₦airaland Forum

Knight1990:
Visa approved today!!!

Congrats! Please post your transcript

Lakesyd32:
hello guys, please myself and my friend are stranded in JFK now cos our flight to Charleston was cancelled. we need a place to crash till our flight is rescheduled. anyone in NEW YORK who can help?

Una no fit sleep for airport?

yemiosinbajo:
Una no fit sleep for airport?

I think that's the thing I am going to do last. it's just being rough since 3days ago
thanks

Interview Yesterday

Brigham Young University Idaho's I-20


Vo: Good morning. Could you pass your documents please?

I: Good morning to you too!(passes documents to vo)

Vo: what are you studying?

I: Agribusiness and Management

Vo: why this course?

I: in my years of working in my father's farm I've come to know the one problem of Agric. In Nigeria; the problem is we are not producing enough. Do you know why sir? (Said this to get his attention). It is because we lack something called "improved crop variety".....I continued......this means that our crops are not high performing crops. Take for instance, the palm kernel tree in Malaysia is as short as I am, but it produces high year in, year out.(he looked up) Meanwhile, the palm kernel tree in Nigeria is as tall as this embassy but produces very low. This is because Nigeria's palm is not an improved variety.

Vo: who is paying?

I: my father and I have a partial scholarship too.....(he looked at my I-20 to confirm my scholarship claim) I quickly added "the I-20 was created before scholarship was awarded that explains why it isn't written there."

Vo: what will this degree do for you?

I: I currently work for my father in his farm, I will still work for him after my schooling; but this time I won't be doing clerical duties, but will be managing the day to day activities of his farm.

Vo: You've travelled outta the country before, I see!

I: Yes, to Ghana.....during my service as a Mormon missionary

Vo: your brother is in the US too?

I: yes!

Vo: same school you're going?

I: No.....different school....and I think I miss him, I added.

Vo: Do you have some documents for me......maybe something to support your scholarship claim and maybe a bank statement?

I: I passed him both documents and he examined both for a few seconds

Vo: why did they give you the scholarship?

I: They were impressed by my 2 years volunteer missionary service. Plus, Agribusiness is not a program people run to----everybody wants to be a Doctor, a Lawyer...etc., but nobody wants to provide food. I want to provide food and they(they school) was really impressed by my choice of Agribusiness and my impressive essays too.

Vo: your visa has been approved. We'll let you know when it's ready! (I gave him a big thumbs up)

I: do have a great day, I said to him, to which he replied you too.


Lessons learned:

Tell them what they haven't heard, or at least, something they don't hear very often.
If possible, use objects to explain your points; Jesus Christ always used object lessons to make his teachings meaningful.


Vary the tone of your voice; If I am probably explaining that the unsolved death of my sibling has inspired me to study criminology, i'd say this with a soft, cry-like tone.


I feel the VO only types the strong points we make, not our entire speech and you’re probably making sense, or driving your points home when he raises his head up. I think at this moment(when he raises his head) you need to hit him with more points that supports your case. Don't stop talking when he raises his head!

Finally, I believe we should never listen to advisers that tells us to "be brief and talk less" when facing a Consul.
Well, i'd rather talk a lot and get denied than be brief and after getting denied wish i'd said more!

After all has been said, truth is, we cannot control other people's actions/decisions. We might say and do all things right during our interview with the Vo but still get denied in the end. Remember, most of the time, it is not your fault. It is his fault too-----he was placed with the option of making a wrong and a right decision, and he made the wrong one by denying you!

LagosismyHome:
Hummm no transcript it a pass from me...

Ti those who take from here a simple transcript as a give back is not too much to ask

dont mind them ma they will now come here and be asking greedy questions wicked generations.

Congrats! I wish my case to be same as urs

Knight1990:
Interview Yesterday

Brigham Young University Idaho's I-20


Vo: Good morning. Could you pass your documents please?

I: Good morning to you too!(passes documents to vo)

Vo: what are you studying?

