₦airaland Forum

Sometimes it is not you, it is the consular officer. You can provide the right answers and still be denied. Sadly, this is the reality today, especially with the current hardline immigration stance. Frankly, based on what you have written, I do not see any fatal flaws in any of your responses that would have resulted in a straightforward denial. Telling the VO that you are coming back to work in Nigeria or that you had not finalized accommodation is not a killer. I said the same thing during my interview. F1 is a NIV so the expectation is that you will come back. Telling her that you applied to two schools and naming the schools or that you had a 4.81 out of 5 is not why you were denied. Those are facts and you provided them when asked. Interviews are conversations. Providing one-word answers or sounding as mechanical or robotic is never a good sign and can be a turn off.

Looking ahead, one key thing is to think about how to answer the question – “what has changed since your last interview”. You may consider playing up your current internship in ML and how that relates to your proposed graduate degree or, as Taal suggested, adding that the University will cover your accommodation and they have committed to finalizing it when you arrive. It may not carry weight, especially if you are not asked about it, but if you can get a letter from your PI/advisor at MSUST that describes their assessment of your previous degree and experience dovetails into your proposed work with them may be helpful in convincing the VO about your program’s interest and desire in having you.

Getting a fully funded program today as a foreign student with all the research and grant cuts going on today is a really big deal. You had something to offer, that is why your professor offered you a fully funded GA. I suggest that you try again before your Jan start date or defer till next Fall if your professor and school allows it.

I hope you can come back here soon and share the good news that you were approved.

Good luck and all the best!

YussufLaaro:
Hello Everyone, pls I really need your input as much as possible.

I got a fully funded master programme in Civil Engineering with the specialization in Water Resources Engineering. I went for my first attempt on 10th of November and below is my transcript;
Embassy: Lagos
Date: 10th November
Window 3 (young white lady)
1st attempt
MSc in Civil Engineering
Fully funded
Status: Denied

VO: Where are you going to?

Me: I'm going to Missouri University of Science and Technology for my master degree in civil engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering.

VO: How many Universities did you apply to?

Me: I applied to 2 universities - Purdue and Missouri University

VO: Why Missouri University?

Me: Because Missouri University will provide the opportunity to access advanced research facilities and also, I will get to work under my advisor who is experienced in Flood research and Precipitation Estimation using Radar and Satellite data. Having access to these resources will equip me with the technical skill, training, and research experience needed to contribute to mitigating flood risk challenges in Nigeria.

She off the mic and talk to a man (white also, I think the bald man). Talked for a while then she ON it again

VO: You are going for Civil Engineering, what did you study in undergraduate? Why the change in discipline?

Me: I'm not changing my field as I will specialized in Water Resources Engineering as a division in Civil Engineering. I studied Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and graduated top of my class with a CGPA of 4.81 out of 5.0.


VO: What programming skills do you know?

Me: I am proficient with Python and Java programming, and I'm good with building a Machine Learning model also. These skills are prerequisite in my research and in fact, during my interview with my advisor, he asked if I am good with Java as it is going to be used in the research.

She commended me of how prepared I was and then off the mic again and continues talking to the man. Then ON it again

VO: Are you married?

Me: No, I am not married.

VO: So, what's your plan after the degree?

Me: I will be returning back to my country to join the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency as a researcher to contribute to solving the flood risk challenge in Nigeria.

VO: Where will you be staying when you arrive in the US?

Me: The university provided housing options and I will be finalising that on arrival.

She off the mic again, and talks to the man further, and finally, she ON it again

VO: Sorry, you do not qualify this time ....


For more context about me and what I think went wrong;
I studied Water Resources Engineering and I'm going for a master degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources Engineering with full funding. I graduated last year, 2024 and I am currently interning at a tech company as a Machine Learning Engineer. I intended to tailor the current role as a way to improve my programming and machine learning skill which are required for my research area.

So, when I was going for the first attempt, I shared my DS-160 with a friend who has passed through the process and he said, it isn't an issue if I include what I currently do. During the interview, I was asked of what programming language do I know. I believed the question was raised due to the role.

I've scheduled my next interview (17th of December) and I'm really worried and felt like my profile is bleeped up. As part of my effort, I've been able to get a job offer from an consulting firm but I don't know how to go about this over again.

