₦airaland Forum

phoyeks:
@Crano,
If you can only see dates in November, pick a date and use your emergency request except there's a clause to your application.I dont know why you can't see the dates especially August that is available now for Abuja and June for Lagos.
It seems each applicant is shown different dates. Let the experts wade in pls.
Alternatively, be patient and keep checking prayerfully.

Thanks for your responses.
You may be right, I think every applicant is shown different calendar dates. That can explain why I can't access the dates you mentioned.

Good day guys

Please, I would like to ask for your guidance on the next steps to take after receiving the I-20 form.
Thank you

CuteBC:
Good day guys

Please, I would like to ask for your guidance on the next steps to take after receiving the I-20 form.
Thank you

After receiving your i20 form, the next thing is to fill your Ds160 form and proceed to Visa appt site to make payment for your visa fee. Then check the calendar for a suitable date to Schedule your interview appointment and start preparing towards it.

Efetobore1980:
US Embassy:

If you have challenges making payment for your visa fee or you have paid and it is not reflecting on your AVITS profile, email us at LagosNIV@state.gov with the following information:


USE THIS SUBJECT LINE: V45 - MRV ISSUES ON AVITS

Full name
Date of birth
AREDS-160 confirmation number (starts with AA)
Passport Number
Copy of First Bank receipt or any other evidence of payment
A short description of your situation including screen shots if applicable.

===≠=====≠

ABUJA

If you have challenges making payment via any of the payment options available on the website, email us at

consularabuja@state.gov with the following information and as much attachments as possible.

USE THIS SUBJECT LINE: V45 - FULL NAME - PAYMENT ISSUES

Full Name (as listed in passport)
Passport number
Copy of DS-160
An explanation of the issue, including system screen shots if applicable

Note. Copy nigeria@usvisaappt.com in either of the center. 👍

Please what's the next thing to do after sending the mail, because I haven't received any emails from them except the generic email from nigeria@usvisaappt.com

Efetobore1980:
Hello Temmy.
If your issue has been rectified your dashboard should display calendar after clicking on pending appointment. Therefore don't rely on notification just keep clicking on pending appointment intermittently. ** The issue should not take more than 72hrs to resolve.

** You may try another idea by creating another avits (temporarily) and in the process use the opportunity to check your payment status (as attached).

Note: Payment error has various form of background cause which is best known by you. When you have tried all official recommendations and it's still the same then you may need to pay another MRV and let an experienced user guide you. 👍

Okay sir, I'll keep checking and also try the latter

There is no restriction, you can check as many times as you want. That was how I was able to get a date without joining any date search group. I just opened it on my phone and was checking nearly every 30 minutes.

crano:
Hello!
Please, how many times can one login to check appointment dates on AVITS? At what intervals? I am asking because I know the former website restricted multiple logins and banned users for 24 to 48 hours.

rektrenuer:
No, there hasn’t been any update yet.

Any idea on the timeframe for this administrative processing.
It’s now the new thread, they either deny or place on administrative processing.
I had my interview on May 2, did not witness any straight approval, and I was also placed on the administrative processing along with some other people, the VO collected my I-20 and returned back my passport and said I don’t need to do anything that further information would be communicated on my case.
My question is who has pass through this new administrative processing thread and ideally how long does it take ? Should I be expecting weeks or months ?

Waposh:
Any idea on the timeframe for this administrative processing.
It’s now the new thread, they either deny or place on administrative processing.
I had my interview on May 2, did not witness any straight approval, and I was also placed on the administrative processing along with some other people, the VO collected my I-20 and returned back my passport and said I don’t need to do anything that further information would be communicated on my case.
My question is who has pass through this new administrative processing thread and ideally how long does it take ? Should I be expecting weeks or months ?

I think this administrative processing is only happening at the US consulate in lagos, I don't think I have seen those who were put on AP recently at the Embassy in Abuja.