I: Agribusiness and Management

Vo: why this course?

I: in my years of working in my father's farm I've come to know the one problem of Agric. In Nigeria; the problem is we are not producing enough. Do you know why sir? (Said this to get his attention). It is because we lack something called "improved crop variety".....I continued......this means that our crops are not high performing crops. Take for instance, the palm kernel tree in Malaysia is as short as I am, but it produces high year in, year out.(he looked up) Meanwhile, the palm kernel tree in Nigeria is as tall as this embassy but produces very low. This is because Nigeria's palm is not an improved variety.

Vo: who is paying?

I: my father and I have a partial scholarship too.....(he looked at my I-20 to confirm my scholarship claim) I quickly added "the I-20 was created before scholarship was awarded that explains why it isn't written there."

Vo: what will this degree do for you?

I: I currently work for my father in his farm, I will still work for him after my schooling; but this time I won't be doing clerical duties, but will be managing the day to day activities of his farm.

Vo: You've travelled outta the country before, I see!

I: Yes, to Ghana.....during my service as a Mormon missionary

Vo: your brother is in the US too?

I: yes!

Vo: same school you're going?

I: No.....different school....and I think I miss him, I added.

Vo: Do you have some documents for me......maybe something to support your scholarship claim and maybe a bank statement?

I: I passed him both documents and he examined both for a few seconds

Vo: why did they give you the scholarship?

I: They were impressed by my 2 years volunteer missionary service. Plus, Agribusiness is not a program people run to----everybody wants to be a Doctor, a Lawyer...etc., but nobody wants to provide food. I want to provide food and they(they school) was really impressed by my choice of Agribusiness and my impressive essays too.

Vo: your visa has been approved. We'll let you know when it's ready! (I gave him a big thumbs up)

I: do have a great day, I said to him, to which he replied you too.


Lessons learned:

Tell them what they haven't heard, or at least, something they don't hear very often.
If possible, use objects to explain your points; Jesus Christ always used object lessons to make his teachings meaningful.


Vary the tone of your voice; If I am probably explaining that the unsolved death of my sibling has inspired me to study criminology, i'd say this with a soft, cry-like tone.


I feel the VO only types the strong points we make, not our entire speech and you’re probably making sense, or driving your points home when he raises his head up. I think at this moment(when he raises his head) you need to hit him with more points that supports your case. Don't stop talking when he raises his head!

Finally, I believe we should never listen to advisers that tells us to "be brief and talk less" when facing a Consul.
Well, i'd rather talk a lot and get denied than be brief and after getting denied wish i'd said more!

After all has been said, truth is, we cannot control other people's actions/decisions. We might say and do all things right during our interview with the Vo but still get denied in the end. Remember, most of the time, it is not your fault. It is his fault too-----he was placed with the option of making a wrong and a right decision, and he made the wrong one by denying you!

Congrats

The passport you went with was stamped with Ghana stamp right?

Realizrel:
Hello Husky14
I am also going to Michigan Tech this fall.Can you drop your mail so I can reach you.Thanks bro

PM received and equally replied.

Realizrel:
[Husky14]

Good day all,

Initially, I wanted to post my Transcript when I collect my passport at my preferred collection centre, but the thought that some fellows here might have visa appointment(and can equally learn from my experience) before I finally get my passport has propelled me to post it now. Also, since my status has changed from 'Administrative Processing' to 'Issued' leaves me with little need for worries.

I was among the last ten persons that were interviewed that day so you could imagine the kind of patience that was displayed that day.‎

My Visa Transcript on Thursday at US Embassy Abuja. Was called to Window 9

VO: Pass me your passport and i-20, fast please
Me: I passed them
VO: How did you hear about this school?
Me: I got to know about Michigan Tech University when I was researching on top chemical engineering schools with research area on membrane separation technology

She was busy looking at my i-20, and immediately raised her face and said to me"wow..you are going full scholarship!" I smiled back blushingly.