What can I do? pls help me out guys.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your input. So, how do you think I should present myself this time around with the offer letter I just got from an engineering consulting firm? The letter is directed to me, stating their interest in me and the master's degree that I am going for?
Basically, it is more of like saying the offer is dependent on the completion of my master degree.

So, I don't know if that will be the best way to enter. Most especially with the question on what has changed since last attempt.


Thank you once again. I look forward to your input on this too.

Efetobore1980:
■●


YOU.
VO: Where are you going to?

Me: I'm going to Missouri University of Science and Technology for my master degree in civil engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering.

You tried but you have met a delicate consular. You confused her by not quoting your original major as indicated in section -3 of your form I-20 (Water Resources Engineering) , or you confused her by quoting your specialization, and so, she did not let go of the annoyance. She expected you to be specific.


YOU.
VO: How many Universities did you apply to?

Me: I applied to 2 universities - Purdue and Missouri University

You repeated the same mistake here. She did not or have not ask you to mention those Universities, she only asked you, how many (your answer should have stopped at Two) ? So, she has to bait you by asking " : Why Missouri University?


YOU
Me: Because Missouri University will provide the opportunity to access advanced research facilities and also, I will get to work under my advisor who is experienced in Flood research and Precipitation Estimation using Radar and Satellite data. Having access to these resources will equip me with the technical skill, training, and research experience needed to contribute to mitigating flood risk challenges in Nigeria.

This is where the consular caught your premeditated answer. All accredited public & private research Universities in the United States, as of today will provide you the opportunity to access advanced reseach facilities, so you got it wrong by giving only Missouri University the accolade (this particular answer is too common " courtesy of whatsapp groups and youtube mock videos). Again, I will be coming back to Nigeria, contribute to mitigating flood risk challenges in Nigeria, etc are sentences that has been used to train the consulars to decode pre-meditated answers. In other word, you were telling the consular that your U.S degree certificate will only be useful in Nigeria ?


YOU.
She off the mic and talk to a man (white also). Talked for a while then she ON it again

She was telling her supervisor or her colleague the red flag she has discovered, and she decided to test your academic skills..perhaps she would over-look your pre-meditated or crammed answer if you scale through.


YOU
VO: You are going for Civil Engineering, what did you study in undergraduate? Why the change in discipline?

Me: I'm not changing my field as I will specialized in Water Resources Engineering as a division in Civil Engineering. I studied Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and graduated top of my class with a CGPA of 4.81 out of 5.0.

This is the main stage she decided you wont be getting the visa. I'm not changing my field " is an argument with the consular. You dont argue with the visa interviewer, even if he or she is wrong. You should have corrected her with wisdom, for example; " The change of discipline came as a condition that is attached to my full funding and i did not want to jeopardise it. Another point is that you sounded like a braggart to the consular. You can make known your academic feat with style. That particular consular has met many super-outstanding scholars, so you re expected to be humble with your feats.


YOU
She commended me of how prepared I was and then off the mic again and continues talking to the man. Then ON it again

The consular knew you are an outstanding student/scholar. She wanted to give you the visa but you kept frustrating her, and your answers sounded like it has been crammed .


YOU
Me: I will be returning back to my country to join the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency as a researcher to contribute to solving the flood risk challenge in Nigeria.

I will be returning back to my country is now abused and extremely overused. Almost 8 out of 10 visa applicants today must say this to the consulars. Okay, do you have a bond-agreement / Employment bond that guaranteed your job at Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in the next 3-years that you will be returning back to Nigeria ?


●▪︎
Nothing is wrong with your profile. All you need is"

1. communication skills with the consular
2. Never correct or argue with the consular with pride.
3. Be humble in the expression of your achievements.
4. Relate your Form-I 20 info to your Ds-160.
5. Be brief with all answers e.g " What is your name " Answer = My name is Yussuf.
(If you say my name is Yussuf Laaro, you got it wrong).

Thank you for your input. I am going again with hope.

Hopefully, I get to drop a good news here too.

YussufLaaro:
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your input. So, how do you think I should present myself this time around with the offer letter I just got from an engineering consulting firm? The letter is directed to me, stating their interest in me and the master's degree that I am going for?
Basically, it is more of like saying the offer is dependent on the completion of my master degree.

So, I don't know if that will be the best way to enter. Most especially with the question on what has changed since last attempt.


Thank you once again. I look forward to your input on this too.

Thank you for your input. I really appreciate it.

