bigfrancis21:


What are those advantages anyway, if I may ask?

Exorbitant dorm rates?
Prohibition from cooking own meals in the dorm?
Lack of privacy?
What are they exactly?

ok i'll be the first to admit that individual needs differ and the situation in houston is peculiar but my main issues were:
1. Some campuses are a 2-5 minute walk from where we would be taking lectures, that's a huge premium for someone who is a first timer in this country and doesn't have a car for now. Houston has a traffic problem as I discovered, and where i got a place, i would be riding a bus to and fro which is still fine with me till i get a car.
2. Your on campus housing monthly payment includes rent, furniture, utilities, cable television, and high speed internet. I took some advice I found on nairaland and tried to find off campus housing with a similar deal and could not. So I really hope to god that my bills (I don't need cable TV)would be reasonable, otherwise what extra savings I may think I'm pooling from staying off campus may be lost from transportation costs/bills.
3. In some dorms like calhoun lofts and Bayou oaks, u can rent out private/semi private apartments and are allowed to cook ur own meals.
4. The privacy concern is a matter of taste and personal needs, maybe if i were a younger/undergrad student i wouldn't have minded the opportunity to make friends that could last a lifetime, but i've already done that in my university days in Naija.

bigfrancis21:


Unfortunately bro, that's the issue that pervades here in America. The wealth gap between whites and blacks here is quite enormous. By blacks, we refer specifically to the African Americans. However, the income gap between whites and Nigerians isn't that much. Nigerians are doing real good here. Whites are only slightly better because this is their country and they have been here for years while Nigerians are recent immigrants to the country. I'd suggest you never forget your identity, where you come from, your Nigerian spirit and your thought processes - those things that make you Nigerian as that Nigeria spirit/drive for success will keep you going in this country. Most successful Nigerians I have met here always seemed to have a strong Nigerian cultural identity to them which they never gave up on.

Yep I noticed too, most Nigerians here are really doing well or at least better than african americans. Very encouraging i must admit. And we dey go school sha, almost every non african american I see on campus is a nigerian.

LUCAS99:
Dear forumites I applied for a renewal of my F-1 Student Visa through the Drop Box Visa Renewal Program at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria on December 2014 but on Wednesday January 7th 2015 I received an e-mail from the Correspondence Unit (TMI) US CONSULATE GENERAL LAGOS, NIGERIA stating that the they needed to see me in person inorder to proceed with my case. But the problem I am having right now is that my school resumes on Monday January 12th, 2015 for the spring semester. It is advisable to depart the United States while school is so close to resumption. It is worthy of note to point out that when I was filling the DS-160 nonimmigrant Visa Petition I also mentioned the following information listed below
(1) That I have a pending immigrant petition filed on my behalf by my sibling
(2) That I have a valid work authorization card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
(3) That I have four siblings currently residing in the United States three of whom are United States citizens and one a permanent resident

Ojap, Imperiouxx, Msnas, bigfrancis21, Walspring, Zeezahbee and other forumites your inputs are highly appreciated.

Ok. I will respond to you now. The Embassy only wants to see you in order to clarify, qualify and quantify your application. Please pardon my grammar.

You also need to get a letter of extension from school with regard to extending your date of resumption for classes.

All in all, I think you would be fine. Do not worry.

LUCAS99:
Dear forumites I applied for a renewal of my F-1 Student Visa through the Drop Box Visa Renewal Program at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria on December 2014 but on Wednesday January 7th 2015 I received an e-mail from the Correspondence Unit (TMI) US CONSULATE GENERAL LAGOS, NIGERIA stating that the they needed to see me in person inorder to proceed with my case. But the problem I am having right now is that my school resumes on Monday January 12th, 2015 for the spring semester. It is advisable to depart the United States while school is so close to resumption. It is worthy of note to point out that when I was filling the DS-160 nonimmigrant Visa Petition I also mentioned the following information listed below
(1) That I have a pending immigrant petition filed on my behalf by my sibling
(2) That I have a valid work authorization card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
(3) That I have four siblings currently residing in the United States three of whom are United States citizens and one a permanent resident

Ojap, Imperiouxx, Msnas, bigfrancis21, Walspring, Zeezahbee and other forumites your inputs are highly appreciated.

