yeah?
Me: Sure
VO: Who’s going to sponsor you?
Me: My uncle
VO: So what does your uncle do
Me: he’s a real estate developer and a car dealer
Vo: A car dealer. That’s nice
vo: where do you work?
Me: Told Him
VO: what’s your job role
Me: Quality assurance engineer
Vo: whats your highest degree qualification
Me: I have B.eng in Mechanical engineering
Vo: types for a very long time sorry at this time you don’t qualify try again
Me: ok thank you very much.

Second attempt
Vo: Please pass me your passport and I-20
Me: ok. Good morning. He didn’t respond
Vo: where are you going to?
Me: I’m going to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Northwest Arkansas
Vo: what are you going to do there?
Me. I’m going there to attain a masters degree in the university. Then he said why? I was confused then I just said. Well the program is going to give me an advancement in my career. I will have the opportunity to specialize in industrial engineering in fact this course will equip me with practical skills needed in engineering management.
Vo: who is going to sponsor you?
Me: My uncle will be funding it. He also sponsored my undergraduate program.
Vo: what does he do?
Me. He’s a real estate developer and a property developer here in Lagos Abuja and Benin
Vo: what do you do?
Me: I’m a quality assurance engineer. I execute manual and automated quality checks on solar systems, I also carry out routine operational checks on solar system after installation.
Vo: ok. Take your I-20 put it where you can have access to it when traveling. Have a nice time in America.

Never give up keep trying. Practice very well and don’t cram. Above all pray very hard. God will come through.

lucyAA:
Visa approved, 5th attempt, Lagos, 2nd Nov 2021.

Before I share my story, I will like to say just a few things. My interview was scheduled for 11am but I got there few minutes to 10am (Lagos and Traffic). When I got to the premises, those “opportunist” were trying to milk me. They took me to a shop saying I have to arrange my documents in a certain way. I told them I have the right documents and they are already arranged accordingly. They said the picture I have on my DS 160 confirmation page is different from the hard copy passport photograph I had, and I will have to take a new photograph. I didn’t oblige and I insisted I will use it like that. They said I have to photocopy the data page of my passport and take it in else, I will be sent back. I told them that, this isn’t my first time here and I have never heard of such before. The guy gave up on me and left.
It is very important to have your complete documents and arrange them appropriately so you don’t end up getting scammed by those guys. They will say many things to you but don’t pay attention.
There was no crowd at the Lagos Embassy today, and I noticed that they have made some remarkable changes (I am not quite sure if they relocated to another floor or just renovated the place. But whatever the case may be, it looks entirely different from the last time I visited in Nov 2020). There were lots of approvals from a particular white guy with tattoos and piercings. You could win his heart if you are very confident, chatty and have a good sense of humor (People he denied gave only one word reply and they stuttered a bit).

1st Attempt – Lagos – Western Illinois University - $4k scholarship
2nd Attempt – Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
3rd Attempt - Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
4th Attempt – Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
5th Attempt – Lagos – Middle Tennessee State University

My Profile
COA - $36,500
Scholarship - $8000
GRE- Nil
GMAT – Nil
Appointment - Regular

TRANSCRIPT
Me: Good morning Sir (with a big smile on my face)
VO: Goodmorning. Please pass me your passport and I-20

Me: Sorry, I am very nervous Sir (I said this while passing my documents to him)
Vo: Oh don’t worry, It’s Ok, I understand. So I can see you are going to Middle Tennessee State University to study Information Technology?
Me: Yes, that is very correct.

VO: What is your latest certification/degree?
Me: I had my first degree in Information and Communication Engineering from xyz University, I graduated in July 2018.


VO: That’s your undergraduate study right?
Me: Yes, it is.

VO: What have you been doing since then?
Me: Oh after my undergraduate studies, I went for the compulsory NYSC program, where I served as a Software support Analyst at XYZ limited after which I got a job at XYZ. I am working as an Information Technology Auditor and I have been with them for 2 years.

