₦airaland Forum

m new here
Pls can anyone tell me the requirements for admission and full funded GA in USA?
And also is GRE still compulsory for someone with 3.2 out 4 WES GPA.

crano:
I applied two days ago and no response from them. How long do you think I can get a reply?
I really need a closer date, in May. I can't even find option to reschedule on my dashboard.

may is available bro

Ayobami227:
*F-1 Visa*
*May 7th 2025*
*Window 3*
*Lagos*
*First Attempt*
*Fully-Funded Masters*
*Kansas*

_White Male V.O already denied the five people before me, and did administrative processing for the Professor of Biochemistry from Unilag going for a research exchange program. He denied the self funded masters lady before me_.

_The other chubby lady attending to people suddenly closed her window for an extended period. so only the white male vo was attending to people. Only 2 Vos were attending to F-1, J-1 and M-1 applicants_. I was surprised.

Then it was my turn.

V.O: I will need your I-20 and passport.

Me: Good morning.

V.O: How many schools did you apply for? (In my mind I said this English correct so?, "apply for" or apply to?"

_Catching my breath and trying to release the nerves_

Me: I applied to 3 Virginia Tech, Wayne State and Kansas. Got offers from all 3.

V.O: Why Kansas

Me: I chose Kansas Master's in Communication program for three reasons. First the program components emphasize a areas that addresses my skill gap in Communication methods for organizational growth and change. it also aligns with my career interests as a corporate communications officer upon return to Nigeria. I also chose it because unlike the other schools, Kansas allow dual specializations for its graduate student,And this will afford me a more robust, diverse and comprehensive learning experience in the field.
Finally, the faculty's research focus and experience aligns with my career goals and research interests.

(I was like this man has not interrupted me yet,God Abeg o)

V.0. when did you you graduate?

Me: 2019. I have been working ever since.

V.O. why are you going for the program now?

Me: I'm going for a Master's in Communication now because as a young professional in the private sector I recognized a gap in my skill sets on communication methods for organizational growth and change, especially in navigating complex Communication issues within a diverse workforce. This program will address this gap by equipping me with skills in strategic and risk communication, Reputational Management,PR and advertising techniques as well as the impact of emerging technologies on hybrid and remote work models. It will also serve as a sprint board for my career advancement upon return to Nigeria.

V.O: Which other schools did you get offers aside Virginia Tech and Kansas?

Me: Wayne State University.

V.O: Who is funding this trip?

Me: The Graduate School will fund my studies.i was awarded a graduate teaching Assistantship that covers my tuition, living expenses,book and supplies and insurance. I secured this assistantship after two interviews,first with program coordinator, Prof Sean, and the other with the admissions committee. I spoke on my research experience, academic background and career goals. I also submitted reference letter from 3 professors from my undergrad, high test scores and my writing sample which got me the assistantship.


VO: Got it! So what do you do?

For the past 3 years,I have worked as Growth Associate at xxxxx where I drive growth operations and marketing strategies. I earn xxxxx annually.

V.O: what's the name of the company again?

Me:xxxxx (mentions the name)

*V.O is typing*

Me: do I tell you about my research?

V.O: No, keeps typing.

What was your first degree in?

Me: English Language and Literature from **** University.

V.O: Bachelor's in English, got it!

V.O:How did you find out about Kansas?

Me: I found out through LinkedIn and also joined the virtual information session where I realized the program components will benefit me significantly when I return to Nigeria.

V.O: Looks at his desktop and hands blue paper. You do not qualify for the visa at this time.

Refused under 214b and home ties was what was written in the paper.

I intend to reapply...I understand it's a subjective process but wondering how can better reapply and particularly answer the question of "WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE YOUR LAST APPLICATION? "
I have 0 deficit.

First off, if they ask you what uni you going, just say the full thing. For people who know Kansas, saying your uni is Kansas is actually a bit annoying. It's like being asked which school are you going to, and u said LAGOS. If you don't want to name the particular school here, hence the reason you said Kansas, then I get it.

Well, the main problem is that whatever you are telling the VO about questions like "What will this degree do for you" or "what's your post graduation plan."