I don't understand, are you currently a student in USA and you in nig on holiday? you have a valid visa, you don't need to submit your visa through drop box, as long as you are still on status and you still have classes to take at your current school, the school will issue you an extension.

Oga justwise, I see you hid my comment to that scammer. I was just kidding. Sorry if I broke any law.

@justwise, hello house.
I know dis may not be the right place to bring up this question,but I can't find where to drop this question. Since there are so many nairalanders studying in the States and I am aspiring to study in the States, I guess I have to ask my question here. I have a GPA of 2.45 in engineering. I want to do a Masters in Engineering. Most of the Universities i want to study at (particularly some institution at carlifornia,b'cos i've got relations in carlifornia. The idea is to stay at their place and go to school) are requesting for an average GPA of 3.0. What do I do, how do I apply to do a PGD in these universities,has anybody had this kind of issue b4 and how did they overcome. This opportunity presenting is only for this schools within sacramento and east bay.Please, I need advice and help to go about this issue before the closing of the admission for spring reaches. Thank you.

genxris:

When I went for my 2nd interview last year, I used my maternal uncle ( different surname) as my sponsor, during the interview I tried to avoid mentioning the location of my sponsor to the vo but alas she asked me for my sponsor's bank statement and immediately she saw the name of the bank in the heading, she said to me " so your sponsor lives in the USA?" And I said yes, she asked me to give her some minutes. She went in and called the bank to confirm the owner of the account and whatever else and came back, apologized for time wasted and approved my visa.
I agree that having a uncle/ aunt based in the states as sponsor could be a red flag "on a bad day" but it could also mean nothing to the vo "on a good day".

Good to hear genxris

from walter carrignton to obalende? chai

LUCAS99:
Dear forumites I applied for a renewal of my F-1 Student Visa through the Drop Box Visa Renewal Program at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria on December 2014 but on Wednesday January 7th 2015 I received an e-mail from the Correspondence Unit (TMI) US CONSULATE GENERAL LAGOS, NIGERIA stating that the they needed to see me in person inorder to proceed with my case. But the problem I am having right now is that my school resumes on Monday January 12th, 2015 for the spring semester. It is advisable to depart the United States while school is so close to resumption. It is worthy of note to point out that when I was filling the DS-160 nonimmigrant Visa Petition I also mentioned the following information listed below
(1) That I have a pending immigrant petition filed on my behalf by my sibling
(2) That I have a valid work authorization card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
(3) That I have four siblings currently residing in the United States three of whom are United States citizens and one a permanent resident

Ojap, Imperiouxx, Msnas, bigfrancis21, Walspring, Zeezahbee and other forumites your inputs are highly appreciated.

F-1 Visa Application: Non-Immigrant Intent.

Form I-130: Immigrant Intent.

I honestly don't know how you can claim to have both intents at the same time under the law. This may amount to immigration fraud in the face of the law. I remember you from here and I remember your case. I know you are a genuine candidate and have good intentions. However, the USCIS is somehow vague on filing a pending I-130, applying for a visa, and travelling outside of the USA. One thing I know for sure is that you can't file a I-485 and travel outside of the country without an advanced parole. That would mean that you have abandoned your case.

I know several people whose relatives have petitioned for them in the past and were able to obtain a visa and beat the POE officials. Their case is so different from yours because they didn't declare any where in their application that they have relatives or have a pending I-130 application. Some were lucky to get away with it while some didn't. I guess it boils down to the luck factor here.

Honestly, I wish I could give you a solid and concrete answer but my hands are tied. I like to say what I know for sure and won't like to mislead you. But make use of everything that I have said here and please make sure to consult an experienced immigration lawyer. It looks to me like it is much more than what we think it is. Only a good lawyer maybe able to find any loop hole(s) and use that against the USCIS especially when certain sections of the law are ambiguous.

