I actually just joined nairaland so as to voice out my grievances or will i just say HUGE disappointment. This is my second time applying for US tourist visa within the space of 5 months. The first time I applied with my wife and daughter in the US embassy in Lagos. We were all denied without the consular checking any of our documents.

The reason for denial was quite understandable because I was very nervous after hearing all sorts about US visa interviews. I was almost stuttering at any question the consular put forward to me. On the other hand, my wife was very confident and she really spoke well (shame on me). Please note that I have never been denied visa before as this was my very first visa denial.

I have been to the UK several times, Dubai 3 times, have a schengen visa and I have also been to Turkey 3 times too. My answers in the first interview were not coherent at all. If I can figure out another reason for our denial besides my lack of confidence was that I told the consular that I am an electrical engr whereas I put graphics and interior design when i filled my ds160 form.

The reason is that I am actually an electrical engr and have worked as one in a renowned company, I stopped working as an electrical engineer and pursed another career in a passion of mine .. which is Graphics and interior design.

In my form, it was indicated there that I am graduate of electrical electronics and worked as an engineer for a year but I filled graphics and interior design as my primary occupation. I have been successful as an interior designer and I earn well too.

Now fast forward to my second interview which took place in Abuja, which i believe was more organized but not wot it in my opinion as there were a lot of visa denials and the interview didn't commence until after 3 hours of the scheduled time. Finally the die was cast after long hours of wait, listening to so many people faulter and few successful.

I was now gaining confidence when I found out that most applicant were fidgeting because they weren't confident in there english. Some couldn't even understand the consulars accent. It was really embarrassing watching them.

Now my turn and the interview went thus. where are u going to in the US.. I said Newyork city. Where in Newyork? Sumner place Brooklyn Newyork. Have u been denied before? Yes with my family. Why were u denied? I wouldn't know because the paper they gave me has a generic interpretation and does not address me as an individual? Why Newyork? Because thats like the Lagos of the US, its the commercial, fashion capital and i want to see some tourist attraction places in newyork, I will also take time to shop for my newborn. What do you do? I am a graphics and interior designer. I used to work as an Electrical engineer as I am graduate of elect engineering. How much do you earn monthly? I don't earn monthly because most of my works are contract based but I have been able to average 6 million naira annually in 4 years. how much is your trip going to cost you? I said one million naira because of my hotel acc, ticket and I am also taking time out to shop for my family and my new born. This time i was already broiling with confidence and he felt the sense that i was really prepared. He excused himself for one minute and at this time i was wondering maybe he wanted to ask someone something. I was just expecting him to ask me to present my documents but in his eyes I could see that he knew that I would have everything in place. So, he came back and said... sorry ur visa wont be granted, this paper will explain why. I was dazed, the other applicants were dazed too.

Immediately I came out they (other applicants) told me that they never saw my denial coming because I spoke really well and answered him confidently. I heard after me, he did not even give anybody. as all that came his way were denied.

I am now thinking what went wrong? I can't even place it so I am hoping someone who has experience can tell me what could have happened. is it whot it applying again because I am thinking of applying with my family again.

I also have a newborn. We are all well traveled to at least 4 countries except for the new born. The only relieve I have now is that I am as confident as ever because I believe those consulars can't even challenge me intellectually, they are just normal Americans who believe they are better than us, which is actually wrong.

I feel like I lost a battle to lesser person who couldn't rise to a challenge.

I am so vexed right now, that I am beginning to think..... will I ever visit the USA?

Post in travel section. You will get more views and more replies.

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Modified:

Since, it has been moved, FTC.

Appeal the decision in a most respectful and coordinated way. I think u spending 1m in a short while for vac when you earn 6m might have been the reason. Apply again and who knows.

Its not always what you know (intellectually) or how much u earn. A guy I know got us visa with 2,500 in his account. Its God's grace. If u reapply again it might send the wrong signal

ITS GODS FAVOUR

blank: Post in travel section. You will get more views and more replies.