Don't get carried away as these two questions are meant to extract home ties responses from you without directly asking you about home ties. So don't tag in "I will return back to Nigeria" at the end of your answer when you should have started with that from the get to. He probably didn't listen all d way through just like in my head, I was like what is this guy saying?

Also, I know you are a communication major but I have a hard time understanding what you are communicating. Can you introduce some human elements in your transcript so it doesn't look like something crammed off chatgpt? Humans respond better to stories than to fine arrangement of words. Saying plenty things doesn't always means you have a better response

I hope the VO's perceived grammatical blunder didn't make you approach the interview with condescending look or mindset? Be humble, when you get to US, you will realize that your communication still needs a lotttt of brushing up.

Forget your funding, go for it as if you had none.

Good afternoon nairalanders, please I have a problem I need help with.

I tried making payments for my sevis fee through first bank transfer from my zenith account. I got debited but the payment wasn't confirmed on the First bank website and I didn't get the receipt and deposit reference number even after four hours without refreshing the page.

Now I called the bank and they said the transfer was successful on their side but I couldn't get the receipt still.

I've tried reaching out to first bank but they haven't replied my emails, so I want to know if I should put a complaint with the us embassy or just go to First bank on Monday and make a complaint.

Good afternoon
I will like your suggestion on whether F1(man) and F2s(Mother and Child) should attend visa interview together or F1 should apply for visa and go alone first then F2s can apply after some time

If you can share your recent experience on what you think is the best option

anuoluwa222:
Good afternoon
I will like your suggestion on whether F1(man) and F2s(Mother and Child) should attend visa interview together or F1 should apply for visa and go alone first then F2s can apply after some time

If you can share your recent experience on what you think is the best option

Evening Anu.

** Its an intricate step (in which the wrong decision can ruin both f1 & f2 visa chances).

**. The natural step for any genuine f1/f2 visa applications is to apply for the visas together as they will know the result on the spot and if refused, the principal applicant (F1) may re-apply knowing well that the embassy needs the f2 applicants to stay behind in your country of origin as a collateral (ties that will bring you back home).

** F2 applying at a later time also will look suspicious and keep getting denied if you are not newly-wed (except if applying for B2 to visit your spouse) because you (f2) are the part of the first reason (tie to home country) the F1 applicant qualified for the visa, therefore, applying at a later time means the f1 wont have any (ties) reason to return home.

** F2 visa applicants few times are also seen as distractions to F1 visa applicants by some consulars (esp Phd & Msc ) couples with the fact that F2 visa holder cannot work at all (though this can now be chaged legally) while in the USA, therefore the financia burden of proof will be greater and 86% of F1 visa applicants going with F2s has failed the proper explanations for what your wife and kids would be doing in the USA while you pursue your degree.


You and your spouse should research your profiles and your application category In making decisions. Recent experience of anybody cannot do that for you as each visa application case is different
👍

You tried paying sevis fee through transfer from a Nigerian bank? I just hope you would be able to get that money back.

Oneboylaidat:
Good afternoon nairalanders, please I have a problem I need help with.

I tried making payments for my sevis fee through first bank transfer from my zenith account. I got debited but the payment wasn't confirmed on the First bank website and I didn't get the receipt and deposit reference number even after four hours without refreshing the page.

Now I called the bank and they said the transfer was successful on their side but I couldn't get the receipt still.

I've tried reaching out to first bank but they haven't replied my emails, so I want to know if I should put a complaint with the us embassy or just go to First bank on Monday and make a complaint.

Oneboylaidat:
Good afternoon nairalanders, please I have a problem I need help with.

I tried making payments for my sevis fee through first bank transfer from my zenith account. I got debited but the payment wasn't confirmed on the First bank website and I didn't get the receipt and deposit reference number even after four hours without refreshing the page.

Now I called the bank and they said the transfer was successful on their side but I couldn't get the receipt still.

I've tried reaching out to first bank but they haven't replied my emails, so I want to know if I should put a complaint with the us embassy or just go to First bank on Monday and make a complaint.

What account did you transfer to? Western Union account on that SEVIS coupon?

.

Hello everyone, good evening.

I attended F1 interview in August 2023, I was denied based on 214b. I have attached my transcript below.

