Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,143,470 members, 7,781,367 topics. Date: Friday, 29 March 2024 at 01:15 PM

U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 - Travel - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Travel / U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 (38531 Views)

Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 / Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant / Living In Australia/life As An Australian Immigrant (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (Go Down)

U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 2:17pm On Jul 18, 2018
Hello, Nairaland! This thread is a continuation of “U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening”.

We are U.S. Foreign Service Officers working in Nigeria. We'll be happy to answer as many of your Non-Immigrant Visa questions as possible. Please note that we do not comment on specific cases, we do not offer advice, and we will not answer abusive or insulting posts.

While we will attempt to explain U.S. immigration policies and provide overall visa application guidance, any opinions expressed are the personal views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.

Before asking a question, please take the initiative to search both the original thread and earlier posts within this thread (Pt. 2) for answers that U.S. Foreign Service Officers have provided, already. In addition, we encourage you to seek guidance via the following U.S. government sites, which contain accurate information on the visa application process:
1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
2. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/index.html?firstTime=No
3. https://educationusa.state.gov/
4. Refer to this site for additional United States Government Websites: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-gen-helpfullinks.asp

We are happy to clarify misconceptions to ensure that you are prepared for your interview. Still, remember that we neither comment on individual cases nor do we comment on your probability of getting a visa.

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by lillaowow(m): 2:32pm On Jul 18, 2018
Hey LagosNIV
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by halfcurrent(m): 2:51pm On Jul 18, 2018
Great initiative. Thanks.


LagosNIV:
Hello, Nairaland! This thread is a continuation of “U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening”.

We are U.S. Foreign Service Officers working in Nigeria. We'll be happy to answer as many of your Non-Immigrant Visa questions as possible. Please note that we do not comment on specific cases, we do not offer advice, and we will not answer abusive or insulting posts.

While we will attempt to explain U.S. immigration policies and provide overall visa application guidance, any opinions expressed are the personal views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.

Before asking a question, please take the initiative to search both the original thread and earlier posts within this thread (Pt. 2) for answers that U.S. Foreign Service Officers have provided, already. In addition, we encourage you to seek guidance via the following U.S. government sites, which contain accurate information on the visa application process:
1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
2. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/index.html?firstTime=No
3. https://educationusa.state.gov/

We are happy to clarify misconceptions to ensure that you are prepared for your interview. Still, remember that we neither comment on individual cases nor do we comment on your probability of getting a visa.

1 Like

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 3:34pm On Jul 18, 2018
Below are responses from questions in the first U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We're Listening thread.

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by adedoja99: 3:23pm On May 26

Hi LagosNiv,
I gained admission into Morehouse college, and I've done everything necessary and also scheduled an appointment with the Lagos embassy. The only thing is my school used FedEx to mail my i-20 since 2 weeks ago and I've not received it. But I have a signed PDF copy the DSO, sent to my email. Can I print that out in case FedEx doesn't deliver in time?

ANSWER: You may submit the PDF copy of your I-20 during your visa interview; however, you MUST present the original copy at point of entry to the United States. Be sure that your printer has sufficient ink to print all text clearly so the officer can easily read the content of your I-20. While presentation of a valid Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 entitles one to apply for a visa, MAKE SURE that your SEVIS has been PAID because an unpaid or inactive/deactivated SEVIS record disqualifies one from applying for a student visa. Refer to these sites for full guidance on student visa requirements: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-typefandm.asp , and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html#documentation

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by Violetdaisy: 1:25am On May 31

Dear Lagos/Abuja NIV
I tried renewing my visa via Dropbox but received the 221G letter inviting me for an interview.The earliest available date is July 16 and I intend traveling in June as I have scheduled surgery.Pls how do I request for an emergency appointment
P.S I could not find any helpful options on my cgifederal page
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by sutton09: 7:53am On Jun 29 , Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by Violetdaisy: 1:25am On May 31
Emergency Appointment: who is eligible? how to apply? what should bring? who should consult if denied an appointment?

