₦airaland Forum

Poweredbysnacks:
For people who had their visa approved, how long did it take until your passport was ready? How long until you were able to pick it up physically and for those who used DHL to deliver their passport, how long did it take until it reached your city? I selected Benin City for DHL delivery but will reconsider if it usually takes time to deliver. Thanks so much for your info.

Josephjay970:
Good day guys. I need some answers. The statement of account presented to the school for admission, can it be changed? Like when filling the Ds160 form. Or is the statement forwarded to the embassy? I need urgent answer, thanks for your cooperation.

walepepe21:
The School you have there I-20/you are going with to the embassy don’t send any SOA to the embassy at all! In as much the name of your sponsor do not reflect on your I-20 you can use ANY statement of account for your interview.

But inside your DS-160, there is a section there where you will fill the name of your sponsor so far you don’t have full assistantship without any deficit, then you will write the name of your sponsor.

In a nutshell, you may or may not use the SOA you used to have your I-20 at the embassy so far there is no name (your sponsor) on the I-20!

NB: Please don’t use fake SOA. It is better to wait to have full assistantship if you don’t trust the SOA you are taken to the embassy. Please verify very well and be ascertain that it’s a legitimate SOA.

All the best!

Josephjay970:
Thanks for the swift response.

I just want to use the statement of account i have at the moment to get the admission. So i would like to know if something i can change later or take a different one as the case may be when am going to the embassy for interview.

I just want to be extra careful so as not to make mistakes.

Adenike3228:
For people that recently paid Sevis fee @ $350 how much do u convert it to in Naira! Dollar is 410 bank rate and the person that wants to help me with the payment abroad is using 560 which is too high for me.

Kindly help

Helkayklassic:
If the person is not close to you In anyway, i mean someone that is related to you and ready to help you financially, then N560 to $1 is a good deal.

As long as you are not dealing with the embassy, When it comes to exchange rate, just forget about official rate most people will use black market rate for you. You better grab it now before he will use the black market rate of N580 to $1 for you.

Exactly! The earlier she grabs the offer, the better since N560 is even currently mostly selling rate and N580, currently mostly the buying rate. That is a good deal. In open, free market transactions, the official rate does not work! She should be glad the person isn't charging her "service fee" and "bank charges"!

Muhdmusamuhd:
Please does anyone know what is happening with Lagos office? It seems response has been slow.

KayKayShanana:
Attempt: first attempt
Office: Lagos Visa Office
COA:30k USD
Funding:No funding
Time scheduled for interview: 7am
Time Visa was granted :8:35am
Status: Visa Approved

See transcript below:
VO: Why are you going to Austin Peay?
Me: I am going to Austin Peay for my masters in computer science and quantitative methods, i will be focusing on data mgt & data analysis.
VO: what did you study in your first degree?
Me: Geography Science
VO:What do you do right now
Me: I work with **** & i am TM & data analyst with the team.
VO: What are the schools you applied for?
Me: East Tennessee State Uni, University of Alabama & Austin Peay State University
How many of them offered you admission
Me: I got admission from all the 3 universities (na bobo, I applied for Austin Peay only, I did for Alabama passively and it is till fall next year)
VO: why Austin Peay?
Me: Austin Peay has a robust course plan for data mgt and analysis hence my interest in choosing the institution
VO: who is paying this huge fund?
Me: My Dad
VO: What does he do?
Me: he is into Logistics, he has 2 subsidiaries, an arm is into clearing and forwarding of containers from the Sea port at Apapa (then he cut me)
VO: how many staff does he have
Me: about 150
VO: Can you be more specific ?
Me: He has 148 staffs
VO: how much does he make per annum?
VO: How long has he been into the business
Me: up to 35 years
Me: As much as 70million
VO: and you expect him to spend over 30k dollars on you per annum?
VO: what about your other siblings
Me: I have 4 of them and they are all graduates
VO: has he spent on anyone to study abroad before
Me: No
VO: so why do you think he will do this for you
Me:because I am his only son and he will go the extra mile for academics
VO: not convinced yet
VO: have you travelled before?
Me: I have not had any reason to travel.
VO: so your dad has not sponsored you on any international trip before and you expect him to spend this huge funds on you for studies
Me: I have not requested him to do this for me but i am sure he will do it if i make a requests of such.
VO: what does your mom?
Me: she is into construction
VO: be more specific
Me: she is a civil engineer, she handles construction projects end to end.
What are post study plans: I intend to return to Nigeria to join ****company as a full time facilitator bla bla (VO cuts me short)
VO:How long have you been at your current company?
Me: i have been there for close to 3 years.
VO: When did you finish your first degree?
Me: 2014, and i started working in 2015.
VO: i will be approving your Visa, congratulations.

