₦airaland Forum

When did you got response from them, and how many weeks does it take?

Anneuk:
Is the how Abuja embassy does with releasing date? i was denined EA and those who was approved was done after a month. Is the the way the do?

TenaciousOrphan:
My Visa Interview Transcripts (Caveat Long Read) Sorry for posting it now, I wanted to see how my visa looks like first. Accept my apology.

I started applying to schools since 2019 but I promised myself that I won’t go to the embassy until I get full funding. I have been making application mistakes since that time until I discovered what I was doing wrong.
So I applied in 2019, 2021 but was not successful. In 2022 applications I applied to 11 Schools and got 5 Fully Funded PhD Admissions.
My Interview Profile and Transcripts is below:
NB: This white VO on earpiece was denying plenty people, so I was always pretending to use the toilet. 3 times I left the queue but was still sent back by the CGI official.
Profile:
School: Florida State University
Program: PhD in Sociology
Funding: Fully Funded ($52, 211)
Interview Location: Lagos
Interview Date: July 7th 2023.
Interviewed by: The dreaded VO on earpiece.
First Time.
Status: Visa Approved
VO: He signal me to come forward.
Me: Good Morning but he didn’t respond.
VO: Where do you work and what do you currently do?
Me: I work at xyz University as a Research and Administrative Assistant and my duties includes…VO cuts in
VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes, with a son.
VO: Why are you applying alone without your family?
Me: My wife is currently busy at her work place and her annual leave was not granted.
VO: So are you saying you will be staying in the US for 5 to 6years without your family? It is better you guys go together for this period of your study, are you processing hers already? -set up question 1.
Me: My wife wanted to accompany me to settle down and return to resume her work but her annual leave was not approved…..because she’s currently very busy in her place of work.
VO: So you mean they will never come to the US throughout your program?
Me: She will visit when she is free at her work place. She also needs to develop her career too as I am doing mine. I will also be visiting when I have the time.
VO. Since you are going for a PhD, will it not make sense to get a job in the US after your graduation? Because you will earn more money in the US and so many universities will be looking for your service. - set up question 2.
Me: That will not be possible because I am signing a bond with my University in Nigeria and if I disappoint on that bond, they will report me to all the universities in Nigeria and the school I am attending in the US. And this will seriously affect my career. So even though it would have been better it’s not possible.
VO: Where do you work again and what do you do?
Me: I work as a Research and Administrative Assistant at XYZ university. At this point he checked my Linked profile and search google to confirm. I saw his computer reflection in his glass window.
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 11 schools and 5 gave me fully funded PhD admissions
VO: I will be approving your visa.
Me: Thank you and I did not hear any other thing he said. I just left the hall very fast. Though I later came back because the applicant before me mistakenly packed my documents.

I left the embassy after giving out some free Will gifts to the few beggars I saw on the way. When I got to my hotel I started playing a song by Edna Ogholi titled: ‘Okeoghene Omai woma’ in my language; which when translated means “God time is the best” and shared tears of joy.
Thanks a million to those who have contributed to my success in this Journey. Especially Mr
Firebreeze (a candle loses nothing by lighting another), Fairheart, Faith-my sister that got her Visa at the 11th time of asking amongst others. I am honored.

congratulations bro.

Please do you mind sharing what you've been doing wrongly and how you get back on track. Let's learn from you. Thanks

please, aside Mpower what are the other Loan can someone use.

welf99:
Why is USA and Canada always rejecting students using loan as a proof of fund?
US VO and IRCC doesn't turn down all international students who use students loans as proof of funds. They just turn down applications where the student uses predatory lenders like MPower Financing.

Companies like MPower require you to start making payments 60 days after you receive the money. That means you don't have the first year's tuition plus living expenses. You have to use some of your living expenses that you borrowed to pay MPower back

Reputable student loan providers don't require students to make payments on their student loans until the student has completed their studies. If you have a student loan that requires you start making payments while you are still studying then VO and IRCC may see it as a financial burden that will make working a priority for the student, rather than studying.

SMREXY:
Most times, it's not so easy to establish the exact reason for a denial. However, when such reason is pointing at you so closely that you are able to identify it, the best thing is to see how best you can use it to your advantage.

Ordinarily, having a sibling legally based in the US shouldn't harm your chances but then approval is subjective to the Visa officer and how well you're able to convince him/her that your intention is not that of an immigrant.

Since you're aware of what might come your way during your interview, the best thing to do now is to prepare for it in the best way possible. Identify the strength of your profile and use it to your advantage. Your sibling must have got what it takes to be legally staying in the US, otherwise he/she would have been out of status and possibly back home. Use that to your advantage.

