₦airaland Forum

OlawumiCecilia:
*Visa approved to the glory of God*.

NB: Our visa (F1 and F2) is a great testimony. We had the I-20 for the fall semester in June. I made application to Lagos, picked Dec 7, applied for emergency, waited for over a month and when they would respond, emergency request was denied. We were so worried. by August, the date we had was Dec 8 in Abuja. I notified my supervisor and HOD, who then suggested I start my program remotely. 3 working days before Dec8, Friday Dec 3 I mean (which happened to be the day before my birthday), devil raised ugly head again. Abuja embassy rescheduled our appointment to Feb 9, 2022. Ah, it was really a bad day. There was no more motivation in me to continue my program remotely. When I related that to my supervisor, he said if I cannot make it to the spring semester, I may lose my assistantship. That struck me badly. The following day, Saturday, we cancelled that Feb 9 appointment and paid new visa fee. Applied to Abuja and requested emergency. Alas, Monday came to be a good day. About 9am, Abuja embassy approved the emergency request. At that point, we knew we are getting our visa. Dec 7, 8, and 9 were the close dates available. That same Dec 8 when we originally have appointment had 18 slots, I was shocked. Why would the embassy cancelled appointment and still open that number of slots? Well, I knew it was not normal. So, we picked Dec 9, I never had interest in Dec 8 again. We prayed and fasted. I believe God answers prayers and whatever He says he would do cannot be changed. Delay is not denial.


COA: $34K (F2 expenses inclusive)
Funding: $31k
Deficit: $3k
Date: 9/12/2021
Location: Abuja
Interview time: 11:30am by one white VO
My husband and I got to the Abuja embassy around 7:30am wearing same attire. But later got interviewed by 11:30. Just one VO attended to everyone at window 9.
We: good morning
VO: good morning, what’s the relationship?
We: we are married
VO: ok. when did you get married?
We: we got married six months ago
VO: Have you travelled before?
Me: Yes, I went to the United Kingdom for my master’s degree program in Plant science and biotechnology… (VO cuts in)
VO: (to my husband) what of you? Have you travelled out before?
My husband: NO.
VO: I can see you’re going to North Dakota State University for PhD program?
Me: Yes, I am going to North Dakota State University for my doctoral degree program in Plant Pathology
VO: ok
VO: Why do you choose this course?
Me: I have interest in contributing to addressing the challenges of food insecurity that is ravaging the global population. Our food supply does not commensurate with the growing population because our crops suffer from the problem of pests and pathogens. So my interest in plant pathology is to study the interaction that goes on between hosts which is plants and pathogen and I believe this understanding would help to develop durable disease resistant hybrids.
VO: oh…great
VO: What would you do after the program:
Me: just like I returned when I went to the UK, my intention is to return back to my home country and take a research position (VO nods head) at the international institute of tropical agriculture located in Ibadan, Oyo state in Nigeria here. Not only because the company Is an international company but they have made impact not only in Nigeria but also in many African countries since it was established.
VO: I can see that you have stipend and tuition waiver
Me: Yes, I have a research assistantship with my supervisor ... who is originally from China but now a professor at NDSU. I will be working on the interaction between plant and pathogens of crop (VO cuts in)
VO: When did you get married?
We: six months ago, June
VO: When did you know each other?
Me: 2016, that’s was in the school I did my bachelors
VO: Have you both travelled together before?
We: no, we got married six months ago.
VO (to my husband): What do you do?
Husband: I work at Resource Unveilers Nig. Ltd as a geophysicist and data analyst (VO cuts in)
VO: What are you doing there?
Husband: Basically… actually I work as a geophysicist and as a data (VO cuts in)
VO: So, what would you be doing in the US while she study?
Husband: Actually, I have a leave of absence from work that I would be accompanying my wife to the United States of America for her PhD program because I believe in her vision, goals, dreams….(VO cuts in)
VO: So you would be leaving your work for about 3 years thereabout?
Husband: yes sir.
VO starts typing for about 2 mins (In my mind, I was hoping the VO could ask more questions about my program so I can chip in that I have started my program in the fall semester remotely and had to defer I-20 to the Spring semester, but he never did ask)
VO: Did you travelled in the last 2 weeks?
We: No
Me: I travelled to the United Kingdom in 2019 and came back last year 2020. (VO cuts in)
VO: What did you say?
Me: I said I went to the UK in 2019 and came back (VO cuts in)
He typed for a while and the next thing I hear is that take this white paper, that would guide you on how to get back your passports blah blah blah…

NigPatriot:
YES you can.

