For those asking for my transcript, here it is. Before I go on, I would like to state that I am the student whose spouse is already in the US on an f1 visa (Ph.D.)


VISA APPROVED
Interview Day: May, 2022. (This week)
Course: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
School: an R1 school in the US
Funding: 100% fee waiver and half TA (about 13,000 USD)
Deficit: about 12,000 USD

Also note: I initially applied for an f2 visa in october 2021 after my spouse left (as we got married legally after his interview before he left) so when I got an offer for my Ph.D., I filled out a new DS160 form for an f1 visa instead. This was advised by the customer service representative I called. So long story short, I used my f2 slot for my f1 visa.


After my thumbprint and document check, I walked to the VO window.

VO: Good morning, please pass me your document.
I pass the document and they scan it.
VO: So why are you going for a Ph.D. in Computer engineering, that must be wow.
Me: I am going for a Ph.D. at the University of Bleep because I want to advance my career and it is the right time for me. I recently finished my Masters's degree in Data Science from Bleep University in the UK and I learned soso and so. That has prepared me for research in Machine Learning (ML) and I want to go deeper.

Additionally, while researching the schools, I came across Prof. Bleep work on mental health; using ML to predict depression from mobile phone data and it caught my attention specifically because a close family member suffered from mental health challenge and left home in 2018 unaware of her present environment (AKA she went missing). With my research, I want to be able to use ML to detect patterns in patients' data or data such as smartphone data for early detection of mental health challenges and other medical diseases and to connect patients to healthcare quickly before their ailment gets worse.


(At the point where I mentioned a family member suffering from depression, she left what she was typing and was looking straight into my eyes. she was listening attentively like I said something that touched her. )


Additionally, I have funding from the school that waives my tuition.

At this point, they cut in and ask.

VO: who is paying for your fees?
Me: I have funding that waives 100% of my tuition and covers a part of my living expenses. (cuts in and say you have a Teaching Assistantship looking at my DS160 I guess from the screen)

I continue: Yes TA. I will also be covering the other part of the funding from my personal savings.

VO: How did you come about the savings?
Me: I worked at Bleep during my master's and was able to save up some money during that time.

VO: oh so you had a scholarship for your masters and saved up some funds? That's impressive.
Me: yes

VO: are you married?
ME: yes

Vo: what happens to your family?
Me: Oh, my spouse is currently doing his Ph.D. in the same school at the Bleep department on f1 visa.

VO: do you have any kids?
Me: not yet.

VO: I can see you have a j1 visa before, what was it for?
Me: Yes, I participated in Bleep exchange program sponsored by the US government at University of Bleep in Bleep year.

VO: But you have a 2 years residency clause

(two years of residency means I am meant to be in Nigeria for at least 2 years after the exchange program before applying for an H1 visa or permanent residency visa and some others. I only researched about it after I left the interview. I knew I had that 2 years stuff but from my knowledge, it didn't affect f1 visa plus I had done 2 years in Nigeria cumulatively)

At this point, I was dumbfounded. was confused because I never thought this would be an issue. VO goes on to ask me where I did my master's and when I came back. responded that it was in the UK and I got back early last year.

VO: That is not up to 2 years then. Tell me again, when did you come back from the US, and when did you go for your masters and return.
Me: Gives precise dates of when I came back.

VO: but you've been in Nigeria since then right? and you were in Nigeria after your exchange program before your masters?

Me: Yes.

Vo took a pen and wrote all the travel details down. Did some calculations and told me they would get back to me. went inside with these details. at this point, I was already speaking in tongues cos by my calculation, I stayed about 13 months after my exchange program before going for my master's and have spent about 15 months in Nigeria since my master's.


VO comes back shortly still looking at some documents, and types some things on their computer. Oh, I forgot to add that they were typing all through my interview except when I mentioned my family member's health challenge. Then I noticed Vo picking up a white paper and says.

VO: Your visa has been approved, you will need this paper for so so and so.

At this point, I was overjoyed. Was smiling from inside my mask lol.

Me: would that be all?
VO: yes, congratulations again and wish you a safe trip.


