₦airaland Forum

Interesting

Chemist4life:
Yes there is a lockers where you can keep your bags ,he will be the one to give you key to the locker i think

Wish you good luck , just be yourself, calm , coordinated and you have 30 seconds to deliver a punchline

Timshin:
Woww. I saw that name ooo. I want to send you an email so we would talk better on whatsap.

Alright

I really thought I was ready for my visa interview… until I tried this FIBI thing.

It felt like a practice test, but not the kind you’re used to this one literally talks to you like a real visa officer. I was thrown off by how specific and tricky the questions were. Stuff I didn’t even think would come up.

In just that short time, it made me realize how unprepared I actually was. But the craziest part? It wasn’t just asking questions. it was giving me tips on how to respond, what kind of tone works, and even how to structure my answers.

I swear, for a minute, I felt like I was ready to face anything.

But then my session ended quicker than I expected. I didn’t even realize my time was running out. Now I’m stuck trying to figure out how to get back in or continue.

Anyone here knows how to resume or get more time on FIBI? I genuinely want to continue.

Poormanpikin:
Thank you for your suggestion.

Given my financial constraints, I've made a strategic decision to focus on schools that align with my circumstances. Specifically, I'm from the far north, and the costs associated with traveling to cities like Lagos or Abuja to sit for standardized tests, coupled with accommodation expenses, are prohibitive for me. To circumvent this challenge, I've opted for universities that don't require standardized tests. Furthermore, since my bachelor's degree was earned in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, I've also prioritized schools that waive English proficiency tests. Additionally, I've selected schools that accept unofficial transcripts and don't necessitate external evaluations, which simplifies the application process. I've identified eight universities that meet these criteria, and I'm currently working on saving up for application fees, as none of the schools I've contacted offer fee waivers for international students. I'm planning to apply to at least three schools initially. I'd appreciate any further guidance or insights that could support my application journey.

I applaud your intentionality toward your graduate school goal, but you weren't specific enough to get the necessary counsel you need to succeed.

Funding requirements are field-specific more available in STEM than non-STEM fields. Since you're in a non-STEM field and I’m in STEM, I can only offer a general opinion.

To reiterate, funding requirements are determined by the field. In the US, graduate school funding usually comes in the form of assistantships and fellowships.
Assistantships include:

Research Assistantship (RA): You assist your professor in the lab.

Teaching Assistantship (TA): You support teaching in classrooms.

Graduate Assistantship (GA): You handle clerical or library work.
Then there’s Fellowship, which is competitive but highly rewarding.


One mistake many people make is applying for admission without securing funding, especially when they don’t have any financial support. There are many people with admission letters but no funding and that, to me, is a waste of effort.

To the OP: before applying to any school, reach out to the Graduate Admissions Coordinator. Inform them of your intentions, and they will provide you with funding requirements and details on available assistantships.

Again, funding requirements depend on your field.
For example, in my field Biomedical Sciences/Immunology the main requirement for funding is research experience, often demonstrated through prior research assistantships, publications, or relevant conferences. Even so, it's still one of the most competitive fields to get funding.

So reach out to your program coordinators and find out what they prioritize: research experience, internships, project work, GRE scores, etc.
Programs don’t have one-size-fits-all requirements

thekiwidev:
I really thought I was ready for my visa interview… until I tried this FIBI thing.

It felt like a practice test, but not the kind you’re used to this one literally talks to you like a real visa officer. I was thrown off by how specific and tricky the questions were. Stuff I didn’t even think would come up.

In just that short time, it made me realize how unprepared I actually was. But the craziest part? It wasn’t just asking questions. it was giving me tips on how to respond, what kind of tone works, and even how to structure my answers.

I swear, for a minute, I felt like I was ready to face anything.

But then my session ended quicker than I expected. I didn’t even realize my time was running out. Now I’m stuck trying to figure out how to get back in or continue.

Anyone here knows how to resume or get more time on FIBI? I genuinely want to continue.

Been trying to even access it but can’t ., how did you do yours

Meel:
I applaud your intentionality toward your graduate school goal, but you weren't specific enough to get the necessary counsel you need to succeed.

Funding requirements are field-specific more available in STEM than non-STEM fields. Since you're in a non-STEM field and I’m in STEM, I can only offer a general opinion.

To reiterate, funding requirements are determined by the field. In the US, graduate school funding usually comes in the form of assistantships and fellowships.
Assistantships include:

Research Assistantship (RA): You assist your professor in the lab.

Teaching Assistantship (TA): You support teaching in classrooms.

Graduate Assistantship (GA): You handle clerical or library work.
Then there’s Fellowship, which is competitive but highly rewarding.


One mistake many people make is applying for admission without securing funding, especially when they don’t have any financial support. There are many people with admission letters but no funding and that, to me, is a waste of effort.

