₦airaland Forum

MaziIcar:
Hello everyone,
Please I'm new here, though i have followed this thread for some time now. My wife is pregnant and its our first child. I have done quite a bit of research about having a baby in the US, of which this thread has been of some help. I do have a number of relatives in the States but my preferred city of choice is Raleigh, NC. However, i seem to be having some problem finding hospitals within that area. I have only seen three hospitals and they all seem to be very big and expensive hospitals; Duke university Hospital, Wakemed and UNC Rex. Please before i give up i don't know if anyone has any information that might help me with regards to finding a cheaper hospital or even getting a cheaper service at the aforementioned hospitals. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

North Carolina is not a cheap state for birth tourism. A friend had her baby in Raleigh to be precise because that was where she had family and she ended up geting a bill of about $18,000 which she's still paying on payment plan. So i will advice you to look at some other states.

Chibabe4Christ:
THANKS SO MUCH ONCE AGAIN. PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THESE VITAL INFO
Am actually going for medical with my husband for gynea case but am having problem with the link provided in this great forum to have access to list of medical doctors and state to visit.1)PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THE LINK? so that I can contact the DOC and get neccessary info and documents from him before applying
I have a good job and properties which can serve as a strong tie.
2) I will also need a link for the form to apply for.
3) Hope it will also be a plus and wise if a get a referral letter from a gynea in naija.

PLEASE ADVICE

By gynea case I'm assuming you meant some other gynea case apart from giving birth. Go to www.healthgrades.com you'll find doctor's and hospitals that are available to you in the US,you can then limit your search to a particular state.
Yes, i think it will be a plus to get a referral from your nigerian doctor

Please how did you freeze the palmoil and got it to final destination @debbh516

debby516:
I arrived Houston on 28th December with my 2 children and mum via emirates. The queue was not too long because the CBP officers had more booths, unlike my experience in 2016. So we were directed to a booth with few people. B4 my turn, my baby fell and started crying, thereby causing unnecessary attraction. The older one too was pulling me that she wanted to use the toilet, but we culdnt go bac, just begged her to manage till we pass the CBP officer.

CBP officer was a black mid-age american, looks like Denzel Washington.

hands over 4 passports to him
CBP: How many of you?
Me: 4 of us, myself, 2 children and mum
CBP: What re u here for?
Me: To have my baby.
CBP: (was abit tense now and not smiling, not like he was even smiling b4) what do u mean by u re here to ve a baby?
Me: (now i knew i don enter ma) I applied for a medical visa and informed them at the embassy of my intention to have my baby here.
CBP: I didnot ask you what you told them at the embassy, i said why do you want to ve ur baby here?
Me: I had some medical issues with my 1st child and i didnt want a re-occurrence
CBP: What medical issue?
Me: Placenta previa (Note that i was not prepare for this, so was just saying wat readily came to mind)
CBP: what do u mean by that?
Me: Placenta lying low blabla (honestlym cant even remember if my explanation made sense)
CBP: And it cant be taking care of in ur country?
Me: I had option of coming to America for better medical care and i didnt want to take chances
CBP: Options? really?
Me: Yes
CBP: How much do u ve with u?
Me: 3000USD and about 6000USD in my bank account ( i think he wasnt really listening here, he faced his computer. Also, at some point he was trying to call someone, maybe they didnt pick his call. During the course of d interrogation also, he stood up facing me squarely.)
CBP: Scan ur 4 fingers, same for my mum.
He then said we should step aside.

He was on his computer for about 5 mins and he didnot attend to someone else. Later an officer came to chat him up and he left.

He then called me alone and resumed interrogation.
CBP: Do you have any evidence of your last payment?
Me: brought it out and gave to him.
CBP: How come the letter is dated Janaury and u delivered in November?
Me: I paid immediately after birth but i guess the internal workings of the hosp delayed the bills.
CBP: You only paid $2500 (he was reading the 1st page alone, dat letter issued by oakbend to the embassy- zero balance)
Me: No, i paid much more, thats just wat i paid to the hosp. You can flip thru to see the other payments made to other service providers.
CBP: How much:
Me: About $7000
CBP: (flipped thru and saw the lengthy account statement from oakbend dat shows several deductions and brings everything back to $2500) How come this sums were deducted and u paid $2500?
Me: I had a contract with the hosp, for cash paying patient. I was to pay $2500 for all.
CBP: (Went thru baby's American passport) How come i got baby's passport soo soon?
Me: It was based on the time i got the birth certificate at the county office.
CBP: I need to call my supervisor (he started typing again)