VO: How did you know about MTSU?
Me: MTSU was first recommended to me by my supervisor at work, Mr. John Pink and I furthered my research by contacting my program advisor, Dr. Amy, to know more about the course curriculum.

VO: Why MTSU?
Me: MTSU offers one of the best course curriculum in the US. The university offers an additional certification in advance data analytics and visualization. Also, the course curriculum perfectly aligns with my career goal and it will provide me with the advanced knowledge and hands on experience I critically need to implement a decision support system in my department on my return to Nigeria. This system will collect business data, analyze it and transform it into useful business intelligence thereby providing solutions to complex business problems.
In addition, I have a high CGPA of 3.64/4.0, and MTSU was kind enough to offer me 23% off my cost of attendance

VO: Great! Who will be sponsoring you?
Me: My Dad! He is a professor at xyz university and an established business man. He owns a logistics company that is into transportation of petroleum products within Nigeria. He has operations in Bauchi, Warri, Edo and Akwa Ibom. Presently, he has an average number of 25 staffs in those operations

VO: (He kept on nodding his head and seemed impressed) How many siblings do you have?
Me: I have 2 elder brothers who are married, and a younger sister studying law in the university of xyz.

VO: Did your elder brothers study in the US?
Me: No they didn’t but the 2nd studied in UK and he is back in Nigeria and married.

VO: He was sponsored by your Dad too?
Me: Yes Sir, he was.

VO: Awesome! So what’s your plan after the completion of your Master’s degree in the US?
Me: Oh in the organization I currently work, we have been working on quite a number of projects and proposal which are targeted at the top organizations in the technology industry. By next year, we will be sealing the deals and we will be starting the Information Technology audit the year after. I want to be at the center of this massive growth so after the completion of my degree, I will be returning back to my organization and get integrated into the process. The decision support system I plan on implementing will also be tested in the IT environment of those organizations.
VO: (he kept on nodding his head) I can see the course is for 2 years, what are you going to be doing when you leave them? Why do you still wanna come back?
Me: (I smiled) Oh no, I am not leaving them. I am only going on study leave for 2 years after which I will be back to even take on a higher role. I have a letter to that effect Sir, and it is here with me.

VO: Oh don’t worry… Ok so what if you get OPT and most likely get a job?
ME: (We both laughed) and I said no Sir, I really want to be involved in the project going on in my organization on my return and the decision support system I plan on implementing, won’t be done if I remain in the US. I would love to come back.

VO: But what if it is a job that will be paying way higher than what you are currently earning? Won’t you take the job? I mean, it will be a good thing to be paid that high and just enjoy yourself
Me: (We both laughed again) Sir, the organization I currently work is a multinational firm and we have presence in over 167 countries. I have a dream to become the youngest and first female audit partner in the organization and I can’t achieve this if I remain in the US or accept a job there. It will be a dream come true if I am given the opportunity to study in the US as it will be a step to achieving my dreams.

VO: (He kept on nodding his head and was impressed). Ok I noticed you have been using a particular school for your prior applications and you are switching to MTSU. Why is that?
Me: Oh that is very correct Sir, I applied to WIU but switched to MTSU because the masters in IT program offered in MTSU comes with an additional certification in advance data analytics and visualizing which will provide the hands experience I critically need to implement a decision support system on my return to Nigeria.

VO: (He smiled and started typing for a long while)

Me: (The silence was becoming sickening so I decided to complement his tattoos and ear piercings) I so much love your piercings and tattoos did you get it done in Nigeria or the US?
VO: (He stopped typing and looked at me laughing) Thank you! I got this particular tattoo in xx country, this one was done in xx country and this was done when I travelled to xx country. I travel a lot.
Me: (We both laughed) I love tattoos but I am scared of the needles and the pain I would have to pass through.
VO: hahaha the pain is only for a moment. Congratulations, I will be approving your visa blah blah blah.
I was speechless and suddenly turned deaf.
Me: Thank you very much Sir, you made my day!