Currently, I have a fully funded Mechanical Engineering MS at a different university and the research is different too.

What questions should I expect from the consular officer and how to answer them.

How do I answer question like, "is been 10 yrs you graduated, why are you going for yours Master now".

I have another worry, I stutter sometimes while speaking but not so bad, so during my first interview, I was advised to write a note on an A4 paper "Chronic stammerer, please I need you to be patient with me". I showed the consular officer as I approached him and I also told him verbally that I stutter, that he should be patient with me. (This was after I responded to his greeting). He then said but you didn't stutter now, I guess he felt I wasn't been honest.

What is the best way to go about it, should I let the consular officer know that I stutter at the beginning of the interview or I just leave it out and answer the questions without informing him/her?

Transcript
F1 Visa
Denied

Lagos.
24 Aug 2023.

Drexel University
Mechanical Engineering (MS)
COA: $56,969
Funding: $10,500
Personal funding: $12,000
Father's Funding: $44,469

VO: Good morning, can I have your documents.

Me: Good morning, then I passed the documents. Pls I have a comment to pass, I told him that I stutter, that I need him to be patient with me.

VO: But you didn't stutter now.

Me: I didn't respond but he felt I was making it up.

VO: How many schools did you apply to:

Me: Three and I was admitted into all 3 and I went ahead to mention their names.

VO: Why are you going for Master's degree.

Me: As a Service Engineer that works at XXXX, he cuts in and said I can see that you are an engineer from my screen.

Then I continue, I want to get a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering to get more understanding and knowledge of control systems in automobiles and how to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with regards to them.

VO: I can see that you have a Fellowship of $10,500, but you still have a lot of deficit.

Me: I have been able to save #9.6m toward my graduate tuition and my father who into XXXX and have a staff strength of 15 and earns #60m annual income will fund the deficit.

VO: Have your dad sponsored anyone abroad before.

Me: Yes, my elder brother, he did his MBA in UK in 2017.

VO: Do you know how much your dad paid.

Me: He paid £20k

VO: that's around $25k but he will be covering $44.5k which is around $100k for the 2 years.

Me: Yes, he is capable.

VO: Sorry, I can't approve your visa at this time.

Otelsmyg:
Hello everyone, good evening.

I attended F1 interview in August 2023, I was denied based on 214b. I have attached my transcript below.

Currently, I have a fully funded Mechanical Engineering MS at a different university and the research is different too.

What questions should I expect from the consular officer and how to answer them.

How do I answer question like, "is been 10 yrs you graduated, why are you going for yours Master now".

I have another worry, I stutter sometimes while speaking but not so bad, so during my first interview, I was advised to write a note on an A4 paper "Chronic stammerer, please I need you to be patient with me". I showed the consular officer as I approached him and I also told him verbally that I stutter, that he should be patient with me. (This was after I responded to his greeting). He then said but you didn't stutter now, I guess he felt I wasn't been honest.

What is the best way to go about it, should I let the consular officer know that I stutter at the beginning of the interview or I just leave it out and answer the questions without informing him/her?

Transcript
F1 Visa
Denied

Lagos.
24 Aug 2023.

Drexel University
Mechanical Engineering (MS)
COA: $56,969
Funding: $10,500
Personal funding: $12,000
Father's Funding: $44,469

VO: Good morning, can I have your documents.

Me: Good morning, then I passed the documents. Pls I have a comment to pass, I told him that I stutter, that I need him to be patient with me.

VO: But you didn't stutter now.

Me: I didn't respond but he felt I was making it up.

VO: How many schools did you apply to:

Me: Three and I was admitted into all 3 and I went ahead to mention their names.

VO: Why are you going for Master's degree.

Me: As a Service Engineer that works at XXXX, he cuts in and said I can see that you are an engineer from my screen.

Then I continue, I want to get a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering to get more understanding and knowledge of control systems in automobiles and how to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with regards to them.

VO: I can see that you have a Fellowship of $10,500, but you still have a lot of deficit.

Me: I have been able to save #9.6m toward my graduate tuition and my father who into XXXX and have a staff strength of 15 and earns #60m annual income will fund the deficit.