VO: How did you get it?
Me: I had Skype Interview with my potential supervisor after which he recommended me to graduate committee for consideration

VO: Can I see your offer letter?
Me: I took my time and found it in my file and gave it to her

She read it for a while and continued..
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: I also applied to University of Texas, Austin and Auburn University, Alabama
VO: How many admits?
Me: This is the only admit I got
VO: Where did you do your Master's?
Me: I am interested in Research that was why I opted for Direct PhD
VO: What will you be specialising on?
Me: I will be specialising on membrane separation technology, we will be researching on the use of membrane in treatment of water and industrial wastewater, and also for gas separation.

VO: The two other schools you applied were they Masters or PhD?
Me: I applied for PhD in all of them

VO: Do you have any family in the US?
Me: Not yet

VO: What will you do with this degree?
Me: On completion of my program, I will have equipped myself with research expertise and necessary knowledge that will enable contribute to evolution of Engineering in Nigeria. It will also make me more productive when I return to lecture in Unizik.

It seemed she asked another question but I didn't hear that......she typed for a while and told me something I didn't hear completely, ".......... pick up your passport after 4 working days, congratulations and be careful..."She gave me the white paper and my i-20..
‎
More grace to those about to go for their appointments..
Thanks so much to everyone who has posted or commented on this thread; your inputs served me greatly during my preparations. I am most grateful

[Hello, Pls how can I get in touch with you bro.I am also going to Michigan Tech this fall]

You can reach me on ***/@mtu.edu
Hoping to hear from you

Lakesyd32:
hello guys, please myself and my friend are stranded in JFK now cos our flight to Charleston was cancelled. we need a place to crash till our flight is rescheduled. anyone in NEW YORK who can help?

Hello Lakesyd32,

if you have not found a place to crash,I suggest you sleep over at the Airport cos it is quite safe and even more convenient for you considering the fact that you may likely have some loads(luggage) with you. I had to sleep over at Hamad Int'l Airport, Doha last night before departing for Chicago this morning, and I can tell you that I did not regret spending the night there.

Safe journey as you continue your trip.

Knight1990:
Interview Yesterday

Brigham Young University Idaho's I-20


....

Lessons learned:

Tell them what they haven't heard, or at least, something they don't hear very often.
If possible, use objects to explain your points; Jesus Christ always used object lessons to make his teachings meaningful.


Vary the tone of your voice; If I am probably explaining that the unsolved death of my sibling has inspired me to study criminology, i'd say this with a soft, cry-like tone.


I feel the VO only types the strong points we make, not our entire speech and you’re probably making sense, or driving your points home when he raises his head up. I think at this moment(when he raises his head) you need to hit him with more points that supports your case. Don't stop talking when he raises his head!

Finally, I believe we should never listen to advisers that tells us to "be brief and talk less" when facing a Consul.
Well, i'd rather talk a lot and get denied than be brief and after getting denied wish i'd said more!

After all has been said, truth is, we cannot control other people's actions/decisions. We might say and do all things right during our interview with the Vo but still get denied in the end. Remember, most of the time, it is not your fault. It is his fault too-----he was placed with the option of making a wrong and a right decision, and he made the wrong one by denying you!

Congratulations man.


Cheers

Husky14:
Hello Lakesyd32,

if you have not found a place to crash,I suggest you sleep over at the Airport cos it is quite safe and even more convenient for you considering the fact that you may likely have some loads(luggage) with you. I had to sleep over at Hamad Int'l Airport, Doha last night before departing for Chicago this morning, and I can tell you that I did not regret spending the night there.

Safe journey as you continue your trip.

thanks bro, I had to sleep there.

OK. Thank you

Ubah1:
Maybe there is discrepancy in the documents you submitted. You just have to go there as they said to speak with a visa officer.