So guys here are a few tips;
1. Pray like you’ve never prepared, and prepare like you’ve never prayed. You have to trust God with all your heart and commit your ways unto him. My approval today was purely by His Grace. I kept on confessing positive things, and calling my visa into existence while fasting and praying.
2. Don’t listen to what people say. I was told they hardly approve visa in Lagos. I was told there are always few approvals for those going for spring entry. I was told that once you have been delayed, it becomes difficult to get an approval. I was asked to give up and probably try other countries. But, all these didn’t stop me. I only focused my heart, ears and mind to what God said in the bible regarding victory and I stood by that word.
3. There is no “One answer fits all”, you have to be unique and stand out. You have to speak with passion, You have to be confident and you must first believe in your heart to get the approval. Anything is possible if you believe!!
WHAT GOD CANNOT DO, DOES NOT EXIST.

lucyAA:
Visa approved, 5th attempt, Lagos, 2nd Nov 2021.

Before I share my story, I will like to say just a few things. My interview was scheduled for 11am but I got there few minutes to 10am (Lagos and Traffic). When I got to the premises, those “opportunist” were trying to milk me. They took me to a shop saying I have to arrange my documents in a certain way. I told them I have the right documents and they are already arranged accordingly. They said the picture I have on my DS 160 confirmation page is different from the hard copy passport photograph I had, and I will have to take a new photograph. I didn’t oblige and I insisted I will use it like that. They said I have to photocopy the data page of my passport and take it in else, I will be sent back. I told them that, this isn’t my first time here and I have never heard of such before. The guy gave up on me and left.
It is very important to have your complete documents and arrange them appropriately so you don’t end up getting scammed by those guys. They will say many things to you but don’t pay attention.
There was no crowd at the Lagos Embassy today, and I noticed that they have made some remarkable changes (I am not quite sure if they relocated to another floor or just renovated the place. But whatever the case may be, it looks entirely different from the last time I visited in Nov 2020). There were lots of approvals from a particular white guy with tattoos and piercings. You could win his heart if you are very confident, chatty and have a good sense of humor (People he denied gave only one word reply and they stuttered a bit).

1st Attempt – Lagos – Western Illinois University - $4k scholarship
2nd Attempt – Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
3rd Attempt - Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
4th Attempt – Abuja - Western Illinois University- $4k scholarship
5th Attempt – Lagos – Middle Tennessee State University

My Profile
COA - $36,500
Scholarship - $8000
GRE- Nil
GMAT – Nil
Appointment - Regular

TRANSCRIPT
Me: Good morning Sir (with a big smile on my face)
VO: Goodmorning. Please pass me your passport and I-20

Me: Sorry, I am very nervous Sir (I said this while passing my documents to him)
Vo: Oh don’t worry, It’s Ok, I understand. So I can see you are going to Middle Tennessee State University to study Information Technology?
Me: Yes, that is very correct.

VO: What is your latest certification/degree?
Me: I had my first degree in Information and Communication Engineering from xyz University, I graduated in July 2018.


VO: That’s your undergraduate study right?
Me: Yes, it is.

VO: What have you been doing since then?
Me: Oh after my undergraduate studies, I went for the compulsory NYSC program, where I served as a Software support Analyst at XYZ limited after which I got a job at XYZ. I am working as an Information Technology Auditor and I have been with them for 2 years.

VO: How did you know about MTSU?
Me: MTSU was first recommended to me by my supervisor at work, Mr. John Pink and I furthered my research by contacting my program advisor, Dr. Amy, to know more about the course curriculum.

VO: Why MTSU?
Me: MTSU offers one of the best course curriculum in the US. The university offers an additional certification in advance data analytics and visualization. Also, the course curriculum perfectly aligns with my career goal and it will provide me with the advanced knowledge and hands on experience I critically need to implement a decision support system in my department on my return to Nigeria. This system will collect business data, analyze it and transform it into useful business intelligence thereby providing solutions to complex business problems.
In addition, I have a high CGPA of 3.64/4.0, and MTSU was kind enough to offer me 23% off my cost of attendance

VO: Great! Who will be sponsoring you?
Me: My Dad! He is a professor at xyz university and an established business man. He owns a logistics company that is into transportation of petroleum products within Nigeria. He has operations in Bauchi, Warri, Edo and Akwa Ibom. Presently, he has an average number of 25 staffs in those operations

VO: (He kept on nodding his head and seemed impressed) How many siblings do you have?
Me: I have 2 elder brothers who are married, and a younger sister studying law in the university of xyz.

