₦airaland Forum

My daughter and I plan to go to the U.S. embassy with my husband. He recently received a fully funded PhD scholarship in the USA and will be applying for an F-1 visa, while my daughter and I will be applying for F-2 visas. We got married December 2023, had an elaborate wedding with pictures as evidence, and we are blessed with a daughter.

Since we got married, I have not officially changed my surname to my husband’s name. All my documents, including my international passport, still bear my father’s surname, except for my daughter’s birth certificate, where my surname is written as my husband’s name. My marriage certificate is currently being processed, and I have been asked which name should appear on it.

I am concerned about whether these name differences will cause issues during the visa process. I do not have enough time to apply for a new passport

Should I use my father's surname on the marriage certificate to match my current passport and explain the situation during the interview, or is it necessary to update my passport to my husband's name and also use his name on the marriage certificate?

Please I need your advice guys

Billions123:
I think it's because that your uncle story has been overused.

if the story is real how is it over used??

ChampJoke:
My daughter and I plan to go to the U.S. embassy with my husband. He recently received a fully funded PhD scholarship in the USA and will be applying for an F-1 visa, while my daughter and I will be applying for F-2 visas. We got married December 2023, had an elaborate wedding with pictures as evidence, and we are blessed with a daughter.

Since we got married, I have not officially changed my surname to my husband’s name. All my documents, including my international passport, still bear my father’s surname, except for my daughter’s birth certificate, where my surname is written as my husband’s name. My marriage certificate is currently being processed, and I have been asked which name should appear on it.

I am concerned about whether these name differences will cause issues during the visa process. I do not have enough time to apply for a new passport

Should I use my father's surname on the marriage certificate to match my current passport and explain the situation during the interview, or is it necessary to update my passport to my husband's name and also use his name on the marriage certificate?

Please I need your advice guys

Dont change anything,
hence your passport is still valid.

As for your marriage certificate don’t modulate anything.
The certificate should be presented as the way it should be.

since you’re f2 the consular already know about this.

trying to make your marriage certificate match with your Passport and the rest documents will create a suspicious whole that will result to another thing.

kamsy101:
if the story is real how is it over used??

It's left for the owner of the transcript to tell us whether the story is real or not.

I have read a lot of transcript with that story. My closest friend used it in 2022 (my aunty version of the story). It worked for him then tho.

My uncle/aunty, feels indebted to my late parents because they raised him and has chosen to see me through my education.......

JessicaGodwin:
Hey guys pls I need corrections on where I got it wrong
F1 visa
First attempt
Lagos consulate
White lady on window 2😡
Denied

Me: Good morning ma
Vo: Good morning, pls pass me ur passport and i:20
Me: there u go ma with a smile in my nice suit.

Vo: who is covering your expenses?
Me: outside the scholarship of $20,000 awarded to me upon admission, my uncle Bleep will be covering the remaining expenses.
He owns a private enterprise where he deals on sales on rice grain, he has a annual income of over #380million with staff capacity of 36 both in warehouse and other shops. My uncle has been sponsoring my education since after the death of my parents and he feels indebted to my family because my mother saw him through sch and seeing how well I’ve improved over time has shown interest in helping me pursue my academic career.

Vo: And what is his take home after expenditure?
Me: over #150m.

Vo: Had ur uncle traveled to the United state before?
Me: No, he hasn’t because of his business.

Vo: Have u travelled to the us before?
Me: No ma, this would be my first time if my visa is being approved.

Vo: sorry u are not qualified for this visa, the remaining part nor gree enter my heat again😪

I personally feel this is not really genuine and the VO doesn't believe your story, from how much he earns annually and monthly, cause they know the average Nigeria do not earn such and besides you are not his child, though related, also, it's so funny that he makes so much and haven't even travel out of the country...I'm sure that's why the VO asked such a question about his travel status.

I feel if you are going next, you need to breakdown what your uncle does, then does he have landed properties?... apart from the rice business what other things does he do.

My argument here is that, you must just ensure what he does commemorates with the POF and be convincible...and for your parents you also be specific when you lost them and how he took it upon himself responsibility of sponsoring from when till date?


Wishing the best in your 2nd attempt.

ChampJoke:
My daughter and I plan to go to the U.S. embassy with my husband. He recently received a fully funded PhD scholarship in the USA and will be applying for an F-1 visa, while my daughter and I will be applying for F-2 visas. We got married December 2023, had an elaborate wedding with pictures as evidence, and we are blessed with a daughter.