Seconded.
@OP, I want to believe the consular office will like to deny your Visa application again and again. They probably have your records from your first interview which you failed. It'll become even more difficult for you to get your USA Visa application granted.

You applying as a Tourist in NY also doesn't sound right. It would have been more convincing if you already made contacts in New York through which your visit can be verified. An average American might find it difficult to believe that a graphic designer turn interior decorator will be able to afford close to $10,000 for a 6 month trip. Maybe it's possible but that's just their mindset, except your company is Noteworthy. (The Nigerian 419/Drug trafficking image wouldn't help either).

So I'll say, if you must visit North America, then why not opt for Canada, Toronto and Vancouver is a good substitute for New York with bright night lights and busy streets. After all you're visiting as a Tourist.

My brother no be so! I think visiting visa is very hard to get this days, why don't apply alone for confrence/trainning thatwill give u an edge. I got mine through that means.

Best of luck!

All i can tell you is that keep trying, i was denied U.S visa 2 times in a row, got it on my third try,No travel history or anything, and i failed my first interview so bad with lies smh, nothing is impossible, just keep trying. Just be honest in ur application. It pays

u dont nid visa to visit my village. give it a try

Relax.... Better luck next time
The visa and consular officers are not gods ... Your time will come!

I wonder how you fidgeted like that in a visa interview with your qualification (engineer) and exposure (been to UK, Dubai and Turkey several times). You don't appear to have self-confidence.

Never applied for US visa (by implication, never visited US - hardly have anything to do there, at least for now), but I understand why it's that hard. I get visa of other countries hitch-freely (got a UK visa sms alert less than 24 hours ago; get U.A.E visa without even leaving my office etc. But given the US situation, I think it is understandable why it is that strict. But you also contributed by lacking self-confidence.

Too bad,everything is just God's grace.
ReApplying will smack of desperation. I will suggest you appeal for the refusal.
If Nigeria is good,I see no reason for our desperation to go abroad. My cousin was deied for just common ommission of info. Bro,I feel your pain.

next time ... carry a big horn with red cloth ontop .. go to embassy ... swear for everyone of them, reach their gateman self then leave with ur pride intact then travel to a better city like amsterdam (aka the weed capital of the world) my favourite place

duplicate.

Too much money.... May God grant me success too.

since dey av banned u before dey cnt issue u visa till ten yrs u shuld forget abt applying again cos dey will always denie u visa.dis is d new visa policy

Well sorry poster but 1 million naira is not enough to cover you, your wife and child air ticket and accomodation not to talk of internal transport then shopping.

Sori

babyfaiz: The only relieve I have now is that I am as confident as ever because I believe those consulars can't even challenge me intellectually, they are just normal Americans who believe they are better than us, which is actually wrong.

Sorry, while you (the intellectual) were denied, some not-so-smart people have been granted U.S visas. This is a mistake some of us Nigerians make - unnecessary arrogance.

Dont go back there with this mindset. At the point of the interview, their word is ye and amen, regardless of their 'intellect'. Sad..but that is the reality we have to deal with. If our country was any better, we wouldnt require a visa to visit the U.S or U.K.

Like someone mentioned earlier, appeal in a respectable manner. This is key. They should ask ask you to re-apply in normal situations.

The U.S embassy does not have time to verify your documents..they are trained to be mind readers and are looking for your confidence - With your demeanor, make them believe you dont send their country and you are going there for a few days to spend your money; you will not hesitate to go somewhere else to spend that money.

Good luck.

@OP,
Were you interviewed today 1st of march?? Which cubicle if I may ask cos we(my hus & 1) got the guy in cubicle 9(who denied everyone but one chick that is an executive in one NGO)and we were so sceptical about him but he granted our visas.
Bros don't take offence but there is a bit of contradiction between your answer and your DS-160 form and a friend already told us that one sure way to get denied is any form of "INCONSTITENCY" no matter how negligible we assume it to be.
Do a review and let it guide you next time cos the visa fee may be inconsiquential in the general scheme of things,the stress is not.

israel007: Appeal the decision in a most respectful and coordinated way. I think u spending 1m in a short while for vac when you earn 6m might have been the reason. Apply again and who knows.