Thank you to everyone on this platform, i have read literally all the pages on this thread and i have learnt a great deal. I am a quite participant but then i follow up on the page daily till this moment.
I wish all applicants all the best in this journey, i can assure you all of something, once you are prayerful and confident you will get your visa approved. Either it is in Lagos or Abuja, you will surely get it approved.

chigozieduru:
You DID NOT share your visa interview transcripts but here you are asking for help. Did you go for your interview?

Poweredbysnacks:
No Chigozie. I haven't done the interview yet. Just wanted to know how long it takes for passports to come out. Please chill abeg.

OlawumiCecilia:
3 to 4 business days all things being equal

KayKayShanana:
Attempt: first attempt
Interview date:20th Dec
Office: Lagos Visa Office
COA:30k USD
Funding:No funding
Time scheduled for interview: 7am
Time Visa was granted :8:35am
Status: Visa Approved

See transcript below:
VO: Why are you going to Austin Peay?
Me: I am going to Austin Peay for my masters in computer science and quantitative methods, i will be focusing on data mgt & data analysis.
VO: what did you study in your first degree?
Me: Geography Science
VO:What do you do right now
Me: I work with **** & i am TM & data analyst with the team.
VO: What are the schools you applied for?
Me: East Tennessee State Uni, University of Alabama & Austin Peay State University
How many of them offered you admission
Me: I got admission from all the 3 universities (na bobo, I applied for Austin Peay only, I did for Alabama passively and it is till fall next year)
VO: why Austin Peay?
Me: Austin Peay has a robust course plan for data mgt and analysis hence my interest in choosing the institution
VO: who is paying this huge fund?
Me: My Dad
VO: What does he do?
Me: he is into Logistics, he has 2 subsidiaries, an arm is into clearing and forwarding of containers from the Sea port at Apapa (then he cut me)
VO: how many staff does he have
Me: about 150
VO: Can you be more specific ?
Me: He has 148 staffs
VO: how much does he make per annum?
VO: How long has he been into the business
Me: up to 35 years
Me: As much as 70million
VO: and you expect him to spend over 30k dollars on you per annum?
VO: what about your other siblings
Me: I have 4 of them and they are all graduates
VO: has he spent on anyone to study abroad before
Me: No
VO: so why do you think he will do this for you
Me:because I am his only son and he will go the extra mile for academics
VO: not convinced yet
VO: have you travelled before?
Me: I have not had any reason to travel.
VO: so your dad has not sponsored you on any international trip before and you expect him to spend this huge funds on you for studies
Me: I have not requested him to do this for me but i am sure he will do it if i make a requests of such.
VO: what does your mom?
Me: she is into construction
VO: be more specific
Me: she is a civil engineer, she handles construction projects end to end.
What are post study plans: I intend to return to Nigeria to join ****company as a full time facilitator bla bla (VO cuts me short)
VO:How long have you been at your current company?
Me: i have been there for close to 3 years.
VO: When did you finish your first degree?
Me: 2014, and i started working in 2015.
VO: i will be approving your Visa, congratulations.

Thank you to everyone on this platform, i have read literally all the pages on this thread and i have learnt a great deal. I am a quite participant but then i follow up on the page daily till this moment.
I wish all applicants all the best in this journey, i can assure you all of something, once you are prayerful and confident you will get your visa approved. Either it is in Lagos or Abuja, you will surely get it approved.

KayKayShanana:
Attempt: first attempt
Interview date:20th Dec
Office: Lagos Visa Office
COA:30k USD
Funding:No funding
Time scheduled for interview: 7am
Time Visa was granted :8:35am
Status: Visa Approved