Me: thank you. Walks out of the interview room and took a deep breath of relief.


SOME TIPS THAT MY EXPERIENCE TAUGHT ME
1. Be honest. Don't hide information and lie about things and think they won't figure it out.

2. Take your time to fill out your DS160 form. Again don't lie here. They know all these things. If you have been denied before also state it and give reasons. I have never been denied a visa but I didn't fill in my j1 status on my DS160 form as there was no provision for that but they somehow knew cos they have the details in their system.

3. If you have a gap say employment or study gap, be truthful about it and explain why. Try to give a logical and convincing explanation of why. Don't just say I have been looking for work and didn't find it. lol.
I haven't been in full-time employment since I returned however, I have been taking some courses to prepare for my Ph.D. and also published a book, and got married within that 15 months. Additionally, I had taken up some contract jobs for some well known organisations both in Nigeria and outside the country within this time. Those are the explanations I gave for being unemployed.

4. Don't falsify documents or lie about your status of something. They will definitely find out by asking you an unexpected question and since you haven't planned how to respond to back up the lie, you will just be stammering lol.

5. Arrive early. I arrived an hour before my interview and from all the screenings straight to the interview, I spent less than an hour. So, before my interview time, I was already done with the interview.

6. For those who are married to a spouse in the US, don't hide this information. Just say it as it is. It would most likely not affect you if they are there legally except of course yáll have ulterior motives and they will still find out anyways.


sorry for the long story. Lol. I am a writer so don't blame me. *covers face*

guest31:


what did they reply? did they give any reason for denying?

Yh they said they have limited resources and staffing, that I should keep checking for available appointment date as they add the dates when their staffing increases

I want to apply for a master degree program in (MA Communication) in the United states. Will appreciate if i will assisted with names of schools that offers that master degree program and also graduate assistantships.

Tshobo:

Yh they said they have limited resources and staffing, that I should keep checking for available appointment date as they add the dates when their staffing increases

can you tell when did you apply? and after how many days they responded?

guest31:


can you tell when did you apply? and after how many days they responded?

I applied last week Saturday
And I got response on Monday

Pls can anyone add me to the WhatsApp group for Lagos and Abuja. 08114049290. Thanks

Ceedeon:


How do you change date. Is it to cancel? Would it not affect the emergency date slot?

No you don't cancel, you reschedule

UmeakaChisom:


please i just checked, all 2023 for LAGOS. are the dates exhausted already or something

You just have to keep checking. Note the time you saw the first update here and try to check within that time frame tomorrow or next. According to the picture I saw, it should be up to 100 for May 26th

Best of luck

Youngbankee:


Kindly add me to the lagos group please. Been looking for dates as well. Thanks 08109982990

I'm not sure why a lot of people are tagging me though but I'm not in any interview date group nor am I looking for date

mercy2121:
Pls anyone going to Michigan Tech University this fall 22 or currently studying at Michigan Tech, should send me a Dm. It's really important.
Thanks

I’ll be going to Michigan Tech this fall 22

Ujunwaada:
I want to apply for a master degree program in (MA Communication) in the United states. Will appreciate if i will assisted with names of schools that offers that master degree program and also graduate assistantships.

You can check out William paterson university

Can anyone add me to the WhatsApp group for Lagos axis
08126388635

Please can I book an interview date without filling/submitting the Ds160 form

Pls can anyone add me to abuja WhatsApp group for date search 08162466582

Em3a:
Please can I book an interview date without filling/submitting the Ds160 form

fill and save the ds confirmation number. You can submit later. Latest, 72hrs to your appointment date.

The link is not working

Jaylo79:


https:///f1usvisahopefuls

Teensmentor:
For those asking for my transcript, here it is. Before I go on, I would like to state that I am the student whose spouse is already in the US on an f1 visa (Ph.D.)


VISA APPROVED
Interview Day: May, 2022. (This week)
Course: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
School: an R1 school in the US
Funding: 100% fee waiver and half TA (about 13,000 USD)
Deficit: about 12,000 USD

Also note: I initially applied for an f2 visa in october 2021 after my spouse left (as we got married legally after his interview before he left) so when I got an offer for my Ph.D., I filled out a new DS160 form for an f1 visa instead. This was advised by the customer service representative I called. So long story short, I used my f2 slot for my f1 visa.