VO: Did your elder brothers study in the US?
Me: No they didn’t but the 2nd studied in UK and he is back in Nigeria and married.

VO: He was sponsored by your Dad too?
Me: Yes Sir, he was.

VO: Awesome! So what’s your plan after the completion of your Master’s degree in the US?
Me: Oh in the organization I currently work, we have been working on quite a number of projects and proposal which are targeted at the top organizations in the technology industry. By next year, we will be sealing the deals and we will be starting the Information Technology audit the year after. I want to be at the center of this massive growth so after the completion of my degree, I will be returning back to my organization and get integrated into the process. The decision support system I plan on implementing will also be tested in the IT environment of those organizations.
VO: (he kept on nodding his head) I can see the course is for 2 years, what are you going to be doing when you leave them? Why do you still wanna come back?
Me: (I smiled) Oh no, I am not leaving them. I am only going on study leave for 2 years after which I will be back to even take on a higher role. I have a letter to that effect Sir, and it is here with me.

VO: Oh don’t worry… Ok so what if you get OPT and most likely get a job?
ME: (We both laughed) and I said no Sir, I really want to be involved in the project going on in my organization on my return and the decision support system I plan on implementing, won’t be done if I remain in the US. I would love to come back.

VO: But what if it is a job that will be paying way higher than what you are currently earning? Won’t you take the job? I mean, it will be a good thing to be paid that high and just enjoy yourself
Me: (We both laughed again) Sir, the organization I currently work is a multinational firm and we have presence in over 167 countries. I have a dream to become the youngest and first female audit partner in the organization and I can’t achieve this if I remain in the US or accept a job there. It will be a dream come true if I am given the opportunity to study in the US as it will be a step to achieving my dreams.

VO: (He kept on nodding his head and was impressed). Ok I noticed you have been using a particular school for your prior applications and you are switching to MTSU. Why is that?
Me: Oh that is very correct Sir, I applied to WIU but switched to MTSU because the masters in IT program offered in MTSU comes with an additional certification in advance data analytics and visualizing which will provide the hands experience I critically need to implement a decision support system on my return to Nigeria.

VO: (He smiled and started typing for a long while)

Me: (The silence was becoming sickening so I decided to complement his tattoos and ear piercings) I so much love your piercings and tattoos did you get it done in Nigeria or the US?
VO: (He stopped typing and looked at me laughing) Thank you! I got this particular tattoo in xx country, this one was done in xx country and this was done when I travelled to xx country. I travel a lot.
Me: (We both laughed) I love tattoos but I am scared of the needles and the pain I would have to pass through.
VO: hahaha the pain is only for a moment. Congratulations, I will be approving your visa blah blah blah.
I was speechless and suddenly turned deaf.
Me: Thank you very much Sir, you made my day!

So guys here are a few tips;
1. Pray like you’ve never prepared, and prepare like you’ve never prayed. You have to trust God with all your heart and commit your ways unto him. My approval today was purely by His Grace. I kept on confessing positive things, and calling my visa into existence while fasting and praying.
2. Don’t listen to what people say. I was told they hardly approve visa in Lagos. I was told there are always few approvals for those going for spring entry. I was told that once you have been delayed, it becomes difficult to get an approval. I was asked to give up and probably try other countries. But, all these didn’t stop me. I only focused my heart, ears and mind to what God said in the bible regarding victory and I stood by that word.
3. There is no “One answer fits all”, you have to be unique and stand out. You have to speak with passion, You have to be confident and you must first believe in your heart to get the approval. Anything is possible if you believe!!
WHAT GOD CANNOT DO, DOES NOT EXIST.