Profile Challenge: how to schedule an appointment when originally used someone else's profile (i.e.spouse)?

ANSWER: Any visa applicant with an urgent, credible need to travel to the United States can apply for an expedited appointment. First, register and make an appointment via this link: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-appointmentschedule.asp , then request an expedited appointment via this link: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-expeditedappointment.asp

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by itszomb1: 4:22pm On Jun 20

Hello,

I got an exchange traineeship in the USA. And I will be applying for J1. I'm a first time applicant and would like to know more about:

- The documents I will be taking along for the interview process;
- Do I need to present an account statement? If yes, will an account statement from a sponsor and mine be accepted together?
- I graduated from my BSc program in 2015, how can I prove my ties to Nigeria. I am not married neither do I have a business/company I own. But I am very passionate about my society and the opportunity the organization (I will be working with) offers to Africa.

Thank you in anticipation.

ANSWER: For detailed information about the application process for the J visa, please refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html and http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-typej.asp

Re: U.S. Student Visa (F1, M1, & J1) Forum - We're Listening by ecoleco: 11:31pm On Apr 10
Good day to you and thanks for the help you provide on this thread.

My family's F2 Visa was approved on March 27th, 2018 at the US Embassy in Abuja. I am planning their entry to the US by end of July. This is to allow me complete my current apartment lease in the US which will end first week of July and then rent a family-type apartment. Also the kids in Nigeria need to complete their academic session which would end in July.
However, I heard about the 90-day rule which requires visa holders to enter the US not later than 90 days from the date of visa approval. March 27th to end of July is surely more than 90 days. Does this rule affect F2 visa holders? Are they suppose to enter the US not later than 90 days?

Thank you.

NB: Program start and end date on my I20 is August 2017 till May 2022. Same also for Family's I20s.

ANSWER: Students on F or M visas (and their derivatives) are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program. If you wish to enter earlier than 30 days before your start date, you must separately apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa. Refer to this site for more information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html#spouse

Re: U.S. Student Visa (F1, M1, & J1) Forum - We're Listening by 4lee09: 12:23pm On May 01
pls i want to know how to apply for university in USA fro Student F1 Visa ,am HND graduate just finished my NYSC and i want to apply for Post graduate program in a Tertiary institution in USA Pls i want to know how i will get the school which i will apply too ,i have tried through google search by searching for a school which i can apply too but too no avail ,i have not be able to get any USA institution ,pls i need the link or direction on how i will get the school which i can apply too thanks

ANSWER: Refer to Education USA for tips on how to apply to schools in the United States and the visa application process. https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study/apply-your-student-visa

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by OmoBendel24: 3:44pm On Jul 18, 2018
Wow! LagosNIV is back, the NIV thread too is back.... Great!

Hopefully and if need be, we are able to streamline our questions this time around to reflect non-specific cases and constructive ones at that. Welcome back!
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 3:59pm On Jul 18, 2018
Re: U.S. Student Visa (F1, M1, & J1) Forum - We're Listening by Proppie: 3:18pm On Jun 24
Dear VO, the usefulness of the assistance you are giving in this thread cannot be over emphasized. Thank you so much.

I am currently admitted to a school in US, but I am yet to get my visa. I went for my visa interview on Friday June 22 And I was denied and given a white paper. find attached a copy of it.

Now. I want to reapply, how do I go about it?

ANSWER: Thank you for asking this important question. First, if you have been refused an F/M/J visa, then you must WAIT TWO MONTHS before applying again. If you have been refused a business/tourism visa, then you must WAIT SIX MONTHS before you re-apply.