After my thumbprint and document check, I walked to the VO window.

VO: Good morning, please pass me your document.
I pass the document and they scan it.
VO: So why are you going for a Ph.D. in Computer engineering, that must be wow.
Me: I am going for a Ph.D. at the University of Bleep because I want to advance my career and it is the right time for me. I recently finished my Masters's degree in Data Science from Bleep University in the UK and I learned soso and so. That has prepared me for research in Machine Learning (ML) and I want to go deeper.

Additionally, while researching the schools, I came across Prof. Bleep work on mental health; using ML to predict depression from mobile phone data and it caught my attention specifically because a close family member suffered from mental health challenge and left home in 2018 unaware of her present environment (AKA she went missing). With my research, I want to be able to use ML to detect patterns in patients' data or data such as smartphone data for early detection of mental health challenges and other medical diseases and to connect patients to healthcare quickly before their ailment gets worse.


(At the point where I mentioned a family member suffering from depression, she left what she was typing and was looking straight into my eyes. she was listening attentively like I said something that touched her. )


Additionally, I have funding from the school that waives my tuition.

At this point, they cut in and ask.

VO: who is paying for your fees?
Me: I have funding that waives 100% of my tuition and covers a part of my living expenses. (cuts in and say you have a Teaching Assistantship looking at my DS160 I guess from the screen)

I continue: Yes TA. I will also be covering the other part of the funding from my personal savings.

VO: How did you come about the savings?
Me: I worked at Bleep during my master's and was able to save up some money during that time.

VO: oh so you had a scholarship for your masters and saved up some funds? That's impressive.
Me: yes

VO: are you married?
ME: yes

Vo: what happens to your family?
Me: Oh, my spouse is currently doing his Ph.D. in the same school at the Bleep department on f1 visa.

VO: do you have any kids?
Me: not yet.

VO: I can see you have a j1 visa before, what was it for?
Me: Yes, I participated in Bleep exchange program sponsored by the US government at University of Bleep in Bleep year.

VO: But you have a 2 years residency clause

(two years of residency means I am meant to be in Nigeria for at least 2 years after the exchange program before applying for an H1 visa or permanent residency visa and some others. I only researched about it after I left the interview. I knew I had that 2 years stuff but from my knowledge, it didn't affect f1 visa plus I had done 2 years in Nigeria cumulatively)

At this point, I was dumbfounded. was confused because I never thought this would be an issue. VO goes on to ask me where I did my master's and when I came back. responded that it was in the UK and I got back early last year.

VO: That is not up to 2 years then. Tell me again, when did you come back from the US, and when did you go for your masters and return.
Me: Gives precise dates of when I came back.

VO: but you've been in Nigeria since then right? and you were in Nigeria after your exchange program before your masters?

Me: Yes.

Vo took a pen and wrote all the travel details down. Did some calculations and told me they would get back to me. went inside with these details. at this point, I was already speaking in tongues cos by my calculation, I stayed about 13 months after my exchange program before going for my master's and have spent about 15 months in Nigeria since my master's.


VO comes back shortly still looking at some documents, and types some things on their computer. Oh, I forgot to add that they were typing all through my interview except when I mentioned my family member's health challenge. Then I noticed Vo picking up a white paper and says.

VO: Your visa has been approved, you will need this paper for so so and so.

At this point, I was overjoyed. Was smiling from inside my mask lol.

Me: would that be all?
VO: yes, congratulations again and wish you a safe trip.


Me: thank you. Walks out of the interview room and took a deep breath of relief.


SOME TIPS THAT MY EXPERIENCE TAUGHT ME
1. Be honest. Don't hide information and lie about things and think they won't figure it out.

2. Take your time to fill out your DS160 form. Again don't lie here. They know all these things. If you have been denied before also state it and give reasons. I have never been denied a visa but I didn't fill in my j1 status on my DS160 form as there was no provision for that but they somehow knew cos they have the details in their system.