No one knows what the time frame is, my Ghanaian friends got an update on their AP within 14 business days but that's not the case here, only one guy on this thread got approved in 15 business days.

Treyknowles:
I think this administrative processing is only happening at the US consulate in lagos, I don't think I have seen those who were put on AP recently at the Embassy in Abuja.

No one knows what the time frame is, my Ghanaian friends got an update on their AP within 14 business days but that's not the case here, only one guy on this thread got approved in 15 business days.

It’s not only in Lagos, my interview was in Abuja

Waposh:
It’s not only in Lagos, my interview was in Abuja

Wow, that's crazy!

Waposh:
Any idea on the timeframe for this administrative processing.
It’s now the new thread, they either deny or place on administrative processing.
I had my interview on May 2, did not witness any straight approval, and I was also placed on the administrative processing along with some other people, the VO collected my I-20 and returned back my passport and said I don’t need to do anything that further information would be communicated on my case.
My question is who has pass through this new administrative processing thread and ideally how long does it take ? Should I be expecting weeks or months ?

were you fully funded?

What's the earliest interview date one can get guys?

Good day everyone, kindly advise, i finished the DS-160 AND PRINTED , but i also try to send to my email as there was an option to send to email but it said error, kindly advise hope it won't be an issue later on.
Awaiting your response.
Thank you.

Good afternoon everyone

What is the cause of Administrative Processing that has been rampant this year?

Sistopre:
were you fully funded?

Whether fully funded or not, nobody is immune to AP

ChiomaCharity:
Good day everyone, kindly advise, i finished the DS-160 AND PRINTED , but i also try to send to my email as there was an option to send to email but it said error, kindly advise hope it won't be an issue later on.
Awaiting your response.
Thank you.

Good Day Chioma.
That option to send confirmation to your email has been having issues since last year (2024) so forget about it.

The most important thing is for you to keep your retrieval (5 first letter of surname, year of birth and the answer to the generic question : ie what is the name of your mother's mother) information. You can use the retrieval info to access that same page in the next 2 years and reprint your confirmation page. 👍

Waposh:
It’s not only in Lagos, my interview was in Abuja

Waposh

congratulations, because i know it has happened.

please share your transcript nah abeg

bayocanny:
Good afternoon everyone

What is the cause of Administrative Processing that has been rampant this year?

At least there’s hope for AP applicant than straight denials.

You were you placed,?

please share transcript abeg

bayocanny:
Good afternoon everyone

What is the cause of Administrative Processing that has been rampant this year?

Good Day.
Most Nigerians (especially the youths & teenagers) are very very determined in achieving our goals and we can go extra mile in achieving that .

We have being very successful more than most other African countries (over the past 10 yrs) in convincing the visa officers in gaining entry into the United States (in terms of providing even genuine documentations and sweet talks) but on landing into America we change or break our promises by over-staying, staying back illegally, claiming asylum or venturing into illegal stuffs.

Hence , this is an era of verification (221g/administrative process) because they don't want to rely on your talking and documentations anymore. Ordinary consular psychology is not doing it anymore. 👍

Efetobore1980:
Good Day Chioma.
That option to send confirmation to your email has been having issues since last year (2024) so forget about it.

The most important thing is for you to keep your retrieval (5 first letter of surname, year of birth and the answer to the generic question : ie what is the name of your mother's mother) information. You can use the retrieval info to access that same page in the next 2 years and reprint your confirmation page. 👍

Thank you.

Not at all!

ChiomaCharity:
Good day everyone, kindly advise, i finished the DS-160 AND PRINTED , but i also try to send to my email as there was an option to send to email but it said error, kindly advise hope it won't be an issue later on.
Awaiting your response.
Thank you.

kamsy101:
At least there’s hope for AP applicant than straight denials.

You were you placed,?

please share transcript abeg

..

