femi312:
Your question is not clear however in anything you do, Make sure you enter the US before the start day on your i20 which is 15th August if you don't want your village people to win. Going to visit a friend first/family before resuming to school is not a crime, you are not the first and you wont be the last, so rest your mind.

And i hope you thicked yes on your ds 160 when you were asked if you have immediate relative in the usa? If you choose no, dont create problems for yourself when there is none

Hello my fellow nairalanders ... Have been following this thread for some weeks now .. And am waiting for my original copies of 1-20 and acceptance letter from college of the cayons CA and which I don pay for SEVIS fee ... And I would be going for the interview next months .... Anybody Else going for interview next month should PM make we do coaching lesson

More Transcript Good News Ahead !

lionlee216:


And i hope you thicked yes on your ds 160 when you were asked if you have immediate relative in the usa? If you choose no, dont create problems for yourself when there is none

You quoted the wrong person

Fortunate4real:
i would like to know how i can over come my fear at the point of entry.

i mailed my school that i will be coming on the 26th of this month(arriving new York on the 27th), that i will visit a friend in another state in US before resuming to the school in August (the official date of resumption is 15th of August),

I Inform the school not come to welcome/pick me at the airport that my friend will there for me. At-least b4 academic rigor start again, i should cool off with friends en family a little.
my question is HOW WILL I AVOID HAVING ANY PROBLEM AT THE POINT OF ENTRY(POE)

And i hope you thicked yes on your ds 160 when you were asked if you have immediate relative in the usa? If you choose no, dont create problems for yourself when there is none

COMING TO ETSU AND LOOKING FOR A CHEAP ACCOMMODATION. ..HIT ME UP...

The gurus in the house shud Pls come to my rescue here please.
I'll be going for my interview on Friday (21:07:17). Going for my professional science masters in GIS but my current job does not align with my field of study. Though I've worked in my field in the past. Hope this won't be a major cause for concern?

Tods:
Try Lamar university, Texas , they have a good ms in nutrition program. If u need help I can assist.

Also Try Texas A&M. Do you have a bachelors in Nutrition.

N.B: You will have to get more info though. Some Masters Program are done in such a way that you do a Dietetic Internship so you can become a Registered Nutritionist while getting your Masters degree. This requires you have a Didactic Bachelors.

ProfOjah1234:
oo
Are you going to Georgia state university?

Georgia Southern University.

Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.

1. I wish I knew a student in my school : By all means, PLEASE get at least two 'CORRECT' students in your prospective school that can advice you. Information sometimes can be more useful than thousands of dollars as a new student. I never knew any student in my school then and I still regret a little till date. To make matters worse I entered when school wasn't in session. So, I met no 'CORRECT' student until orientation day.
Likewise, make plans to attend the Orientation. I know some will tell you it is not important BUT I THINK IT IS. Apart from the valuable information you will get, you will also get the opportunity to meet new people. I will never forget the Guy that 'gingered' me after orientation to knock at doors and speak directly with Professors for Jobs - TAs, RAs and the likes. That paid off for me.

2. I wish I learnt a handiwork : To some that are financially comfortable, this might not be necessary but to others on the street this might aid to ease of some stress - Learn a trade. (Fashion designing, Hair dressing, Barbing, even Mechanic). My fisrt day in U.S, after picking me from the airport, my uncle drove me to a restaurant and then to have his hair cut. Lo and Behold - I was shocked to learn he had just had an hair cut for $20 (especially because I just had mine cut two days ago in naija for less less than #300.) I did calculation immediately and was kinda

3. I wish I knew how to drive and came with an International Drivers License. Imagine me - I had access to a small car at home then in naija and wasn't working BUT I JUST DECIDED NOT TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE. That's one of my foolish decisions. Public transportation in the U.S is 'Zero in some cities' and if you dont have a car, it is as simple as you dont have a leg - YOU WILL BE CARRIED ABOUT, not without stress, heavy bills etc. Why not save yourself the stress now and learn in naija. Likewise, INTERNATIONAL Drivers License is permitted to drive with in some states.