3. If you have a gap say employment or study gap, be truthful about it and explain why. Try to give a logical and convincing explanation of why. Don't just say I have been looking for work and didn't find it. lol.
I haven't been in full-time employment since I returned however, I have been taking some courses to prepare for my Ph.D. and also published a book, and got married within that 15 months. Additionally, I had taken up some contract jobs for some well known organisations both in Nigeria and outside the country within this time. Those are the explanations I gave for being unemployed.

4. Don't falsify documents or lie about your status of something. They will definitely find out by asking you an unexpected question and since you haven't planned how to respond to back up the lie, you will just be stammering lol.

5. Arrive early. I arrived an hour before my interview and from all the screenings straight to the interview, I spent less than an hour. So, before my interview time, I was already done with the interview.

6. For those who are married to a spouse in the US, don't hide this information. Just say it as it is. It would most likely not affect you if they are there legally except of course yáll have ulterior motives and they will still find out anyways.


sorry for the long story. Lol. I am a writer so don't blame me. *covers face*

Congratulations dear. This your interview really showcased your academics skills and shows you are truly a scholar.
Just a quick one: if someone has an Uncle or Aunty from maternal side staying in the US, would it be necessary accepting you have a relative or friend when asked to indicate.? Not talking of immediate relative ooo. I asked because people will always advice that you check "No" whether relative or immediate relative to avoid them denying you Visa.

Hello everyone. I would really appreciate if I get as many opinions on this.
I was denied sometime last year before the start of the Fall semester and I currently have another interview scheduled later this month for this Fall semester. I deferred for a whole year.
I was given the blue slip with 214b reasons and honestly don’t know what to put in the ‘give reasons for previous refusal’ section in my Ds160.
Although, the interview started to go downhill when I showed the bank statement of my sponsor (my uncle) who is now a US citizen, I had no idea at the time that it would worsen my home ties situation.
Now my second question is this, how would I answer the question of ‘what has changed since your last interview’ if I’m asked by the VO. I have already changed sponsors but would I have to mention it since they did not precisely tell me the bank statement I used before was the issue.

Please I hope I get responses, opinions and suggestions on this.
Thank you.

UmmZayd:


No you don't cancel, you reschedule

Thank you. Rescheduling is showing later date not earlier.
I picked Oct and my program is starting August.

UB(university at Buffalo) for fall 2022 send me a message to be added to the WhatsApp group of 2022 prospectives.

How much is SEVIS fee in Naira now?

Congratulations. Your previous J1 visa should never have been an issue. It should not impact your ability to get another non-immigrant visa even if you had not served the cumulative two years in Nigeria. VOs do not know everything. Sometimes, it pays to politely and humbly remind them. As you rightly stated after you researched the topic, it would only have been an issue if you wanted to get an immigrant visa.

Teensmentor:
For those asking for my transcript, here it is. Before I go on, I would like to state that I am the student whose spouse is already in the US on an f1 visa (Ph.D.)


VISA APPROVED
Interview Day: May, 2022. (This week)
Course: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
School: an R1 school in the US
Funding: 100% fee waiver and half TA (about 13,000 USD)
Deficit: about 12,000 USD

Also note: I initially applied for an f2 visa in october 2021 after my spouse left (as we got married legally after his interview before he left) so when I got an offer for my Ph.D., I filled out a new DS160 form for an f1 visa instead. This was advised by the customer service representative I called. So long story short, I used my f2 slot for my f1 visa.


After my thumbprint and document check, I walked to the VO window.

VO: Good morning, please pass me your document.
I pass the document and they scan it.
VO: So why are you going for a Ph.D. in Computer engineering, that must be wow.
Me: I am going for a Ph.D. at the University of Bleep because I want to advance my career and it is the right time for me. I recently finished my Masters's degree in Data Science from Bleep University in the UK and I learned soso and so. That has prepared me for research in Machine Learning (ML) and I want to go deeper.

