₦airaland Forum

Efetobore1980:
**

Funded by the sane minds on this forum 😀.

Mind you, if it is not U.S.A, it cannot be like U.S.A. At least we have seen hundreds of U.S Universities Phd Form-I 20 with partial or full fundings, as well as Msc Form I - 20 with Work-study or Graduate assistantship. Ask the poster to show the public any full funding admission letter from those aforementioned countries.

Every U.S bound international students on this forum should disregard the shady list and focus on America. Even, as Standard as the UK and Canada educational standard is, they still cannot meet up with the United States Educational scholarships and funding opportunities.

It's so distasteful how you're so ignorant and adamant to the core that you can't just accept when you're wrong. Are you jobless? It's becoming horrible anytime you comment honestly. Can't you just shut up

No

Efetobore1980:
Stop using different accounts to comment on this forum.. Were you the initial poster ? Were you the elementary pupil who posted that Phd is fully funded in all countries of the world in order to lure applicants into European Universities where they would be stranded half way after spending millions of Naira ?

You should always post the truth. Tell Nairalanders that there is language barrier in most of the countries you listed. Also tell them that funds for Phd majorly comes from external grants and majority of the donors or givers (ie companies , financial institutions etc) focus the more in American (U.S/Canada) markets.

Go and advertise your European Phd fundings in the right section. Stop spamming the U.S F1 visa thread with unrealistic and sugar-coated advertisement.

This particular thread is bless with intelligentsia, therefore , your antics to deceive people will always be exposed.

First, no one is “luring” anyone into Europe. In STEM fields, especially engineering, computer science, and applied sciences, many European PhDs (Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia) are employment-based, not speculative . In Germany for instance, PhD candidates are typically hired under TV-L E13 contracts, earning €3,000– 4700+ gross monthly, with health insurance, pension, and full employee protections. That is not marketing, it is public pay scale data.

Second, the idea that PhD funding “majorly comes from external donors focused on the U.S./Canada” is not accurate for STEM. In Europe, a large portion of PhD funding comes from universities, public research institutes, and government-backed research councils (e.g., DFG, NWO, SNSF), not ad-hoc private donors. These positions are advertised as jobs, not promises.

On language, yes, daily life may require local language, but in STEM PhDs, the working language is overwhelmingly English, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. This is a known and documented reality in technical research environments.

Finally, acknowledging alternatives to the U.S. system is not “spamming” or anti-USA. The U.S. remains excellent for research scale and industry pipelines. But it is also factual that most U.S. PhDs are stipend-based, and only top-tier programs (Ivy League / Ivy-adjacent) financially approach what standard employment-based European PhDs offer.

This thread is indeed read by informed people which is exactly why accurate, balanced comparisons matter more than emotional policing of who is allowed to mention non-U.S. pathways especially now that there's a ban on Nigerians.

So please, pretend to be atleast smart, even though you sound like a tout that is capable of gaming the system, evident by your cult like nature of the USA. The hope is that the ban is lifted soon, but while at it, learn to stop being an attack dog.

Hey guys, it feels good to finally be able to use the "reply" button after years.

Efetobore1980:
Stop all this inconsistency jargons in the name of advertisement. Besides, why is it that you are the one answering for the first poster .. @Olawrites.? So evidently, you have being using different account to disrupt this thread with Schengen or European visa advertisement.

Go to the right section and do your advertisement if you are certain of what you are doing. Stop distracting the U.S bound visa applicants. All topic here should be based on F1- visa if you can read ABC to Z.

In life always have plan A, B, and C.

You don't deal with issues based on emotion, rather than logic.

US has shut the door on Nigerian student, should their dreams be shut as well? I listed those countries for any sane mind to go fish and get the best opportunities like Indians and Asians always do.

US shouldn't be a do or die, as it's just one country out of many...for instance, Denmark paid €4,000+ as stipends.

A lot of these countries have better package than the US because you'll be paid like a full-time employee.


Please let's be guided in this new year.

I know someone whose dad was denied a visitor’s visa for the first time in 15 years. He was told he’s eligible, but the visa can’t be issued due to the ban.

Just sharing…do with that information what you will.

Nitta08:
I know someone whose dad was denied a visitor’s visa for the first time in 15 years. He was told he’s eligible, but the visa can’t be issued due to the ban.

Just sharing…do with that information what you will.

Oops! This post was actually meant for the visit visa group.

earnvest:
Any idea about H4 processing times in this era of social media vetting?

Honestly I don't know.
What I do know is that processing has been longer in Nigeria

Taal17:
Honestly I don't know.
What I do know is that processing has been longer in Nigeria

The case was re-affirmed as "refused" last week. They are looking but not ready to approve, even though the H category is not a part of the ban.

Efetobore1980:
Clap for yourself 😀

This is a good advertisement gimmick. Pls when are you receiving your own share of the
€4,000 ?

U.S Economy cannot do without International students. Therefore, no door is shut. Students are still going in and out.

The grammar that is confusing you is " Temporary Restriction. Go and tell them about the €4,000 in the Schengen visa thread.

This thread is a free and open thread for anyone to air their opinion constructively. US has shut the door for the next 3 years forget it. You think Trump need you Black Africans in his country?