See transcript below:
VO: Why are you going to Austin Peay?
Me: I am going to Austin Peay for my masters in computer science and quantitative methods, i will be focusing on data mgt & data analysis.
VO: what did you study in your first degree?
Me: Geography Science
VO:What do you do right now
Me: I work with **** & i am TM & data analyst with the team.
VO: What are the schools you applied for?
Me: East Tennessee State Uni, University of Alabama & Austin Peay State University
How many of them offered you admission
Me: I got admission from all the 3 universities (na bobo, I applied for Austin Peay only, I did for Alabama passively and it is till fall next year)
VO: why Austin Peay?
Me: Austin Peay has a robust course plan for data mgt and analysis hence my interest in choosing the institution
VO: who is paying this huge fund?
Me: My Dad
VO: What does he do?
Me: he is into Logistics, he has 2 subsidiaries, an arm is into clearing and forwarding of containers from the Sea port at Apapa (then he cut me)
VO: how many staff does he have
Me: about 150
VO: Can you be more specific ?
Me: He has 148 staffs
VO: how much does he make per annum?
VO: How long has he been into the business
Me: up to 35 years
Me: As much as 70million
VO: and you expect him to spend over 30k dollars on you per annum?
VO: what about your other siblings
Me: I have 4 of them and they are all graduates
VO: has he spent on anyone to study abroad before
Me: No
VO: so why do you think he will do this for you
Me:because I am his only son and he will go the extra mile for academics
VO: not convinced yet
VO: have you travelled before?
Me: I have not had any reason to travel.
VO: so your dad has not sponsored you on any international trip before and you expect him to spend this huge funds on you for studies
Me: I have not requested him to do this for me but i am sure he will do it if i make a requests of such.
VO: what does your mom?
Me: she is into construction
VO: be more specific
Me: she is a civil engineer, she handles construction projects end to end.
What are post study plans: I intend to return to Nigeria to join ****company as a full time facilitator bla bla (VO cuts me short)
VO:How long have you been at your current company?
Me: i have been there for close to 3 years.
VO: When did you finish your first degree?
Me: 2014, and i started working in 2015.
VO: i will be approving your Visa, congratulations.

Thank you to everyone on this platform, i have read literally all the pages on this thread and i have learnt a great deal. I am a quite participant but then i follow up on the page daily till this moment.
I wish all applicants all the best in this journey, i can assure you all of something, once you are prayerful and confident you will get your visa approved. Either it is in Lagos or Abuja, you will surely get it approved.

Ock4:
Please let’s connect if you applied to any of these schools:
Boston college
Pittsburgh University
University of Alabama

Fall 2022.
PhD Social work

Even if it’s not the same course, just connect let’s keep in touch.

Gent2nice:
First Attempt: (expedited appointment) Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021
Lagos Consulate
Status: Approved, later...denied (Program start date was Aug 30, 2021 had extension till Sept 6. Went with the letter but didn't present it because it was not asked for)

Around 10am, I met with the VO, a very black lady in her 50s (VO Valerie).



VO: Good morning

She collected i20 and passport, started typing, looking carefully.


Said to us please wait while she typed on.

Finally
VO: tell me why you are going to study this course and why this University. And she gave us a full attention

Me:
I spoke about how I have good background in Deaf Education field, my first degree in special education (hearing impairment focus), my masters degree in Deaf Education. I have taken leadership position in Nigerian Deaf community which I have used all to contribute towards Development of Deaf Education. I mentioned that I am Education Officer under ministry of education. (At this point I realized I have blown myself enough and needed to proceed to the relationship with the current which I intended to do, I wondered if she wouldn't have started wondering if I understood her question) so I continued
I want to study this course because I want to acquire adequate knowledge, experience and build up my skill in research, advocacy and innovation as a tool for contributing to the development of Deaf Education in Nigeria.

I chose Gallaudet University because it is the only University all over the world promoting bilingual and bicultural education, known for its excellence in teaching pedagogy, where Deaf students from all over the world find a sense of belonging , the needed learning resources, supportive faculty, student and staff. It will help me to achieve my aim (I stopped there, I momentarily lost what to continue with but immediately realized it was worth ending there)

Then she *signed* thank you while I blushed. She typed briefly.

VO: You said you work under ministry, tell me what exactly you do there.
Me: I have been an education officer under ministry of education since (my thought was to continue explaining the duties I carry out at different stations I've worked)

VO: cuts, Ok, since 2014?
Me: responded positive (she typed)

VO: I can see that you have school scholarship that covers $26k+, tell me how you will pay the deficit of $23k+.

Me: I will be co-sponsored by my sister and my friend. My sister is Mrs xyz, she works as accountant under KPMG, abroad , she also has landed and rented properties back here in Nigeria. My friend is Mr abc, he works as , Tennessee.

VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, because I've not had a reason to.

VO: Where do you say your sister works?
Me: she works as accountant in audit region at KPMG,

VO: Typed... Do you have any document to prove that your sister works at KPMG?