Additionally, while researching the schools, I came across Prof. Bleep work on mental health; using ML to predict depression from mobile phone data and it caught my attention specifically because a close family member suffered from mental health challenge and left home in 2018 unaware of her present environment (AKA she went missing). With my research, I want to be able to use ML to detect patterns in patients' data or data such as smartphone data for early detection of mental health challenges and other medical diseases and to connect patients to healthcare quickly before their ailment gets worse.


(At the point where I mentioned a family member suffering from depression, she left what she was typing and was looking straight into my eyes. she was listening attentively like I said something that touched her. )


Additionally, I have funding from the school that waives my tuition.

At this point, they cut in and ask.

VO: who is paying for your fees?
Me: I have funding that waives 100% of my tuition and covers a part of my living expenses. (cuts in and say you have a Teaching Assistantship looking at my DS160 I guess from the screen)

I continue: Yes TA. I will also be covering the other part of the funding from my personal savings.

VO: How did you come about the savings?
Me: I worked at Bleep during my master's and was able to save up some money during that time.

VO: oh so you had a scholarship for your masters and saved up some funds? That's impressive.
Me: yes

VO: are you married?
ME: yes

Vo: what happens to your family?
Me: Oh, my spouse is currently doing his Ph.D. in the same school at the Bleep department on f1 visa.

VO: do you have any kids?
Me: not yet.

VO: I can see you have a j1 visa before, what was it for?
Me: Yes, I participated in Bleep exchange program sponsored by the US government at University of Bleep in Bleep year.

VO: But you have a 2 years residency clause

(two years of residency means I am meant to be in Nigeria for at least 2 years after the exchange program before applying for an H1 visa or permanent residency visa and some others. I only researched about it after I left the interview. I knew I had that 2 years stuff but from my knowledge, it didn't affect f1 visa plus I had done 2 years in Nigeria cumulatively)

At this point, I was dumbfounded. was confused because I never thought this would be an issue. VO goes on to ask me where I did my master's and when I came back. responded that it was in the UK and I got back early last year.

VO: That is not up to 2 years then. Tell me again, when did you come back from the US, and when did you go for your masters and return.
Me: Gives precise dates of when I came back.

VO: but you've been in Nigeria since then right? and you were in Nigeria after your exchange program before your masters?

Me: Yes.

Vo took a pen and wrote all the travel details down. Did some calculations and told me they would get back to me. went inside with these details. at this point, I was already speaking in tongues cos by my calculation, I stayed about 13 months after my exchange program before going for my master's and have spent about 15 months in Nigeria since my master's.


VO comes back shortly still looking at some documents, and types some things on their computer. Oh, I forgot to add that they were typing all through my interview except when I mentioned my family member's health challenge. Then I noticed Vo picking up a white paper and says.

VO: Your visa has been approved, you will need this paper for so so and so.

At this point, I was overjoyed. Was smiling from inside my mask lol.

Me: would that be all?
VO: yes, congratulations again and wish you a safe trip.


Me: thank you. Walks out of the interview room and took a deep breath of relief.


SOME TIPS THAT MY EXPERIENCE TAUGHT ME
1. Be honest. Don't hide information and lie about things and think they won't figure it out.

2. Take your time to fill out your DS160 form. Again don't lie here. They know all these things. If you have been denied before also state it and give reasons. I have never been denied a visa but I didn't fill in my j1 status on my DS160 form as there was no provision for that but they somehow knew cos they have the details in their system.

3. If you have a gap say employment or study gap, be truthful about it and explain why. Try to give a logical and convincing explanation of why. Don't just say I have been looking for work and didn't find it. lol.
I haven't been in full-time employment since I returned however, I have been taking some courses to prepare for my Ph.D. and also published a book, and got married within that 15 months. Additionally, I had taken up some contract jobs for some well known organisations both in Nigeria and outside the country within this time. Those are the explanations I gave for being unemployed.

4. Don't falsify documents or lie about your status of something. They will definitely find out by asking you an unexpected question and since you haven't planned how to respond to back up the lie, you will just be stammering lol.

5. Arrive early. I arrived an hour before my interview and from all the screenings straight to the interview, I spent less than an hour. So, before my interview time, I was already done with the interview.