Waposh:
Had my visa interview on May 2nd, 2025 at Abuja embassy, Nigeria
1st time
PhD in chemistry
My time was slated for 8am, got to the embassy around seven and joined the first batch, a lot of people had interview this day so the queue was so long and exhausting, after the screening and standing, we entered the hall, first went to do biometrics then joined queue again for interview

Interview proper
I was interview by i guess an Indian American female in her mid/late 20s(she seems young)
My interview was quite long took around 15mins or so and most of it we where not talking, she was just looking at her computers, typing or looking at my I-20

Me: Good morning ma, happy new month (passing my I-20 and passport)
VO: smiled, (the only time she follow me smile through out the interview) Good morning
She go through my I-20 and ask what would this degree do for you ?

Me: This degree would allow me pick up a senior lecturing role at my current place of work where I work as a Teaching Assistant at the Bleep…I have always been passionate about becoming a professor

VO: which field will you be working on ?

Me: I will be focusing on the field of analytical and environmental chemistry, my research specialization is on air quality analysis using nanoscale materials to monitor and mitigate air pollution, this research is very important particularly in developing countries like Nigeria where we experience significant amount of air pollution and air contamination that as been a major problem to our public health

Then VO was silent for about 3-4 mins don’t know what she was looking at in her computer cus I can’t see it, and I did not want to talk until she ask me something so I don’t shoot myself on the leg,
After the long silence

VO: Why this school

Me: Kansas state University stood out for me because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research particularly in the field of analytical and environmental chemistry which I am majored in, I will be working with renowned faculties particularly prof Bleep whom I will be working with, his research on air quality analysis using nanoscale materials strongly aligns with my background and research goals and aspiration

VO: How many school did you apply to ?

Me: I applied to three universities, Kent state, Miami University and Kansas state
Kansas state stood out for me because of it strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research particularly in my field of environmental chemistry, I will also be working with renowned and outstanding faculties in my department

I was not even sure if she was really listening because she was just looking at her computer and did not really look at me or even nod her head

She was silent again, now looking at my I-20 for like 3 min then asked

VO: is this funding secured ?

Me: yes

VO: what’s the on-campus employment on your I-20? What will be your role ?

Me: it’s a 20 hour per week duties which I will be working as a teaching assistant, my role majorly involves conducting laboratory sessions, teaching undergraduate student and grading assignments

VO: how long have you been working as a Teaching Assistant here in Nigeria ?

Me: October 2024

VO: so what have you been doing before that ?

Me: I graduated in September 2024, then I was appointed as a Teaching Assistant by my department due to my strong academic background and strong involvement in my department during my undergraduate

VO: goes silent again this time looking at her computer for like 3 mins
Then suddenly left her seat and goes to I think her supervisor (the supervisor was at the back and I can see them discussing, VO was pointing to my I-20 but I can’t hear what they where saying exactly…VO came back and ask for my funding letter from my department

I quickly rushed to my file and grab out the letter and pass it over, then she went back to her supervisor and takes another 2 mins or so
All through this discussion, I was trying to get what they where saying but I can’t, I guess it was about the funding
Then VO comes back
Still did not ask me anything and I didn’t ask any thing too.
Then after she asked me

VO: what social media do you use ?

Me: I said LinkedIn (knowing that’s the only social media that was on my DS-160)

VO: only ?

Me: yes

VO: okay, have you been to Gaza ?

I was like Gaza bawo!
Even the eyes I used in answering this question the VO shock

Me: not at all oo

Goes silent again, this time like forever…looking and scrolling through her system, (only God knows weti she Dey look for exactly) then type and type

Then she goes okay great,
Picks up a white paper, (i don Dey happy say approval don show)

VO: I will be placing you on administrative processing, you don’t have to do anything and we don’t need anything from you, we will let you know by email notification for the next step, I will be keeping your I-20 (then returned me my passport and funding letter)

Me: okay, thank you and left

they're probably checking your social media. The Gaza question is spooky. Hopefully it ends well

