₦airaland Forum

maklelemakukula:
Seems these people just deny applications for fun.
Is there any point reapplying ?

Sometimes I wonder if the Nigerian embassy in US rejects anybody at all

Share your transcript so people can help point out any errors to avoid in the next application.

Hello nairaland family,
I need your help please. My mom wants to apply for a US B1/B2 visa for tourism to come visit me and her new grand child on the way. Do you think she should include that she wants to see her grand child in the application? My mom recently got denied her 1st b1/b2 application in January this year so she's scared she might be denied again. What about funding for the trip? She is retired so should she say her daughter will fund the trip? Any suggestions and advice is appreciated.

I was at OIS yesterday to drop my passport for visa renewal via IW. The lady who attended to me said in three weeks I should start checking the link to see if my passport is ready for pickup. I told her I am aware that these days the visa applications are taking longer than they used to and asked her to just tell me straight the real timelines and she said six weeks. Let's see how it goes.

Nommsy:
Hello nairaland family,
I need your help please. My mom wants to apply for a US B1/B2 visa for tourism to come visit me and her new grand child on the way. Do you think she should include that she wants to see her grand child in the application? My mom recently got denied her 1st b1/b2 application in January this year so she's scared she might be denied again. What about funding for the trip? She is retired so should she say her daughter will fund the trip? Any suggestions and advice is appreciated.

Hello Nomsy.

She should not indicate the wish of seeing her grandchild since you have not delivered the baby except if you want her to over stay (but another exemption is if you have already known your due date in that case she should be honest).

If she goes with the same DS-160 profile of January without any reasonable and convincing profile updates she will be denied again.

Funding for the trip lies with your family. If your mother is capable indicate her as self -funder and if she is not indicate yourself or your husband or any of your family (nuclear) member.

** Retirees are seen (by the consular) as people who honestly wants to come and relax in america after longer years of working/service but the sketchy part of it is that most of them will need long-time or constant medical care (esp women) , good environment for relaxation options for the senior citizens, etc which they will find as verily available and accessible in america thus making majority of them to want to over stay or stay back fully.

Your mum should display good home ties ie other children back home, businesses or rentage properties at home , other activities ie club membership, having visited or would be visting another of her child in Australia or Sweden etc in the coming year is another abstract ties of travel history etc .

** Lastly communication is of utmost importance. You knows your mum's communication ability. She should be able to know some things about herself the daughter she is visiting, she should talk to the consular in a friendly manner and if she doesn't know an answer she should say i cant remember instead telling lies. She should also not argue with the consular. 👍

I was also giving the same information at the ois location on my drop off day. This week is my 8th week of constantly checking the ceac portal and ois link. You might also want to brace up for the summer rush. However, STAY POSITIVE.

naivasha:
I was at OIS yesterday to drop my passport for visa renewal via IW. The lady who attended to me said in three weeks I should start checking the link to see if my passport is ready for pickup. I told her I am aware that these days the visa applications are taking longer than they used to and asked her to just tell me straight the real timelines and she said six weeks. Let's see how it goes.

naivasha:
I was at OIS yesterday to drop my passport for visa renewal via IW. The lady who attended to me said in three weeks I should start checking the link to see if my passport is ready for pickup. I told her I am aware that these days the visa applications are taking longer than they used to and asked her to just tell me straight the real timelines and she said six weeks. Let's see how it goes.

My mom dropped hers a little over a week ago and she said a lady told her 2-6 weeks.
Let's see how it goes I will update the house but as of two days ago I checked it was “application received”.

Good morning. I am new here and need some information, please. I have a visiting visa interview next week for the US. I’m going to see my friend who lives there for two weeks. I applied since last year when I was going to Canada so I could take that opportunity to visit her in America but the earliest interview date I got was for this year. So I went to Canada and came back. I want to know what documents to take along apart from the DS 160 confirmation page , appointment confirmation letter, visa payment receipt and passport photograph. Do I need to take my bank statement , letter of introduction from work and evidence of family ties along? I am the only one travelling, my husband and kids will be in Lagos.

I am also travelling next week. Can I ask them if I can hold on to my passport cause I don’t think they’d return it to me in time for the next trip.

Thank you in advance for your kind responses.

Tailadivaaaa:
Good morning. I am new here and need some information, please. I have a visiting visa interview next week for the US. I’m going to see my friend who lives there for two weeks. I applied since last year when I was going to Canada so I could take that opportunity to visit her in America but the earliest interview date I got was for this year. So I went to Canada and came back. I want to know what documents to take along apart from the DS 160 confirmation page , appointment confirmation letter, visa payment receipt and passport photograph. Do I need to take my bank statement , letter of introduction from work and evidence of family ties along? I am the only one travelling, my husband and kids will be in Lagos.