I am trying again, and I will make sure I make good use of all information I get here.

JohnZak:
Sometimes it is not you, it is the consular officer. You can provide the right answers and still be denied. Sadly, this is the reality today, especially with the current hardline immigration stance. Frankly, based on what you have written, I do not see any fatal flaws in any of your responses that would have resulted in a straightforward denial. Telling the VO that you are coming back to work in Nigeria or that you had not finalized accommodation is not a killer. I said the same thing during my interview. F1 is a NIV so the expectation is that you will come back. Telling her that you applied to two schools and naming the schools or that you had a 4.81 out of 5 is not why you were denied. Those are facts and you provided them when asked. Interviews are conversations. Providing one-word answers or sounding as mechanical or robotic is never a good sign and can be a turn off.

Looking ahead, one key thing is to think about how to answer the question – “what has changed since your last interview”. You may consider playing up your current internship in ML and how that relates to your proposed graduate degree or, as Taal suggested, adding that the University will cover your accommodation and they have committed to finalizing it when you arrive. It may not carry weight, especially if you are not asked about it, but if you can get a letter from your PI/advisor at MSUST that describes their assessment of your previous degree and experience dovetails into your proposed work with them may be helpful in convincing the VO about your program’s interest and desire in having you.

Getting a fully funded program today as a foreign student with all the research and grant cuts going on today is a really big deal. You had something to offer, that is why your professor offered you a fully funded GA. I suggest that you try again before your Jan start date or defer till next Fall if your professor and school allows it.

I hope you can come back here soon and share the good news that you were approved.

Good luck and all the best!

Ah ah! What are you even saying bro?

I've even mentioned this in my first post! Fabricated as how? I'm honestly asking for your assistance but you think someone is fooling you? for what! ah ah

Is this how things are here? wow

Efetobore1980:
●▪︎
This is how you think that consular officers are fools, and neither am i a fool. No wonder, your transcripts contain old-sour wine. Imagine, you just got a letter from engineering firm within 3-days of asking question here ? Its now clear that your previous transcripts is a fabricated one.

Instead of you to tell people or find an expert to review your profile, and align it with your ds-160 and your I-20 (if at all you even have one), you are fabricating the questions and answers.

You will blab and confused when, on the day of the original interview, , the consular officers cornered you with different questionaire. Good luck with your trial and error.

Wait, what!! Can someone pls tell me, is this how people think here? Why do I have to fool you or anyone? why, who are you?

I saw your response and I really love your honest response and I follow up with some more information. What do you mean by 3 days?

I even mention this thing in my first message! what are you talking about?

Ah ah. Fabricated what? is thos how you are? yuo don't even know me from anywhere! did you even read my first post to the end?

Omoo ah ah

Efetobore1980:
●▪︎
This is how you think that consular officers are fools, and neither am i a fool. No wonder, your transcripts contain old-sour wine. Imagine, you just got a letter from engineering firm within 3-days of asking question here ? Its now clear that your previous transcripts is a fabricated one.

Instead of you to tell people or find an expert to review your profile, and align it with your ds-160 and your I-20 (if at all you even have one), you are fabricating the questions and answers.

You will blab and confused when, on the day of the original interview, , the consular officers cornered you with different questionaire. Good luck with your trial and error.

Like, honestly, I don't know what to even say? God!!! What do you mean by 3 days? ah ah wow!

Omoo. Human being are indeed the most complicated thing! wtf! ah ah. You don't know me from anywhere; you have no idea about me!

I shared my experience here with pain, and even I mentioned this consulting firm in my first post! what exactly are you talking about? what do you mean 3days? Who the Bleep are you for me to fool? ah ah

I am trying to get help and share information to get one and here is this!! chai. wow!

God!

Efetobore1980:
●▪︎
This is how you think that consular officers are fools, and neither am i a fool. No wonder, your transcripts contain old-sour wine. Imagine, you just got a letter from engineering firm within 3-days of asking question here ? Its now clear that your previous transcripts is a fabricated one.

Instead of you to tell people or find an expert to review your profile, and align it with your ds-160 and your I-20 (if at all you even have one), you are fabricating the questions and answers.

You will blab and confused when, on the day of the original interview, , the consular officers cornered you with different questionaire. Good luck with your trial and error.

Omoo. I don't know exactly how to react to this. Pls someone should explain to me, is this how things are done here? Like, I don't even know what this guy is talking about?