Alright. Thank you so much for this.

Lawal1555:
Edit it out, don’t shoot yourself. Nobody is checking anything, and you will be interviewed based on your current ds-160 information. Consulate also knows people’s status changes.

Alright. Thank you.
I am strongly considering this, and will most likely go through with it.
Can I fill in a new DS-160 now though with my request for emergency appointment still pending. Will that affect anything?

Chido052:
It depends on your situation. I was recently approved by the same VO (with the earpiece) who interviewed me. I also have a sister on an F1 visa in the same place and state as my school, but she attends a different school. I mentioned my sister in my DS160 form, and the VO asked about her and if she was in the same state as my school. I confirmed that she was (Red Flag, I knew), but I also emphasized that my family business was my main tie to my home country and that my sister would return home after completing her defense this Fall/Spring 2024 to take up a role in the business. When the VO asked if I was sure, I confidently said yes.

Additionally, I had funding with a small deficit. At the end of the interview, the VO smiled and said "Hot brains" (maybe because we are both in Core STEM fields and I had full funding).

My advice is to declare any family members who are on an F1 visa and still in school, but don't provide any additional information about them, such as their address or contact details, or use them as a funding source. Only declare them in the family section.

If your Sibling came to the US with an F1 Visa and married to become a citizen or is currently working on a different Visa, then you might take another approach.

When answering questions, only provide the information that is asked for. If you have something additional to say, ask if you can elaborate or explain further. The VO will let you know if you can.

Don't try to move out of line, as the CGI will likely notice and bring you back to the same position. In my case, the CGI removed a lady from the earpiece man's line and placed me there. Although I was annoyed, I quickly composed myself as I noticed the VO was watching while interviewing another lady.

Thank you for your response.
I feel like yours is maybe a slightly different case. Your sister is still in school and her F1 visa is still valid. As such it shouldn't raise any eyebrow (even if you guys are going to be attending the same school) as she hasn't defaulted on her non-immigrant visa "yet". So there isn't much grounds for the visa officer to conclude that you would default on yours too if granted.
However, my brother graduated close to 2 years ago and has been working ever since.

Lawal1555:
What you are saying is that people’s status doesn’t change. Even visa officers know that status changes from time to time; what if your relative in the US has relocated or died?

They can only ask questions based on the information you provide. Don’t put what you can’t defend, and don’t allow another man's sin to slow you down

Thanks boss.
I truly appreciate your response.
You put forward some convincing counter-arguments...and wise words too.
I will give it all some more thoughts.
Thanks again.

Soraco57:
This is my transcript what could be the issue , denied anyway, second attempt after 7 years , Vilnius Lithuania....

Vo : why are u going to the US ?

Me : Am going to the US for tourism and see some interesting site

VO : what are u doing in Lithuania presently

Me : I am a student in xxxx university

Vo : what are u studying

Me : I am studying for masters degree in Business Management

Vo : why do you choose Lithuania among other countries of the world

Me : I choose Lithuania because education is more affordable to me

Vo : how long have u Been in the country

Me : since last year Sept 18

Response, sorry bla bla bla

I am married , I have my wife in the UK , I have travel to UK, Egypt, Dubai, bene republic, france , Germany, Netherlands, poland and I have business enterprise back home with 5 support staff back home in Nigeria and I have freelance job I do which earns me money here in Lithuania too.

your first response was Vague lol. it should be like " Im going to florida to visit disneyworld or something.
your answer shows u dunno where u headed in the US. next time mention the state you are going to and the possible attractions you wanna see or excited to see.

thanks for the insight

krcboy:
your first response was Vague lol. it should be like " Im going to florida to visit disneyworld or something.
your answer shows u dunno where u headed in the US. next time mention the state you are going to and the possible attractions you wanna see or excited to see.

Please what could be the possible cause of the denial?
I think I was nervous and blablaing...

Your advice is strong appreciated.


Fully funded PhD chemical Engineering
Abuja Embassy
21 July, 2023



VO: have you been to the USA before
Me: No ma'am
VO: is your family in the US?
Me: No ma'am, they are all here in Nigeria
VO: Do you have any relative in the US:
Me: No ma'am
VO: Are you married:
Me: No ma'am
VO: What do you do currently:
Me: I take home tutorials for kids, during those meeting times I put them through what they have been taught in school, and I guide them through homework if necessary
VO: so u are a private tutor
Me: yes ma'am
VO: What will this degree do for you? This PhD would help fine tune my research skill and knowledge. It would provide me with the necessary advance skills....(cuts in)
VO: What will you be working on:
Me: I would be working on advance polymer based membrane materials and processes for gas and vapor separation. Precisely I will be working on carbon capture with prof Lin.
VO: What will you do after your program?
Me: I will return to my alma mater in Abuja to take a role as senior lecturer where I will mentor students on technically skills and knowledge for low carbon emissions. Carbon has been on the increasing rate in Nigeria (I tried to explain carbon and it effects but she cuts me)
VO: You have masters in what?
Me: Petroleum Engineering

Then the blue paper...

