₦airaland Forum

ikeolafarm:
Pls if you know any group checking dates for Lagos consulate, send me a DM.

I want to join.

Thanks.

tiaraLOVE:
If you'll be attending

Saint louis University
Univeristy of Missouri
Washington Univeristy, St Louis
Missouri S&T
University of Central Missouri
South East Missouri State University

Any other schools in Missouri in Fall 2022

Kindly send a mail to join our WhatsApp group and meet your fellow students.

Cheers!

Viwi:
Can you please hook me up too? I am also 17

Thank you sir

Moshkom:
Kindly drop me your email or DM Me, lemme ‘hook you up’ with a younger one there also on undergraduate level, in your age bracket. To mentor you.

Luck!

itsamara:
Please could you help me too

Onah16:
Hello guys, I've been trying to book for a visa appointment but I'm seeing dates in 2023 and I don't want to check too regularly. I heard there are groups here on nairaland that the group members are informed by other members whenever an early date pops up. I'll like to join such groups. Please send a dm or post the link here.

Whitie:
Same here please

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.

Onah16:
Hello guys, I've been trying to book for a visa appointment but I'm seeing dates in 2023 and I don't want to check too regularly. I heard there are groups here on nairaland that the group members are informed by other members whenever an early date pops up. I'll like to join such groups. Please send a dm or post the link here.

techkay:
Please guys, I need your assistance in adding me to a WhatsApp group for getting an earlier date in Lagos for my F2 dependents. I initially scheduled December, 2022 for them but I wish to reschedule it to July or August or September, 2022.

Your timely response will highly be appreciated.

My email is oluomo2d@yahoo.com.


Thank you

Jacknn:
It seems you guys are yet to understand this US hustle..he's hundred percent right..forget all this home ties and all. If u have a fully funded scholarship,the rest is history provided u answer all questions correctly.. if it's not a fully funded scholarship,ur chances are 50/50 or even 20/80.. so my dear, hustle for a fully funded and the whole scenero will change definitely. VOs hate deficit

Don1145:
Hello everyone!
I mistakenly submitted my DS-160 form. Sadly, I realized some errors in my answers in the form.

I have not paid for the visa application and the SEVIS fees, as I just started the process, and have not scheduled interview date yet.

Should I start filling up another DS- 160 form, or should I look for ways to correct the existing form at the US embassy (is it even possible to correct it at the embassy) ?

If I choose to fill the form afresh, will the wrongly filled form pose a challenge during my Visa interview?

Please help a newbie.

Moshkom:
“ Dear Undergraduates,

I know people on educational committees and advice groups have not been nice to you.. You can’t blame them because undergraduate funding is as hard as finding gold or crude oil.. but fear not these are 10 schools you should focus your search on. They are very generous (even for international students) and if you have a good enough holistic profile you certainly have chances of being funded

1. Utica University
2. Duke University
3. Vanderbilt University
4. Amherst College
5. Berea College
6. Princeton University
7. Soka University (STEM inclined)
8. University of New Mexico
9. University of Notre Dame


These schools boasts of at least 90% funding for their undergraduate program which in turn will make them very competitive. So please evaluate yourself very critically, take tests (SAT, ACT) and pass them well, improve your extracurricular and leadership abilities, showcase your athletic capacities and pray for grace.

Love always

Jesse ❤️ “

GerraMeh74:
Please can someone send me a link on how to prepare for your F1 visa interview or maybe possible questions and documents to take along. Thanks

Kezzy96:
DM me

Kezzy96:
DM me

Hellennah:
I would like to join.
Sent an email already but I did not include my number

West0099:
Good morning guys pls i have a visa interview date for may 24th and my program starts may 16 i email the school for an extension and they gave me 2 weeks extension pls can i go with that to the embassy

Osof:
How long does it take to get ones passport after been approved. Also how long does it take for vis refused to change to visa issued after sending your passport back to the embassy because you went for interview before the 120days rule. Please it Is urgent. Thanks. Asking for someone.

Ebi1:
Hi please I’m applying as an F1 applicant for a phd program in Houston. My dad is the sponsor. He sponsored my earlier Masters degree too at the same University. My husband and child are applying as f2 dependents. Child is 8 months old. My husband has a bar and restaurant in Cotonou and we also have landed properties in Nigeria. My first child was born in Houston in 2019. We have the fully paid receipts and I didn’t overstay. I actually gave birth there cus I had complications during the new year vacation. I have questions
1. Should we mention our restaurant and say that my husband will put someone in charge while he follows me to support me with the kids and help me settle down then he’d come back in 8months time during the Christmas holiday to check on the business…
2. Will they bring up the US child question?
3. Will they ask for his bank statement even though we have the bank statement of my dad who is the sponsor

Mercyof:
Good day everyone, I plan to start applying to schools by July for fall admission next year, I did my Msc at U.I and U.I uses cgpa of 7.0, now my question is, do I need to use WES to evaluate my cgpa, or can i go ahead to use my normal cgpa if the school doesn't request for evaluation??