Since we got married, I have not officially changed my surname to my husband’s name. All my documents, including my international passport, still bear my father’s surname, except for my daughter’s birth certificate, where my surname is written as my husband’s name. My marriage certificate is currently being processed, and I have been asked which name should appear on it.

I am concerned about whether these name differences will cause issues during the visa process. I do not have enough time to apply for a new passport

Should I use my father's surname on the marriage certificate to match my current passport and explain the situation during the interview, or is it necessary to update my passport to my husband's name and also use his name on the marriage certificate?

Please I need your advice guys

Changing your surname is a choice. It doesn't make you any less married or more married.

It's your marriage certificate or proof or trad marriage that makes you married.

What do you mean by processing your marriage certificate ..didn't you go to registry in the first place and are you back dating a marriage certificate.

You have not officially or legally changed your surname so why do it for a marriage certificate.

There is nowhere in the requirements of the US visa process that states you must change your surname as evidence of marriage.

It does not affect your visa

I’m going for Bsc
Fee is $57,110

Treyknowles:
Sorry about the rejection, it will help the gurus if you provide the cost of attendance and are you going for bachelors or masters so they can advise you properly.

Bsc in public health
Cost of attendance is $57,110

JessicaGodwin:
I’m going for Bsc
Fee is $57,110

How old are you?

I think you explained too much and it backfired. The moment you mentioned he is indebted to you. Next time, try something like your brother handles the family business since your parent passed. it already explains why your brother must sponsor you. if asked if he has traveled before, tell the interviewer that he's well traveled. by so doing, it would give the VO the idea that your brother understands how much living abroad cost and he's ready to commit to it. also add one more solid business to his business. That's my 2 cent

JessicaGodwin:
Hey guys pls I need corrections on where I got it wrong
F1 visa
First attempt
Lagos consulate
White lady on window 2😡
Denied

Me: Good morning ma
Vo: Good morning, pls pass me ur passport and i:20
Me: there u go ma with a smile in my nice suit.

Vo: who is covering your expenses?
Me: outside the scholarship of $20,000 awarded to me upon admission, my uncle Bleep will be covering the remaining expenses.
He owns a private enterprise where he deals on sales on rice grain, he has a annual income of over #380million with staff capacity of 36 both in warehouse and other shops. My uncle has been sponsoring my education since after the death of my parents and he feels indebted to my family because my mother saw him through sch and seeing how well I’ve improved over time has shown interest in helping me pursue my academic career.

Vo: And what is his take home after expenditure?
Me: over #150m.

Vo: Had ur uncle traveled to the United state before?
Me: No, he hasn’t because of his business.

Vo: Have u travelled to the us before?
Me: No ma, this would be my first time if my visa is being approved.

Vo: sorry u are not qualified for this visa, the remaining part nor gree enter my heat again😪

If she spoke to you in American accent, it is this same you that will say she's forming Americana to you. what do Nigerians really want?
Lecturers are generally called Professors here because they believe, as your lecturer, they know more about what is being taught than you do which makes then the professor.... They are not necessarily a professor by academic attainment.

NiceLegs:
My Uncle's wife is a Lecturer in that university.

Well according to her, she said it like this over the phone...

"I'm an Associate Professor at Georgia State University" (in her typical Nigerian Accent after being in USA for over 20yrs)

I don't know why University Lecturer's in USA like to call themselves "Professors"

Your answers must always revolve around you not giving a f#ck about their country. you could have sounded like you just wanted to pay him a short visit and to later return to your own work. you wouldnt have to go back and forth wit the VO.

kamsy101:
techkay:
Please, I need everyone' s contribution concerning my case.

I am F2 with 2 kids and our visa was delayed on 23/06/22 in Lagos.

How soon can I reapply?

The interview.

Vo: good morning ma

Me: good morning sir

Vo: pass me your documents

Me: I passed my documents

Vo: why are you going to the US

Me: I'm going to the US to support my husband who's presently studying for his PhD in the department of electrical engr. As a PhD student, my husband enrolled for some courses, he is also a GTA and teaches some undergraduate courses for his department, he also conducts research in the...... Vo cuts in

Vo. What was he doing before he traveled

Me: he is a lecturer in federal University of .......... here in Nigeria, he's currently on study leave to pursue his PhD and will definitely return after the completion of his program

Vo: what are you doing?