Its not always what you know (intellectually) or how much u earn. A guy I know got us visa with 2,500 in his account. Its God's grace. If u reapply again it might send the wrong signal

ITS GODS FAVOUR

wow, thats great, please can u help me out, coz i really need it pls.

@OP - Welcome to Nairaland! sorry for your experience with the US embassy.
In my humble opinion, the USA doesn't want you. why don't you try other countries. there are countless of more beautiful countries in the would that are willing to grant you and your family holiday visa. why must it be USA, i can't even remember any city in USA that is in the list of most beautiful cities in the world..
It happened to me with the german embassy in 2011.
when i got tired of waking up earlier than birds to cue up at german embassy, I took my wife to ABS Transport Jibowu and purchase two tickets to Lome-Togo.
you wouldn't believe the fun i had with my pregnant wife in Togo, if not for anything, uninterrupted power supply.
my broda, there are countless more exciting countries in South America and Asia to spend holiday with your family in. save yourself the stress.

gudluck.

Bros, It's just God's favour...not anything

On my interview at water Carrington crescent lagos(us embassy), I was given visa approval without much questions and didn't have a dime in my account though;I had a sponsor.. tips: don't b too serious, just act as if u re receptionist, meaning" just b friendly with big smiles on Ur face, don't b too serious as if u re going on a wrestling contest. Newyork is not really for tourism, maybe next time let Ur choice places b las vegas or California,better still, just invest d 1million naira in agriculture, US could b painful not UK . Metcheeeeeew

babyfaiz: How much do you earn monthly? I don't earn monthly because most of my works are contract based but I have been able to average 6 million naira annually in 4 years. how much is your trip going to cost you? I said one million naira because of my hotel acc, ticket and I am also taking time out to shop for my family and my new born.

Sorry bro but you gave them reason to doubt your claim.
The interviewer expected you to be specific in your submission.
US is afraid of immigrants that constitute nuisance to their already bereaved economy.
Try to work out your monthly income next time you attend such interview. (from my experience with UK VISA application)

THAT IS A SERIOUS MATTER ...

Brand_new:
Seconded.
@OP, I want to believe the consular office will like to deny your Visa application again and again. They probably have your records from your first interview which you failed. It'll become even more difficult for you to get your USA Visa application granted.

You applying as a Tourist in NY also doesn't sound right. It would have been more convincing if you already made contacts in New York through which your visit can be verified. An average American might find it difficult to believe that a graphic designer turn interior decorator will be able to afford close to $10,000 for a 6 month trip. Maybe it's possible but that's just their mindset, except your company is Noteworthy. (The Nigerian 419/Drug trafficking image wouldn't help either).

So I'll say, if you must visit North America, then why not opt for Canada, Toronto and Vancouver is a good substitute for New York with bright night lights and busy streets. After all you're visiting as a Tourist.

You are right man! The OP must have had a little issue with his first interview. I knew of a particular case of a guy who has been denied up 2 like 4 times without any luck. Well, it depends on his faith. I got mine with just £500 in my acct. He may reapply again may be his luck wld shine dis tym arnd.

The US Embassy would like applicants to have something that will bring them back to Nigeria. You've to probably have a steady job to come back to. Going together with your family for the first is a possibility of denial. Also when answering questions answer only what you're asked, don't go telling stories of where you want to visit or who & what you want to buy.
You just have to be confident and not over confident and arrogant. Those officers are psychologists.
My advise to you is wait for 6 months before your next application and go alone. Or on the other hand, let your wife or wife and kids go for theirs first. Then on her next trip she can apply for you.
For me the US visa is the easiest to get if you know how to go about it. You don't need to have millions in your account. Sometimes they don't even check your documents to give you visa.
If you have someone in the US it could be easier to use the person's address instead of a hotel.

Most importantly, it's God's favour, for you to meet a nice person 'cos some of them could be very hash. Good luck next time.