₦airaland Forum

Time2Smile:
He didn't say it is a problem. If it was a problem, He probably wouldn't have approved their visas. Probably just a benign observation.

Sir, the question is for the VO.
We have had cases where renewal applicants were denied because thier previous bills appeared 'too small' and they were accused of probably using medicaid..

.....so don't be too hasty to make assumptions. Let the VO make clarifications on the issue. Thank you

sugah:
Sir, the question is for the VO.
We have had cases where renewal applicants were denied because thier previous bills appeared 'too small' and they were accused of probably using medicaid..

.....so don't be too hasty to make assumptions. Let the VO make clarifications on the issue. Thank you

Wow congrats on the success of your interview sir

ALADE4J2:
Long post caveat!
So DW and I got our visas approved. She had earlier applied alone but was denied. I had to therefore apply with her, eventhough I still had a valid visa. Because from the interview she had, it seemed the VO had a problem with my monthly income as she asked her again and again about my salary after she had reviewed my previous DS 160 application which I filled to get my current visa. It turned out, when I checked the DS 160, that I did not update my salary information the last time I applied; as I just copied the information from my previous application. The salary figure there was the one I was earning like 5 years ago; and it’s like 25% of my current salary! Lesson 1, always update your DS 160 information correctly, even when you are copying from previous applications.

The first emergency request we made was made under my profile, and was denied with an explanation that applicants who are traveling for the purpose of taking care of pregnant relatives are not eligible for expedited interview. We therefore made another emergency interview request with the same supporting documents using DW’s profile; and was granted. Lesson 2, when making an expedited interview request, apply under your wife’s profile, even when you are the sponsor.

Interview:
We met a very good and professional VO who, seeing the size of DW’s stomach, informed her that she could sit down if she wanted with a smile.

VO: good morning, passport please.
Me and DW: good morning (dropped passports)
VO: why are you going to the US
me: for child birth because of my wife medical history and previous negative experience with medical personnel in Nigeria that is making us scared ( and this is the truth).
VO to DW: where do you work?
DW: I work with ........
VO: how much is your monthly income?
DW: my monthly income is .....
VO: what does this organization do?
DW: (she explained)
VO to me: where do you work?
Me: I work with..... as ......?
VO: what is your monthly income?
Me: my monthly income is ......
VO: how long have you been working with this organization?
Me: (told him)
VO: You have previously worked with (mentioned my former office); as what?
Me: (told him my functions in my former office).
VO: Have you been to the U.S before?
Me: Yes
VO: How many times?
Me: 5 times
VO: what for?
Me: All the trips were for work related trainings?
VO: what is the longest time you have ever spent in the U.S.?
Me: 2 weeks.
VO to DW: how long are you planning to stay?
DW: 2 months ( cuts in and told him I will be staying for 3 weeks)
VO to DW: do you have any relatives in Houston?
DW: no.
VO: do you have any other children?
Me: yes, 2 children.
VO: are you traveling with them?
Me: no.
VO: when is your due date?
DW: February
VO: are you sure the airline will allow you to board? (really DW’s stomach is very big)
Me: yes, up to the 35th week of pregnancy.
VO: do you have an estimate for this trip?
Me: yes, (passed the budget sheet together with correspondences with Dr F and OakBend to him)
VO: (reviewing the budget sheet and correspondences) how did you know this doctor?
Me: from research, and we spoke with a couple of people that have used him.
VO: your visas have been approved (passed us the instructions for picking them).

Lesson 3, always tell the truth. The VOs are just there to do their work.

I thank God first of all. Thank you to all the mamas and papas in this forum. Special thanks to Omodadi, Li, Mamao and nerftitiram. I’m sorry for the long post; just wanted to help folks avoid the mistakes we made.

P.S. DW has never travelled outside the country before.

Hi Sir ALADE4J2, please DH and I would love to have this information too if its fine by you

Sent you an email . Thank you

ALADE4J2:
Hi Omodadi2, pls can you help me with the the email address of Dr F or E of Oakbend Medical Center and the quotes you received from them? Thank you very much.