The funny thing is, this particular guy has once told me when I first post here concerning my first interview that, I should focus on strong home ties and proving being a genuine student! I thought, I was in the right place.

But here we are, someone that knows nothing about me and what I am, telling me I fabricated my transcript because I mentioned offer letter from consuting firm which I've already mentioned in my first post following the denial (I posted it 3-4 days ago). Now, he's saying all these because he think I got the offer letter after 3 days I drop my post here. OMOO


Na so this place be? Pls you guys should pls direct me to the right souls. Where do you guys usually seek help on this platform? Pls direct me pls.

I think I just met the darker and bitter side of this platform where they suspect and attack every person they meet. WOW!

Efetobore1980:
●▪︎
This is how you think that consular officers are fools, and neither am i a fool. No wonder, your transcripts contain old-sour wine. Imagine, you just got a letter from engineering firm within 3-days of asking question here ? Its now clear that your previous transcripts is a fabricated one.

Instead of you to tell people or find an expert to review your profile, and align it with your ds-160 and your I-20 (if at all you even have one), you are fabricating the questions and answers.

You will blab and confused when, on the day of the original interview, , the consular officers cornered you with different questionaire. Good luck with your trial and error.

You guys should pls read through my first post after my denial. This is where everything started. I mentioned everything including the consulting firm from the very beginning.

I still don't understand what this Efetobore is saying? AH omoo, I'm still confused of where that is coming from! ah ah

YussufLaaro:
Hello Everyone, pls I really need your input as much as possible.

I got a fully funded master programme in Civil Engineering with the specialization in Water Resources Engineering. I went for my first attempt on 10th of November and below is my transcript;
Embassy: Lagos
Date: 10th November
Window 3 (young white lady)
1st attempt
MSc in Civil Engineering
Fully funded
Status: Denied

VO: Where are you going to?

Me: I'm going to Missouri University of Science and Technology for my master degree in civil engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering.

VO: How many Universities did you apply to?

Me: I applied to 2 universities - Purdue and Missouri University

VO: Why Missouri University?

Me: Because Missouri University will provide the opportunity to access advanced research facilities and also, I will get to work under my advisor who is experienced in Flood research and Precipitation Estimation using Radar and Satellite data. Having access to these resources will equip me with the technical skill, training, and research experience needed to contribute to mitigating flood risk challenges in Nigeria.

She off the mic and talk to a man (white also, I think the bald man). Talked for a while then she ON it again

VO: You are going for Civil Engineering, what did you study in undergraduate? Why the change in discipline?

Me: I'm not changing my field as I will specialized in Water Resources Engineering as a division in Civil Engineering. I studied Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and graduated top of my class with a CGPA of 4.81 out of 5.0.


VO: What programming skills do you know?

Me: I am proficient with Python and Java programming, and I'm good with building a Machine Learning model also. These skills are prerequisite in my research and in fact, during my interview with my advisor, he asked if I am good with Java as it is going to be used in the research.

She commended me of how prepared I was and then off the mic again and continues talking to the man. Then ON it again

VO: Are you married?

Me: No, I am not married.

VO: So, what's your plan after the degree?

Me: I will be returning back to my country to join the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency as a researcher to contribute to solving the flood risk challenge in Nigeria.

VO: Where will you be staying when you arrive in the US?

Me: The university provided housing options and I will be finalising that on arrival.

She off the mic again, and talks to the man further, and finally, she ON it again

VO: Sorry, you do not qualify this time ....


For more context about me and what I think went wrong;
I studied Water Resources Engineering and I'm going for a master degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources Engineering with full funding. I graduated last year, 2024 and I am currently interning at a tech company as a Machine Learning Engineer. I intended to tailor the current role as a way to improve my programming and machine learning skill which are required for my research area.

So, when I was going for the first attempt, I shared my DS-160 with a friend who has passed through the process and he said, it isn't an issue if I include what I currently do. During the interview, I was asked of what programming language do I know. I believed the question was raised due to the role.

I've scheduled my next interview (17th of December) and I'm really worried and felt like my profile is bleeped up. As part of my effort, I've been able to get a job offer from an consulting firm but I don't know how to go about this over again.

What can I do? pls help me out guys.

One question I will ask you is, do you think I would come here posting about myself if I understand how everything works? If you are interested to respond to my post and sth seems confusing, you can simply ask! No one own me anything here and that is why I was begging people to engage with my post.