To the OP: before applying to any school, reach out to the Graduate Admissions Coordinator. Inform them of your intentions, and they will provide you with funding requirements and details on available assistantships.

Again, funding requirements depend on your field.
For example, in my field Biomedical Sciences/Immunology the main requirement for funding is research experience, often demonstrated through prior research assistantships, publications, or relevant conferences. Even so, it's still one of the most competitive fields to get funding.

So reach out to your program coordinators and find out what they prioritize: research experience, internships, project work, GRE scores, etc.
Programs don’t have one-size-fits-all requirements

I'm grateful for the information. In my case, funding is automatically included with the admission offer. If I meet the admission requirements, I'm eligible for funding. Funding is automatic, it's the basic part of the offer of admission. If you don't meet requirement for funding, it means you didn't meet the requirements for admission. There can be no offer of admission without funding, it's guaranteed for all admitted students. The admission requirements are straightforward: a high cumulative GPA, an excellent personal statement, and good recommendations are essential. Additionally, test scoresl(not required), publications, and leadership positions are optional but highly valued. The only thing I don't is the test score (which is not required), but I've been in touch with several schools, and over eight have responded positively. Thank you for your support.

Please if I'm trying to send a reminder to the embassy regarding my emergency request, what category will it fall under. Is it emergency assistance or appointment scheduling?.

Timshin:
Please if I'm trying to send a reminder to the embassy regarding my emergency request, what category will it fall under. Is it emergency assistance or appointment scheduling?.

■■

A possible fruitless effort. You can't send a reminder to the embassy staffs in order to awaken them to their jobs. Your existing ER is pending and they have the record, they knows your start of class and they will decide if to grant your request out of hundreds.

■ Keep using the lifeline of " Reschedule " to look for nearer dates. All incoming F1- visa applicants should do the needful and follow all application instructions fully. Pay sevis fee, fill ds-160 completely by signing and submit, and date-sign your form I-20. 👍

Thank you so much.

Efetobore1980:
■■

A possible fruitless effort. You can't send a reminder to the embassy staffs in order to awaken them to their jobs. Your existing ER is pending and they have the record, they knows your start of class and they will decide if to grant your request out of hundreds.

■ Keep using the lifeline of " Reschedule " to look for nearer dates. All incoming F1- visa applicants should do the needful and follow all application instructions fully. Pay sevis fee, fill ds-160 completely by signing and submit, and date-sign your form I-20. 👍

Good Day Bro
We have the same aim. All schools I am applying for don't require Wes evaluation, make use of unofficial transcript (when you are admitted, you will need to submit your official transcript), recognize nigeria as an English speaking country and don't require proof of funds before you can apply. In terms of GRE, most of the schools I have seen will say the department may require it or not. I am going for BIOLOGY (masters) and many of them don't require it, while some will say it is optional.
Have you checked out University of notre dame in indiana state. They meet all these criteria and you will not need to pay an application fee.
Most schools I will be applying for I won't be paying an application fee.
What course are you going for??
You said you are in the north, where? I am also in the north.
Success Brotherly

Poormanpikin:
I'm grateful for the information. In my case, funding is automatically included with the admission offer. If I meet the admission requirements, I'm eligible for funding. Funding is automatic, it's the basic part of the offer of admission. If you don't meet requirement for funding, it means you didn't meet the requirements for admission. There can be no offer of admission without funding, it's guaranteed for all admitted students. The admission requirements are straightforward: a high cumulative GPA, an excellent personal statement, and good recommendations are essential. Additionally, test scoresl(not required), publications, and leadership positions are optional but highly valued. The only thing I don't is the test score (which is not required), but I've been in touch with several schools, and over eight have responded positively. Thank you for your support.

Vanjori:
Good Day Bro
We have the same aim. All schools I am applying for don't require Wes evaluation, make use of unofficial transcript (when you are admitted, you will need to submit your official transcript), recognize nigeria as an English speaking country and don't require proof of funds before you can apply. In terms of GRE, most of the schools I have seen will say the department may require it or not. I am going for BIOLOGY (masters) and many of them don't require it, while some will say it is optional.
Have you checked out University of notre dame in indiana state. They meet all these criteria and you will not need to pay an application fee.
Most schools I will be applying for I won't be paying an application fee.
What course are you going for??
You said you are in the north, where? I am also in the north.
Success Brotherly

Wow! Thank you for the information. I'm excited Most of the schools I emailed also meet all these criteria, except that application fee waiver is not available for international students. However, once admitted, they offer a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance. Some of the schools include Louisiana State University, Washington State University, and the University of Kentucky. I'm interested in pursuing a Master's or PhD in English, with a preference for PhD. I live in Jalingo, Taraba State. Can we connect so we can talk more?