Each non-immigrant visa application is a separate process. You must apply in the normal manner, even if you had a visa before. If you need a refresher, then please refer to the Consulate/Embassy Nigeria website for guidance: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-visaapply.asp
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 4:05pm On Jul 18, 2018
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by funlad26(f): 7:14pm On May 31
Good evening

Please i need your advise

My husband has been trying to get a US visa for a while now, the first time he applied was in 2013 and he lied he was married to his then girlfriend but was denied even thoh we went alone
, he tried agaim in 2017 while we were planning for our wedding, so we changed all the spouse information to my own and he even went to the interview with my passport hoping that would help him get the visa but he was still denied . When he was asked why he was traveling he lied that he was going for cousin's naming ceremony which i believed that was why he was denied

We tried again this year april and he was still denied. Despite telling them the truth this time that we want to go for our honeymoon

I have a valid visiting visa that will expire in November this year, should i wait till my visa expires and then change my passport to my married name then we reapply again or he should still try again alone ?

ANSWER: First, it is important that you tell the complete truth about yourself when completing your visa application, during your interview and when you arrive at the port of entry in the United States. All information submitted to the consulate, verbally or in writing, is proof of your character. Your credibility plays an important role in the visa process for yourself and your family/travel companions.

Last, you can change your name in a new passport at any time convenient for you. Be sure to use your new legal name in your new visa application and submit proof of your legal name change and marriage during your visa interview or drop box application.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by OmoBendel24: 4:34pm On Jul 18, 2018
LagosNIV:
Now. I want to reapply, how do I go about it?

ANSWER: Thank you for asking this important question. First, if you have been refused an F/M/J visa, then you must WAIT TWO MONTHS before applying again. If you have been refused a business/tourism visa, then you must WAIT SIX MONTHS before you re-apply.

@the bolded dear LagosNIV; how come we read of individuals that were able to book another interview appointment in less than the stated 6 Months, in fact almost immediately after they are refused while others can't? Is this a post dependent situation (like maybe it could happen so in Abuja but not Lagos)? My aunt was supposed to visit our USC cousin to help out with their newly arrived baby (omugwo) but was refused and haven't been able to reapply.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 6:08pm On Jul 18, 2018
smiley Nice one Lagos/Abuja NIV! Please keep up the good work.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Ayodejis: 2:00pm On Jul 19, 2018
Dear AbujaNIV officer,

I applied for F-1 Visa for a PhD in the US and i was interviewed on July 5, 2018. The VO told me that I'll be placed on Administrative processing to verify my Graduate Teaching Assistant award from the university which serves as my statement of finance.

I received email form the embassy on Monday July 9th to contact the University to update the GTA status on my SEVIS International page so as to be accessible by the embassy. I did contacted the school immediately and the school updated the page and even issued me another I-20 to show the update.

I have dropped the hard copy of the updated documents at the security post at the embassy as directed in the email I received, but up till now I have not got a feedback from the Embassy on whether they have received my document or the reply mail I sent to the embassy informing them of the update.

My Visa Status still reads: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING and the last update on my case was the date of my interview July 5. Obviously, nothing has been done on my case since the interview.

I am running out of time as the university resumes on August 6th for orientation and course registration.

Please guide me on what to do.

Thank you.

With much regards.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Pelaiye2703(m): 2:55pm On Jul 19, 2018
Dear Abuja NIV Officer,

I’m grateful we have such medium to educate and sensitize ourselves about visa processes. I’m a victim of a very nasty experience which I’ll love to throw to the house.
I indulge in a Man, a visa agent to be precise in order for him to help out because i had no travel experience. Unknowing to me, he did a fake Uganda visa for me, though i didn’t travel out with it because I had little or no time and my appointment was days away. To cut the long story short, my passport was seized at the US embassy, and i was also given this yellow slip attached to this write up and the normal rejection slip too. The white man who attended to me, made me realize they won’t press any charges against me because so many people have fall victim of this. I just want to know the implication of this yellow slip given to me. I’m looking forward to read positive reply from you all. Thanks.

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by chiefolotu(m): 7:17pm On Jul 19, 2018
Hello, Please i need help on DS-160 application. For someone who own a company, what do you select under the Present Work/Education/Training Information section.

BUSINESS or OTHER.