I don't know if this is how you always are but all is well. I am the one that brought myself here.

No one sacked me from anywhere, what I said was my goal of joining Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, not that I am already working with them. That was how I prepared my responses there and this is exactly why I brought myself here to share everything but here you are, assuming things you don't really know much about.

Anyway, thanks for your input once again. You just made my weekend! thank you.

Efetobore1980:
You dont have to contour the face of this forum with multiple messages or did you pay anyone on Nairaland to answer your question ?

You told consular officer who interviewed you that you will be coming back to Nigeria to join Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, abi ? Then, in my review of your transcripts, i asked you that, do you have an employment or agreement bond with the company or you think visa officer will believe only your verbal claim ?

Now, all of a sudden, an engineering consulting firm has written a letter asking you to join them when you finish your study in USA.

Okay, has Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency sacked you ? Or have you forgotten that you told your previous consular you will come back to join NHSA ?

How can we tell you the mind of the consular if we cannot point out inconsistencies in your questions. That was how you confused the consular within 10 seconds of your interview, by mixing up your major with your sub-major.

Good evening everyone.
Pls I have a question and I would love a good response.

Pls I have a masters degree in Biostatistics but I applied to do another masters in public health.
I got a partial scholarship which is renewable as long as I maintain a 3.0gp

Now, my question is, do we have people who go for another masters degree and they got approved?

Pls kindly respond 🙏🙏

YussufLaaro:
One question I will ask you is, do you think I would come here posting about myself if I understand how everything works? If you are interested to respond to my post and sth seems confusing, you can simply ask! No one own me anything here and that is why I was begging people to engage with my post.

I don't know if this is how you always are but all is well. I am the one that brought myself here.

No one sacked me from anywhere, what I said was my goal of joining Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, not that I am already working with them. That was how I prepared my responses there and this is exactly why I brought myself here to share everything but here you are, assuming things you don't really know much about.

Anyway, thanks for your input once again. You just made my weekend! thank you.

You have an interview in a few days, focus your energy on that.
You got advice that's useful from other posters. Use it. Please stop going back and forth over comments you don't like.
This is an OPEN forum you won't always agree with everyone

Reading your transcript, particularly this question.

VO: Where will you be staying when you arrive in the US?

Me: The university provided housing options and I will be finalising that on arrival.

Do you have a short-fall on your I-20? how much was it. The question appears that you have a living expenses not covered by your assistanship.

YussufLaaro:
Hello Everyone, pls I really need your input as much as possible.

I got a fully funded master programme in Civil Engineering with the specialization in Water Resources Engineering. I went for my first attempt on 10th of November and below is my transcript;
Embassy: Lagos
Date: 10th November
Window 3 (young white lady)
1st attempt
MSc in Civil Engineering
Fully funded
Status: Denied

VO: Where are you going to?

Me: I'm going to Missouri University of Science and Technology for my master degree in civil engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering.

VO: How many Universities did you apply to?

Me: I applied to 2 universities - Purdue and Missouri University

VO: Why Missouri University?

Me: Because Missouri University will provide the opportunity to access advanced research facilities and also, I will get to work under my advisor who is experienced in Flood research and Precipitation Estimation using Radar and Satellite data. Having access to these resources will equip me with the technical skill, training, and research experience needed to contribute to mitigating flood risk challenges in Nigeria.

She off the mic and talk to a man (white also, I think the bald man). Talked for a while then she ON it again

VO: You are going for Civil Engineering, what did you study in undergraduate? Why the change in discipline?

Me: I'm not changing my field as I will specialized in Water Resources Engineering as a division in Civil Engineering. I studied Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and graduated top of my class with a CGPA of 4.81 out of 5.0.


VO: What programming skills do you know?

Me: I am proficient with Python and Java programming, and I'm good with building a Machine Learning model also. These skills are prerequisite in my research and in fact, during my interview with my advisor, he asked if I am good with Java as it is going to be used in the research.

She commended me of how prepared I was and then off the mic again and continues talking to the man. Then ON it again

VO: Are you married?

Me: No, I am not married.

VO: So, what's your plan after the degree?

Me: I will be returning back to my country to join the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency as a researcher to contribute to solving the flood risk challenge in Nigeria.

VO: Where will you be staying when you arrive in the US?