I am also travelling next week. Can I ask them if I can hold on to my passport cause I don’t think they’d return it to me in time for the next trip.

Thank you in advance for your kind responses.

Hello Talia.


YOU
So I went to Canada and came back. I want to know what documents to take along apart from the DS 160 confirmation page , appointment confirmation letter, visa payment receipt and passport photograph.

Despite the fact that consular officers rarely check documents nowadays i will still recommed you equip yourself in order to avoid 221g. The next relevant documents to take along is your POF (bank statement) and evidence of where to stay. ** You do not need letter of introduction from work, and the better way to proof home ties is in your visa application...ds-160 and verbally with the consular.


YOU
I am also travelling next week. Can I ask them if I can hold on to my passport cause I don’t think they’d return it to me in time for the next trip.

You cannot book down or reserve a U.S. approved visa to be issue to you in a future date. If you hold on to your passport after the visa interview where will the consulate stamp your visa ? Or you mean after your arrival you will just dhl your passport to the embassy so that they can issue your visa based on the last successful interview 😎

** I would rather you reschedule your current appointment till after your arrival or you wait for your visa and postpone your travel . 👍

Efetobore1980:
Hello Talia.


YOU
So I went to Canada and came back. I want to know what documents to take along apart from the DS 160 confirmation page , appointment confirmation letter, visa payment receipt and passport photograph.

Despite the fact that consular officers rarely check documents nowadays i will still recommed you equip yourself in order to avoid 221g. The next relevant documents to take along is your POF (bank statement) and evidence of where to stay. ** You do not need letter of introduction from work, and the better way to proof home ties is in your visa application...ds-160 and verbally with the consular.


YOU
I am also travelling next week. Can I ask them if I can hold on to my passport cause I don’t think they’d return it to me in time for the next trip.

You cannot book down or reserve a U.S. approved visa to be issue to you in a future date. If you hold on to your passport after the visa interview where will the consulate stamp your visa ? Or you mean after your arrival you will just dhl your passport to the embassy so that they can issue your visa based on the last successful interview 😎

** I would rather you reschedule your current appointment till after your arrival or you wait for your visa and postpone your travel . 👍

Thank you for your responses, Efetobore. I will be staying with my friend, she has given me a letter of invitation which I will take along.

I was hoping I could take the passport back after my trip. It’s only a week. And it’s a trip I can’t postpone. Also worried about changing dates cause it took me almost a year to get this date. Do you have an idea how long it takes to get the passport back?

Debbieeeeeee:
I only recently just used my five years visa too when I realized it’ll soon be two years since I renewed. I think the five years length is also a factor as to why we don’t even think of using it so soon

Whenever I check the exchange rate...my mind will tell me school fees is more important. It is well.

Hello Bosses,

I have an interview in Abuja by mid July, I'm coming from Osun, is it better to take a bus/car or go to Lagos and take a flight?

Which is the closest to the consulate? The Jabi bus park or the Abuja airport?

Which hotel is closed to the consulate that I can lodge and attend my interview the next day?

Thanks in advance.

sanyaolurilwan:
Hello Bosses,

I have an interview in Abuja by mid July, I'm coming from Osun, is it better to take a bus/car or go to Lagos and take a flight?

Which is the closest to the consulate? The Jabi bus park or the Abuja airport?

Which hotel is closed to the consulate that I can lodge and attend my interview the next day?

Thanks in advance.

Dear Sanyaolu,
Take bus or car at Stadium, Osogbo, its 25k. And if you want to take flight, book greenafrica from ilorin.

Bolingo Xperia Hotel is closer to the embassy, its behind the embassy and its 45k per night.

I wish you success in your interview

sanyaolurilwan:
Hello Bosses,

I have an interview in Abuja by mid July, I'm coming from Osun, is it better to take a bus/car or go to Lagos and take a flight?

Which is the closest to the consulate? The Jabi bus park or the Abuja airport?

Which hotel is closed to the consulate that I can lodge and attend my interview the next day?

Thanks in advance.

It’s better you take a bus from Osun to Abuja (that’s minus 4 hours from Lagos). If you wish to take a flight, then do so from lagos. If you book ahead (at least 2 weeks before time), you should be paying about 100k. Don’t take a flight from Ilorin airport - very expensive (usually x2 the price from Lagos) plus it’s going to be a small plane operated by Overland. As per proximity to the US consulate, Jabi is closer. The bus takes you to Utako and not Jabi (though they’re about the same area). It’s advisable you come a day before your interview. Best of luck.

Thanks Boss, really appreciate this. I'd prepare against this hotel behind the embassy.

Adejuwon26:
Dear Sanyaolu,
Take bus or car at Stadium, Osogbo, its 25k. And if you want to take flight, book greenafrica from ilorin.

Bolingo Xperia Hotel is closer to the embassy, its behind the embassy and its 45k per night.