All the best bro.

bigfrancis21:


Very much yes. For a phone call plan + internet access, expect to pay, at least, $30 - $50 per month (N5,400 - N9,000). This is for the non-contract plan (i.e buy their sim card only and slot in a phone you already have). It comes with unlimited local calling and texting, unlimited international texting, internet access. For a contract plan (buying a phone + sim card from a network carrier), expect to pay up to $80 per month because you're paying for both the phone + phone access.

Currently, I pay $40 every month (non-contract plan). For my provider, the very lowest you can pay is $25, which is just calling and texting. No internet access.

I pay $93/mo Tmobile. Family of two plan.

slimmy05:
I don't get?

lols. That fool is always high on urine on travel section.

I was kicking him on another thread after he took his sacrifice beyond mosque

kofsy:
*peeps in* Wow! *Walks in Magestically*
Good am all. It's really been a while. Glad to see the house marching forward

Pls is Gboyega still here? I would like to speak with him urgently. Gboyega if you are reading this pls quote me. I lost your contact should have contacted you via whatsapp. Plus I can't really spell out your exact id on here I know its Gboyega'something. Looking forward to hearing from you. Tnx

Ms. Curvy. What's good?

GboyegaD:


I am still here madam.
@Slimmy05, thanks for CC me.

Hey Gboyega, what's good? Sorry we haven't talk lately. It's been busy here.

I will find time to call you this Sunday.

slimmy05:
I also need a better insurance scheme. My school charges 1600usd for insurance. Well if it's good at that price then no problem. Imperiouxx, you're the insurance scheme expert.

www.nriol.net.......If this is not too late.

Don't forget that age and deductible among other factors determine how much you pay per month. Choose the lowest deductible if you know you don't fall sick and if you can afford medical bill less than or equal to $2500 before your health insurance kicks in.

Cheers!

slimmy05:
thanks for the heads up. Well I dont intend going for another one though. I just wanted an idea just incase. But if the insurance mandatory? What if I don't want the health insurance?

In a simple statement, you might die and still be in debt because the fear of fat bill (may be more than your semester tuition) won't let you step in hospital whenever you're sick. So as to prevent untimely death and fat medical debt of international students, the U.S. government (DHS) mandates health insurance for ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

Good day all.please I have a few questions to ask.i intend to renew my b1/b2 visa in February.pls wat documents do I need to submit.av looked online for a checklist but I couldn't get any.the second question is---I intend to include my 5 year old passport with mine (he has never been to the US) is this possible as I read somewhere u can do drop box for a dependant that is less than 18 years.if it is possible ,pls wat documents do I need to include.thank u.

OjaP, boss imperiouxx

Femicrux:


Vaccines like what and what?

People should check into Dept of health in their states. They may have affordable vaccination scheme from various NGOs.

In NY, for a student making less than $17,235/yr (range most students fall) all vaccination is $0, up to $22,980/yr is $3.57 and over $40.215/yr is $17.85

Vaccination like MMR, HepB, DTP, Varicella etc.

Walspring:
@imperiouxx

I sent you pm

Sorry, I've been wide and far.

I'll check it. Hope you're doing great?

zeezahbee:
Do you have any idea how long it take for a permanent residence to file for a student. I mean through marriage. I learned it takes long for the I-130 and I-485 get through. Someone told me he needs to wait to be a citizen so it can be faster

I-130 and I-485 submitted concurrently take up to 90 days before interview (decision) these days.

slimmy05:
OjaP, boss imperiouxx

Hello Slimmy,

I see you hit the embassy few days ago. Congratulations on your Visa. You have paid your dues and you definitely deserve the best. I wish you all the best in life. Welcome to the United States.

Thanks Boss imperiouxx. Will go with the schools insurance anyway.

OjaP:


Hello Slimmy,

I see you hit the embassy few days ago. Congratulations on your Visa. You have paid your dues and you definitely deserve the best. I wish you all the best in life. Welcome to the United States.