And this too , thank you

ALADE4J2:
Hello House, pls does anyone know any affordable accommodation close to Oakbend Medical Centre?
Thanks

Congrats!!

aamey15:
Hello Everyone,
So hubby, my son and I just got our Visa approved today but ehn it wasn't easy oo...
Find below the conversation between us and the VO
VO: Hello good afternoon, sorry for keeping you waiting
Hubby: Its fine thank you
VO: Can I have your passports please
Hubby: Gave him
VO: he looked through it and was like okay, where are you going to, how long will you be dere for and where will you be staying
Hubby: 2 week, Chicago and with my uncle
VO: I See you travelled in November last year why and for how long
Hubby: Stated everything( hubby for 2 weeks and myself and son for 4 month- We went for a family vacation and we stayed back to have my daughter
VO: At your interview in June 2015 you said you were going for 2 weeks and not seeking medical attention
Hubby: At the time we didn't know we were pregnant as i was still breastfeeding my son..so we just wanted to go for holiday. When we found out I fell ill and couldn't travel so we all decided to travel in November and I sent a change of Intent to notify the ambassy
VO: WELL THE CHANGE OF INTENT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE
me: Oh really.. i didn't know
VO: When did you have your daughter
Me: xx feb 2016
VO: Counting the number of months with his fingers to reconfirm what I said( At this point I was thing chai wahala dey o)
Where did you have you daughter and can i have her passport pls
Me: Cook county hospital John Stroger
VO: Can I have proof of that please
Me: Hands over all receipts, zero balance and invoices
VO: Who was your doctor
Me: Dr xxxxx, then I handed over the records of all my antenatal visits with her ( I kept everything oo thank God)
VO: Looks through the receipts and exclaimed whao so expensive, what about the dr's fee..
Me: I explained that it was all encompassing( John stronger has a package for self pay.. I dunno if they have anymore but the cost was about small for dr, birth and pead so I showed him the breakdown)..in my mind I was like expensive ke... great bargain oo.. I just kept quiet
VO: Kept on writing and writing. he asked hubby and my self what we do and where we work..
Hubby and I answered
VO: Where else have you travelled to:
Hubby: Hajj last year,
VO: Asked me if I went with him..
Me: I said I didn't coz I was still breast feeding my daughter at the time...
VO: OKAY.. typed for another like 3 -4mins...
Handed over our documents and said we should pick our visa..
VO: Please when next you are going to birth abroad please you need to get a medical visa, the change of intent does not go into your individual files do we don't have records of such.Sending it does not make a difference you have to schedule a new interview for medical visa
Me and Hubby: Okay we will do
Thank God we got it oo.. glad I said the truth and I am truly happy.



quote author=aamey15 post=63362716]Hello everyone,
Please i need you advise. I travelled in nov 2015 and had my baby in Cook county hospital Chicago. In February 2016. left USA in march 2016. When i got the visa i didnt know i was pregnant.. was probably 1 and half months gone ..so when we eventually pregnant and decided to travel to have my daughter i sent a change of intent stating i was travelling with my son(a year snd half) and hubby. At POE we stated that i was gonna stay for 4 montha and hubby was staying for 2 weeks(he had a training). Paid all my bills and got receipts before i left
This year hubby and i changed jobs and all so we just applied to renew our visa (dropbox)since we both have not been able to travel... now they have invited all of us for a face to face interview.. i dunno y oo..
Please can anyone advise me... thank you

ekammatewogbade:
And this too , thank you

Thanks. I’ve replied your PM, but seems it failed. Regarding accommodation.

Hello house, I'm new here and ive learnt a whole lot... thank you all

This will be my first time travelling, I'm about processing my medical visa. DH has a valid visa which will expire same mth of my delivery

Do we apply together, or how best can it be sorted so I am granted the visa


Thank you

ekammatewogbade:
Hello house, I'm new here and ive learnt a whole lot... thank you all

This will be my first time travelling, I'm about processing my medical visa. DH has a valid visa which will expire same mth of my delivery

Do we apply together, or how best can it be sorted so I am granted the visa
Thank you

I think you stand a better chance applying with your husband since he has been to the states before

ALADE4J2:
Thanks. I’ve replied your PM, but seems it failed. Regarding accommodation.

Can’t find it too sir. Thank you sir will send my email add

dere5:
I think you stand a better chance applying with your husband since he has been to the states before

Ok thank you.

ogemele:
Please where the 2 forms downloaded online or the medical certificate is on your hospital letter head?