Me: The university provided housing options and I will be finalising that on arrival.

She off the mic again, and talks to the man further, and finally, she ON it again

VO: Sorry, you do not qualify this time ....


For more context about me and what I think went wrong;
I studied Water Resources Engineering and I'm going for a master degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources Engineering with full funding. I graduated last year, 2024 and I am currently interning at a tech company as a Machine Learning Engineer. I intended to tailor the current role as a way to improve my programming and machine learning skill which are required for my research area.

So, when I was going for the first attempt, I shared my DS-160 with a friend who has passed through the process and he said, it isn't an issue if I include what I currently do. During the interview, I was asked of what programming language do I know. I believed the question was raised due to the role.

I've scheduled my next interview (17th of December) and I'm really worried and felt like my profile is bleeped up. As part of my effort, I've been able to get a job offer from an consulting firm but I don't know how to go about this over again.

What can I do? pls help me out guys.

No, I don't have a short-fall. The assistantship covers everything. The total is 66,471 with everything included.

welf99:
Reading your transcript, particularly this question.

VO: Where will you be staying when you arrive in the US?

Me: The university provided housing options and I will be finalising that on arrival.

Do you have a short-fall on your I-20? how much was it. The question appears that you have a living expenses not covered by your assistanship.

Thank you.

Taal17:
You have an interview in a few days, focus your energy on that.
You got advice that's useful from other posters. Use it. Please stop going back and forth over comments you don't like.
This is an OPEN forum you won't always agree with everyone

Efetobore1980:
●▪︎

Do you want to put your career at a stop if there is no one who has done it before ?

You can break the record no one have broken. No visa officer will deny your visa on the basis of another Msc . A Phd holder in History might decide to go back for Bsc in Biochemistry , so go ahead with your future.

Consular/Visa officers doesnt deny visas base on your personal life issues or decisions if it is not dangerous to others. They deny visas based on inability of applicants to prove the three (3) core requirements, viz : 1. Proof of Funds, 2. Proof of Ties , & 3. Genuine Intentions.

I am most grateful for your response and your time.

Honestly you have done nothing wrong and your transcript looks good, may be try to finalize your accommodation with the school or get a temporary airbnb for a few days upon arrival, you could play that up during your next appointment, even though you are not married but if you have a relationship...play it too ....pray and believe!. Good luck

YussufLaaro:
No, I don't have a short-fall. The assistantship covers everything. The total is 66,471 with everything included.

YussufLaaro:
Pls you guys should help me engage this, thanks. I will appreciate every inputs

I agree with the other commenters. Just clarify the difference in disciplines for the consular officer. Keep us updated. Good luck!

You can send me an e-mail.
Let's talk

YussufLaaro:
Hello Everyone, pls I really need your input as much as possible.

I got a fully funded master programme in Civil Engineering with the specialization in Water Resources Engineering. I went for my first attempt on 10th of November and below is my transcript;
Embassy: Lagos
Date: 10th November
Window 3 (young white lady)
1st attempt
MSc in Civil Engineering
Fully funded
Status: Denied

VO: Where are you going to?

Me: I'm going to Missouri University of Science and Technology for my master degree in civil engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering.

VO: How many Universities did you apply to?

Me: I applied to 2 universities - Purdue and Missouri University

VO: Why Missouri University?

Me: Because Missouri University will provide the opportunity to access advanced research facilities and also, I will get to work under my advisor who is experienced in Flood research and Precipitation Estimation using Radar and Satellite data. Having access to these resources will equip me with the technical skill, training, and research experience needed to contribute to mitigating flood risk challenges in Nigeria.

She off the mic and talk to a man (white also, I think the bald man). Talked for a while then she ON it again

VO: You are going for Civil Engineering, what did you study in undergraduate? Why the change in discipline?

Me: I'm not changing my field as I will specialized in Water Resources Engineering as a division in Civil Engineering. I studied Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and graduated top of my class with a CGPA of 4.81 out of 5.0.


VO: What programming skills do you know?

Me: I am proficient with Python and Java programming, and I'm good with building a Machine Learning model also. These skills are prerequisite in my research and in fact, during my interview with my advisor, he asked if I am good with Java as it is going to be used in the research.

She commended me of how prepared I was and then off the mic again and continues talking to the man. Then ON it again

VO: Are you married?

Me: No, I am not married.

VO: So, what's your plan after the degree?