As a visa officer, what do you wish applicants knew? by Kathryn Berck https://www.quora.com/As-a-visa-officer-what-do-you-wish-applicants-knew/answer/Kathryn-Berck-3?share=14b0004e&srid=bo8y

This might be useful to someone

Knight1990:
Interview Yesterday



Finally, I believe we should never listen to advisers that tells us to "be brief and talk less" when facing a Consul.
Well, i'd rather talk a lot and get denied than be brief and after getting denied wish i'd said more!

After all has been said, truth is, we cannot control other people's actions/decisions. We might say and do all things right during our interview with the Vo but still get denied in the end. Remember, most of the time, it is not your fault. It is his fault too-----he was placed with the option of making a wrong and a right decision, and he made the wrong one by denying you!

Congrats

My first interview (5/12/2017)

Vo: Good Morning, can I have ur passport and i20?

Me: Good Morning Sir (I handed them over to him)

Vo: What are you going to study

Me: Agriculture

Vo: At where

Me: Stephen F Austin state university

Vo: Why Agriculture?

Me: The Federal Government is trying to diversify the economy from the oil sector into other sector and number one on the list is the Agricultural sector, so there is no better time to be a part of this drive than now.

Vo: okay, what will you do with the degree?

Me: I plan to take up a lecturing job at my alma mata, the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta.

Vo: Have u travelled before?

Me: No

Vo: Are you married?

Me: No

Vo: And kids

Me: No

Vo: ok, What will u do after your program?

Me: I will return back to Nigeria and take up a lecturing job at the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta and I will also consult for the federal and state governments through Agricultural research institute such as IITA(international instute of tropical agriculture) and national animal production research institute.

Vo: OK, who will pay?

Me: I have an out of state tuition waiver and my mother will pay for the rest

Vo: What does she do?

Me: she's a very successful business woman, she's into major distribution of dangote products, mix and bake flour, and she also sells rice and oil in large quantities.

Note: He typed all through and when he finally looked at me, he said "unfortunately you are not qualified to receive a visa right now.

Me: Could you please tell me the reason Sir

Vo: The blue paper will explain to you

Me: Alright thank you sir

Vo: OK

Second interview (27/12/2017)

Almost the same with the first, the only difference was that the same guy that did my biometric interviewed me and he was nice until he looked shocked at something he saw on his screen. He also asked if i was married and i said no, he later asked "what of traditional marriage"?, I said no. He then said he couldn't approve me at that time, I asked him to tell me why but he said he's not allowed to do that. I just said thank you and I left.

My third and last interview (3/08/2018)

I decided to change my interview location to Abuja since there will be no time for me to travel to Lagos.

I got to the embassy by 10:07 for an appointment of 10:15

The embassy nearly empty right from the gate and we were like 10 on the queue, I was the last person.
While on the queue, the aged woman was interviewing a Nun who couldn't communicate well in English and after she called an interpreter to help her out, she told the Nun that she wouldn't approve cos if she approved her how will she be able to teach the American Children. But she later changed her mind when the Sister started replying her in English, the woman was too nice so I prayed to be interviewed by her but unfortunately I was called to window 8. I was interviewed by a white lady in her late twenties.

Vo- pass me your documents

Me- OK, good morning Ma'am (no reply)

Vo- Why Stephen F Austin State University

Me- Apart from the fact that I was given an Out of state tuition waiver, the opportunity to work with professor Joey Bray who is a top researcher in the field of poultry science played a major role in my decision. I also spoke with some current students who told me about the structure of the program and tge internship opportunities available at the school, this internship period will provide me with the necessary skills I need when I come back to Nigeria to establish my own farm.
Then she typed for about 15secs

Vo- What did you study at the university?

Me- B.Agric Animal Nutrition

Vo-Who is paying?

Me- My mother and I also got an out of state tuition waiver

Vo- ok

She then typed for like 10secs and gave me the pink paper, and said those terrible words. I was shocked as she barely asked any question.

Me- But why, this is my third time. Why not tell me what is wrong?

Vo- the paper will explain it to you, I've made my decision.