Yes..check Qatar website under special services...The two forms are there but will need to submit at least one week before depature and not later than 48 hour. Also follow up to ensure it is approved to avoid any surprise at the airport

dere5:
I think you stand a better chance applying with your husband since he has been to the states before

But the husband has a running visa.

Thank you.

mikoj22:
Congrats!!

Good afternoon ppl.
I havve come to really rant here this afternoon as I personally feel that some cases of visa denial including mine are extreme wickedness. What exactly is the criteria to qualify for a US visa or renewal?

I got a B1/B2 visa purposely for birth which I used last year, paid my bills and came back. Went with my mum and my husband came to join us, he was there for 6weeks while we spent 11weeks.

Planned a vacation for December, discovered I was pregnant so cancelled vacation to accomodate childbirth for next year and we opted for dropbox due to our location but his visa was renewed while I was invited for follow up. And interview went thus today- Abuja

VO: Your passport please
Gave her passport
VO: where are you going to
Houston Texas
Are you going with your child
Yes
Does she have a visa already
She was born in the US and eligible to travel with her US visa, I gave birth to her in Houston last year.
VO: Can I have your medical receipts
Gave her all receipts and zero balance statements.
VO: Can u explain why you paid 2300usd for your medical services?
2300 ws the hospitals price for selfpay patient who are not eligible for insurrance and have to pay 1month ahead EDD.
VO: Read through the itemized bill and asked sme question again dding the fact that the main cost is around 23000usd.
I explained myself again. And added thefct that i made other payments for tests, doctor, baby, epodural etc to make a tota bill of about 7,000usd, all receipts in her hands, but she dint check at all.
VO:started typingandasked me where i work and how much I earn monthly
I work with a ....and earn 900,000 naira ( i am intentionally adding this here so u all can see more to my rant) monthly after all deductions.
VO: So you want to use 2300 to pay for health care when you earn 900,000 naira monthly? ( I was confused here cos we were only talking about what I have paid bt had to answer her)
Well, no amount of money is too much for good health if one can afford it and moreso we would also be giving that child the dual citizenship opportunity.
Vo continues to type, i had to say that I am also going again for childbirth thinking that she was granting me visa. She said she knows, we would discuss that. After few seconds, then she looked up and said you arnt eligible this time and gave me the white paper.

I would like our LagosNiv and others to comment on this case. I personally feel Iam eligilbe but wnt to know what exactly went wrong.

Applying again? may have to do this but its really a hard thing for me and my reason for ranting and infact confused. I reside in far north where to get flight to Abuja when you have ur money sef is wahala, i need to take at least 3days leave from office again to attend interview, lodge in a hotel, etc.

I just want to know if we have to opt for the insurance residents payment to be able to renew our visas.

elfmann:
But the husband has a running visa.

She says his visa will expire on the month of her delivery and you can even apply for renewal 2/3 months before expiration, they will just cancel the old one before they issuing the new one.

Omodadi2:
Good afternoon ppl.
I havve come to really rant here this afternoon as I personally feel that some cases of visa denial including mine are extreme wickedness. What exactly is the criteria to qualify for a US visa or renewal?

I got a B1/B2 visa purposely for birth which I used last year, paid my bills and came back. Went with my mum and my husband came to join us, he was there for 6weeks while we spent 11weeks.

Madam, I feel your pain. Just as we have all read here that some Vo's & CBP officer's are not too Happy with the discount that some American Drs & hospitals give uninsured cash paying patients. I think you were just unfortunate to meet with one of those Vo's that had that issue.
Pls reapply again,I'm confident that your visa will be renewed. Abeg no vex.

Omodadi2:
Good afternoon ppl.
I havve come to really rant here this afternoon as I personally feel that some cases of visa denial including mine are extreme wickedness. What exactly is the criteria to qualify for a US visa or renewal?

I got a B1/B2 visa purposely for birth which I used last year, paid my bills and came back.