VO: Have your dad sponsored anyone abroad before.

Me: Yes, my elder brother, he did his MBA in UK in 2017.

VO: Do you know how much your dad paid.

Me: He paid £20k

VO: that's around $25k but he will be covering $44.5k which is around $100k for the 2 years.

Me: Yes, he is capable.

VO: Sorry, I can't approve your visa at this time.

Hello.

YOU;
I attended F1 interview in August 2023, I was denied based on 214b. I have attached my transcript below.

*** I wont talk about it as its irrelevant to your present state , it would have been relevant in the year 2023 if you had planned to re-apply then.


YOU ;
Currently, I have a fully funded Mechanical Engineering MS at a different university and the research is different too.

*** Ths is your current state (situation) which you need to focus on by reading past & present transcripts that is related to it.

YOU;
What questions should I expect from the consular officer and how to answer them.

*** If i want to (or any competent person) deduce a genuine possible questions and answers for you i must know your profile & status. Any suggestions other than this is just going to be a generalisation.

YOU;
How do I answer question like, "is been 10 yrs you graduated, why are you going for yours Master now".

*** How did know that the consular will ask you this specific question? This is the beginning of a pre-meditated answers. You cannot cram every answers you are imagining. Your gap-year can be explained inside your ds-160 or genuinely when asked.

YOU;
I have another worry, I stutter sometimes while speaking but not so bad, so during my first interview, I was advised to write a note on an A4 paper "Chronic stammerer, please I need you to be patient with me". I showed the consular officer as I approached him and I also told him verbally that I stutter, that he should be patient with me.

***. There is a space you can improvise and slot this in inside your visa application (ds-160).

*** U.S. visa officers are also trained to handle interviews with individuals who stutter or have other speech impediments. So it's not new.

*** Inform the officer about your stutter early in the interview. At the interview, bring a sheet of paper saying ' i have a stammer, plz allow me the time needed to answer you questions, or allow me to write my answers' (you can go with blank paper and a pen). Good LucK 👍

Just want to know if it is advisable for funds to be transferred into my account at this time for the purpose of meeting the outstanding fee deficit? I have a full tuition waiver and just need to cover the rest.

Or is the bank statement of my sponsor(s) sufficient and best advisable?

The COA is 45kplus... Apply to a school with lesser COA or look for assistantahip

Toptierworldwid:
Saint Louis University

My deficit is about 16k, my uncle is my sponsor. My interview is next week and I have his statement of dollar account with 57k+. It's a 6month statement that stopped at Feb 19(I used it to obtain my I-20... My uncle is currently out of the country... Is the account recent enough as I plan to hold it while going for my interview
Thanks

Please, does anyone have the email address to get GRE materials?

Highsaac:
My deficit is about 16k, my uncle is my sponsor. My interview is next week and I have his statement of dollar account with 57k+. It's a 6month statement that stopped at Feb 19(I used it to obtain my I-20... My uncle is currently out of the country... Is the account recent enough as I plan to hold it while going for my interview
Thanks

you don't need account statement during the interview, just to be able to convince the v.o on what your uncle do and convince the v.o your uncle will sponsor you. That's it

If you can't get an updated statement, there is nothing you can do at this point other than going with what you have for your interview next week.

The V.O may not ask for a bank statement but it is better to have it with you and not need it than for the V.O to ask about your bank statement and for you to say that you do not have it.

Highsaac:
My deficit is about 16k, my uncle is my sponsor. My interview is next week and I have his statement of dollar account with 57k+. It's a 6month statement that stopped at Feb 19(I used it to obtain my I-20... My uncle is currently out of the country... Is the account recent enough as I plan to hold it while going for my interview
Thanks

Please, I need urgent help. I generated my U.S. visa payment slip (J1 visa) on Friday, May 9, 2025, but couldn’t pay due to bank network issues. The slip expired on yesterday, May 12. Now it’s May 13, and I still can’t generate a new payment slip — the old reference number is still showing on my profile.

Has anyone experienced this before? How long did it take for the system to clear the expired CGI number? Is there any workaround or should I just keep waiting? I’ve also contacted support but no reply yet.