I wish you success in your interview

Thanks sir, I'll by God's grace come a day before the interview, though if it's a foreign country I'm taking a long journey bus, I wouldn't mind, I took a bus from Glasgow to Leeds November last year, it was a nice trip, but Nigerian roads is war, but I think I'll take the car from Osogbo. If I won't be able to cope for my return, I'll book a flight then.

Hope I'll be able to get a cab directly to the hotel mentioned from the park?

Thanks.

babyfaiz:
It’s better you take a bus from Osun to Abuja (that’s minus 4 hours from Lagos). If you wish to take a flight, then do so from lagos. If you book ahead (at least 2 weeks before time), you should be paying about 100k. Don’t take a flight from Ilorin airport - very expensive (usually x2 the price from Lagos) plus it’s going to be a small plane operated by Overland. As per proximity to the US consulate, Jabi is closer. The bus takes you to Utako and not Jabi (though they’re about the same area). It’s advisable you come a day before your interview. Best of luck.

.

Good day all. I applied in April 2024 and my interview is on the 24th of June.
1. Do I have to fill another form, since the hotel booking (date) filled in 2024 is no longer valid.
2. I rescheduled the interview just once, from March 2026 to June 2025 (Abuja).
Now, each time I try to reschedule it shows "no active receipt found for this applicant". Has anyone experienced this?
My DS-160 and appointment letter have the same number, but it's been over a year, hence number 1 question.

Hi,

While you do not need to present a hotel booking at your interview, since the dates are passed, I highly recommend you complete another DS 160. Bear in mind that it may take 2-3 business days for your new DS 160 number to reflect on your appointment so the earlier the better.

To update your DS 160, fill the new DS 160 then create a support ticket from your AVITS account and submit your new DS-160 confirmation page. As mentioned, ensure you allow enough time before your scheduled appointment.

chinelo5:
Good day all. I applied in April 2024 and my interview is on the 24th of June.
1. Do I have to fill another form, since the hotel booking (date) filled in 2024 is no longer valid.
2. I rescheduled the interview just once, from March 2026 to June 2025 (Abuja).
Now, each time I try to reschedule it shows "no active receipt found for this applicant". Has anyone experienced this?
My DS-160 and appointment letter have the same number, but it's been over a year, hence number 1 question.

Good day, everyone.
I’m planning to pay the visa fee this week for a U.S. tourist visa. Please, does anyone know if it's still possible to get an appointment date between now and September this year?
Thank you as you assist a brother.

VisaZest:
Hi,

While you do not need to present a hotel booking at your interview, since the dates are passed, I highly recommend you complete another DS 160. Bear in mind that it may take 2-3 business days for your new DS 160 number to reflect on your appointment so the earlier the better.

To update your DS 160, fill the new DS 160 then create a support ticket from your AVITS account and submit your new DS-160 confirmation page. As mentioned, ensure you allow enough time before your scheduled appointment.

Thanks. I understand how the hotel booking works, I usually just use the info as my contact in the USA and it's never been an issue. Thanks for the response. I will fill another form ASAP.

burgessdon:
Good day, everyone.
I’m planning to pay the visa fee this week for a U.S. tourist visa. Please, does anyone know if it's still possible to get an appointment date between now and September this year?
Thank you as you assist a brother.

Good Day.
Go and pay your visa fee. Its still possible because people around me both B1/B2 and F1 are still booking appointments. ** If the bank doesn't send you away and you are able to pay then you won't have issue. 👍

Thank you so much for your response. I wanted to pay the visa fee at the bank last week, but I was told that I need to get my reference numbers first. Can you please explain how I can go about that? And the website. Thanks

Good Day.
Go and pay your visa fee. Its still possible because people around me both B1/B2 and F1 are still booking appointments. ** If the bank doesn't send you away and you are able to pay then you won't have issue. 👍[/quote]

sanyaolurilwan:
Thanks Boss, really appreciate this. I'd prepare against this hotel behind the embassy.

You're welcome, took the bus today from Osogbo. We took off at 7am and got here at 5:30.


Bolingo Xpera is worth the hype.