VO: Your passport please
Gave her passport
VO: where are you going to
Houston Texas
Are you going with your child
Yes
Does she have a visa already
She was born in the US and eligible to travel with her US visa, I gave birth to her in Houston last year.
VO: Can I have your medical receipts
Gave her all receipts and zero balance statements.
VO: Can u explain why you paid 2300usd for your medical services?
2300 ws the hospitals price for selfpay patient who are not eligible for insurrance and have to pay 1month ahead EDD.
VO: Read through the itemized bill and asked sme question again dding the fact that the main cost is around 23000usd.
I explained myself again. And added thefct that i made other payments for tests, doctor, baby, epodural etc to make a tota bill of about 7,000usd, all receipts in her hands, but she dint check at all.
VO:started typingandasked me where i work and how much I earn monthly
I work with a ....and earn 900,000 naira ( i am intentionally adding this here so u all can see more to my rant) monthly after all deductions.
VO: So you want to use 2300 to pay for health care when you earn 900,000 naira monthly? ( I was confused here cos we were only talking about what I have paid bt had to answer her)

I just want to know if we have to opt for the insurance

So sorry about your experience Omodadi2.

As advised please just take time from work...reapply.....the distance is a hassle for you, pele....just try again.

I'm thinking of 3 things for you to review...I'm not sure if they are significant.

Was this hospital/location the same one you provided as burden of proof at your initial interview 2 years ago? And was the estimated bill different/higher from your actual/final bill?

Also like dere5 said, some VOs are suspicious of discounts and the possibility that some hospitals may be passing off the discounts to the government. If 900k is your monthly take home salary.....that's US$2,500...maybe check for a costlier option to use and take the correspondence from them to your next interview and then actually use this more expensive hospital for your next birthing trip....sorry if the advise is unreasonable..but since you mentioned your salary....i was just doing some maths...and the VO kept referring to the US $2,300.

Another alternative if you must stick with the same hospital is that you could ask them for a letter of non indebtedness and confirmation that the state of Texas did not foot for any part of your previous bill like Ll had....check his post from Dec 6.

International medical insurance is another option.....for those with deep...deep...deep pockets...hhhmm.

All the best!

My dear thank you o.
The letter of indebtedness is the first thing she saw o cos i stapled it with the itemized bill bt she dint even tlk about it at all.

You mean I shd use a diff hosp and doctor so dt my bill can come a bit higher? Do u think this is a concern cos this VO didnt even ask question about my intended trip.

And even if I reapply and change my hospital/doctor, wont this raise query again? however, the 2300 i paid for my hospital has increased to 2750 now whc is in my budget sheet for the intended trip. I am just tired.

mamaron:
So sorry about your experience Omodadi2.

As advised please just take time from work...reapply.....the distance is a hassle for you, pele....just try again.

I'm thinking of 3 things for you to review...I'm not sure if they are significant.

Was this hospital/location the same one you provided as burden of proof at your initial interview 2 years ago? And was the estimated bill different/hiigher from your actual/final bill?

Also like dere5 said, some VOs are suspicious of discounts and the possibility that some hospitals may be passing off the discounts to the government. If 900k is your monthly take home salary.....that's US$2,500...maybe check for a costlier option to use and take the correspondence from them to your next interview and then actually use this more expensive hospital for your next birthing trip....sorry if the advise is unreasonable..but since you mentioned your salary....i was just doing some maths...and the VO kept referring to the US $2,300.

Another alternative if you must stick with the same hospital is that you could ask them for a letter of non indebtedness and confirmation that the state of Texas did not foot for any part of your previous bill like Ll had....check his post from Dec 6.

International medical insurance is another option.....for those with deep...deep...deep pockets...hhhmm.

All the best!

My dear thank you o.
The letter of indebtedness is the first thing she saw o cos i stapled it with the itemized bill bt she dint even tlk about it at all.

You mean I shd use a diff hosp and doctor so dt my bill can come a bit higher? Do u think this is a concern cos this VO didnt even ask question about my intended trip.

And even if I reapply and change my hospital/doctor, wont this raise query again? however, the 2300 i paid for my hospital has increased to 2750 now whc is in my budget sheet for the intended trip. I am just tired.

Omodadi2:
My dear thank you o.
The letter of indebtedness is the first thing she saw o cos i stapled it with the itemized bill bt she dint even tlk about it at all.

You mean I shd use a diff hosp and doctor so dt my bill can come a bit higher? Do u think this is a concern cos this VO didnt even ask question about my intended trip.