after 2 mins or so, he started stamping the passports.
CBP: Who stays in this address? (referring to the address on my landing card)
Me: An apartment i am leasing for our stay here.
CBP: Do u have an apartment number?
Me: Told him and he wrote it on the landing card.
CBP: Hands over our passports and said we can go but will keep the evidence of payments
Me: Okay

Thats how we carried ourselves quickly and left him o.

Note: I was actually not prepared for this kind of POE interrogations, I worked till friday 22nd, slipped at home and fell in the early hours of 24th, was on admission in d hosp till 25th evening. barely packed my bags on 26th b4 we set out on 27th. The stress of excess luggage, packing and repackaging our load in d airport to avoid excess luggage payment was also another factor, i had to turn some to hand luggae quickly and bought small size ghana must go bag. My baby wanted to be doing waka abt in d plane, really stressed my mum on d lagos to dubai leg, she didnt sleep for one second.

Then the waka about inside Dubai airport cos we had a 10hrs layover, we had collect our hotel vouchers from lagos. we arrived d hotel at abt 1.30am and barely slept for 3 hrs b4 we rushed down again to take our breakfast and was already in the shuttle bus by 6.40am back to d airport for a 9am flight.

Then again, the long flight from Dubai to Houston, plane was as full as lag to Dubai. Though, we had a bassinet seat, so my baby who is over 1 year was able to sleep on and off in d bassinet, though, the hostess initially said she was too hold for d bassinet. We sha used it all thru.

At the baggage claim, i had to get assistance, cos we had 7 checked in bags and 3 hand luggages, paid $20 for them to push it out. Agric called us on our way out and passed our luggage thru the scanner. The officer there asked me if we had, ponmo, egusi, indomie lol. I just smiled, cos i was tired and i had much more than he was mentioning. The only thing taken out was my maggi naija pot seasoming cubes. All others sailed thru, dry fish, garri, beans, poundo, semo, groundnut, knorr beef, peak milk, milo, egusi, crayfish, yam flour (elubo), frozen locust beans, frozen palmoil, frozen pap.

In all, travelling alone is much more comfortable than this my trip with my battalion (lol), didnt regret it sha, they are worth it.

Apologies for the long story. I am available to answer questions if i omitted any info.

P.S. Houston is freezing.

Hello my dear people, happy new year.

This new year will bring us uncommon testimonies.
I had my princess on the 12th of Dec. 2017. I was so misinformed that I delayed the process in getting her international passport. I got her social security a week after birth. I went to the Dallas passport Agency downtown to get my LO's passport first on the 30th of Dec., I was asked to schedule an appointment which I wasn't aware of the I got earliest appointment date for 2 Jan., 2018.

I got there in time for the appointment and gave all the documents needed only to be told that the notary our DH sends to us is no longer valid as DH has to go to the US embassy in Nigeria to get the notary or be present at the US passport agency.

Apparently, this is a new rule that started yesterday 1 JAN., 2018. DH needs appointment date to get this notary and this is another delay for me as I need to get back to Nigeria soonest. Please, is this the same in your state. The social security is not needed when obtaining the international passport. Let's share this and talk about it.


I wish all our expectant mothers safe delivery in Jesus name.

PS: DALLAS IS FREEZING @ -2/-5.

ogekad:
Hello my dear people, happy new year.

This new year will bring us uncommon testimonies.
I had my princess on the 12th of Dec. 2017. I was so misinformed that I delayed the process in getting her international passport. I got her social security a week after birth. I went to the Dallas passport Agency downtown to get my LO's passport first on the 30th of Dec., I was asked to schedule an appointment which I wasn't aware of the I got earliest appointment date for 2 Jan., 2018.

I got there in time for the appointment and gave all the documents needed only to be told that the notary our DH sends to us is no longer valid as DH has to go to the US embassy in Nigeria to get the notary or be present at the US passport agency.