The ban is not going soon.

Better diversify your hope

Don't ever quote me again because I won't respond to your ignorance.

BEWARE OF SOCIAL MEDIA VISA EXPERTS. CAVEAT EMPTOR.

Hello is there anyone who has gone for f1 visa interview recently?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/politics/us-freezes-all-visa-processing-75-countries-including-somalia-russia-iran.amp

The US has now paused INDEFINITELY the processing of visas for 75 countries with Nigeria included. This is ontop of our ban and being a CPC as well as being included in the bond payment program.

I will advise anyone here who has interests in graduate studies to diversify your options. For now, the US is closed to you if you ONLY have a Nigerian citizenship. If you are a dual citizen and your 2nd nationality does not face a ban from the US then congrats. If you are a greencard holder or a US citizen, cheers.

Things can change tomorrow, but we cannot invest fully on such expectations. Rather than paying hefty fees for applications and visa ONLY to be certain of denial, please pause the US for now and focus on Europe, the UK, Asia, Middle East and Africa. There are loads of opportunities that abound, please explore them and take advantage of them.

What is crucial is that you keep moving. Nothing stops you from collaborating with the supervisors you are interested in working with while you chase other options elsewhere.

One last thing, if admission fees are waived for you in the US and you have a supervisor and the school allows, get the admission and defer. While you pursue other options try and have a "live" admission in the US. This is important so that if things change and the admission is still relevant to you, you can always reactivate your plans. It is like having a life insurance that you can borrow from.

I sympathise with every Nigerian student affected. This is very crushing. However we must learn the lessons as we evolve into leaders. What you and I suffer today as Nigerians is because we all share in the collective responsibility of our leadership. Our studies must make us better people; transformed individuals who can leverage innovation, collaboration, empathy and strength in turning Nigeria's fortune around. So learn from this pain and let it motivate you and I to be better leaders.

earnvest:
The case was re-affirmed as "refused" last week. They are looking but not ready to approve, even though the H category is not a part of the ban.

Was it updated in any way, or had it not changed from the initial "refused" (under section 221g) from the interview? and how did you know they are looking but not ready to approve? Also, is it a first application or a renewal? Then the situation of the primary H-1b applicant. These are things that could also play a role in the timing of the vetting period. Lastly if it's a first application and the couple didn't go for the interview together, the primary scrutiny will be the proof of marriage. Did you use an Ikoyi registry marriage certificate or a church-issued marriage certificate? i doubt that will be a factor, though, because if they had any doubts about marriage proof, they wouldn't even collect the passport to begin with, as the whole essence of the H-4 is hinged on being the lawful spouse of an H-1b.

Don’t confuse people. You are referring to the bond amount for B1/B2 visas that was issued about a week ago.

The original poster is talking about the announcement from today which affects immigrant visas only from citizens of 75 countries, according to the memo.

Efetobore1980:
The above is a fake news, pls disregard it. The poster quoted Fox news but Fox news website is not a U.S embassy website.

I have attached the original news directly from the U.S embassy - Nigeria website . The bond payment is just a measure to curb overstay, and once the consular officer ask you to go and pay the bond, then that means your B1/B2 visa is 100% guaranteed.

The above is an indication to support my claim that the U.S embassy in Abuja and Lagos are still open to genuine applicants.

Meanwhile, the poster is supposed to post this on the B1/B2 visa thread, He is constantly posting negative news on the F1 visa forum in order to lure people to other countries.

Bsc, Msc, Phd ... The U.S embassy posts are still open for visa interviews. As it stands, Genuine Phd F1 visa applicants will have the edge.

Correction: Immigrant Visa not visa (see below posts from the twitter account of the DoS). @Efetobore1980 is right that I should have posted this (not on B1/B2) but on the immigrant (EB or family) visa thread.

Presidential Proclamation 10998 is still in effect and bans issuance of F1 visas (and other non-immigrant visas) to Nigerian students and others. see attached.

Note: Comprehension is one key issue here. This statement Visa applicants who are subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States is enough to clarify to you as a student who must have written GRE or GMAT or IELTS or TOEFL and learnt comprehension that you can apply, but F1 visa WILL NOT be issued. The proclamation is very clear on when exceptions can apply.

I will advice that you don't waste resources exploring the US for now as a potential student. That route is closed to Nigerians. Even those inside are unsure of their OPT issuance. Coming to the US as a Nigerian student (without another unbanned citizenship or PR status) is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE because of 10998.

To @Efetobore1980, I trust you are doing great. I appreciate your continued support for students to keep applying to the US despite the obvious bans in place. Could you please sincerely advise why you think any student will be issued F1 when the 10998 Presidential Proclamation is still in effect? How did you come to the conclusion that the inclusion of Nigeria among nations to pay for visa bond signifies that the US is open to issuing visas to genuine people? Do you have any anecdotal evidence to justify this (I do not claim that this equates empirical evidence but your personal experience may help clarify your continued insistence)? It will be unfair to stick to this adverse advice knowing full well that these things cost time, money and effort and will fail. If they have no fall back options what then happens to their timelines/progression? I think we should keep an open mind here and advise strongly for potential students to diversify their options. The US is great but is closed to us for now, our thinking or feeling cannot reverse this.