Na so I shake my head and take my L in peace before those security go come disgrace me out.

Thanks to everyone that have been supportive all these years, for your advice and encouragements especially the entire God's own scholar crew, lagosismyhome, walspring, texrem, and others that I can't remember. It's just unfortunate that it ended this way.

Moments like this makes you wonder if God really has a hand in this visa thing but I believe he has some bigger plans for me.

My advice to future applicants:

1. If you have a low gp, evaluate your transcript before you start your application (if I had done this earlier, I would have been in the US before Trump became president cos back then, they approve almost everyone with any form of tuition waiver)

2. Write GRE/GMAT/SAT and TOEFL/IELTS as early as possible and dont write it only when one school ask you to write it, you might rush your preparation and this might affect your score.

3. If you want to increase your chance of approval, don't go to the embassy unless you have full funding(scholarship, Assistantship, or fellowship) or loan. This will increase your chance by at least 80%.

God bless us all.

Knight1990:
Interview Yesterday

Brigham Young University Idaho's I-20


Vo: Good morning. Could you pass your documents please?

I: Good morning to you too!(passes documents to vo)

Vo: what are you studying?

I: Agribusiness and Management

Vo: why this course?

I: in my years of working in my father's farm I've come to know the one problem of Agric. In Nigeria; the problem is we are not producing enough. Do you know why sir? (Said this to get his attention). It is because we lack something called "improved crop variety".....I continued......this means that our crops are not high performing crops. Take for instance, the palm kernel tree in Malaysia is as short as I am, but it produces high year in, year out.(he looked up) Meanwhile, the palm kernel tree in Nigeria is as tall as this embassy but produces very low. This is because Nigeria's palm is not an improved variety.

Vo: who is paying?

I: my father and I have a partial scholarship too.....(he looked at my I-20 to confirm my scholarship claim) I quickly added "the I-20 was created before scholarship was awarded that explains why it isn't written there."

Vo: what will this degree do for you?

I: I currently work for my father in his farm, I will still work for him after my schooling; but this time I won't be doing clerical duties, but will be managing the day to day activities of his farm.

Vo: You've travelled outta the country before, I see!

I: Yes, to Ghana.....during my service as a Mormon missionary

Vo: your brother is in the US too?

I: yes!

Vo: same school you're going?

I: No.....different school....and I think I miss him, I added.

Vo: Do you have some documents for me......maybe something to support your scholarship claim and maybe a bank statement?

I: I passed him both documents and he examined both for a few seconds

Vo: why did they give you the scholarship?

I: They were impressed by my 2 years volunteer missionary service. Plus, Agribusiness is not a program people run to----everybody wants to be a Doctor, a Lawyer...etc., but nobody wants to provide food. I want to provide food and they(they school) was really impressed by my choice of Agribusiness and my impressive essays too.

Vo: your visa has been approved. We'll let you know when it's ready! (I gave him a big thumbs up)

I: do have a great day, I said to him, to which he replied you too.


Lessons learned:

Tell them what they haven't heard, or at least, something they don't hear very often.
If possible, use objects to explain your points; Jesus Christ always used object lessons to make his teachings meaningful.


Vary the tone of your voice; If I am probably explaining that the unsolved death of my sibling has inspired me to study criminology, i'd say this with a soft, cry-like tone.


I feel the VO only types the strong points we make, not our entire speech and you’re probably making sense, or driving your points home when he raises his head up. I think at this moment(when he raises his head) you need to hit him with more points that supports your case. Don't stop talking when he raises his head!

Finally, I believe we should never listen to advisers that tells us to "be brief and talk less" when facing a Consul.
Well, i'd rather talk a lot and get denied than be brief and after getting denied wish i'd said more!

After all has been said, truth is, we cannot control other people's actions/decisions. We might say and do all things right during our interview with the Vo but still get denied in the end. Remember, most of the time, it is not your fault. It is his fault too-----he was placed with the option of making a wrong and a right decision, and he made the wrong one by denying you!