Firstly, how can you relate your existing masters with your intended masters? Pen this down in your Statement of purpose. A second masters is like a two edged sword it can sway in your favor and against also, depends on how you sell your story.

Notably also, try as much to evaluate your CGPA using WES, to rate it on the 4.0 scale.

Your application is holistic, so CGPA is just one of many criteria used. Ensure to have your best recommenders put in detailed word for you. Then also follow up with professors in your department - seeking funding (tell them what you can add to their existing research), and remember to apply early. Follow this guidelines and then your chances of getting funding will be greatly improved.
All the best.

Cyingfreeman:
Hello people.

I'm actually in some kind of dilemma at the moment and need help and advise.

I got admitted for a Master degree in Public health against Fall in 5 different US universities. Trying to secure funding In form of a graduate assistantship has been very difficult. All effort yielded to nothing.

I then decided to go for a student loan (Mpower) of $30k with financial support of $10k from a friend. My loan was declined just before I attached my financial support letter and statement of account. The reason was that "Your projected debt burden at the time of graduation exceeds our risk limits". This loan was supposed to be for a year/session. The estimated cost for a session study was $40k.

And I was really banking on this loan. At this point, I really don't know what to do. Would my loan have been accepted if I had attached the sponsor letter and bank statement on time? If so, I could file for an appeal.

Did I make any mistake while applying that worked against me? I need advise.

Thank you

damilarelr:
Welldone for the good works.
Please I need your input on my case:

As an F1 visa applicant, I indicated I will be travelling with my family (of 4, myself inclusive), and in the DS-160 application, I quoted it there that I will be sponsoring their trip. Even though the school did not object to this (base on the balance on my statement of account) I have concerns in the following areas:

Will it be advisable we all go for the visa appointment together or should I apply alone and let them apply for their F2 separately?

If we all go together, I plan on using landed properties, business, and parents as tie to Nigeria, will this be acceptable??

OR can I simply tell the VO that the essence of their coming was for them to obtain their visa so that they can come around during vacations?

I appreciate every responses I can get to enable me scale through.

Thanks

fairheart:
1.You didn't do your home work well. And trust me, I have seen cases where overconfidence kill the chances of approval.
First, you disgusted the VO with saying it is a prestigious school. No need for that. I always tell my students, don't give unnecessary information. In fact, it is useless to start bragging about a school. It doesn't had any chance to getting approved.

2, Can you take a look at other schools you applied to? The right school on that chart would be other tier 2 schools, top ranking universities.

3, You were going for a school with a cost of attendance of $60K. I always say it here, always consider the reality of things when selecting a school. Unfortunately, you overlooked that reality. Your school is way too expensive, especially because it is a blank admission without scholarship or assistantship. More so, we are in a pandemic, with people source of income significantly affected and unable to make as much as they were making before the pandemic. What happened to other schools that are well-ranked but not as much as expensive? $60K a year, in my opinion and based on reality, is too much. If you had asked on this thread whether or not you should use this admission, I would have advised you against it.

4, Did you say you Mum makes 3.6 Million every month? Okay, let us be realistic. 3.6 X 12 (in a year) is 43M, less that your total cost of attendance for 9 months, one academic year! So, even if your Mum pumps in her anual income, it still can't pay your COA. She has responsibilities, other family members, etc. Come on. Someone that can confidently pay $60k in nine month to fund her daughter should make more than 3.6, except she has been saving over the years for you. I am sharing this because this is the angle the VO that interviewed you looked at things from. Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked who does live with (wanted to know other family members your Mum support from that 3.6million). When the VO asked who your Mum lives with, you left out mentioning your Dad, giving impression she may be seperated or divorce.

5, You live alone but with your fiance, meaning there's a plan to get married soon.

I know your interview was less than 5 minutes or so, but you see those questions you were asked and the way you answered says a lot about your credibility for the F-1 Visa. He sense lies.