Apparently, this is a new rule that started yesterday 1 JAN., 2018. DH needs appointment date to get this notary and this is another delay for me as I need to get back to Nigeria soonest. Please, is this the same in your state. The social security is not needed when obtaining the international passport. Let's share this and talk about it.


I wish all our expectant mothers safe delivery in Jesus name.

PS: DALLAS IS FREEZING @ -2/-5.

Sent you you a pm.

ogemele:
Sent you you a pm.

Hi Ogemele,

PM was empty. try again or send a mail to ladyoge@yahoo.com

ogekad:
Hi Ogemele,

PM was empty. try again or send a mail to ladyoge@yahoo.com

Okies.

Part 6....chei. I'm a late comer o.

Justwise ... Inlaw inlaw

ogekad:
Hello my dear people, happy new year.

This new year will bring us uncommon testimonies.
I had my princess on the 12th of Dec. 2017. I was so misinformed that I delayed the process in getting her international passport. I got her social security a week after birth. I went to the Dallas passport Agency downtown to get my LO's passport first on the 30th of Dec., I was asked to schedule an appointment which I wasn't aware of the I got earliest appointment date for 2 Jan., 2018.

I got there in time for the appointment and gave all the documents needed only to be told that the notary our DH sends to us is no longer valid as DH has to go to the US embassy in Nigeria to get the notary or be present at the US passport agency.

Apparently, this is a new rule that started yesterday 1 JAN., 2018. DH needs appointment date to get this notary and this is another delay for me as I need to get back to Nigeria soonest. Please, is this the same in your state. The social security is not needed when obtaining the international passport. Let's share this and talk about it.


I wish all our expectant mothers safe delivery in Jesus name.

PS: DALLAS IS FREEZING @ -2/-5.

Congratulations on the arrival of your princess which by the way is my mother's birthday mate.
Please I will want you to keep the house updated on how you sorted the notary issue out because i dont see my DH having the time to go to Abuja or Lagos embassy from PH for notary.

God bless you.

Also anyone with info on flight promo please share

My POE transcript

Collected my passport from DHL 3 working days after interview....was nervous about this, as @Fyorgyn's took longer.....previous visa cancelled without prejudice and new one issued.

Travelled at 32 weeks plus with, Virgin Atlantic via London. Transit, just 3 hours....POE: New York City, JFK.

Was directed to the automated machines. Scanned my visa as directed....guess machine read that it was a B1/B2 visa...machine asked if this visit was B1 business or B2 tourist/medical..... I chose B2....ticked yes that I have food. Used machine to scan finger print and to take a photo.....print out from machine had a circle....joined the queue. Had my interview folder in my hand luggage...ready for any questions.

CBP (very cheerful young lady): hello
Me: hello...handed over my passport
CBP: looked at print out...stamped my passport.....asked if I had any food.
Me: yes and gave her a list that was already written out of the food items I had.
CBP: are any of these fresh?
Me: no
CBP: thanks....hands me back my passport
Me: thanks very much....(with small smile...so tired.....was stamped in for 6 months).

Picked up luggage...a good samaritan helped me get them off the conveyor belt and placed them on the trolley... luggage was not checked....wheeled my load to the ladies; (sorry too much info) used it and walked out of the bagage area to meet my sibling.

Food wise I declared garri, elubo (yam flour), semo, poundo yam, ground egusi (melon seeds), dried fish, ground pepper... Nothing was seized or checked or scanned...at least to my knowledge.

It was after i left her that it occurred to me that she didn't ask what I was in the U.S. for whether holiday or for baby; I choose to assume my efiko interview details are in their system already.

Hospital has matched me with an OBGYN...i choose 2 doctors based on their profiles on the hospital websites and healthgrades reviews....and asked them to book whoever is available... first appointment is in a few days...hospital communication was by email...a few other hospitals said I needed to call or fax....difficult to document information from a phone call...and who still uses fax in this day and age...

Birth and passport story to follow, DV. Patiently waiting for LO to arrive and missing home already......its freezing!!!!.....

Thankful is my middle name!

Please I want to book Virgin airline to US but the layover is 17 hours for my missionary journey. Please would I be permitted to stay at the airport during the period of the 17 hours layover at London Heathrow to wait for my connecting flight to US

ozymes:
Thank you. Please which e-mail address or is it physical submission?