6. For those who are married to a spouse in the US, don't hide this information. Just say it as it is. It would most likely not affect you if they are there legally except of course yáll have ulterior motives and they will still find out anyways.


sorry for the long story. Lol. I am a writer so don't blame me. *covers face*

UmeakaChisom:
i don see am, thank you so much

Pls the link isn't active..how can I join

Any link to Lagos WhatsApp group
Or add me this is my number
08126388635

Like I said, say the truth and don't lie about anything.

Except, of course, you are not close to your relative in the US, you should name them.

If I am not mistaken, I think the DS160 form lists specifically the kind of relatives they are asking for (brother, sister, father, etc)

If you lie about it, they will most likely find out. Except the said relatives migrated illegally, its not something you should be worried about.

ciarasommy:

Congratulations dear. This your interview really showcased your academics skills and shows you are truly a scholar.
Just a quick one: if someone has an Uncle or Aunty from maternal side staying in the US, would it be necessary accepting you have a relative or friend when asked to indicate.? Not talking of immediate relative ooo. I asked because people will always advice that you check "No" whether relative or immediate relative to avoid them denying you Visa.

iphien:
It went well. The way I prayed to escape window 9 (k-guy). F1 and F2 (husband and baby) approved.

Please, I need to know if I can use the bank statements generated online through my bank app?

[quote author=justwise post=97882256][/quote]



Please, I need to know if I can use the bank statements generated online through my bank app?

To be clear, you are not required to disclose anyone who is not an immediate relative. The US government is not interested in your Aunt or Uncle. They want to know about immediate relatives, such as your parents, your kids, and your siblings. I agree that you answer truthfully always.

Teensmentor:
Like I said, say the truth and don't lie about anything.

Except, of course, you are not close to your relative in the US, you should name them.

If I am not mistaken, I think the DS160 form lists specifically the kind of relatives they are asking for (brother, sister, father, etc) I think aunties are uncles are a bit close relatives so you can include them.
If you lie about it, they will most likely find out. Except the said relatives migrated illegally, its not something you should be worried about.

congratulations

Teensmentor:
For those asking for my transcript, here it is. Before I go on, I would like to state that I am the student whose spouse is already in the US on an f1 visa (Ph.D.)


VISA APPROVED
Interview Day: May, 2022. (This week)
Course: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering
School: an R1 school in the US
Funding: 100% fee waiver and half TA (about 13,000 USD)
Deficit: about 12,000 USD

Also note: I initially applied for an f2 visa in october 2021 after my spouse left (as we got married legally after his interview before he left) so when I got an offer for my Ph.D., I filled out a new DS160 form for an f1 visa instead. This was advised by the customer service representative I called. So long story short, I used my f2 slot for my f1 visa.


After my thumbprint and document check, I walked to the VO window.

VO: Good morning, please pass me your document.
I pass the document and they scan it.
VO: So why are you going for a Ph.D. in Computer engineering, that must be wow.
Me: I am going for a Ph.D. at the University of Bleep because I want to advance my career and it is the right time for me. I recently finished my Masters's degree in Data Science from Bleep University in the UK and I learned soso and so. That has prepared me for research in Machine Learning (ML) and I want to go deeper.

Additionally, while researching the schools, I came across Prof. Bleep work on mental health; using ML to predict depression from mobile phone data and it caught my attention specifically because a close family member suffered from mental health challenge and left home in 2018 unaware of her present environment (AKA she went missing). With my research, I want to be able to use ML to detect patterns in patients' data or data such as smartphone data for early detection of mental health challenges and other medical diseases and to connect patients to healthcare quickly before their ailment gets worse.


(At the point where I mentioned a family member suffering from depression, she left what she was typing and was looking straight into my eyes. she was listening attentively like I said something that touched her. )


Additionally, I have funding from the school that waives my tuition.

At this point, they cut in and ask.

VO: who is paying for your fees?
Me: I have funding that waives 100% of my tuition and covers a part of my living expenses. (cuts in and say you have a Teaching Assistantship looking at my DS160 I guess from the screen)

I continue: Yes TA. I will also be covering the other part of the funding from my personal savings.

VO: How did you come about the savings?
Me: I worked at Bleep during my master's and was able to save up some money during that time.