4. I wish I spoke the truth. Well, I am not the kind of person that believes in lying but whatever came upon me at the POE when asked if I came with food items, I still can't fathom. I at first said no to the officer. I later said except few dried fishes and snacks. However, I had several types of foodstuffs, from dried fish to Garri to Ogbonno, to Egusi etc. I had to be delayed for about an hour and half where I later now listed all I can remember was in my bag . Not without fear and anxiety. Save yourself the stress and simply tell them what's in there. (They already know)

5. I wish I came with a minimum of three jeans and probably a snickers. . For new students, I don't believe the first few months will be one where you need to spend money on stuffs like wears except you are obo. One or two correct jeans will do the magic. JJC like me, I don't put on jeans in naija so I came with 'half' jeans.

6. I wish I came with an Extension/socket/charger that works in U.S. Laptop chargers, Phone Chargers and other electrical appliances will not work if they are not 'two mouth U.S kinda thing'. N.B: I think Voltage also differs. Few electrical appliances and chargers I came with became a candidate of the trash. (The one wey pain me pass nah my clipper). My candid advice is PLEASE Find and get those extensions or whatever they call it at Ikeja or anywhere else believe me, THIS WILL SAVE YOU ALOT OF STRESS!

7. I wish I came with more medications. I don't like drugs so I came with only a sachet of Pain reliever and 'Tetracycline'. 'After few days, tetracycline finish o'. I have a sensitive digestive system and it reacted to the different kinds of foods.. Likewise, I reacted to the Pain reliever in here. I had to request for a friend to help with the 'chalk' she came along with which is what my 'system' knows as pain reliever.

Finally, Be a friend of your school's website, ICE's website and Homeland Security's website and play around it. KNOWLEDGE is POWER.

Wish everyone a glorious stay!

teepee4Him:
Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.

Thanks for this.

lionlee216:


And i hope you thicked yes on your ds 160 when you were asked if you have immediate relative in the usa? If you choose no, dont create problems for yourself when there is none

My thoughts exactly... If you didn't fill yes to having relatives and all, wherever the destination is. just tell them that was the best price deal you could get at that point in time. That you'll be taking a bus to your school...

Congrats to those that I've gotten their Visas approved. I've been following up on this thread few days back.
Tho I just began my application process for spring 2018. I need someone to guide me through the interview, its not too early to start preparing. Pls help a sister.
Thanks

Laadeh:
Congrats to those that I've gotten their Visas approved. I've been following up on this thread few days back.
Tho I just began my application process for spring 2018. I need someone to guide me through the interview, its not too early to start preparing. Pls help a sister.
Thanks

I think it's too early. Get admitted first and you can keep reading transcript here. That should help a lot.

folmus:


I think it's too early. Get admitted first and you can keep reading transcript here. That should help a lot.

Okay. Thanks

Transcript (VISA Delayed):

Location was Abj, 13th, 7.30am appointment. Hustlers doing their thing as usual, preying on everyone. Those arrangements and stapling and reprinting "the proper page", all na wash o.

There were only two people - a black american lady and a white male that seemed to be in his 40s. The black american lady was tough but would give one ample time to express oneself. The man actually seemed more benign... he approved some scouts I thought he would definitely turn back due to the vagueness of their replies in most cases. Well, I ended up with the man and the following ensued:

Me: Good morning sir.

VO: Good morning. Please pass your documents

I obliged.

VO: So, why did you pick this school?

Me: I found the course outline for my program very appealing, compared to the other schools I considered. I considered 4 schools but applied to just two: Cranfield and Purdue. I was admitted by both but decided to opt for Purdue due to what I believe is a superior course outline for the program, with courses like theory and design of control systems, systems engineering and modelling of micro/nano systems. I was also offered a research assistantship by a professor in the school and that also helped me make up my mind (I wanted to add top 20 in the world for engineering but it seemed I already killed it)

VO nods throughout. Then:

VO: Say the school name again?