And even if I reapply and change my hospital/doctor, wont this raise query again? however, the 2300 i paid for my hospital has increased to 2750 now whc is in my budget sheet for the intended trip. I am just tired.

Na wa o, sorry for the refusal dear..... its not really easy on those not resident in lag or abuja... it's really stressful with pregnancy.... reason I will always do dropbox n hope am not called....

As for your case now, try n apply again and go with same documents to avoid raising suspicion.... explain that you don't understand why you were denied before.... you were honest, bills were cleared n all.... earnestly i cant understand why you were denied except favour..... so next time pray more b4 going so that you will be favored bc thats just all i can see, like you met an angry vo or sth...

The fact that you earn a good sum doesn't mean you should go n finish it in America nau, haba... some people earn less but have businesses that brings in 3 times there salaries... should they leave an affordable hospital for an expensive one,hell no!...... i don't get that..... Every body wants the best but at a low cost n if it's legit n available, why will I leave that for sth higher....

Just try n apply again n pray.... i will put you in my prayers too... bc this one is like village people handwork....lol
Wishing you all the best in your next interview....

Omodadi2:
Good afternoon ppl.
I havve come to really rant here this afternoon as I personally feel that some cases of visa denial including mine are extreme wickedness. What exactly is the criteria to qualify for a US visa or renewal?

I got a B1/B2 visa purposely for birth which I used last year, paid my bills and came back. Went with my mum and my husband came to join us, he was there for 6weeks while we spent 11weeks.

Planned a vacation for December, discovered I was pregnant so cancelled vacation to accomodate childbirth for next year and we opted for dropbox due to our location but his visa was renewed while I was invited for follow up. And interview went thus today- Abuja

VO: Your passport please
Gave her passport
VO: where are you going to
Houston Texas
Are you going with your child
Yes
Does she have a visa already
She was born in the US and eligible to travel with her US visa, I gave birth to her in Houston last year.
VO: Can I have your medical receipts
Gave her all receipts and zero balance statements.
VO: Can u explain why you paid 2300usd for your medical services?
2300 ws the hospitals price for selfpay patient who are not eligible for insurrance and have to pay 1month ahead EDD.
VO: Read through the itemized bill and asked sme question again dding the fact that the main cost is around 23000usd.
I explained myself again. And added thefct that i made other payments for tests, doctor, baby, epodural etc to make a tota bill of about 7,000usd, all receipts in her hands, but she dint check at all.
VO:started typingandasked me where i work and how much I earn monthly
I work with a ....and earn 900,000 naira ( i am intentionally adding this here so u all can see more to my rant) monthly after all deductions.
VO: So you want to use 2300 to pay for health care when you earn 900,000 naira monthly? ( I was confused here cos we were only talking about what I have paid bt had to answer her)
Well, no amount of money is too much for good health if one can afford it and moreso we would also be giving that child the dual citizenship opportunity.
Vo continues to type, i had to say that I am also going again for childbirth thinking that she was granting me visa. She said she knows, we would discuss that. After few seconds, then she looked up and said you arnt eligible this time and gave me the white paper.

I would like our LagosNiv and others to comment on this case. I personally feel Iam eligilbe but wnt to know what exactly went wrong.

Applying again? may have to do this but its really a hard thing for me and my reason for ranting and infact confused. I reside in far north where to get flight to Abuja when you have ur money sef is wahala, i need to take at least 3days leave from office again to attend interview, lodge in a hotel, etc.

I just want to know if we have to opt for the insurance residents payment to be able to renew our visas.

Sorry Omodadi2. Just like mamaron said. If you used the same doctor presented during your previous interview, take the correspondence/contract along with you in your next interview. You should also tabulate the budget and the actual expenditure on a sheet referencing the receipt number for each expenditure item.

You may also consider requesting the hospital/doctor you used then to send a letter of non-indebtedness AND non-recourse to public funds addressed to the embassy in Abuja. You may ask them to send such letter directly to the embassy through email copying you. Don’t worry, it will be alright.

Oh dear omodadi2

So sorry about your refusal.

Abuja folks are NOT smiling o. Please has anyone here successfully gotten visa for childbirth in Abuja in recent times?

My visa was approved in Abuja last month but I'm almost certain I may have been denied if I was pregnant because the VO all but explicitly told me I can't use this visa for birthing.