My LDS brother. I am going to Utah Valley. I wish you well bro.

Lakesyd32:
thanks bro, I had to sleep there.

This thing you are doing isn't good. No transcript, no experience at POE and no experience sleeping at the airport shared. Don't exhibit the typical Nigerian stereotype. Share your experiences so others may learn. You just asked a question here and you even asked for help. Your story may help others. Let us be helpful to each other. It's frustrating that you are now in the states and you wouldn't have said a word if you hadn't needed help at the airport.

Please urgent! Which of the date is the latest you can arrive in the US, Start of Class or Start of Program?

sureb0yy:
Told myself I wouldn't post anything on NL until something big changes for me.

July 2016: F1 visa approved.
July 2018: GC approved.
July 2018: Job offer accepted.

I'm now a legal permanent resident of this place... and I'm starting my job at progressive insurance on Monday 8/6 in the claims department. Not the best job in the world but I'd take $50k p.a. right now considering all I've been through lol. My second part-time job will earn me between $4h and $1k a month too so... not a bad start.

Now I can come back to NL and give advice like the old days to anyone who wants it. I don't remember the username of that guy who used to tackle me all the time with "body go tell you" posts. Baba, if you can read this, whether it's luck or not, I didn't encounter any of those scary things you predicted o.

Prospective NLers chasing the American dream, ask me whatever you need to know. Against all odds, I came here to study stupid course in a stupid school without any funding. 2 years later, it's all history. It took a bit of luck but who cares? I'm in a better place and that's what matters.

Don't let any keyboard warrior discourage you from chasing your dreams... keep sleeping! Lol.

Wow! Congrats bro, this is awesome.

NefT:
Please urgent! Which of the date is the latest you can arrive in the US, Start of Class or Start of Program?

I think it's before orientation lol.. You no see am for your admission letter?

Hushee:
My first interview (5/12/2017)

Vo: Good Morning, can I have ur passport and i20?

Me: Good Morning Sir (I handed them over to him)

Vo: What are you going to study

Me: Agriculture

Vo: At where

Me: Stephen F Austin state university

Vo: Why Agriculture?

Me: The Federal Government is trying to diversify the economy from the oil sector into other sector and number one on the list is the Agricultural sector, so there is no better time to be a part of this drive than now.

Vo: okay, what will you do with the degree?

Me: I plan to take up a lecturing job at my alma mata, the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta.

Vo: Have u travelled before?

Me: No

Vo: Are you married?

Me: No

Vo: And kids

Me: No

Vo: ok, What will u do after your program?

Me: I will return back to Nigeria and take up a lecturing job at the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta and I will also consult for the federal and state governments through Agricultural research institute such as IITA(international instute of tropical agriculture) and national animal production research institute.

Vo: OK, who will pay?

Me: I have an out of state tuition waiver and my mother will pay for the rest

Vo: What does she do?

Me: she's a very successful business woman, she's into major distribution of dangote products, mix and bake flour, and she also sells rice and oil in large quantities.

Note: He typed all through and when he finally looked at me, he said "unfortunately you are not qualified to receive a visa right now.

Me: Could you please tell me the reason Sir

Vo: The blue paper will explain to you

Me: Alright thank you sir

Vo: OK

Second interview (27/12/2017)

Almost the same with the first, the only difference was that the same guy that did my biometric interviewed me and he was nice until he looked shocked at something he saw on his screen. He also asked if i was married and i said no, he later asked "what of traditional marriage"?, I said no. He then said he couldn't approve me at that time, I asked him to tell me why but he said he's not allowed to do that. I just said thank you and I left.

My third and last interview (3/08/2018)

I decided to change my interview location to Abuja since there will be no time for me to travel to Lagos.