No, they won't give her/him old passport

Efetobore1980:
**
Yes. Go ahead and book your appointment with your current passport . You will eventually fill another ds 160 and update it in your avits profile then attend the interview with both old and new passports. 👍

Godgivenchild:
You tried paying sevis fee through transfer from a Nigerian bank? I just hope you would be able to get that money back.

how is that possible?

Hey, how did you go about it eventually? Please update us

Wokeupandslayed:
They can’t be of help.

Shehuramon:
No, they won't give her/him old passport

Hello Alhaji Shehu.
Has the Nigerian Immigration started to retain applicants's old passport on renewal ? I still have two of my previous old passports given back to me upon renewal.

** Anyways , the new passport is still going to carry the old passport number therefore, it's still the same lifespan continuation. 👍

Good Evening everyone,
Please I need your opinions.
I got admitted into MTU and IIT
No funding for MTU however I was able to secure a 40k loan with Mpower.
While IIT gave me 25k scholarship.
Someone is suggesting I go with MTU since the loan will cover tuition and living expenses that way I will be able to get some sort of funds for rent and other expenses.
I'll like people who are attending or have attended IIT to help shed more light on prospects of securing jobs to help cushion living expenses.
Sorry for the long post please.
Thank you.

Perfect. Thank you so much

Godgivenchild:
Hi,
Regarding the amount to be in the statement, if the school is insisting on her proof of fund before i20 issuance ,despite being funded by the school, she only needs to simply send a mail to the school to ask for the minimum balance in the account. Also to answer your query about depositing the said amount in her account or not, you have to provide more details about her age, when she graduated, how long she has been working....

Efetobore1980:
Hello.

YOU;
I attended F1 interview in August 2023, I was denied based on 214b. I have attached my transcript below.

*** I wont talk about it as its irrelevant to your present state , it would have been relevant in the year 2023 if you had planned to re-apply then.


YOU ;
Currently, I have a fully funded Mechanical Engineering MS at a different university and the research is different too.

*** Ths is your current state (situation) which you need to focus on by reading past & present transcripts that is related to it.

YOU;
What questions should I expect from the consular officer and how to answer them.

*** If i want to (or any competent person) deduce a genuine possible questions and answers for you i must know your profile & status. Any suggestions other than this is just going to be a generalisation.

YOU;
How do I answer question like, "is been 10 yrs you graduated, why are you going for yours Master now".

*** How did know that the consular will ask you this specific question? This is the beginning of a pre-meditated answers. You cannot cram every answers you are imagining. Your gap-year can be explained inside your ds-160 or genuinely when asked.

YOU;
I have another worry, I stutter sometimes while speaking but not so bad, so during my first interview, I was advised to write a note on an A4 paper "Chronic stammerer, please I need you to be patient with me". I showed the consular officer as I approached him and I also told him verbally that I stutter, that he should be patient with me.

***. There is a space you can improvise and slot this in inside your visa application (ds-160).

*** U.S. visa officers are also trained to handle interviews with individuals who stutter or have other speech impediments. So it's not new.

*** Inform the officer about your stutter early in the interview. At the interview, bring a sheet of paper saying ' i have a stammer, plz allow me the time needed to answer you questions, or allow me to write my answers' (you can go with blank paper and a pen). Good LucK 👍

Thank you very much for your detailed response and explanation.

I have some questions.

*** If i want to (or any competent person) deduce a genuine possible questions and answers for you i must know your profile & status. Any suggestions other than this is just going to be a generalisation.

Can you kindly list out what entails the profile and status? I want to supply the information.


b]***. There is a space you can improvise and slot this in inside your visa application (ds-160). [/b]

I have been checking the section I can input that I stutter in the DS-160, please can you point me to such space?

Thank you once again for your detailed explanation and response.

I am very grateful.

Thank you for your response

Efetobore1980:
Evening Anu.

** Its an intricate step (in which the wrong decision can ruin both f1 & f2 visa chances).

**. The natural step for any genuine f1/f2 visa applications is to apply for the visas together as they will know the result on the spot and if refused, the principal applicant (F1) may re-apply knowing well that the embassy needs the f2 applicants to stay behind in your country of origin as a collateral (ties that will bring you back home).