Please how soon should one reapply?

Thank you so much

AZzoe:
Please what could be the possible cause of the denial?
I think I was nervous and blablaing...

Your advice is strong appreciated.


Fully funded PhD chemical Engineering
Abuja Embassy
21 July, 2023



VO: have you been to the USA before
Me: No ma'am
VO: is your family in the US?
Me: No ma'am, they are all here in Nigeria
VO: Do you have any relative in the US:
Me: No ma'am
VO: Are you married:
Me: No ma'am
VO: What do you do currently:
Me: I take home tutorials for kids, during those meeting times I put them through what they have been taught in school, and I guide them through homework if necessary
VO: so u are a private tutor
Me: yes ma'am
VO: What will this degree do for you? This PhD would help fine tune my research skill and knowledge. It would provide me with the necessary advance skills....(cuts in)
VO: What will you be working on:
Me: I would be working on advance polymer based membrane materials and processes for gas and vapor separation. Precisely I will be working on carbon capture with prof Lin.
VO: What will you do after your program?
Me: I will return to my alma mater in Abuja to take a role as senior lecturer where I will mentor students on technically skills and knowledge for low carbon emissions. Carbon has been on the increasing rate in Nigeria (I tried to explain carbon and it effects but she cuts me)
VO: You have masters in what?
Me: Petroleum Engineering

Then the blue paper...

Please how soon should one reapply?

Thank you so much

You want to come back and take a senior role in your Alma mata you have not been working before leaving; it’s possible, but you need to be working with them. That shows bonding, ties and work experience.

I will advise you to use a graduate assistant at your Almermata. You have no job experience with this private tutor.

Did you attend any mock sessions?

Purchase another MRV and start searching for a closer date asap

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and this answer should not be construed as legal advise

Lawal1555:
You want to come back and take a senior role in your Alma mata you have not been working before leaving; it’s possible, but you need to be working with them. That shows bonding and work experience.

I will advise you to use a graduate assistant at your Almermata. You have no job experience with this private tutor.

Did you attend any mock sessions?

Purchase another MRV and start searching for a closer date asap

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and this answer should not be construed as legal advise

Thank you so much Lawal...
This means alot.
But if they ask me what I have been doing since the graduate assistant, what should I say? Coz I was a graduate assistant but have graduated in 2021...and then home tutor ...

And I fill the home tutor in my ds160. Should I retrieve and modify the ds160 or I should creat new ds160?


And pls when ask what have changed how can I defend it?


Thank you so much...for your kind response

Good day
Please would one need submit any document for acquiring international passport aside from biometric data capturing??
If yes, what are the document required?

Someone Pls add me to Lagos date search whatsapp group 08054565528

realdemi:
Reach out to Ogundare or drop your number here. I don't know how to put the Whatsapp link here. I am using my laptop.

I got an appointment for Aug 15 through the group. I had seen Sep 21st on my own. But my school resumes August 30, so I waited. Luckily, later in the day, someone posted on the group chat that Aug 15 was open. I rushed to the site and booked. Such a relief!

Pls add me to the group 08054565528

AZzoe:
Thank you so much Lawal...
This means alot.
But if they ask me what I have been doing since the graduate assistant, what should I say? Coz I was a graduate assistant but have graduated in 2021...and then home tutor ...

And I fill the home tutor in my ds160. Should I retrieve and modify the ds160 or I should creat new ds160?


And pls when ask what have changed how can I defend it?


Thank you so much...for your kind response

https:///GFxo9X35xAF2mvkOp1tQXZ

Please, join this mock group and paste this transcript for more guidance

Lawal1555:
https:///GFxo9X35xAF2mvkOp1tQXZ

Please, join this mock group and paste this transcript for more guidance

Thank you sir...🙏🏽

AZzoe:
Thank you sir...🙏🏽

I’ve forwarded your number to one of the group members

Hello guys!!

Pls if you're going to jacksonville state university in alabama,hit me up asap,let's combine effort. Especially for accomodation, I hear it's difficult getting accomodation over der but 2 heads re better Dan 1.

Just hit me up ASAP. Thanks!!