I got to the embassy by 10:07 for an appointment of 10:15

The embassy nearly empty right from the gate and we were like 10 on the queue, I was the last person.
While on the queue, the aged woman was interviewing a Nun who couldn't communicate well in English and after she called an interpreter to help her out, she told the Nun that she wouldn't approve cos if she approved her how will she be able to teach the American Children. But she later changed her mind when the Sister started replying her in English, the woman was too nice so I prayed to be interviewed by her but unfortunately I was called to window 8. I was interviewed by a white lady in her late twenties.

Vo- pass me your documents

Me- OK, good morning Ma'am (no reply)

Vo- Why Stephen F Austin State University

Me- Apart from the fact that I was given an Out of state tuition waiver, the opportunity to work with professor Joey Bray who is a top researcher in the field of poultry science played a major role in my decision. I also spoke with some current students who told me about the structure of the program and tge internship opportunities available at the school, this internship period will provide me with the necessary skills I need when I come back to Nigeria to establish my own farm.
Then she typed for about 15secs

Vo- What did you study at the university?

Me- B.Agric Animal Nutrition

Vo-Who is paying?

Me- My mother and I also got an out of state tuition waiver

Vo- ok

She then typed for like 10secs and gave me the pink paper, and said those terrible words. I was shocked as she barely asked any question.

Me- But why, this is my third time. Why not tell me what is wrong?

Vo- the paper will explain it to you, I've made my decision.

Na so I shake my head and take my L in peace before those security go come disgrace me out.

Thanks to everyone that have been supportive all these years, for your advice and encouragements especially the entire God's own scholar crew, lagosismyhome, walspring, texrem, and others that I can't remember. It's just unfortunate that it ended this way.

Moments like this makes you wonder if God really has a hand in this visa thing but I believe he has some bigger plans for me.

My advice to future applicants:

1. If you have a low gp, evaluate your transcript before you start your application (if I had done this earlier, I would have been in the US before Trump became president cos back then, they approve almost everyone with any form of tuition waiver)

2. Write GRE/GMAT/SAT and TOEFL/IELTS as early as possible and dont write it only when one school ask you to write it, you might rush your preparation and this might affect your score.

3. If you want to increase your chance of approval, don't go to the embassy unless you have full funding(scholarship, Assistantship, or fellowship) or loan. This will increase your chance by at least 80%.

God bless us all.

Is it single you chose as marital status?

.

Wow congratulations.......i tap into this testimony.
Your interview and advise is quite educative
Thanks for sharing.

Knight1990:
Interview Yesterday

Brigham Young University Idaho's I-20


Vo: Good morning. Could you pass your documents please?

I: Good morning to you too!(passes documents to vo)

Vo: what are you studying?

I: Agribusiness and Management

Vo: why this course?

I: in my years of working in my father's farm I've come to know the one problem of Agric. In Nigeria; the problem is we are not producing enough. Do you know why sir? (Said this to get his attention). It is because we lack something called "improved crop variety".....I continued......this means that our crops are not high performing crops. Take for instance, the palm kernel tree in Malaysia is as short as I am, but it produces high year in, year out.(he looked up) Meanwhile, the palm kernel tree in Nigeria is as tall as this embassy but produces very low. This is because Nigeria's palm is not an improved variety.

Vo: who is paying?

I: my father and I have a partial scholarship too.....(he looked at my I-20 to confirm my scholarship claim) I quickly added "the I-20 was created before scholarship was awarded that explains why it isn't written there."

Vo: what will this degree do for you?

I: I currently work for my father in his farm, I will still work for him after my schooling; but this time I won't be doing clerical duties, but will be managing the day to day activities of his farm.

Vo: You've travelled outta the country before, I see!

I: Yes, to Ghana.....during my service as a Mormon missionary

Vo: your brother is in the US too?

I: yes!

Vo: same school you're going?

I: No.....different school....and I think I miss him, I added.

Vo: Do you have some documents for me......maybe something to support your scholarship claim and maybe a bank statement?

I: I passed him both documents and he examined both for a few seconds

Vo: why did they give you the scholarship?