Yeah, exactly. Thanks I really appreciate. We've missed you here.

tayoamos:
House, I find it very difficult to get to get a masters in the USA for like 8k per year. Pls Cavan anyone assist ?

Tuition only or with fees?

slimmy05:
I don't have time for trolls and thieves like you. Lookaway, you were not lucky with me and pained so much. You were lucky I didn't get yo ass whooped. Street arab

Street Urchin I guess you mean.

slimmy05:
stop fooling around. Go and continue duping gullible sellers. House, you guys should beware of this dude. He is a criminal on Nairaland who claim they want to buy goods from you.

It's good to see this posts here. I knew this canker worm was a crook and up to something when he started saying "opportuned" instead of opportune to me.

Search online/google, it's only Nigerian Scammers that are so foolish enough to think that a word opportuned exists. In fact, "opportuned" is their trademark.

I kicked him well until he started talking in loop and Justwise acted.

So, new students in the U.S., please don't be victims of his phony activities and cheap help. He doesn't even know a bit about education or how to survive in the U.S.

imperiouxx:


I-130 and I-185 submitted concurrently take up to 90 days before interview (decision) these days.

Imperrioux,

Remember she said a green card holder and not a US citizen. It definitely takes time if a green card holder will be filing because a visa number has to be available. If I were her, I would let the guy file even as a green card holder, and wait - No one knows tomorrow, the rules may change. Whichever that comes first between the guy becoming a citizen which automatically brings the filing to be current or your Visa number now available is still a WIN - WIN situation. An exception to this would be if the LPR filing is currently married or if his green card is based on marriage to a U.S citizen. Of course, he may want to become a citizen first, divorce, and then file for you.

OjaP:


Imperrioux,

Remember she said a green card holder and not a US citizen. It definitely takes time if a green card holder will be filing because a visa number has to be available. If I were her, I would let the guy file even as a green card holder, and wait - No one knows tomorrow, the rules may change. Whichever that comes first between the guy becoming a citizen which automatically brings the filing to be current or your Visa number now available is still a WIN - WIN situation.

Oh my bad. I omitted that point in her post.

Yes, it does.

slimmy05:
Yeah, exactly. Thanks I really appreciate. We've missed you here.

You are most welcome. I have missed you guys too. I've been somewhere on planet taking life easy

Walspring tanks ooo

OjaP:


You are most welcome. I have missed you guys too. I've been somewhere on planet taking life easy

OjaP...I sent u a Pm boss

@ LUCAS99,

Many have responded and like Ojap says, it will be best for you to consult an immigration lawyer (if you're in the U.S).

Based on your family record, you're an intended immigrant. Since you can complete your studies without visa and you still maintain your pended I-130 application (if in the U.S.), why don't you forget leaving the country for a non-immigrant visa. And if you're already in Nigeria, you got no choice than defending your case in Nigeria.

Also, it seems you don't qualify for an interview waiver for your F1 visa.

LUCAS99:
Dear forumites I applied for a renewal of my F-1 Student Visa through the Drop Box Visa Renewal Program at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria on December 2014 but on Wednesday January 7th 2015 I received an e-mail from the Correspondence Unit (TMI) US CONSULATE GENERAL LAGOS, NIGERIA stating that the they needed to see me in person inorder to proceed with my case. But the problem I am having right now is that my school resumes on Monday January 12th, 2015 for the spring semester. It is advisable to depart the United States while school is so close to resumption. It is worthy of note to point out that when I was filling the DS-160 nonimmigrant Visa Petition I also mentioned the following information listed below
(1) That I have a pending immigrant petition filed on my behalf by my sibling
(2) That I have a valid work authorization card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
(3) That I have four siblings currently residing in the United States three of whom are United States citizens and one a permanent resident

Ojap, Imperiouxx, Msnas, bigfrancis21, Walspring, Zeezahbee and other forumites your inputs are highly appreciated.

Where are you right now? How did you try using the dropbox renewal?