Me: I have been working consistently as a .............. in the university of ........ , . I'm presently in so so cadre. I've discussed my traveling plan with my employer and have agreed to acceed to my request as soon my Visa is granted

Vo. You want to stay in the US for 3 years

Me: no. I want to stay for 5years, my husband PhD program is for 6years and has spent one year already. I want to stay for the rest of his program so that I cook for him and give him emotional and moral supports he needs to finish his PhD on time so that we can both return to our places of work here in Nigeria.

Vo: what will his PhD do for him

Me: It will enable him to get promoted to the level of senior lecturer and also help him to carry out more outstanding research in his field upon his return to Nigeria

Vo[b]. You want to leave your work for 5years?[/b]

Me: yes, I have discussed with my employer and have agreed to transfer two of my colleagues who perform similar duties with me to take up my role until I return back after the completion of my husband program

Vo: why didn't you go with him?

Me : there was a project of going on in my section at my place of work And I was in charge of the section I have to be on ground to supervise the project

Vo: Who is funding your trip?

Me: the major part of the funding is coming from GTA he receives from the University. My husband has been working consistently in Nigeria university for the past 8 years, and has been saving for the past 8years. He has worked with ..... university, he has worked with.... Vo cuts in and ask

Vo: how much was his salary?

Me: I said it

Vo: how much is your own salary?
Me: I said it

Vo: how many siblings do you have?

Me: 2

Vo: any in the US

Me: no

Vo: how many siblings does your husband have

Me: 4

Vo: any in the US

Me: no

Vo types for long and issue a blue paper saying sorry you are not qualify for us Visa at the moment, you can try again in the future.


Please what has gone wrong here?
And how soon can I reapply?
How do I answer what has changed?

I am seriously down since yesterday, please help me out.

These people believe you be doing your undergrad between the ages of 17.5-19 max... so if you are over that and you apply to undergrad, they wonder why you are so hell bent on coming to thier contry to do your undergrad. Im not saying people dont get it but its more convincing to them is you are within that age range. to further boost your son's chance, tell him to claim he has been doing his diploma and also volunteering at any institution related to the course hes planning to come and study... nothing weet them more than this.

Muniquelily:
I dont understand why it is hard o. My son has been rejected twice. What is not doing right. I feel he is not confident and bold. He is someone that talks a lot but i think he allows fear overtake him. I need advice. We are trying again, what is he not doing right?

Your response to... who is covering your expenses? Is one of the reasons you are denied. If you check Nairaland visa transcripts, this type of response is common among F1 visa hopefuls from Nigeria...once you start with that line, it's a straight refusal. Check the past transcript. It is important for F1 candidates to present credible financial documents before the I-20 is issued. How your funding is presented on your I-20 is important. Personal Fund, Sponsor, Family fund, Scholarship or Grants, Graduate Assistant, Student loans, Campus employment, etc

If you left school for more than 5 years, Personal funds cannot be zero, even if you have a scholarship or your father, uncle, or whoever is supporting you. In your case, advise your uncle to transfer the support money to your account, even if it is 50% of the deficit, get an updated I-20 from your school.

JessicaGodwin:
Hey guys pls I need corrections on where I got it wrong
F1 visa
First attempt
Lagos consulate
White lady on window 2😡
Denied

Me: Good morning ma
Vo: Good morning, pls pass me ur passport and i:20
Me: there u go ma with a smile in my nice suit.

Vo: who is covering your expenses?
Me: outside the scholarship of $20,000 awarded to me upon admission, my uncle Bleep will be covering the remaining expenses.
He owns a private enterprise where he deals on sales on rice grain, he has a annual income of over #380million with staff capacity of 36 both in warehouse and other shops. My uncle has been sponsoring my education since after the death of my parents and he feels indebted to my family because my mother saw him through sch and seeing how well I’ve improved over time has shown interest in helping me pursue my academic career.

Vo: And what is his take home after expenditure?
Me: over #150m.

Vo: Had ur uncle traveled to the United state before?
Me: No, he hasn’t because of his business.

Vo: Have u travelled to the us before?
Me: No ma, this would be my first time if my visa is being approved.

Vo: sorry u are not qualified for this visa, the remaining part nor gree enter my heat again😪

Hi guys.

Three questions please.

1. Can I pay visa fee at First bank with dollars in cash?

2. I heard US have stopped the 6 months wait period for the emergency option if you have been denied with emergency before. So everybody can use emergency only once. Is this true?