vanessa969:
Hi guys, new here but been observing and reading for a while, pls just to be sure can I go with a printed copy of my I-20 sent to my email for my interview

deolubajo:
Yes, you can.

zuzman:
PLEASE IS 4M OKAY TO PURSUE STUDY IN THE US?

xxxscholar:
Visa Approved.
First Attempt
Zero Travel History
ABUJA
3rd November.
White VO

Before I start sharing my transcript, I have to say that Nairaland was very helpful to me during my preparations, I took out time to read almost every transcript that has been posted here. Thank you to every single person that has dropped their transcript here. This is why I am posting mine here, less than 1 hour after I was approved.

Secondly, I think the DS-160 form is very important, make sure you fill in every single detail in that form and be very consistent with the information you have there during the interview.


TRANSCRIPT.

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning.


Me: ( As I was doing my fingerprint): Sorry ma, I am a bit nervous, today is my birthday and my first time here too (. I wasn’t really nervous, just wanted her to know it was my birthday)
VO: (With a smile), ohh, Happy Birthday.
Me: Thank you


VO: I can see you are going to Western Illinois University for a Masters programme in Statistics?
Me; It’s actually Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics, but my i20 states Statistics, I reached out to the school and they said that’s what’s recognized on SEVIS.
VO: Yeah, that fine.


VO: What do you do currently?
Me: I run a Digital Marketing agency, we offer services **********

VO: What do you mean by ‘run’. Do you own the agency?
Me: Yes, I am a co-founder.

VO: Who will be taking care of the company in your absence:
Me: My wife will be in charge, she is a partner. (information already in my DS160)

VO: Oh, She’s not going with you?
Me: Yes, she will stay back.

VO: How many staff are in your company?
Me; 7 (information already in my DS160)

VO: Who’s your sponsor?
Me: My mother

VO: What does she do?
Me: She owns an event management company.

She started typing for like 2 minutes and then the golden words “ You Visa has been approved” and she gave me the white paper.


ONCE AGAIN;

Do not fill your DS160 form carelessly, be very detailed and meticulous about it and please be consistent.

Also, while sitting down, I was directly facing the Korean Man. The first question he will always ask is “Have you traveled outside Nigeria before?”. I was lowkey praying that he shouldn’t interview me and then the white woman called for the next person and I quickly rushed to her.

Good luck to every applicant yet to be interviewed. What God cannot do does not exist.

bukhety:
Congratulations

Agape123:
You asked on UK thread too, now you duh come US again lol

Oofay:
This white woman denied me on my second attempt today o.
Congratulations to you.

zuzman:
PLEASE IS 4M OKAY TO PURSUE STUDY IN THE US?

Anavamii:
Hello guys please I need urgent help on this issue.
My fiancé has his visa appointment in Abuja this Friday. He has submitted al his documents including his Ds-160 but the person with his passport just said she can’t find it!!!

Please what’s the way forward.
I know he can get a new passport in 24 hours but on the CGI place, there’s no way he can change his passport number!!!

PLEASE HELP!!!

Anavamii:
It’s been found�� praise God

xxxscholar:
Visa Approved.
First Attempt
Zero Travel History
ABUJA
3rd November.
White VO

Before I start sharing my transcript, I have to say that Nairaland was very helpful to me during my preparations, I took out time to read almost every transcript that has been posted here. Thank you to every single person that has dropped their transcript here. This is why I am posting mine here, less than 1 hour after I was approved.

Secondly, I think the DS-160 form is very important, make sure you fill in every single detail in that form and be very consistent with the information you have there during the interview.


TRANSCRIPT.

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning.


Me: ( As I was doing my fingerprint): Sorry ma, I am a bit nervous, today is my birthday and my first time here too (. I wasn’t really nervous, just wanted her to know it was my birthday)
VO: (With a smile), ohh, Happy Birthday.
Me: Thank you


VO: I can see you are going to Western Illinois University for a Masters programme in Statistics?
Me; It’s actually Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics, but my i20 states Statistics, I reached out to the school and they said that’s what’s recognized on SEVIS.
VO: Yeah, that fine.