Waposh:
Had my visa interview on May 2nd, 2025 at Abuja embassy, Nigeria
1st time
PhD in chemistry
My time was slated for 8am, got to the embassy around seven and joined the first batch, a lot of people had interview this day so the queue was so long and exhausting, after the screening and standing, we entered the hall, first went to do biometrics then joined queue again for interview

Interview proper
I was interview by i guess an Indian American female in her mid/late 20s(she seems young)
My interview was quite long took around 15mins or so and most of it we where not talking, she was just looking at her computers, typing or looking at my I-20

Me: Good morning ma, happy new month (passing my I-20 and passport)
VO: smiled, (the only time she follow me smile through out the interview) Good morning
She go through my I-20 and ask what would this degree do for you ?

Me: This degree would allow me pick up a senior lecturing role at my current place of work where I work as a Teaching Assistant at the Bleep…I have always been passionate about becoming a professor

VO: which field will you be working on ?

Me: I will be focusing on the field of analytical and environmental chemistry, my research specialization is on air quality analysis using nanoscale materials to monitor and mitigate air pollution, this research is very important particularly in developing countries like Nigeria where we experience significant amount of air pollution and air contamination that as been a major problem to our public health

Then VO was silent for about 3-4 mins don’t know what she was looking at in her computer cus I can’t see it, and I did not want to talk until she ask me something so I don’t shoot myself on the leg,
After the long silence

VO: Why this school

Me: Kansas state University stood out for me because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research particularly in the field of analytical and environmental chemistry which I am majored in, I will be working with renowned faculties particularly prof Bleep whom I will be working with, his research on air quality analysis using nanoscale materials strongly aligns with my background and research goals and aspiration

VO: How many school did you apply to ?

Me: I applied to three universities, Kent state, Miami University and Kansas state
Kansas state stood out for me because of it strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research particularly in my field of environmental chemistry, I will also be working with renowned and outstanding faculties in my department

I was not even sure if she was really listening because she was just looking at her computer and did not really look at me or even nod her head

She was silent again, now looking at my I-20 for like 3 min then asked

VO: is this funding secured ?

Me: yes

VO: what’s the on-campus employment on your I-20? What will be your role ?

Me: it’s a 20 hour per week duties which I will be working as a teaching assistant, my role majorly involves conducting laboratory sessions, teaching undergraduate student and grading assignments

VO: how long have you been working as a Teaching Assistant here in Nigeria ?

Me: October 2024

VO: so what have you been doing before that ?

Me: I graduated in September 2024, then I was appointed as a Teaching Assistant by my department due to my strong academic background and strong involvement in my department during my undergraduate

VO: goes silent again this time looking at her computer for like 3 mins
Then suddenly left her seat and goes to I think her supervisor (the supervisor was at the back and I can see them discussing, VO was pointing to my I-20 but I can’t hear what they where saying exactly…VO came back and ask for my funding letter from my department

I quickly rushed to my file and grab out the letter and pass it over, then she went back to her supervisor and takes another 2 mins or so
All through this discussion, I was trying to get what they where saying but I can’t, I guess it was about the funding
Then VO comes back
Still did not ask me anything and I didn’t ask any thing too.
Then after she asked me

VO: what social media do you use ?

Me: I said LinkedIn (knowing that’s the only social media that was on my DS-160)

VO: only ?

Me: yes

VO: okay, have you been to Gaza ?

I was like Gaza bawo!
Even the eyes I used in answering this question the VO shock

Me: not at all oo

Goes silent again, this time like forever…looking and scrolling through her system, (only God knows weti she Dey look for exactly) then type and type

Then she goes okay great,
Picks up a white paper, (i don Dey happy say approval don show)

VO: I will be placing you on administrative processing, you don’t have to do anything and we don’t need anything from you, we will let you know by email notification for the next step, I will be keeping your I-20 (then returned me my passport and funding letter)

Me: okay, thank you and left

Omo this was a long short interview 💯
Sha you’re Victorious 💯

Guys, please I am currently filling my ds160

Please is it only jobs I did after my undergraduate degree that counts as work experience for DS160 or I can use work I did as during ASUU strikes as a student and the SIWES internship during my 400 level.