I see in your other post that you are disgruntled by the way the VO handled your interview. It is not the VO's fault; you caused it and you should take responsibility and go back to your drawing board and repackage yourself. You caused the instability and nervousness with your overconfidence with saying you're going to a top school, and the VO responded accordingly. The VO was not discriminatory at all; you gave him the sense of unbelief by your answers. You showed indirectly that your sponsor can't afford the school you are going, and on that ground, he refused you. He did what he was trained to do.

MY ADVISE FOR YOU
1. Do not reapply except you have funding or scholarship that reduces your cost of attendance. I am sure a remark must have been left on your profile.
2. Prepare to prove your credibility. If in your next interview question arise on your fiance, make sure you let the VO knows that you wanted to get this master's before you settle down and marry him, as you would not want to live apart doing your MS in the U.S once you get married.
3. Consider applying to other school that promises funding. In your other post, you said Stevenson graduate students get jobs upon graduation. That is correct, but so is the case for other school. Students who graduated in 400 nationally ranked universities also get jobs, especially since IT skills are in high demand. So, I advise you correct your belief. It doesn't have to be that school for you to get a good job. I have seen students from colleges in Florida get high paying internship with Microsoft, Google, and all.
4. In life, overconfidence can cheat us of what we want. Find balance in how you see things. I can sense you irritated the VO from the way the interview started. But that happens. I advise you find a balance in your next interview. Confidence can be negative if not checked. Find balance.
5. It is not the end. Strategize and go back.

All the best!

danfash09:
Coming to ETSU this fall my emergency date request was denied, don't know what to do

mojolajesu:
Hello Guys, please where are those like me who are planning towards fall 2023.

The target is to get GA/TA that will cover full tuition and include stipends.

will be applying to 5 schools, get application fee waivers, get admission and scholarship to help propel the possibility of securing a VISA.

please if you have schools are are generous with TAs/GAs, kindly recommend. if you want to be part of this journey too, you can join me ooo.

mojolajesu:
Hello Guys, please where are those like me who are planning towards fall 2023.

The target is to get GA/TA that will cover full tuition and include stipends.

will be applying to 5 schools, get application fee waivers, get admission and scholarship to help propel the possibility of securing a VISA.

please if you have schools are are generous with TAs/GAs, kindly recommend. if you want to be part of this journey too, you can join me ooo.

danfash09:
Coming to ETSU this fall my emergency date request was denied, don't know what to do

chibertha:
not compulsory but necessary in case you are asked.

Better to be over-prepared than underprepared.

Neei:
Please I want to pay my SEVIS fee? Who's the go-to person who's legit and who can help please direct me �.

Donfide:
Pls can someone inform me on how to resolve this problem am experiencing trying to schedule an appointment, my dashboard have refused to show available appointment date. Not even a far date for me to chose.

Cyingfreeman:
Hello people.

I'm actually in some kind of dilemma at the moment and need help and advise.

I got admitted for a Master degree in Public health against Fall in 5 different US universities. Trying to secure funding In form of a graduate assistantship has been very difficult. All effort yielded to nothing.

I then decided to go for a student loan (Mpower) of $30k with financial support of $10k from a friend. My loan was declined just before I attached my financial support letter and statement of account. The reason was that "Your projected debt burden at the time of graduation exceeds our risk limits". This loan was supposed to be for a year/session. The estimated cost for a session study was $40k.

And I was really banking on this loan. At this point, I really don't know what to do. Would my loan have been accepted if I had attached the sponsor letter and bank statement on time? If so, I could file for an appeal.

Did I make any mistake while applying that worked against me? I need advise.

Thank you

MzWendy:
Good morning guys. Please I’m yet to get an answer to the question I asked.

The program of study in my I-20 & admission letter slightly differs. The I-20 states HR Management/Personnel Admin while admission letter states HR Development. Those that have been in my shoes before, what did you fill out in your DS-160?

UmmZayd:
You can type it out the way it's typed on your i-20

emmanuelle27:
I recently secured a loan more than that amount, How did you fill in your loan application that made them reject you after giving you conditional approval, there must have been something they didn't like in the details of your application, maybe shoot them an email to see if there's a chance of reevaluation, if they agree to reevaluate your application let me know so we can examine ur new application together

Neei:
Please I want to pay my SEVIS fee? Who's the go-to person who's legit and who can help please direct me �.