Its by email oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng

Good for you. Have a good time over there n bundle up....... U n ur LOs.

debby516:
I arrived Houston on 28th December with my 2 children and mum via emirates. The queue was not too long because the CBP officers had more booths, unlike my experience in 2016. So we were directed to a booth with few people. B4 my turn, my baby fell and started crying, thereby causing unnecessary attraction. The older one too was pulling me that she wanted to use the toilet, but we culdnt go bac, just begged her to manage till we pass the CBP officer.

CBP officer was a black mid-age american, looks like Denzel Washington.

hands over 4 passports to him
CBP: How many of you?
Me: 4 of us, myself, 2 children and mum
CBP: What re u here for?
Me: To have my baby.
CBP: (was abit tense now and not smiling, not like he was even smiling b4) what do u mean by u re here to ve a baby?
Me: (now i knew i don enter ma) I applied for a medical visa and informed them at the embassy of my intention to have my baby here.
CBP: I didnot ask you what you told them at the embassy, i said why do you want to ve ur baby here?
Me: I had some medical issues with my 1st child and i didnt want a re-occurrence
CBP: What medical issue?
Me: Placenta previa (Note that i was not prepare for this, so was just saying wat readily came to mind)
CBP: what do u mean by that?
Me: Placenta lying low blabla (honestlym cant even remember if my explanation made sense)
CBP: And it cant be taking care of in ur country?
Me: I had option of coming to America for better medical care and i didnt want to take chances
CBP: Options? really?
Me: Yes
CBP: How much do u ve with u?
Me: 3000USD and about 6000USD in my bank account ( i think he wasnt really listening here, he faced his computer. Also, at some point he was trying to call someone, maybe they didnt pick his call. During the course of d interrogation also, he stood up facing me squarely.)
CBP: Scan ur 4 fingers, same for my mum.
He then said we should step aside.

He was on his computer for about 5 mins and he didnot attend to someone else. Later an officer came to chat him up and he left.

He then called me alone and resumed interrogation.
CBP: Do you have any evidence of your last payment?
Me: brought it out and gave to him.
CBP: How come the letter is dated Janaury and u delivered in November?
Me: I paid immediately after birth but i guess the internal workings of the hosp delayed the bills.
CBP: You only paid $2500 (he was reading the 1st page alone, dat letter issued by oakbend to the embassy- zero balance)
Me: No, i paid much more, thats just wat i paid to the hosp. You can flip thru to see the other payments made to other service providers.
CBP: How much:
Me: About $7000
CBP: (flipped thru and saw the lengthy account statement from oakbend dat shows several deductions and brings everything back to $2500) How come this sums were deducted and u paid $2500?
Me: I had a contract with the hosp, for cash paying patient. I was to pay $2500 for all.
CBP: (Went thru baby's American passport) How come i got baby's passport soo soon?
Me: It was based on the time i got the birth certificate at the county office.
CBP: I need to call my supervisor (he started typing again)

after 2 mins or so, he started stamping the passports.
CBP: Who stays in this address? (referring to the address on my landing card)
Me: An apartment i am leasing for our stay here.
CBP: Do u have an apartment number?
Me: Told him and he wrote it on the landing card.
CBP: Hands over our passports and said we can go but will keep the evidence of payments
Me: Okay

Thats how we carried ourselves quickly and left him o.

Note: I was actually not prepared for this kind of POE interrogations, I worked till friday 22nd, slipped at home and fell in the early hours of 24th, was on admission in d hosp till 25th evening. barely packed my bags on 26th b4 we set out on 27th. The stress of excess luggage, packing and repackaging our load in d airport to avoid excess luggage payment was also another factor, i had to turn some to hand luggae quickly and bought small size ghana must go bag. My baby wanted to be doing waka abt in d plane, really stressed my mum on d lagos to dubai leg, she didnt sleep for one second.

Then the waka about inside Dubai airport cos we had a 10hrs layover, we had collect our hotel vouchers from lagos. we arrived d hotel at abt 1.30am and barely slept for 3 hrs b4 we rushed down again to take our breakfast and was already in the shuttle bus by 6.40am back to d airport for a 9am flight.