Please I need urgent answers

Tomi111:
Guys, please I am currently filling my ds160

Please is it only jobs I did after my undergraduate degree that counts as work experience for DS160 or I can use work I did as during ASUU strikes as a student and the SIWES internship during my 400 level.

Please I need urgent answers

Tomi.
Yes you can list all jobs that you were officially employed and paid monthly salary. The degree you used in securing those jobs is irrelevant. If you like you may as well list volunteer jobs. 👍

Waposh:
Had my visa interview on May 2nd, 2025 at Abuja embassy, Nigeria
1st time
PhD in chemistry
My time was slated for 8am, got to the embassy around seven and joined the first batch, a lot of people had interview this day so the queue was so long and exhausting, after the screening and standing, we entered the hall, first went to do biometrics then joined queue again for interview

Interview proper
I was interview by i guess an Indian American female in her mid/late 20s(she seems young)
My interview was quite long took around 15mins or so and most of it we where not talking, she was just looking at her computers, typing or looking at my I-20

Me: Good morning ma, happy new month (passing my I-20 and passport)
VO: smiled, (the only time she follow me smile through out the interview) Good morning
She go through my I-20 and ask what would this degree do for you ?

Me: This degree would allow me pick up a senior lecturing role at my current place of work where I work as a Teaching Assistant at the Bleep…I have always been passionate about becoming a professor

VO: which field will you be working on ?

Me: I will be focusing on the field of analytical and environmental chemistry, my research specialization is on air quality analysis using nanoscale materials to monitor and mitigate air pollution, this research is very important particularly in developing countries like Nigeria where we experience significant amount of air pollution and air contamination that as been a major problem to our public health

Then VO was silent for about 3-4 mins don’t know what she was looking at in her computer cus I can’t see it, and I did not want to talk until she ask me something so I don’t shoot myself on the leg,
After the long silence

VO: Why this school

Me: Kansas state University stood out for me because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research particularly in the field of analytical and environmental chemistry which I am majored in, I will be working with renowned faculties particularly prof Bleep whom I will be working with, his research on air quality analysis using nanoscale materials strongly aligns with my background and research goals and aspiration

VO: How many school did you apply to ?

Me: I applied to three universities, Kent state, Miami University and Kansas state
Kansas state stood out for me because of it strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research particularly in my field of environmental chemistry, I will also be working with renowned and outstanding faculties in my department

I was not even sure if she was really listening because she was just looking at her computer and did not really look at me or even nod her head

She was silent again, now looking at my I-20 for like 3 min then asked

VO: is this funding secured ?

Me: yes

VO: what’s the on-campus employment on your I-20? What will be your role ?

Me: it’s a 20 hour per week duties which I will be working as a teaching assistant, my role majorly involves conducting laboratory sessions, teaching undergraduate student and grading assignments

VO: how long have you been working as a Teaching Assistant here in Nigeria ?

Me: October 2024

VO: so what have you been doing before that ?

Me: I graduated in September 2024, then I was appointed as a Teaching Assistant by my department due to my strong academic background and strong involvement in my department during my undergraduate

VO: goes silent again this time looking at her computer for like 3 mins
Then suddenly left her seat and goes to I think her supervisor (the supervisor was at the back and I can see them discussing, VO was pointing to my I-20 but I can’t hear what they where saying exactly…VO came back and ask for my funding letter from my department

I quickly rushed to my file and grab out the letter and pass it over, then she went back to her supervisor and takes another 2 mins or so
All through this discussion, I was trying to get what they where saying but I can’t, I guess it was about the funding
Then VO comes back
Still did not ask me anything and I didn’t ask any thing too.
Then after she asked me

VO: what social media do you use ?