Everywhere Stew!!!

Don’t panic on Waiting Time - Your AP will come out well

Kindly give me your email contact. I lost your number

Rdfactor:
Here. This is my main account. I have two accounts: this one and gretmang

zinachidi:
Has any recently approved student actually gotten this 3 months single entry visa?

please oo anyone?

zinachidi:
please oo anyone?

@Zinachidi.

With all honesty. I have seen 5 applicants from last week up till now with their normal f1 visa stampings as normal as before. Nothing change. I have posted it sevaral time that the policy is not going to be easy to be enacted on international students.

■ On B1/B2, 2 ladies got their normal 5 years last week Tuesday (July 15th, 2025). I saw it with my eyes.

■● Normally it can take the embassy 2 months in order to change visa stamps, seals, and all official visa ingredients (permit my grammar) that has formally carried the 5-years (on B1/B2) visa authorization. Hence, people might still be getting the 5 years until they are fully ready for the 3 - months enactment. Practically, they cannot start issuing 3-months overnight otherwise they will have to delay visa issuance. 👍

Hayormide212:
Everywhere Stew!!!

Don’t panic on Waiting Time - Your AP will come out well

Congratulations 🥂 🥳🥳💃💃💃💃💃

congratulations. Did you have full funding? Also, during your interview, did you by chance see anyone without funding get approved?

Hayormide212:
Everywhere Stew!!!

Don’t panic on Waiting Time - Your AP will come out well

I can’t log on to Avits platform. It’s saying “access temporarily restricted”.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue.

You need to give it about 12 hrs then return....This happens when you login to many times within a day.

dalobaba:
I can’t log on to Avits platform. It’s saying “access temporarily restricted”.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue.

Give it 4hrs then login again. It happens when your login is too frequent.

dalobaba:
I can’t log on to Avits platform. It’s saying “access temporarily restricted”.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue.

Please does anyone have any idea on good hotels to stay around the Lagos consulate? I am so confused with the things I’m seeing online.

Which one is slot is already used

I have not I have raised countless tickets and I keep getting unrelated responses

Integritycheck:
Noting till now . I have raised countless ticket . This is a calendar frozen issue not a date unavailability

Alvinaknight:
Please does anyone have any idea on good hotels to stay around the Lagos consulate? I am so confused with the things I’m seeing online.

I stayed at Oliver Twist hotel yesterday. You don't have to pay but you have to book ahead. Its a really nice place. I paid 38500. And the Uber i took to the embassy this morning charged me 2200 from there to the embassy.

Good day everyone. I'm new here. I have a concern about my visa application. My uncle has been living in the US since 2016 and used my information and my siblings' information for his settlement process, possibly for permanent residency or citizenship. However, he's not sponsoring me. If I'm asked during an embassy interview whether I have any relatives in the US, what should I say? I'm unsure of his current status, but as of 2016, he was a permanent resident.

Poormanpikin:
I'm grateful for the information. In my case, funding is automatically included with the admission offer. If I meet the admission requirements, I'm eligible for funding. Funding is automatic, it's the basic part of the offer of admission. If you don't meet requirement for funding, it means you didn't meet the requirements for admission. There can be no offer of admission without funding, it's guaranteed for all admitted students. The admission requirements are straightforward: a high cumulative GPA, an excellent personal statement, and good recommendations are essential. Additionally, test scoresl(not required), publications, and leadership positions are optional but highly valued. The only thing I don't is the test score (which is not required), but I've been in touch with several schools, and over eight have responded positively. Thank you for your support.

Good day everyone. I have a concern about my visa application. My uncle has been living in the US since 2016 and used my information and my siblings' information for his settlement process, possibly for permanent residency or citizenship. However, he's not sponsoring me. If I'm asked during an embassy interview whether I have any relatives in the US, what should I say? I'm unsure of his current status, but as of 2016, he was a permanent resident.

Poormanpikin:
Wow! Thank you for the information. I'm excited Most of the schools I emailed also meet all these criteria, except that application fee waiver is not available for international students. However, once admitted, they offer a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance. Some of the schools include Louisiana State University, Washington State University, and the University of Kentucky. I'm interested in pursuing a Master's or PhD in English, with a preference for PhD. I live in Jalingo, Taraba State. Can we connect so we can talk more?

Richmanpikin, I'm surprised to learn you're from Jalingo. I visited there a few years ago, in 2023, and was struck by the challenges people face in terms of communication. It seems they struggle to articulate their ideas with proper grammar, including accurate tenses and subject-verb agreement. Additionally, writing skills appear to be an issue, with difficulties in using correct punctuation and maintaining a logical flow of thought. Did you attend primary or secondary school outside of Taraba State?