Me: Yes. (Reached for my file and brought out document her employment letter, Bank statement and Sponsorship affidavit filled because I stapled the three together)

VO: Looked thoroughly and calmly . Typed, then put up her hand to get a white paper, took my I-20 and placed it where I should pick it and said Be careful about covid-19...


Three days after I got called to send an update i20 because I attended the interview postdated. I sent documents required within the hour... And later rejected.

In my Ds160, I noticed minor error and corrected the error.
Also when I was explaining under yes to previously denied, I added that I have convincing and compelling socioeconomic ties. I stated that I have a permanent and pensionable appointment as... And also I talked about my achievements in community service in Nigeria etc then ended that I am a credible Student . ( I practicalized FAIRHEART theory, lol, because I went back to read this Nairaland page from page 1, lol).

I got date through surge appointment after so much stress trying to get date.
I did more prep and talked to some mock VOs (Carter, Francess and Jake who i met on GraithF1 visa whatsapp group ) who expressed concern about a friend as sponsor and was advised to find a way around it.
Note, sister was my major sponsor covering 85% of the deficit and it's her detail I input into Ds 160.


Second attempt
Wed 24th, November, 2021 (surge appointment, 7am)
Lagos Consulate
Status: Approved
Vo was a black lady, probably in her 30s, at extreme window.



Interview proper around 8.35am , can't say..by 8.55am, I was out!

Vo: Good morning
Me: good morning

Vo: where are you going to?
Me: I am going to Gallaudet University, Washington, DC to pursue a doctorate degree in CSEDL which is under SEVIS category of Education/ Teaching

Vo: What do you do?
Me: I work as Education officer under ministry of and my current post is at Federal Education... -----state where I ensure quality service delivery at schools through monitoring,and inspection of school, curriculum and pedagogy. Also I provide recommendations and reports for the Education of children with disabilities, also I supervise the library service of the department (*she fixed her eyes to the computer reading my job section to ensure it is a match)

Vo: You have scholarship of $26000+ and your sister is sponsoring you. What does your sister do?
Me: she works as accountant at KPMG , and she also has rented and land properties in Nigeria. She has been supporting me in my undergraduate when I was best faculty student.

Vo: how much does she earn?
Me: about $45000 annually

Vo: do you have any document to show me regarding your sister's job?

Me: nodded, searched and gave her recent appointment letter dated Nov 23rd, together with her recent bonus letter.

Vo: went through it.

Vo: there is Mr abc here who is covering the deficit, who is he to you?
Me: He is someone that has known me before I became Deaf and after I became Deaf and who knows about my academic and community achievements despite been Deaf and he is willing to support me.

Vo: How long have you known him?
Me: I have known him since , before I became deaf and after I became Deaf and he knows about my academic achievement and community contributions.

Vo: When did your sister started working at
Me: 2019

Vo: when did she arrived
Me: 2018

Vo: when did Mr abc leave for the US?
Me: was saying 2016/17 (not sure, though my disposition indicated I wasn't sure I was unruffled. It was as if I was answering to a normal conversation)

VO: When last did you see him?
Me: since..., ha I can't remember, since... (my mien was truly like trying to recollect something while having an informal conversation)
Vo then helped me add that ok since a long time.

Me: yes a long time.

Vo: has he ever come to Nigeria since he left?
Me: Noooo, but his wife and children have visited when they came for burial of his in-law.
Vo: asked about his job
Me: said it


vo: when did you start working under ministry of ?
Me: 20**, I was first posted to Federal bla bla bla (one of the federal unity colleges), where I taught chemistry to students.. and ... and ....

Vo: ok

Vo: where is Mr abc in the US?
Me: Tennessee


Vo: Do you have any family or friends in the US?
Me: Family? Family? (I wanna be sure what interpreter signed, because the 'friend' looked dicey to me) Nooooooo


Vo: Where will you be staying in the US
Me: On campus. The school encourages her international student to reside on campus so as to learn culture (deaf culture)...

Vo: brought white paper.. I will be approving your visa.

Me: thank you ma. God bless you ma.

Exit

(Visa issued next business day)



PS: At both my first and second interview, I was very confident and even more relaxed or settled at the second..hmmm. I said more than I wrote to the first question in my first interview because I recall I hinted about my proposed thesis interest too.

Visa interview is exam, take it as one! Let your profile be rich. Bank on the areas where you are loaded, academic? Career experience/achievement? Community contribution/volunteer experience? Financial capacity? Travel experience etc. And wherever ur application gives you fear (weak), find your way around it.