Me: I will be returning back to my country to join the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency as a researcher to contribute to solving the flood risk challenge in Nigeria.

VO: Where will you be staying when you arrive in the US?

Me: The university provided housing options and I will be finalising that on arrival.

She off the mic again, and talks to the man further, and finally, she ON it again

VO: Sorry, you do not qualify this time ....


For more context about me and what I think went wrong;
I studied Water Resources Engineering and I'm going for a master degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources Engineering with full funding. I graduated last year, 2024 and I am currently interning at a tech company as a Machine Learning Engineer. I intended to tailor the current role as a way to improve my programming and machine learning skill which are required for my research area.

So, when I was going for the first attempt, I shared my DS-160 with a friend who has passed through the process and he said, it isn't an issue if I include what I currently do. During the interview, I was asked of what programming language do I know. I believed the question was raised due to the role.

I've scheduled my next interview (17th of December) and I'm really worried and felt like my profile is bleeped up. As part of my effort, I've been able to get a job offer from an consulting firm but I don't know how to go about this over again.

What can I do? pls help me out guys.

The short answer is yes -- people who go for a second masters degree get approved, but consider a few things.

You have an MPH(or MSPH) in biostats and want to do a second MPH (in which field?), probably in epidemiology, health policy/administration, health behavior/global health, or environmental science. Epi and biostats have quite a bit of overlap so much so that the department is called dept of Epi and Biostats (no separate departments) in many schools of public health. If your second MPH is in epi, be prepared to explain cogently why you want to do a second masters in a similar field. How will this new MPH enhance your MPH in biostats and career prospects? Compared to MPH in health policy/administration, health behavior/global health, or environmental science, a degree in biostats or epi will earn you more money and more career opportunities in the long run which again will cause you explain why the need for a second MPH.

It is more common for people to change from a masters in one these to do a PhD in another. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you can convincingly explain to the consular officer why you want to do a second MPH after completing one in biostats. Good luck!

Deeedeee:
Good evening everyone.
Pls I have a question and I would love a good response.

Pls I have a masters degree in Biostatistics but I applied to do another masters in public health.
I got a partial scholarship which is renewable as long as I maintain a 3.0gp

Now, my question is, do we have people who go for another masters degree and they got approved?

Pls kindly respond 🙏🙏

JohnZak:
The short answer is yes -- people who go for a second masters degree get approved, but consider a few things.

You have an MPH(or MSPH) in biostats and want to do a second MPH (in which field?), probably in epidemiology, health policy/administration, health behavior/global health, or environmental science. Epi and biostats have quite a bit of overlap so much so that the department is called dept of Epi and Biostats (no separate departments) in many schools of public health. If your second MPH is in epi, be prepared to
explain cogently why you want to do a second masters in a similar field. How will this new MPH enhance your MPH in biostats and career prospects? Compared to MPH in health policy/administration, health behavior/global health, or environmental science, a degree in biostats or epi will earn you more money and more career opportunities in the long run which again will cause you explain why the need for a second MPH.

It is more common for people to change from a masters in one these to do a PhD in another. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you can convincingly explain to the consular officer why you want to do a second MPH after completing one in biostats. Good luck!

Thanks so much for your response. I m grateful.
I am going for MPH. The first I had wasn’t an MPH rather MSPH. Although the school I chose doesn’t have a concentration more reason why I am drawn to it, but in the long I would love to practice more in global health/health administration. I have gone through the courses I will be taking and they are so different from what I have done in the past.

Hello please can someone explain to me this situation. My friend went for his interview and the VO Officer said I will be said I’ll be approving your visa but he gave him a letter saying that your visa has been denied pending on administrative processing please what does this mean? He said that he was told that he will be able to get his passport within 10 days, but everything will be fine that’s what the officer told him so I’m confused. What does that letter mean

Pls can SEVIS fee be paid after successful interview?
or must it be before?
I have my i20 and have gotten a date for interview already

I've sent an email.

Chiscolala:
You can send me an e-mail.
Let's talk

MsAnonymous:
Pls can SEVIS fee be paid after successful interview?
or must it be before?
I have my i20 and have gotten a date for interview already

No, paid before interview

You won't be allowed into the embassy if you haven't paid SEVIS fee.

MsAnonymous:
Pls can SEVIS fee be paid after successful interview?
or must it be before?
I have my i20 and have gotten a date for interview already