3. For POF for F1 which is better?
a) scholarship, personal funds, family or b) same as a) but with employer as well.

Thanks.

Congratulations… When the visa officer asked, 'What do you do here?', what did you tell them? Also, did they ask how long you plan to stay in the U.S. and if you’re leaving your job to be with your husband?

Is it normal to not receive any email confirmation after requesting expedited request?

haywhy17:
If she spoke to you in American accent, it is this same you that will say she's forming Americana to you. what do Nigerians really want?
Lecturers are generally called Professors here because they believe, as your lecturer, they know more about what is being taught than you do which makes then the professor.... They are not necessarily a professor by academic attainment.

My point exactly.

More reason why they should answer Lecturer and not Professor.

Professor is something you earn from years of hardwork with series of publications to your name after a Ph.D program and not becos i got a lecturing job.

VincentTobe:
Good morning house, for two months after my last interview I have been unable to create another appointment. It keeps showing me ‘pending appointment request’ from the last interview. Please does anyone know how I can go about this I already raised a ticket and called them multiple times.

hello Tobe, i am currently in the same boat, was your issue resolved?

Highsaac:
WES evaluation takes two weeks or more... It took anout 23/24 days in my case.
Goodluck

IEE took less than 5 days for my evaluation

welf99:
Your response to... who is covering your expenses? Is one of the reasons you are denied. If you check Nairaland visa transcripts, this type of response is common among F1 visa hopefuls from Nigeria...once you start with that line, it's a straight refusal. Check the past transcript. It is important for F1 candidates to present credible financial documents before the I-20 is issued. How your funding is presented on your I-20 is important. Personal Fund, Sponsor, Family fund, Scholarship or Grants, Graduate Assistant, Student loans, Campus employment, etc

If you left school for more than 5 years, Personal funds cannot be zero, even if you have a scholarship or your father, uncle, or whoever is supporting you. In your case, advise your uncle to transfer the support money to your account, even if it is 50% of the deficit, get an updated I-20 from your school.

Hi ,but for f2 applicant, what will you advise to write under who is sponsoring the trip

Hi guys, please does anyone know how many times someone can cancel/reschedule an appointment on the Avits portal? I mistakenly booked a date for next year and I want to cancel it and search for a new date. I raised a ticket with support and they also don't know. Just wondering if anyone has a experience with this (PS. I'd rather cancel than reschedule because it makes it faster to get to the dates than the 3-4 extra steps you have to go through when rescheduling)

Hello everyone,
I have been a silent reader on this thread for years now. I just want to share my experience here to help one or two people who might need some level of encouragement.

I must thank the great minds here for a wonderful job well done in keeping this forum going .

I applied for F1 visa Jan 2020 to travel with my daughter back then but was denied (Lagos embassy) on grounds of no family tie.

It was on my birthday and I was really devastated because I was tired of my previous place of work and couldn't wait to resign and japa.

So the motive then was just to japa lolzz. I was really broken so much so I gave up on my dreams to ever travel. Chai US visa denial has a way of messing up ones mind ooooo. I didn't even bother looking at my passport again sef for years.

Left my organization and Started a business with my hubby same 2020,and to the glory of God business is doing well.

Fast forward 2024 I felt it was time to try again.
I reached out to the same school I applied to previously (Texas A & M university, Commerce) I applied for MBA with minor. Previously I applied for M.sc Marketing. I got admitted immediately (15th Nov, 2024) since my documents with them was still valid.

My i20 was sent on the 24th of January,2025 after submitting my POF documents to my school.
Paid visa fee (first bank) 28th of January
Got to pre approval stage 30th January
Pre approval approved 31st January
Date I got for interview was 3/2/2026 (meanwhile my start date is in August)
Rescheduled for emergency appointment 31st of January
Emergency appointment approved 3rd of February and got a date for 13th of March 2025.
Paid for sevis thru Walspring (God bless this guy for me abundantly) 10th of March. It reflected within 3 hours. He was the one who also helped me to pay in 2020

Yesterday was my interview (Lagos embassy) I got there 5.30am my time slot was for 6.30. The interview started 7.30am lots of denial flying right,left and centre. And to God alone be the glory I was approved yesterday.

My honest advice is first of all make sure it's God's plan,place and time for you travel cos once it's His plan everything works for you.