I did.

VO: huh? (with a slightly confused face)

I did again and spelt it this time.

VO: Oh, ok.

VO: what was your undergraduate degree in?

Me: Chemical Engineering.

VO: So what's the chemical formula for table salt?

Me: (looking straight at him with a smile) NaCl [in my mind, "really bro? SS1 kids know that! ]

VO: (Satisfied nod)

VO: who is sponsoring?

Me: I got a research assistantship, which would cover most of my tuition, and my uncle would be footing the rest.

VO: what does he do?

Me: He is a successful investment consultant and he has his own company that deals in the importation of industrial chemicals.

VO: May I see your undergraduate transcripts and the statement of account

Me: Okay [gave him the statement of account. Was still trying to get the transcripts.. then:]

VO: This is a company account.

Me: Yes, his company account.

VO: No. This is unacceptable. This account will include money for supplies, paying staff, etc

Me: (in my mind, wetin this one dey talk?) It is his company and the money there is money available for my studies. If you will please look at the balance, you will...

VO: Is it a big company or a small company?

Me: (a bit thrown off balance): a big company (this was my own mistake in this particular situation)

VO: how many employees?

Me: Not sure.

VO: [Drops the statement and begins the furious typing. He didn't even ask me about the transcripts again. then:]

VO: Have you travelled out before?

Me: No sir, I've had no reasons to before now (in my mind, oga stop making small talk. i know say your belly don spoil already)

VO: (Types some more) I'm sorry you are not eligible for visa at this time. This paper will explain why. Good luck in your studies

Me: (in my mind, good luck in my studies? which kin lip service be this?) Okay.

I took my docs and left. I was just wondering which kin wahala be this. I know these things are highly subjective and another VO will probably not have any issue with the statement or even ask for it. He didn't even ask me about my test scores, and i was hoping to use that question to finish work. People have been using company accounts till date to get F1 visas. God knows the best shaa.

I calmly called my 'pre-excited' people and told them the news. They felt worse than I did. I didn't have time to feel depressed. I was thinking of plan B. So I took a bus from ABJ to PH that same day and while in the bus arranged for another 64k. I prayed for provision and God that doesn't fail provided (I no be obo o. I no even get better phone at the moment). Then I reapplied yesterday. Checked and found that Lagos has a nearer date than Abj this time and booked Lagos. Uploading my pic wanted to become a source of frustration till I found the solution, which i shared earlier.

It's now that I am appreciating the fact that I was delayed on 13th and reapplied on 14th. If one had asked I would have said that would be impractical. I pray God grants me more favour this time and I still strongly believe that everything works out for the best, even if it seems meaningless at the time. I prayed and fasted for days but this still happened. That doesn't mean God is no longer in control. This is what faith is. As a human I did feel bad while returning yesterday. I wished I had called my people with better news. We don't exactly have money to throw around but I thank God they have my mindset and quickly swung into action for plan B, and that God provided

I have asked questions and made slight corrections concerning that statement and prepared to meet them again next week. My own be say, I am leaving naija with a visa for Fall 2017, hoo-haa.

And yes, all hustlers deserve to be nabbed by the EFCC. Those people are doing blood money there. One of the worst things you can do to yourself there is to fall a prey, wittingly or unwittingly - you will be 'a goner'.

One of them was adamant that my printout will not be accepted because I sent it to my email first and printed it from there, so it had "print confirmation" "print application" "email confirmation" tabs on the page. He showed me that of others and truly, mine seemed different. but I know that what consulate needs is just the barcode and mine was present and legible. Why should format matter? They are the ones that added the "send to email" functionality.

Then I calculated the cost should I choose to heed the hustler: 1k to return to my lodge to get my password, 1k to return back, then about 3k minimum to just reprint it. That is enough money for Chisco bus back to the east. And that's Besides the stress and the anxiety of running late (I hate being stressed or anxious, which is why I got there on time). So I told the hustler to free me, and that I will contact him if I get there and it becomes necessary. Taxi men were already hovering around me at that point, like hawks 'eyeing' and circling a fat chicken.