Either on them request to fill present employer. Please any suggestion on what to do here.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by domesef2: 1:03pm On Jul 20, 2018
Good day,

kindly help,
I made a dropbox application at Lagos Isolo dhl for my mum but was invited for an interview thru 221g. However, when i picked followup appointment on her profile it redirected to Abuja for interview which i picked for june29 but when she got to Abuja she was not interviewed based on the fact that her DS160 shows Lagos and her details not available for Abuja. since then i called and mail the contact on emabssy website for directions. I was told she can be interviewed at Abuja but since its not done way forward is to get another follow up appointment for Lagos which since then it has not been possible. But now the profile has been enable for follow up appointment but once clicked on, no date shows on the pup up for up to a week now and keep calling no solutions.
Moreover, She is going for my brother wedding (Her son) in September the plan date was for august and for 2month duration but now there are changes in the plan date to go in sept and her duration can we change the date and her duration filling a new ds160 and update her profile?

kindly advice and assist on what next to do, how can we get follow up date

thanks

1 Like

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by myright: 12:59pm On Jul 21, 2018
LagosNIV:
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by funlad26(f): 7:14pm On May 31
Good evening

Please i need your advise

My husband has been trying to get a US visa for a while now, the first time he applied was in 2013 and he lied he was married to his then girlfriend but was denied even thoh we went alone
, he tried agaim in 2017 while we were planning for our wedding, so we changed all the spouse information to my own and he even went to the interview with my passport hoping that would help him get the visa but he was still denied . When he was asked why he was traveling he lied that he was going for cousin's naming ceremony which i believed that was why he was denied

We tried again this year april and he was still denied. Despite telling them the truth this time that we want to go for our honeymoon

I have a valid visiting visa that will expire in November this year, should i wait till my visa expires and then change my passport to my married name then we reapply again or he should still try again alone ?

ANSWER: First, it is important that you tell the complete truth about yourself when completing your visa application, during your interview and when you arrive at the port of entry in the United States. All information submitted to the consulate, verbally or in writing, is proof of your character. Your credibility plays an important role in the visa process for yourself and your family/travel companions.

Last, you can change your name in a new passport at any time convenient for you. Be sure to use your new legal name in your new visa application and submit proof of your legal name change and marriage during your visa interview or drop box application.
deleted
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Danbotol: 9:43am On Jul 22, 2018
Good morning ,I was told to reschedule my visa appointment. It's currently not accepting the previous application fee's receipt number .
What can I do?
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by itszomb1: 11:34am On Jul 23, 2018
It's great to see a solution oriented step from the embassy. I am making this enquiry as a J1 applicant. Is it possible to have a 'Saturday' as an appointment date?
That's what I'm currently seeing as first available appointment on the dashboard.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by specilex: 7:30pm On Jul 24, 2018
Hi LagosNIV,

My F-1 visa expired on 11th of July 2017 but I have since changed school and transferred my SEVIS information to where I am currently studying. I intend to travel to Nigeria briefly during the Fall academic session for a wedding for a week. Would I qualify for dropbox? Considering the fact that I would be back in no time because of studies, what would be a good alternative should the interview waiver program not apply?
Thanks
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by ashedzi: 12:51am On Jul 25, 2018
Hello NIV, I applied for my Visa renewal via Dropbox over 12 working days now, I have checked the status as well and it has been showing application received all this while, and the last date my case was updated was 09/07/2018. I read somewhere here that the average time for Dropbox is 5days except for some cases. Any help on this please??
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Bostin(m): 7:04am On Jul 25, 2018
Hello NIV, I want to know if there is age limit for Agricultural Exchange Intern/Trainee (J1 visa).
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by oyhinmhor01: 12:14pm On Jul 25, 2018
Good morning,

Please i need clarification. i want to renew my B1/B2 visa issued 2yrs ago. I thought i would go through the drop box option but i got confused when i read the below on your website. Thank you

"Supporting Documentation
Bring the following documents to the Embassy/Consulate General on the day of your appointment:

A current, valid passport
Any passports containing previously-issued U.S. visas
As applicable, Form I-797 (H and L work visas), Form I-20 (F and M student visas), Form DS-2019 (J exchange visitor visa)"


Regards.
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 1:08pm On Jul 25, 2018
Danbotol:
Good morning ,I was told to reschedule my visa appointment. It's currently not accepting the previous application fee's receipt number .
What can I do?