Then again, the long flight from Dubai to Houston, plane was as full as lag to Dubai. Though, we had a bassinet seat, so my baby who is over 1 year was able to sleep on and off in d bassinet, though, the hostess initially said she was too hold for d bassinet. We sha used it all thru.

At the baggage claim, i had to get assistance, cos we had 7 checked in bags and 3 hand luggages, paid $20 for them to push it out. Agric called us on our way out and passed our luggage thru the scanner. The officer there asked me if we had, ponmo, egusi, indomie lol. I just smiled, cos i was tired and i had much more than he was mentioning. The only thing taken out was my maggi naija pot seasoming cubes. All others sailed thru, dry fish, garri, beans, poundo, semo, groundnut, knorr beef, peak milk, milo, egusi, crayfish, yam flour (elubo), frozen locust beans, frozen palmoil, frozen pap.

In all, travelling alone is much more comfortable than this my trip with my battalion (lol), didnt regret it sha, they are worth it.

Apologies for the long story. I am available to answer questions if i omitted any info.

P.S. Houston is freezing.

Happy New Year my people... May it b a great one for us. Pls Kafcakes I sent u a PM. Kindly reply. Thanks.

kafcakes:
Hi dear, I changed my mind because im landing in JFK,and travelling to Houston will be a lot of work, since I didn't book directly to Houston, I also got an affordable package in new jersey, but I'm now looking for a decent accommodation not too far from the hospital

Except it is unlikely that the VO is asking if the baby is alive in her tummy. You may agree that is even a sick question to ask someone who told you she is pregnant.

I think the VO wanted to know if the pregnancy is high risk.

It would be nice to ask the VO to clarify the question so now we can only speculate

anonymousmum:
Viable in lay man terms means that the baby is alive in your belly.

Saying that the baby is not viable means that the baby is otherwise...you get me?

This may be the reason for your denial.

From the questions you are asking, you need to do a lot more research on general visa application processes, not just for birthing visa.

obaalasepe:
Happy New year in advance to everyone.
Please I need your advice. I applied alone this year in August for B2 visa but was refused. I stated that I was 6weeks pregnant and will be staying for 4month.I was ask if my prenancy was viable and I said No. I am trying to remember some of the questions
Right now I am no longer pregnant but will like to apply next year.My questions are

Congrats Mamaron.
There is a confidence that comes from knowing you have done the right thing and yours is one hell of a memorable story.

God's speed

mamaron:
Collected my passport from DHL 3 working days after interview....was nervous about this, as @Fyorgyn's took longer.....previous visa cancelled without prejudice and new one issued.

Travelled at 32 weeks plus with, Virgin Atlantic via London. Transit, just 3 hours....POE: New York City, JFK.


Birth and passport story to follow, DV. Patiently waiting for LO to arrive and missing home already......its freezing!!!!.....

Thankful is my middle name!

Please my people I need your clarification on the use of dropbox for my VISA renewal.
I got my VISA in February 2015 as a Tourist/Business and I travel with my family in December 2015. I thereafter got pregnant during 2016 and I apply the VISA to give birth in that same year.
I am in the process renewing my VISA via dropbox and I am confused whether I should include receipt invoices and other documents obtained during the birth process. What do I need to accompany my application via dropbox for VISA renewal.
I urgently need urgent assistance on the issues narrated above.

Biodun1234:
Please I want to book Virgin airline to US but the layover is 17 hours for my missionary journey. Please would I be permitted to stay at the airport during the period of the 17 hours layover at London Heathrow to wait for my connecting flight to US

Hi Biodun1234..sure you can stay at Heathrow to wait for your connecting flight
..its free but a bit uncomfortable to sit in the general departure area. You may be able to stay in one of the paid lounges....just ask at the information desk at the terminal...but I think most close at 10.30pm

What's your POE in the U.S.....your transit doesn't have to be that long if it's to JFK. Mine was just 3 hours to JFK.

LI:
Congrats Mamaron.
There is a confidence that comes from knowing you have done the right thing and yours is one hell of a memorable story.

God's speed

Thanks LI! Bless you.

Thanks mamaron for your reply. My Poe is lax.

Biodun1234:
Thanks mamaron for your reply. My Poe is lax.