VO: What do you do currently?
Me: I run a Digital Marketing agency, we offer services **********

VO: What do you mean by ‘run’. Do you own the agency?
Me: Yes, I am a co-founder.

VO: Who will be taking care of the company in your absence:
Me: My wife will be in charge, she is a partner. (information already in my DS160)

VO: Oh, She’s not going with you?
Me: Yes, she will stay back.

VO: How many staff are in your company?
Me; 7 (information already in my DS160)

VO: Who’s your sponsor?
Me: My mother

VO: What does she do?
Me: She owns an event management company.

She started typing for like 2 minutes and then the golden words “ You Visa has been approved” and she gave me the white paper.


ONCE AGAIN;

Do not fill your DS160 form carelessly, be very detailed and meticulous about it and please be consistent.

Also, while sitting down, I was directly facing the Korean Man. The first question he will always ask is “Have you traveled outside Nigeria before?”. I was lowkey praying that he shouldn’t interview me and then the white woman called for the next person and I quickly rushed to her.

Good luck to every applicant yet to be interviewed. What God cannot do does not exist.

Bekindtoo:
Thank God oooooo.

Honestly, nothing would have been done without the passport. And to get a new one between now and Friday is nearly impossible, looking at the situation at the passport office.

Congratulations to him in advance.

dtone:
Meanwhile anyone in Boston University here

Hackalvin:
Good afternoon everyone please can someone help me ..I was denied visa on the 1Nov 2021.. without no reason in Abuja USA embassy..and I was given admission at Murray state University and to resume on before 13 January 2022, please can any help me how to do this so I can secure my Visa . Can I reapply again the school ask me to resume on before 13

xxxscholar:
Visa Approved.
First Attempt
Zero Travel History
ABUJA
3rd November.
White VO

Before I start sharing my transcript, I have to say that Nairaland was very helpful to me during my preparations, I took out time to read almost every transcript that has been posted here. Thank you to every single person that has dropped their transcript here. This is why I am posting mine here, less than 1 hour after I was approved.

Secondly, I think the DS-160 form is very important, make sure you fill in every single detail in that form and be very consistent with the information you have there during the interview.


TRANSCRIPT.

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning.


Me: ( As I was doing my fingerprint): Sorry ma, I am a bit nervous, today is my birthday and my first time here too (. I wasn’t really nervous, just wanted her to know it was my birthday)
VO: (With a smile), ohh, Happy Birthday.
Me: Thank you


VO: I can see you are going to Western Illinois University for a Masters programme in Statistics?
Me; It’s actually Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics, but my i20 states Statistics, I reached out to the school and they said that’s what’s recognized on SEVIS.
VO: Yeah, that fine.


VO: What do you do currently?
Me: I run a Digital Marketing agency, we offer services **********

VO: What do you mean by ‘run’. Do you own the agency?
Me: Yes, I am a co-founder.

VO: Who will be taking care of the company in your absence:
Me: My wife will be in charge, she is a partner. (information already in my DS160)

VO: Oh, She’s not going with you?
Me: Yes, she will stay back.

VO: How many staff are in your company?
Me; 7 (information already in my DS160)

VO: Who’s your sponsor?
Me: My mother

VO: What does she do?
Me: She owns an event management company.

She started typing for like 2 minutes and then the golden words “ You Visa has been approved” and she gave me the white paper.


ONCE AGAIN;

Do not fill your DS160 form carelessly, be very detailed and meticulous about it and please be consistent.

Also, while sitting down, I was directly facing the Korean Man. The first question he will always ask is “Have you traveled outside Nigeria before?”. I was lowkey praying that he shouldn’t interview me and then the white woman called for the next person and I quickly rushed to her.

Good luck to every applicant yet to be interviewed. What God cannot do does not exist.
Good afternoon sir
Pls can I get your contact I want to ask questions about the processes