VO: oh so you had a scholarship for your masters and saved up some funds? That's impressive.
Me: yes

VO: are you married?
ME: yes

Vo: what happens to your family?
Me: Oh, my spouse is currently doing his Ph.D. in the same school at the Bleep department on f1 visa.

VO: do you have any kids?
Me: not yet.

VO: I can see you have a j1 visa before, what was it for?
Me: Yes, I participated in Bleep exchange program sponsored by the US government at University of Bleep in Bleep year.

VO: But you have a 2 years residency clause

(two years of residency means I am meant to be in Nigeria for at least 2 years after the exchange program before applying for an H1 visa or permanent residency visa and some others. I only researched about it after I left the interview. I knew I had that 2 years stuff but from my knowledge, it didn't affect f1 visa plus I had done 2 years in Nigeria cumulatively)

At this point, I was dumbfounded. was confused because I never thought this would be an issue. VO goes on to ask me where I did my master's and when I came back. responded that it was in the UK and I got back early last year.

VO: That is not up to 2 years then. Tell me again, when did you come back from the US, and when did you go for your masters and return.
Me: Gives precise dates of when I came back.

VO: but you've been in Nigeria since then right? and you were in Nigeria after your exchange program before your masters?

Me: Yes.

Vo took a pen and wrote all the travel details down. Did some calculations and told me they would get back to me. went inside with these details. at this point, I was already speaking in tongues cos by my calculation, I stayed about 13 months after my exchange program before going for my master's and have spent about 15 months in Nigeria since my master's.


VO comes back shortly still looking at some documents, and types some things on their computer. Oh, I forgot to add that they were typing all through my interview except when I mentioned my family member's health challenge. Then I noticed Vo picking up a white paper and says.

VO: Your visa has been approved, you will need this paper for so so and so.

At this point, I was overjoyed. Was smiling from inside my mask lol.

Me: would that be all?
VO: yes, congratulations again and wish you a safe trip.


Me: thank you. Walks out of the interview room and took a deep breath of relief.


SOME TIPS THAT MY EXPERIENCE TAUGHT ME
1. Be honest. Don't hide information and lie about things and think they won't figure it out.

2. Take your time to fill out your DS160 form. Again don't lie here. They know all these things. If you have been denied before also state it and give reasons. I have never been denied a visa but I didn't fill in my j1 status on my DS160 form as there was no provision for that but they somehow knew cos they have the details in their system.

3. If you have a gap say employment or study gap, be truthful about it and explain why. Try to give a logical and convincing explanation of why. Don't just say I have been looking for work and didn't find it. lol.
I haven't been in full-time employment since I returned however, I have been taking some courses to prepare for my Ph.D. and also published a book, and got married within that 15 months. Additionally, I had taken up some contract jobs for some well known organisations both in Nigeria and outside the country within this time. Those are the explanations I gave for being unemployed.

4. Don't falsify documents or lie about your status of something. They will definitely find out by asking you an unexpected question and since you haven't planned how to respond to back up the lie, you will just be stammering lol.

5. Arrive early. I arrived an hour before my interview and from all the screenings straight to the interview, I spent less than an hour. So, before my interview time, I was already done with the interview.

6. For those who are married to a spouse in the US, don't hide this information. Just say it as it is. It would most likely not affect you if they are there legally except of course yáll have ulterior motives and they will still find out anyways.


sorry for the long story. Lol. I am a writer so don't blame me. *covers face*

UmmZayd:

Which company's name bayii
Your brother should follow the instructions on the coupon. There's a Western Union stand at Walgreens store and Walmart. Even ShopRite has

I have already call them and they’ve sort out the issue

Teeswift:
I laugh in Japanese ! Instead of issuing a Blue paper.....she vexed wella handed you..Green !

What does the green mean tho
and blue too

UmmZayd:


Yes you can contact Walspring today to help with the payment and you will get the receipt ASAP. However, if you think you have anything you want to change on your DS160, change it today too. After today don't do anything to avoid added stress.

Best of luck

Please I have a question, can I use statements of account I generated by myself through online bank app?