Ok. LAX departure is the following morning.

If you have a UK visa maybe just go to one of the airport hotels...if not, try the paid lounges...only downside is I suspect they are closed between 10.30pm and 4.30am or so....but general area is open 24/7.

All the best.

Biodun1234:
Please I want to book Virgin airline to US but the layover is 17 hours for my missionary journey. Please would I be permitted to stay at the airport during the period of the 17 hours layover at London Heathrow to wait for my connecting flight to US

I also have a 22 hrs layover using virgin too to lax, ladeonas said she paid 50gbp for no1 lounge hotel at the airport so I plan to do so as well.

julzz:
I also have a 22 hrs layover using virgin too to lax, ladeonas said she paid 50gbp for no1 lounge hotel at the airport so I plan to do so as well.

A new development: Irrespective of whether you have a UK visa or not, yourself and Biodun1234 if you decide to can actually go into the UK for a period less than 48hrs because your layover is more than 12hrs and you have an onward ticket to show alongside either your US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia visa. Just explain yourself appropriately and use the opportunity to see the UK.... Entry isn't 100% guaranteed though, but hardly will you be turned down.

Thanks mamaron for your further reply. I actually want to use Virgin because it's the cheapest am seeing and I want to be sure I can stay at the general area throughout the 17 hours layover. I do not plan to stay at hotel or lounge during the layover because of limited funds. Thanks

I kept the bottles of palmoil in the freezer for some days b4 my trip and on the departure day, i put the bottles in a cooler bag b4 putting in my luggage.

Akins345:
Please how did you freeze the palmoil and got it to final destination @debbh516

Biodun1234:
Thanks mamaron for your further reply. I actually want to use Virgin because it's the cheapest am seeing and I want to be sure I can stay at the general area throughout the 17 hours layover. I do not plan to stay at hotel or lounge during the layover because of limited funds. Thanks

Sis. I understand. I believe you can stay in the general area. They are open 24/7.

OmoBendel24:
A new development: Irrespective of whether you have a UK visa or not, yourself and Biodun1234 if you decide to can actually go into the UK for a period less than 48hrs because your layover is more than 12hrs and you have an onward ticket to show alongside either your US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia visa. Just explain yourself appropriately and use the opportunity to see the UK.... Entry isn't 100% guaranteed though, but hardly will you be turned down.

I actually read that somewhere but someone told me to forget about it that U.K. Immigration is strict that they won't let me in anyways I'll keep that option open, thanks.

Thanks so much @ Babatwi. Am really satisfied with your answers. I will go through and feed back.

Babatwi:
By gynea case I'm assuming you meant some other gynea case apart from giving birth. Go to www.healthgrades.com you'll find doctor's and hospitals that are available to you in the US,you can then limit your search to a particular state.
Yes, i think it will be a plus to get a referral from your nigerian doctor

Keep living under the Grace of God. Gracias.

urblackpearl:
Its by email oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng

Big thanks to Vlesparza. I appreciate your answer

Vlesparza:
www.doctoresparati.com The ad is on this forum, you can follow the link.

Hello all,

Been a while, congratulations to all the new moms. I'm preparing for no. 2 and its going to be Texas this time.
Please has anyone used Hendrick Medical Center Abilene Texas, the price quotes sent are very reasonable,

Just need some 1st hand information, Thanks

AMOUNT DUE PRIOR TO DELIVERY

Vaginal Delivery Vaginal Delivery C-Section
1 & 2 Night Stay 3 Night Stay up to 3 Night Stay
$1,900 $2,400 $3,200

TUBAL LIGATION with VAGINAL DELIVERY or C-SECTION

Price for Tubal Ligation with Delivery: $350
Circumcision: $350
Epidural: $350 (Medication Only)

julzz:
I actually read that somewhere but someone told me to forget about it that U.K. Immigration is strict that they won't let me in anyways I'll keep that option open, thanks.

Hi,

I travelled with virgin to LAX in 2016... Layover was 22 hours also.

I asked the UK Border officer that stamped me in (I had a valid UK visa) if he would have let me in without a valid visa and he said that if you have a valid ticket to the US,Canada or Australia you can enter the UK at the discretion of the Border Officer.

He added that more often than not you'd be allowed entry.