Please reapply but try Lagos this time

Fyorgyn:
Oh dear omodadi2

So sorry about ur refusal

Please reapply but try Lagos this time

...chai, i feel ur pain dear, i v been looking forward to reading ur positive transcript. How do we know hospitals that are involved in such..lagos niv pls weigh in. I have read here people who used same oakbend and was granted visas

Apologies for your denial. It can be very painful knowing u posses and qualify for the visa in all ramification.

But what I feel the VO misunderstood is that the $2300 was for the entire medical expenses (doctor, tests and scan, hospital) which in my little experience here, is low for the entire expense. That was what raised his curiosity and maybe coupled with a bad day for him.

Omodadi2:
Good afternoon ppl.
I havve come to really rant here this afternoon as I personally feel that some cases of visa denial including mine are extreme wickedness. What exactly is the criteria to qualify for a US visa or renewal?

I got a B1/B2 visa purposely for birth which I used last year, paid my bills and came back. Went with my mum and my husband came to join us, he was there for 6weeks while we spent 11weeks.

Planned a vacation for December, discovered I was pregnant so cancelled vacation to accomodate childbirth for next year and we opted for dropbox due to our location but his visa was renewed while I was invited for follow up. And interview went thus today- Abuja

VO: Your passport please
Gave her passport
VO: where are you going to
Houston Texas
Are you going with your child
Yes
Does she have a visa already
She was born in the US and eligible to travel with her US visa, I gave birth to her in Houston last year.
VO: Can I have your medical receipts
Gave her all receipts and zero balance statements.
VO: Can u explain why you paid 2300usd for your medical services?
2300 ws the hospitals price for selfpay patient who are not eligible for insurrance and have to pay 1month ahead EDD.
VO: Read through the itemized bill and asked sme question again dding the fact that the main cost is around 23000usd.
I explained myself again. And added thefct that i made other payments for tests, doctor, baby, epodural etc to make a tota bill of about 7,000usd, all receipts in her hands, but she dint check at all.
VO:started typingandasked me where i work and how much I earn monthly
I work with a ....and earn 900,000 naira ( i am intentionally adding this here so u all can see more to my rant) monthly after all deductions.
VO: So you want to use 2300 to pay for health care when you earn 900,000 naira monthly? ( I was confused here cos we were only talking about what I have paid bt had to answer her)
Well, no amount of money is too much for good health if one can afford it and moreso we would also be giving that child the dual citizenship opportunity.
Vo continues to type, i had to say that I am also going again for childbirth thinking that she was granting me visa. She said she knows, we would discuss that. After few seconds, then she looked up and said you arnt eligible this time and gave me the white paper.

I would like our LagosNiv and others to comment on this case. I personally feel Iam eligilbe but wnt to know what exactly went wrong.

Applying again? may have to do this but its really a hard thing for me and my reason for ranting and infact confused. I reside in far north where to get flight to Abuja when you have ur money sef is wahala, i need to take at least 3days leave from office again to attend interview, lodge in a hotel, etc.

I just want to know if we have to opt for the insurance residents payment to be able to renew our visas.

Can you please help me with the email address of Dr F? Thank you

ALADE4J2:
Hi Omodadi2, pls can you help me with the the email address of Dr F or E of Oakbend Medical Center and the quotes you received from them? Thank you very much.

Hello house,

Please I need the email address to send my change of intent email to? Please help!

Thanks

ALADE4J2:
Sorry Omodadi2. Just like mamaron said. If you used the same doctor presented during your previous interview, take the correspondence/contract along with you in your next interview. You should also tabulate the budget and the actual expenditure on a sheet referencing the receipt number for each expenditure item.

You may also consider requesting the hospital/doctor you used then to send a letter of non-indebtedness AND non-recourse to public funds addressed to the embassy in Abuja. You may ask them to send such letter directly to the embassy through email copying you. Don’t worry, it will be alright.

I have all these budget thing o, i know how difficult it is to travel and all, so i am dt person who goes out of her way to dot her Ts. Out of all u stated, only sendibg of letter direcry to the embassey is what i didnt do.
You see she didnt ask me how much i spent, she only asked of my receipts whc i handed over all to her nd she didnt even open them at all