Oh yes this time around I prayed more, I was more prepared and more composed (visa officers are trained to sense desperation). I also went thru videos of ex officers advice on YouTube, for me that was really helpful.

Pls if u are going for your interview be prepared to answer and elaborate on questions asked. At some point e come be like say me and the visa officer (a white lady) come dey argue lolzzzz

I just give God all the glory for all He did all the way.

I wish everyone here God's speed and ease in Jesus mighty name

Good morning all,please for mother going with her son ,would she and her son register separate on the AVITS portal or group

I want to express my gratitude for all the valuable information you all share on this platform to assist others. May the Almighty reward you all abundantly for your kindness.

I am currently facing an issue with submitting my DS-160 form online. After entering my SEVIS ID from my I-20 form, I am prompted to enter a program number, which I’m unsure about.

Has anyone else encountered this situation? If so, what steps did you take to resolve it? Additionally, could someone guide me on how to locate my SEVIS ID if needed?

Your urgent assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

nice thread.

i must make it to america. living in the zoo is not an option.

DBlessedofGod:
Hello everyone,
I have been a silent reader on this thread for years now. I just want to share my experience here to help one or two people who might need some level of encouragement.

I must thank the great minds here for a wonderful job well done in keeping this forum going .

I applied for F1 visa Jan 2020 to travel with my daughter back then but was denied (Lagos embassy) on grounds of no family tie.

It was on my birthday and I was really devastated because I was tired of my previous place of work and couldn't wait to resign and japa.

So the motive then was just to japa lolzz. I was really broken so much so I gave up on my dreams to ever travel. Chai US visa denial has a way of messing up ones mind ooooo. I didn't even bother looking at my passport again sef for years.

Left my organization and Started a business with my hubby same 2020,and to the glory of God business is doing well.

Fast forward 2024 I felt it was time to try again.
I reached out to the same school I applied to previously (Texas A & M university, Commerce) I applied for MBA with minor. Previously I applied for M.sc Marketing. I got admitted immediately (15th Nov, 2024) since my documents with them was still valid.

My i20 was sent on the 24th of January,2025 after submitting my POF documents to my school.
Paid visa fee (first bank) 28th of January
Got to pre approval stage 30th January
Pre approval approved 31st January
Date I got for interview was 3/2/2026 (meanwhile my start date is in August)
Rescheduled for emergency appointment 31st of January
Emergency appointment approved 3rd of February and got a date for 13th of March 2025.
Paid for sevis thru Walspring (God bless this guy for me abundantly) 10th of March. It reflected within 3 hours. He was the one who also helped me to pay in 2020

Yesterday was my interview (Lagos embassy) I got there 5.30am my time slot was for 6.30. The interview started 7.30am lots of denial flying right,left and centre. And to God alone be the glory I was approved yesterday.

My honest advice is first of all make sure it's God's plan,place and time for you travel cos once it's His plan everything works for you.

Oh yes this time around I prayed more, I was more prepared and more composed (visa officers are trained to sense desperation). I also went thru videos of ex officers advice on YouTube, for me that was really helpful.

Pls if u are going for your interview be prepared to answer and elaborate on questions asked. At some point e come be like say me and the visa officer (a white lady) come dey argue lolzzzz

I just give God all the glory for all He did all the way.

I wish everyone here God's speed and ease in Jesus mighty name

dont think of coming back until youve saved over 100k dolls.. nigeria is gone.

ill soon be joining you.. amen

Good morning everyone, please I need everyone advice on this.
I live in the UK but want to move to US, I’ve successfully secure admission into Tulane University with 20k scholarship but that’s not enough to cover all my tuition, so therefore I need to submit POF to get 1-120.
Can I use M power loan to get my I-120 and also mention M power at the embassy.

Please is it normal to not receive any email confirmation after requesting expedited request?

flowjoe:
When your emergency appointment approval came, were you sent an email? Or u just logged in & saw it?
I been waiting for close to two weeks yet no response/approval/denial

Is it normal to not receive any email confirmation after requesting expedited request?

Billionbaby23:
I got an emergency date on April 3, I Dey shake laidis
I heard Lagos get rejection pandemic

I got admission for PhD in supply chain to two universities in US with tuition waiver and graduate assistantship . What is next stage ? One of the Universities, University of Wisconsin has sent admission letter that shows the tuition waiver and $23.000 per year for graduate assistantship . I just got a mail from the second university yesterday , university of Rhode Island that department has recommended me for admission . Although still waiting for the admission letter .