Note that VOs are not doing giveaway with visa approvals and they are there doing their job while they also have their own constraints too. The onus lies on you to do your part and do it well. Seek help, study and practice. Before my first interview too, I had my transcript vetted by friends schooling abroad too and I started following Nairaland page two months prior the interview.

If anyone has a denial, especially after a meaningful interview, look inward to see what you can do better, study, seek help, take advices and do your best. Don't just get angry at the VO.

Ensure you have a copy of your DS 160 which you must review over and over as interview approaches and if you see anything to change, kindly retrieve and fill another one latest before 72hours to your interview (I made that mistake with my first interview)

The God factor still remain a sure factor, trust Him too and honour him.

I'm very grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey, some of whom I have mentioned earlier. I wish everyone the very best.

Gent2nice:
First Attempt: (expedited appointment) Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021
Lagos Consulate
Status: Approved, later...denied (Program start date was Aug 30, 2021 had extension till Sept 6. Went with the letter but didn't present it because it was not asked for)

Around 10am, I met with the VO, a very black lady in her 50s (VO Valerie).



VO: Good morning

She collected i20 and passport, started typing, looking carefully.


Said to us please wait while she typed on.

Finally
VO: tell me why you are going to study this course and why this University. And she gave us a full attention

Me:
I spoke about how I have good background in Deaf Education field, my first degree in special education (hearing impairment focus), my masters degree in Deaf Education. I have taken leadership position in Nigerian Deaf community which I have used all to contribute towards Development of Deaf Education. I mentioned that I am Education Officer under ministry of education. (At this point I realized I have blown myself enough and needed to proceed to the relationship with the current which I intended to do, I wondered if she wouldn't have started wondering if I understood her question) so I continued
I want to study this course because I want to acquire adequate knowledge, experience and build up my skill in research, advocacy and innovation as a tool for contributing to the development of Deaf Education in Nigeria.

I chose Gallaudet University because it is the only University all over the world promoting bilingual and bicultural education, known for its excellence in teaching pedagogy, where Deaf students from all over the world find a sense of belonging , the needed learning resources, supportive faculty, student and staff. It will help me to achieve my aim (I stopped there, I momentarily lost what to continue with but immediately realized it was worth ending there)

Then she *signed* thank you while I blushed. She typed briefly.

VO: You said you work under ministry, tell me what exactly you do there.
Me: I have been an education officer under ministry of education since (my thought was to continue explaining the duties I carry out at different stations I've worked)

VO: cuts, Ok, since 2014?
Me: responded positive (she typed)

VO: I can see that you have school scholarship that covers $26k+, tell me how you will pay the deficit of $23k+.

Me: I will be co-sponsored by my sister and my friend. My sister is Mrs xyz, she works as accountant under KPMG, abroad , she also has landed and rented properties back here in Nigeria. My friend is Mr abc, he works as , Tennessee.

VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, because I've not had a reason to.

VO: Where do you say your sister works?
Me: she works as accountant in audit region at KPMG,

VO: Typed... Do you have any document to prove that your sister works at KPMG?

Me: Yes. (Reached for my file and brought out document her employment letter, Bank statement and Sponsorship affidavit filled because I stapled the three together)

VO: Looked thoroughly and calmly . Typed, then put up her hand to get a white paper, took my I-20 and placed it where I should pick it and said Be careful about covid-19...


Three days after I got called to send an update i20 because I attended the interview postdated. I sent documents required within the hour... And later rejected.

In my Ds160, I noticed minor error and corrected the error.
Also when I was explaining under yes to previously denied, I added that I have convincing and compelling socioeconomic ties. I stated that I have a permanent and pensionable appointment as... And also I talked about my achievements in community service in Nigeria etc then ended that I am a credible Student . ( I practicalized FAIRHEART theory, lol, because I went back to read this Nairaland page from page 1, lol).

I got date through surge appointment after so much stress trying to get date.
I did more prep and talked to some mock VOs (Carter, Francess and Jake who i met on GraithF1 visa whatsapp group ) who expressed concern about a friend as sponsor and was advised to find a way around it.
Note, sister was my major sponsor covering 85% of the deficit and it's her detail I input into Ds 160.


Second attempt
Wed 24th, November, 2021 (surge appointment, 7am)
Lagos Consulate
Status: Approved
Vo was a black lady, probably in her 30s, at extreme window.