Hi,

Follow these steps to generate the number for payment:
1. Fill your DS 160 here- https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
2. Create a profile on AVITS- https://www.usvisaappt.com/visaapplicantui/signup
3. From your dashboard, click on "create new"
4. Follow all prompts until you get to the payment page
5. On the payment page, the amentum number for payment will generated. This is what you will use to pay the bank

burgessdon:
Thank you so much for your response. I wanted to pay the visa fee at the bank last week, but I was told that I need to get my reference numbers first. Can you please explain how I can go about that? And the website. Thanks

Good Day.
Go and pay your visa fee. Its still possible because people around me both B1/B2 and F1 are still booking appointments. ** If the bank doesn't send you away and you are able to pay then you won't have issue. 👍

burgessdon:
Thank you so much for your response. I wanted to pay the visa fee at the bank last week, but I was told that I need to get my reference numbers first. Can you please explain how I can go about that? And the website. Thanks

Good Day.
Go and pay your visa fee. Its still possible because people around me both B1/B2 and F1 are still booking appointments. ** If the bank doesn't send you away and you are able to pay then you won't have issue. 👍

***

@VisaZest is correct. Follow those steps and be certain you make the payment the day or 2nd day after generating the payment advise 👍

Hello everyone
Please I need you guys help , I’m schedule to do my interview next week but I discovered this night that my ds -160 application ID isn’t valid again , when I tried to retrieve it . Cause haven’t printed my ds-160 confirmation page out , is writing

“No matching data found “

Hi,

Usually, when you COMPLETE a DS-160 form and request the system should email you the confirmation page, you receive an email notifying you of a successful submission and also the confirmation page attached. You can start by checking your mail.

In addition, even after submitting, you should be able to retrieve the confirmation page using the DS 160 number, surname, year of birth and security question. As at tonight, I can retrieve a form I filled as far back as 2022.

In your scenario, is it possible you did not submit the form?

Not to worry though, IMMEDIATELY fill a new DS 160 and update on your AVITS profile. You still have a few days to your appointment so this shouldn't be an issue

All the best!

Smgbenga:
Hello everyone
Please I need you guys help , I’m schedule to do my interview next week but I discovered this night that my ds -160 application ID isn’t valid again , when I tried to retrieve it . Cause haven’t printed my ds-160 confirmation page out , is writing

“No matching data found “

Smgbenga:
Hello everyone
Please I need you guys help , I’m schedule to do my interview next week but I discovered this night that my ds -160 application ID isn’t valid again , when I tried to retrieve it . Cause haven’t printed my ds-160 confirmation page out , is writing

“No matching data found “

Hello Gbenga.
Your ds-160 is still valid but you are the one rendering it invalidated. *** You have typed OO for orange instead of 00 as in 100. That OO must not follow AA, it's numerical that usually follows alphabetical in ds 160 numbers eg AA00.. not AAOO. spot the difference.

Fill another ds-160 if you re still not getting it. 👍

Good morning house, I have been searching for appointment date all this while since March when I started this process, the intention was to travel Oct this year , but I am not seeing dates except next year 2026 , do I go ahead and select?
This is Lagos dates pls

glorious23:
Good morning house, I have been searching for appointment date all this while since March when I started this process, the intention was to travel Oct this year , but I am not seeing dates except next year 2026 , do I go ahead and select?
This is Lagos dates pls

Morning.
You have to select a date first (even if it is 2027) before you can navigate all other options ie reschedule options & emergency appointment options etc.

Not selecting any date makes you a no-applicant. 👍

Efetobore1980:
Hello Talia.


YOU
So I went to Canada and came back. I want to know what documents to take along apart from the DS 160 confirmation page , appointment confirmation letter, visa payment receipt and passport photograph.

Despite the fact that consular officers rarely check documents nowadays i will still recommed you equip yourself in order to avoid 221g. The next relevant documents to take along is your POF (bank statement) and evidence of where to stay. ** You do not need letter of introduction from work, and the better way to proof home ties is in your visa application...ds-160 and verbally with the consular.


YOU
I am also travelling next week. Can I ask them if I can hold on to my passport cause I don’t think they’d return it to me in time for the next trip.

You cannot book down or reserve a U.S. approved visa to be issue to you in a future date. If you hold on to your passport after the visa interview where will the consulate stamp your visa ? Or you mean after your arrival you will just dhl your passport to the embassy so that they can issue your visa based on the last successful interview 😎

** I would rather you reschedule your current appointment till after your arrival or you wait for your visa and postpone your travel . 👍

Good morning. I’m back to give an update. I got my US visa approval today. My first time. I’m grateful to God and to all the contributors here. I also told the visa officer about my travel this Sunday and told her I’d like to keep my passport. She gave me a white slip with an address to take it to their office after I return for the visa itself. I thought it will be helpful to give that update for those who may be in my situation. I know @efetobore said it may be unlikely for this to be allowed, but it is allowed. I wish everyone success with their applications.

Tailadivaaaa:
Good morning. I’m back to give an update. I got my US visa approval today. My first time. I’m grateful to God and to all the contributors here. I also told the visa officer about my travel this Sunday and told her I’d like to keep my passport. She gave me a white slip with an address to take it to their office after I return for the visa itself. I thought it will be helpful to give that update for those who may be in my situation. I know @efetobore said it may be unlikely for this to be allowed, but it is allowed. I wish everyone success with their applications.

Congratulations and thank you very much for the update, I’m glad others can learn from this and this should guide advices given out to others also.