WanderingChild:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/politics/us-freezes-all-visa-processing-75-countries-including-somalia-russia-iran.amp

The US has now paused INDEFINITELY the processing of visas for 75 countries with Nigeria included. This is ontop of our ban and being a CPC as well as being included in the bond payment program.

I will advise anyone here who has interests in graduate studies to diversify your options. For now, the US is closed to you if you ONLY have a Nigerian citizenship. If you are a dual citizen and your 2nd nationality does not face a ban from the US then congrats. If you are a greencard holder or a US citizen, cheers.

Things can change tomorrow, but we cannot invest fully on such expectations. Rather than paying hefty fees for applications and visa ONLY to be certain of denial, please pause the US for now and focus on Europe, the UK, Asia, Middle East and Africa. There are loads of opportunities that abound, please explore them and take advantage of them.

What is crucial is that you keep moving. Nothing stops you from collaborating with the supervisors you are interested in working with while you chase other options elsewhere.

One last thing, if admission fees are waived for you in the US and you have a supervisor and the school allows, get the admission and defer. While you pursue other options try and have a "live" admission in the US. This is important so that if things change and the admission is still relevant to you, you can always reactivate your plans. It is like having a life insurance that you can borrow from.

I sympathise with every Nigerian student affected. This is very crushing. However we must learn the lessons as we evolve into leaders. What you and I suffer today as Nigerians is because we all share in the collective responsibility of our leadership. Our studies must make us better people; transformed individuals who can leverage innovation, collaboration, empathy and strength in turning Nigeria's fortune around. So learn from this pain and let it motivate you and I to be better leaders.

You do realise that most US policies are first posted by President Trump on Truth Social, then retweeted on X before you get an official documentation? This is how President Trump wants to operate.

Efetobore1980:
Don't confuse yourself. Why the eagerness to post negative news on a wrong platform ? Besides, was it quoted from the U.S embassy or white house website ?

Old member of your kind should not be bias in addressing issues of this kind.

@Johnzak is this the B1/B2 thread ? At least you can support me in that sense. Let's do away with tribalism and favoritism.

I may not have seen it on the official website. Any competent poster, who does not want to deceive people should always quote official website or sources, and they should post in the right section.

This is no competition @Efetobore1980. The primacy of your contribution here is not being contested. If your insistence is based on empirical evidence then suggest what you think people can do to strengthen their chances when applying. You may not want to share the evidence but at least help with pointers that may give an edge. Folks are literally stranded and any little will help.

Efetobore1980:
I have empirical evidences , but I am not here to compete. No problem if this is how things work. Cheers.

Fair enough and thanks.

Over to the students here.

[quote author=Efetobore1980 post=138136469][/quote]

Kahyoba:
Thank you very much for your kind response.

So Ive confirmed you can consider applying for B1\B2 visa and if you're eligible its up to the visa officer to determine if you require a visa bond. Visa bond requirements start from Jan 31st

It's an option so you can try that, I would doubt a vo would keep families apart during a 3-4yr PhD especially since your husband can't travel to visit his family

WanderingChild:
Correction: Immigrant Visa not visa (see below posts from the twitter account of the DoS). @Efetobore1980 is right that I should have posted this (not on B1/B2) but on the immigrant (EB or family) visa thread.

Presidential Proclamation 10998 is still in effect and bans issuance of F1 visas (and other non-immigrant visas) to Nigerian students and others. see attached.

Note: Comprehension is one key issue here. This statement Visa applicants who are subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States is enough to clarify to you as a student who must have written GRE or GMAT or IELTS or TOEFL and learnt comprehension that you can apply, but F1 visa WILL NOT be issued. The proclamation is very clear on when exceptions can apply.

I will advice that you don't waste resources exploring the US for now as a potential student. That route is closed to Nigerians. Even those inside are unsure of their OPT issuance. Coming to the US as a Nigerian student (without another unbanned citizenship or PR status) is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE because of 10998.

To @Efetobore1980, I trust you are doing great. I appreciate your continued support for students to keep applying to the US despite the obvious bans in place. Could you please sincerely advise why you think any student will be issued F1 when the 10998 Presidential Proclamation is still in effect? How did you come to the conclusion that the inclusion of Nigeria among nations to pay for visa bond signifies that the US is open to issuing visas to genuine people? Do you have any anecdotal evidence to justify this (I do not claim that this equates empirical evidence but your personal experience may help clarify your continued insistence)? It will be unfair to stick to this adverse advice knowing full well that these things cost time, money and effort and will fail. If they have no fall back options what then happens to their timelines/progression? I think we should keep an open mind here and advise strongly for potential students to diversify their options. The US is great but is closed to us for now, our thinking or feeling cannot reverse this.

That bot called Efetobore1980 will still disregard this and comment that he/she has facts and proof that interviews are still going on and people can disregard the current proclamation 😂. The adamant nature is just outright hilarious.

I remember when Nigeria was banned in 2020. This too shall pass for prospective aspirants