Many people face this obstacle because they do not realize the following:
First, if you have been refused an F/M/J visa, then you must wait two months before applying again. If you have been refused a business/tourism visa, then you must wait six months before you re-apply.
Second, Each nonimmigrant visa application is a separate process. Therefore, if you were refused 214b during your last interview, then you cannot use the previous application fee receipt for a new visa interview. Instead, you must apply in the normal manner, even if you had a visa before. If you need a refresher, then please refer to the Consulate/Embassy Nigeria website for guidance: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-visaapply.asp
Last, you do not have to repay the receipt fee under the following circumstances:
A) If you were refused 221g, then the consulate unlocked your receipt and you will not have to repay the application fee. If this is your situation, then feel free to contact LagosNIV@state.gov for guidance.
B) If you could not make your visa interview date or needed to cancel, you can reschedule without having to purchase a new receipt.

1 Like

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 1:10pm On Jul 25, 2018
itszomb1:
It's great to see a solution oriented step from the embassy. I am making this enquiry as a J1 applicant. Is it possible to have a 'Saturday' as an appointment date?
That's what I'm currently seeing as first available appointment on the dashboard.

Great question. Saturday appointment dates for students are a legitimate option though they are not regularly planned. However, apply for the Saturday option ONLY IF the date occurs two months or more after your last refusal. Remember that one is required to wait two months before reapplying for another student visa. This policy ensures that all student visa applicants – whether first or second time applicants – have the opportunity to apply to study in the United States.

1 Like

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by Nobody: 1:11pm On Jul 25, 2018
domesef2:
Good day,

kindly help,
I made a dropbox application at Lagos Isolo dhl for my mum but was invited for an interview thru 221g. However, when i picked followup appointment on her profile it redirected to Abuja for interview which i picked for june29 but when she got to Abuja she was not interviewed based on the fact that her DS160 shows Lagos and her details not available for Abuja. since then i called and mail the contact on emabssy website for directions. I was told she can be interviewed at Abuja but since its not done way forward is to get another follow up appointment for Lagos which since then it has not been possible. But now the profile has been enable for follow up appointment but once clicked on, no date shows on the pup up for up to a week now and keep calling no solutions.
Moreover, She is going for my brother wedding (Her son) in September the plan date was for august and for 2month duration but now there are changes in the plan date to go in sept and her duration can we change the date and her duration filling a new ds160 and update her profile?

kindly advice and assist on what next to do, how can we get follow up date

thanks

Applicants cannot make changes to the DS-160 once it has been submitted. One must fill out a new DS-160 then contact CGI to associate the new DS160 with their appointment date. CGI contact information is located on these sites: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-main-contactus.asp and https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/

1 Like

Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by sweetrie(f): 1:12pm On Jul 25, 2018
LagosNIV:

.
B) If you could not make your visa interview date or needed to cancel, you can reschedule without having to purchase a new receipt.
Please how many times can a receipt be used reschedule? Thank you
Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening Pt 2 by FabioPeter: 3:34pm On Jul 25, 2018
For a future J1 applicant, here is the feedback of someone I know;

Applied for J1 on 18th July
Status changed to Administrative processing on 23rd July
Status changed to Issued on 24th july with a note stating "your visa is in final processing" ISSUED

No update until ready for pickup with DHL 26th July

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

My Visit To Laguna Beach Club, Lagos (Pictures) / Zambian Girl Wants Me To Come Over For School / A Tall Nigerian Man And His Chinese Colleagues Strike A Pose (Photos)

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 79
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.