Lawal1555:
I’ve forwarded your number to one of the group members

Thank you so much sir 🙏🏽

Guys i heard USA denies visa of applicant who are above 27yrs of age who got admitted to a Bsc program. How true is this?

GreatSage:
Guys i heard USA denies visa of applicant who are above 27yrs of age who got admitted to a Bsc program. How true is this?

Why are you just going for your degree after graduating from high school?

What have you been doing since you graduated?

If you can prepare and ace these questions, then you should have no cause to worry

GreatSage:
Guys i heard USA denies visa of applicant who are above 27yrs of age who got admitted to a Bsc program. How true is this?

Might be true but not generally true, do you have any initial certificates, nd,hnd,bsc? Anything,? Then you'll have to proof what you've been doing all this while after high-school. Its possible but you need to be prepared.
The first thought on the vo mind is , so you want japa?

GreatSage:
Guys i heard USA denies visa of applicant who are above 27yrs of age who got admitted to a Bsc program. How true is this?

I think I once read a transcript where the VO said age limit for masters is 35 (applicant was in 40s).. so if masters age limit is 35, 27 for Bsc ‘’should be’’ fine but can you explain? plus you need all the confidence in the world.

“Why now? What have you been doing all these while?”

You have to sell your story convincingly and pray for Grace.

Don’t take my word for it, hopefully the gurus will explain better. Best of luck to us 🙏🏽

.

laryom1:
Hi guys. For guys who had interviewed for J1 visa, did any of you have to present proof health insurance at the interview? Or its till after you get to the states?
Also, I noticed some people describe some VO has “with earpiece” , what does that mean? Are there VOs without earpiece? How are they different ?
If my DS2019 takes so long to get here, and I’m unable to get an interview date before my program start date, if I apply for an expedited appointment after the program start date on the DS2019, would it still be accepted?

Also, please, if you misplace your passport on the day of your interview? What’s the solution?

And lastly, if a passport get reissued, does it carry the same passport number?

Would really appreciate responses to these questions 🙏🏾.

Would appreciate if I could be added to the WhatsApp group 08169244711

Your questions pass me but let me answer the one I know. When u hear VO with earpiece they are talking about one VO in particular at Lagos consulate, most people try to avoid him cos he is the least patient amongst the rest. The earpiece is just a way to identify him.

For the rest of your questions when the seniors wake by morning they will answer you 👍🏽

SammieLowkey:
Your questions pass me but let me answer the one I know. When u hear VO with earpiece they are talking about one VO in particular at Lagos consulate, most people try to avoid him cos he is the least patient amongst the rest. The earpiece is just a way to identify him.

For the rest of your questions when the seniors wake by morning they will answer you 👍🏽

Hahahahahaha🤣

Please can you add me to the group. Thank you.

Lawal1555:
I’ve forwarded your number to one of the group members

Let me too answer the ones I know too.
When I renewed my passport, it came with a different passport number from the old one. So your reissued passport might carry a different passport number.

If you misplace your passport on the day of the interview, it invariably implies that the interview can not go on because you need your passport as an identity to identify yourself through the whole process to even gain entry into the embassy or consulate. So if you can reschedule your interview, great. But if not, so get a new passport and start the interview process again.

On your DS-2019 issue, talk to your sponsor about your options. They are better positioned to advise you.

All the best.

laryom1:
Hi guys. For guys who had interviewed for J1 visa, did any of you have to present proof health insurance at the interview? Or its till after you get to the states?
Also, I noticed some people describe some VO has “with earpiece” , what does that mean? Are there VOs without earpiece? How are they different ?
If my DS2019 takes so long to get here, and I’m unable to get an interview date before my program start date, if I apply for an expedited appointment after the program start date on the DS2019, would it still be accepted?

Also, please, if you misplace your passport on the day of your interview? What’s the solution?

And lastly, if a passport get reissued, does it carry the same passport number?

Would really appreciate responses to these questions 🙏🏾.

Would appreciate if I could be added to the WhatsApp group 08169244711

.

Teddiement:
Let me too answer the ones I know too.
When I renewed my passport, it came with a different passport number from the old one. So your reissued passport might carry a different passport number.

If you misplace your passport on the day of the interview, it invariably implies that the interview can not go on because you need your passport as an identity to identify yourself through the whole process to even gain entry into the embassy or consulate. So if you can reschedule your interview, great. But if not, so get a new passport and start the interview process again.

On your DS-2019 issue, talk to your sponsor about your options. They are better positioned to advise you.

All the best.

verminnel:
Hahahahahaha🤣

I no wan do pass myself 😂

.