He said okay o. Your choice o. I have told you now o. You will lose your appointment o. Bla bla bla o. Bla bla bla o. Neighbours were looking at me like, hmmmm.

My people, nobody that matters made a fuss about my printout when we started the verification process. They just scanned their barcode and returned my paper (like I reasoned, that's the only thing they are after!). Even the stapling of passport and "arrangement of docs" were not needed.

Beware of hustlers. You sit down, #200. They staple something with one pin, #200. Others things run in thousands. If they can they will charge you for breathing while waiting for the embassy to commence verification. God forbid evil.

teepee4Him:
Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.

Wish everyone a glorious stay!

Thanks a lot for this.

Ability247:
Transcript (VISA Delayed):

Location was Abj, 13th, 7.30am appointment. Hustlers doing their thing as usual, preying on everyone. Those arrangements and stapling and reprinting "the proper page", all na wash o.

There were only two people - a black american lady and a white male that seemed to be in his 40s. The black american lady was tough but would give one ample time to express oneself. The man actually seemed more benign... he approved some scouts I thought he would definitely turn back due to the vagueness of their replies in most cases. Well, I ended up with the man and the following ensued:

Wish you the best in your next interview. Go get it bro!

Ability247:
Transcript (VISA Delayed):

Location was Abj, 13th, 7.30am appointment. Hustlers doing their thing as usual, preying on everyone. Those arrangements and stapling and reprinting "the proper page", all na wash o.

.

Sorry for the delay but you made some obvious mistake .... you states you had research assistantship. So my question was this not on your i20 ?

If yes then the question on who sponsoring you was answered in correctly. You made the focus to be about your uncle and not about your funding

Based on what you written. I would say you just had a slight delay. Go through transcript and cover all bases on how others have responded and you should be fine next time around. Best of luck

Please i need help i was denied yesterday..anyone who can help me pls thanks

Loso351:
Please i need help i was denied yesterday..anyone who can help me

Why were you refused and how do you want people here to help you?

zendmann:

Next time when ask "who Is sponsoring you?" just tell them you got funding from the school... some don't check the i20 to see if you got funding from the school or not except you tell them and if there is any other fees not covered by the school tell him your Uncle or parent will cover the rest. Good luck in your next interview. Got get you visa!

Next time you come here to coach people on how to lie during the interview you will get a lengthy ban from this section

justwise:


Next time you come here to coach people on how to lie during the interview you will get a lengthy ban from this section

I think its how zendmann worded it ....let me reword it ..lol

Next time when ask "who Is sponsoring you?" just tell them you got funding from the school... some don't check the i20 to see if you got funding from the school or not except you tell them

In your case it appears the Vo did not notice you had funding as some do not check the i20 . So you
need to say it loudly and proudly when asked who is sponsoring you

There you go justwise

@LagosismyHome

I don't think that both of you are on the same page. when he replies then i will make your post visible else you could be giving him an idea.

teepee4Him:
Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.
Wish everyone a glorious stay!

Thanks for this..

this is educative, thanks for sharing your experience with us.

teepee4Him:
Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.

1. I wish I knew a student in my school : By all means, PLEASE get at least two 'CORRECT' students in your prospective school that can advice you. Information sometimes can be more useful than thousands of dollars as a new student. I never knew any student in my school then and I still regret a little till date. To make matters worse I entered when school wasn't in session. So, I met no 'CORRECT' student until orientation day.
Likewise, make plans to attend the Orientation. I know some will tell you it is not important BUT I THINK IT IS. Apart from the valuable information you will get, you will also get the opportunity to meet new people. I will never forget the Guy that 'gingered' me after orientation to knock at doors and speak directly with Professors for Jobs - TAs, RAs and the likes. That paid off for me.