** F2 applying at a later time also will look suspicious and keep getting denied if you are not newly-wed (except if applying for B2 to visit your spouse) because you (f2) are the part of the first reason (tie to home country) the F1 applicant qualified for the visa, therefore, applying at a later time means the f1 wont have any (ties) reason to return home.

** F2 visa applicants few times are also seen as distractions to F1 visa applicants by some consulars (esp Phd & Msc ) couples with the fact that F2 visa holder cannot work at all (though this can now be chaged legally) while in the USA, therefore the financia burden of proof will be greater and 86% of F1 visa applicants going with F2s has failed the proper explanations for what your wife and kids would be doing in the USA while you pursue your degree.


You and your spouse should research your profiles and your application category In making decisions. Recent experience of anybody cannot do that for you as each visa application case is different
👍

***Greetings Honorable Sir/ma. I sincerely appreciate various helps, guidance and problem solving skills here. May God meet everyone at the points of your very needs.
I have 2 questions please: I just paid required fees plus Biometric
1. I'm in Ibadan Oyo State. I dnt know Biometric centre in Lagos. Kindly give me directions to get there and address.

2. What are those things I will need to take / bring along as requirement.. Ejowo o

Yes, they retain your old passport now, i just renewed and do correctio on my own this February.

Efetobore1980:
Hello Alhaji Shehu.
Has the Nigerian Immigration started to retain applicants's old passport on renewal ? I still have two of my previous old passports given back to me upon renewal.

** Anyways , the new passport is still going to carry the old passport number therefore, it's still the same lifespan continuation. 👍

[quote author=ChampJoke post=135362285][/quote][quote author=anuoluwa222 post=135327945]Good afternoon
I will like your suggestion on whether F1(man) and F2s(Mother and Child) should attend visa interview together or F1 should apply for visa and go alone first then F2s can apply after some time

If you can share your recent experience on what you think is the best option[/quote


*Hello Anu*
From our recent experience, my husband (F1), our child, and I (F2s) all attended the visa interview together this past Monday.

We were placed under Administrative Processing (AP), but the visa officer collected our passports and reassured us that there’s nothing to worry about, which gave us some peace of mind.

I believe attending together helped demonstrate our intent as a family unit and made the process clearer for the consular officer. If your documents are strong and everything is in order, I’d say going together is a good option especially if you plan to move as a family from the start.

However, if timing, finances, or other logistics are tight, having the F1 go first and settle down before the F2s apply can also work many families choose that route too.

I’ll share our transcript soon

Congratulations on securing a $40,000 (₦64 million+) educational loan, which only covers your first year of study abroad!

It's quite straightforward: after completing your studies, you'll return to your beloved country, Nigeria, to work and start repaying the loan in dollars while earning in naira. The Visa Officer will certainly be impressed by your commitment and well-thought-out plan!

Successoke:
Good Evening everyone,
Please I need your opinions.
I got admitted into MTU and IIT
No funding for MTU however I was able to secure a 40k loan with Mpower.
While IIT gave me 25k scholarship.
Someone is suggesting I go with MTU since the loan will cover tuition and living expenses that way I will be able to get some sort of funds for rent and other expenses.
I'll like people who are attending or have attended IIT to help shed more light on prospects of securing jobs to help cushion living expenses.
Sorry for the long post please.
Thank you.

Make it make sense, you managed to secure 25k scholarship but someone advised you to drop it for a loan!!! why not request for a downward review of the loan to cover your shortfall at IIT, this would put your application in a strong position. btw you cant compare Illinois (Chicago) to Michigan in terms of proximity to jobs....let it be known that you can seek CPT only after your first year of study (conditions applied) and OPT after your education.

Successoke:
Good Evening everyone,
Please I need your opinions.
I got admitted into MTU and IIT
No funding for MTU however I was able to secure a 40k loan with Mpower.
While IIT gave me 25k scholarship.
Someone is suggesting I go with MTU since the loan will cover tuition and living expenses that way I will be able to get some sort of funds for rent and other expenses.
I'll like people who are attending or have attended IIT to help shed more light on prospects of securing jobs to help cushion living expenses.
Sorry for the long post please.
Thank you.