Interview proper around 8.35am , can't say..by 8.55am, I was out!

Vo: Good morning
Me: good morning

Vo: where are you going to?
Me: I am going to Gallaudet University, Washington, DC to pursue a doctorate degree in CSEDL which is under SEVIS category of Education/ Teaching

Vo: What do you do?
Me: I work as Education officer under ministry of and my current post is at Federal Education... -----state where I ensure quality service delivery at schools through monitoring,and inspection of school, curriculum and pedagogy. Also I provide recommendations and reports for the Education of children with disabilities, also I supervise the library service of the department (*she fixed her eyes to the computer reading my job section to ensure it is a match)

Vo: You have scholarship of $26000+ and your sister is sponsoring you. What does your sister do?
Me: she works as accountant at KPMG , and she also has rented and land properties in Nigeria. She has been supporting me in my undergraduate when I was best faculty student.

Vo: how much does she earn?
Me: about $45000 annually

Vo: do you have any document to show me regarding your sister's job?

Me: nodded, searched and gave her recent appointment letter dated Nov 23rd, together with her recent bonus letter.

Vo: went through it.

Vo: there is Mr abc here who is covering the deficit, who is he to you?
Me: He is someone that has known me before I became Deaf and after I became Deaf and who knows about my academic and community achievements despite been Deaf and he is willing to support me.

Vo: How long have you known him?
Me: I have known him since , before I became deaf and after I became Deaf and he knows about my academic achievement and community contributions.

Vo: When did your sister started working at
Me: 2019

Vo: when did she arrived
Me: 2018

Vo: when did Mr abc leave for the US?
Me: was saying 2016/17 (not sure, though my disposition indicated I wasn't sure I was unruffled. It was as if I was answering to a normal conversation)

VO: When last did you see him?
Me: since..., ha I can't remember, since... (my mien was truly like trying to recollect something while having an informal conversation)
Vo then helped me add that ok since a long time.

Me: yes a long time.

Vo: has he ever come to Nigeria since he left?
Me: Noooo, but his wife and children have visited when they came for burial of his in-law.
Vo: asked about his job
Me: said it


vo: when did you start working under ministry of ?
Me: 20**, I was first posted to Federal bla bla bla (one of the federal unity colleges), where I taught chemistry to students.. and ... and ....

Vo: ok

Vo: where is Mr abc in the US?
Me: Tennessee


Vo: Do you have any family or friends in the US?
Me: Family? Family? (I wanna be sure what interpreter signed, because the 'friend' looked dicey to me) Nooooooo


Vo: Where will you be staying in the US
Me: On campus. The school encourages her international student to reside on campus so as to learn culture (deaf culture)...

Vo: brought white paper.. I will be approving your visa.

Me: thank you ma. God bless you ma.

Exit

(Visa issued next business day)



PS: At both my first and second interview, I was very confident and even more relaxed or settled at the second..hmmm. I said more than I wrote to the first question in my first interview because I recall I hinted about my proposed thesis interest too.

Visa interview is exam, take it as one! Let your profile be rich. Bank on the areas where you are loaded, academic? Career experience/achievement? Community contribution/volunteer experience? Financial capacity? Travel experience etc. And wherever ur application gives you fear (weak), find your way around it.

Note that VOs are not doing giveaway with visa approvals and they are there doing their job while they also have their own constraints too. The onus lies on you to do your part and do it well. Seek help, study and practice. Before my first interview too, I had my transcript vetted by friends schooling abroad too and I started following Nairaland page two months prior the interview.

If anyone has a denial, especially after a meaningful interview, look inward to see what you can do better, study, seek help, take advices and do your best. Don't just get angry at the VO.

Ensure you have a copy of your DS 160 which you must review over and over as interview approaches and if you see anything to change, kindly retrieve and fill another one latest before 72hours to your interview (I made that mistake with my first interview)

The God factor still remain a sure factor, trust Him too and honour him.

I'm very grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey, some of whom I have mentioned earlier. I wish everyone the very best.

Systrom:
For those of you that have gotten your visa, make sure you have
1.a proof of negative covid Covid 19 test
2. Proof of full vaccination against Covid 19

Otherwise, you won’t be allowed entry at the POE.

yeyebrity:
Please, how long does it take for the Visa appointment website to update the decision status?

My sis profile is still showing ‘scheduled’ for an appointment she had on 15th December which was denied.

She is trying to book another and can’t get a date. I hope the status update is not a hinderance though?