2. I wish I learnt a handiwork : To some that are financially comfortable, this might not be necessary but to others on the street this might aid to ease of some stress - Learn a trade. (Fashion designing, Hair dressing, Barbing, even Mechanic). My fisrt day in U.S, after picking me from the airport, my uncle drove me to a restaurant and then to have his hair cut. Lo and Behold - I was shocked to learn he had just had an hair cut for $20 (especially because I just had mine cut two days ago in naija for less less than #300.) I did calculation immediately and was kinda

3. I wish I knew how to drive and came with an International Drivers License. Imagine me - I had access to a small car at home then in naija and wasn't working BUT I JUST DECIDED NOT TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE. That's one of my foolish decisions. Public transportation in the U.S is 'Zero in some cities' and if you dont have a car, it is as simple as you dont have a leg - YOU WILL BE CARRIED ABOUT, not without stress, heavy bills etc. Why not save yourself the stress now and learn in naija. Likewise, INTERNATIONAL Drivers License is permitted to drive with in some states.

4. I wish I spoke the truth. Well, I am not the kind of person that believes in lying but whatever came upon me at the POE when asked if I came with food items, I still can't fathom. I at first said no to the officer. I later said except few dried fishes and snacks. However, I had several types of foodstuffs, from dried fish to Garri to Ogbonno, to Egusi etc. I had to be delayed for about an hour and half where I later now listed all I can remember was in my bag . Not without fear and anxiety. Save yourself the stress and simply tell them what's in there. (They already know)

5. I wish I came with a minimum of three jeans and probably a snickers. . For new students, I don't believe the first few months will be one where you need to spend money on stuffs like wears except you are obo. One or two correct jeans will do the magic. JJC like me, I don't put on jeans in naija so I came with 'half' jeans.

6. I wish I came with an Extension/socket/charger that works in U.S. Laptop chargers, Phone Chargers and other electrical appliances will not work if they are not 'two mouth U.S kinda thing'. N.B: I think Voltage also differs. Few electrical appliances and chargers I came with became a candidate of the trash. (The one wey pain me pass nah my clipper). My candid advice is PLEASE Find and get those extensions or whatever they call it at Ikeja or anywhere else believe me, THIS WILL SAVE YOU ALOT OF STRESS!

7. I wish I came with more medications. I don't like drugs so I came with only a sachet of Pain reliever and 'Tetracycline'. 'After few days, tetracycline finish o'. I have a sensitive digestive system and it reacted to the different kinds of foods.. Likewise, I reacted to the Pain reliever in here. I had to request for a friend to help with the 'chalk' she came along with which is what my 'system' knows as pain reliever.

Finally, Be a friend of your school's website, ICE's website and Homeland Security's website and play around it. KNOWLEDGE is POWER.

Wish everyone a glorious stay!

My cousin was the scout guy,told me how the black VO was going ballistic on applicants. Good luck on your next application, Got a few notes to write here next week. Cheers

Ability247:
Transcript (VISA Delayed):

Pls Guru, i am asking this question on behalf of my cousin. Is lasell college and st mary university a good sch?

Hello gurus, how long does it take for schools to receive tuition payment from Nigeria using Form A in d Bank? Those who used form A recently please should assist with this information.

Cc: Lagosismyhome, walspring,femi312 and others.

Thanks

Good day house, I applied to lincoln university, Oakland. Mid June for the August batch(fall) MBA. Pls long does it take to process their admission n i20. Thankz

femi312:
Your question is not clear however in anything you do, Make sure you enter the US before the start day on your i20 which is 15th August if you don't want your village people to win. Going to visit a friend first/family before resuming to school is not a crime, you are not the first and you wont be the last, so rest your mind.

Thanks, i really appreciate you @femi312, you have answered my question.

teepee4Him:
Greetings and Congratulations to all Fall 2017 Students. Just thinking I should drop few words in a bid to assist those travelling in here. I will tag it - THINGS I WISH I DID/KNEW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE U.S.

Thanks