Me: I said LinkedIn (knowing that’s the only social media that was on my DS-160)

VO: only ?

Me: yes

VO: okay, have you been to Gaza ?

I was like Gaza bawo!
Even the eyes I used in answering this question the VO shock

Me: not at all oo

Goes silent again, this time like forever…looking and scrolling through her system, (only God knows weti she Dey look for exactly) then type and type

Then she goes okay great,
Picks up a white paper, (i don Dey happy say approval don show)

VO: I will be placing you on administrative processing, you don’t have to do anything and we don’t need anything from you, we will let you know by email notification for the next step, I will be keeping your I-20 (then returned me my passport and funding letter)

Me: okay, thank you and left

Typically AP means they are checking your back ground.

Are you sure you only use LinkedIn?
Do you have siblings or associates linked to middle East etc

Your name might be similar to someone else

Taal17:
Typically AP means they are checking your back ground.

Are you sure you only use LinkedIn?
Do you have siblings or associates linked to middle East etc

Your name might be similar to someone else

The Gaza question was asked to some other applicants they placed on AP as well
And there where not issuing straight approval
It’s either outright deny or placed on AP
I guess that’s the new thread

I think this might help a bit.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/18/us-to-screen-social-media-of-visa-applicants-who-spent-time-in-gaza

Waposh:
The Gaza question was asked to some other applicants they placed on AP as well
And there where not issuing straight approval
It’s either outright deny or placed on AP
I guess that’s the new thread

Hi guys,

I have a HND from Nigeria (upper credit) and a bachelors from the UK (first class). I want to apply for a DIRECT Ph.D in the USA within the next application window, what are my chances without a masters please?

Again, I am thinking of applying only just with my UK bachelor’s as I would not want my Nigerian Polytechnic to delay me with transfer of transcript and all.

Do you think that’s the best approach? Or do you reckon that the HND will help my course please?

Your inputs will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Hello Ayo and Everyone, I am stuck at this exact same point now, and there seems to be no information online or anywhere that can help. Please who knows how to navigate this. After making payment for myself (F1), how do I proceed to create appointment for my spouse (F2). Do I have to select available date first (even if it’s far) in order to proceed with creating appointments for my spouse?
Also, after selecting a date, will I be able to reschedule to a closer appointment date?

abioyebabatunde:
Hello everyone,

I’ve completed my appointment payment via bank transfer — the process was quite fast, and I’ve already seen a scheduled date. However, the available date is in February 2026, which is far from my intended resumption period. For now, I’ve left the appointment at pending, but this has prevented me from creating appointments for my family.

I’d like to know:
Do I need to first select any available date (even if it’s far) in order to proceed with creating appointments for my family?
Also, after selecting a date, will I be able to reschedule later to hunt for a closer appointment date?

Your advice and experience would really help, as I’m trying to wrap up this application process — it’s been quite tedious.
Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your contributions.

Kenny4smart:
Hi guys,

I have a HND from Nigeria (upper credit) and a bachelors from the UK (first class). I want to apply for a DIRECT Ph.D in the USA within the next application window, what are my chances without a masters please?

Again, I am thinking of applying only just with my UK bachelor’s as I would not want my Nigerian Polytechnic to delay me with transfer of transcript and all.

Do you think that’s the best approach? Or do you reckon that the HND will help my course please?

Your inputs will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Hello Kenny.
Your chances without a Masters degree depends on your working/ class experiences with professors in your area , your SOP and how well and reasonable you outline your research area (interest). Everything is based on your natural inclination or instincts (as forseen by your future professors). ** Your UK 1st class will attract most professors.

Your Nigerian polytechnic will not and cannot delay your transcript and you are not transfering your HND transcripts but requesting the polytechnic to send it to your prospective school in the US or have them give you by hand if your new University accepts un-official.

Why do you want to short-change yourself by omitting your HND out of your academic profile? Your High school and HND certifications springboarded you to achieving your UK 1st- class. 👍