I: They were impressed by my 2 years volunteer missionary service. Plus, Agribusiness is not a program people run to----everybody wants to be a Doctor, a Lawyer...etc., but nobody wants to provide food. I want to provide food and they(they school) was really impressed by my choice of Agribusiness and my impressive essays too.

Vo: your visa has been approved. We'll let you know when it's ready! (I gave him a big thumbs up)

I: do have a great day, I said to him, to which he replied you too.


Lessons learned:

Tell them what they haven't heard, or at least, something they don't hear very often.
If possible, use objects to explain your points; Jesus Christ always used object lessons to make his teachings meaningful.


Vary the tone of your voice; If I am probably explaining that the unsolved death of my sibling has inspired me to study criminology, i'd say this with a soft, cry-like tone.


I feel the VO only types the strong points we make, not our entire speech and you’re probably making sense, or driving your points home when he raises his head up. I think at this moment(when he raises his head) you need to hit him with more points that supports your case. Don't stop talking when he raises his head!

Finally, I believe we should never listen to advisers that tells us to "be brief and talk less" when facing a Consul.
Well, i'd rather talk a lot and get denied than be brief and after getting denied wish i'd said more!

After all has been said, truth is, we cannot control other people's actions/decisions. We might say and do all things right during our interview with the Vo but still get denied in the end. Remember, most of the time, it is not your fault. It is his fault too-----he was placed with the option of making a wrong and a right decision, and he made the wrong one by denying you!

Morning people of God.

Which one is preferable to use as funding source for visa interview.

Treasury bill document or Company's statement of account?
Kindly advise as I need to know the best to go with

it is just a technical stop, so you wont be needing a transit visa. this is what I was told by the customer service personel. they also wanted to know if i was an F1 visa holder or not (am not sure if that also matters). I will be travelling to san diego with ethiopian airlines.

LagosismyHome:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Transit%20Visas


it appears you need but it not very clear. nigeria is listed as a country that needs one

People from a small number of countries also need a transit visa when arriving in Ireland on their way to another country. A transit visa does not permit you to leave the port or airport. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will need a valid Irish transit visa when landing in the State:http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/visa_requirements_for_entering_ireland.html

Nahum777:
I think it's before orientation lol.. You no see am for your admission letter?

Are you sure about this? My start of class is 20th August while international students and grad skul orientation are 9th and 15th respectively. My arrival is sheduled after internatnal students orientation but before grad skul orienta and start of class. I hope there would be no problem?

iceberge:
it is just a technical stop, so you wont be needing a transit visa. this is what I was told by the customer service personel. they also wanted to know if i was an F1 visa holder or not (am not sure if that also matters). I will be travelling to san diego with ethiopian airlines.

Thanks for sharing... this is noted . The best source is usually direct from the airline so it good you checked with them

NefT:
Please urgent! Which of the date is the latest you can arrive in the US, Start of Class or Start of Program?

The last day to arrive is the start date on your i20 .... anthing after the day on the I20 you have problems at POE ...... and then on the other side, you can enter any day within 30days before on or before the start date on the i20 . If you enter before 30days is a problem as well

Summary the day to watch out is the start date on the i20

NefT:
Are you sure about this? My start of class is 20th August while international students and grad skul orientation are 9th and 15th respectively. My arrival is sheduled after internatnal students orientation but before grad skul orienta and start of class. I hope there would be no problem?

My admission letter states that I must be at the school before orientation. Maybe you should read your admission letter very well, they wrote everything in there.

Denied today at Lagos embassy.. Am a silent follower. My confidence level boosted few minutes before the interview. There were many stammerers,
Some people don't even why they chose their courses.. A guy was asked d difference between CAT 5and CAT 6 (mere Ethernet cable oh), he couldn't answer. Another guy says his company is a solution provider in software and he doesn't know about any programming language, he said something about Microsoft (I laughed) the Chinese guy was trying to help him sef, he answered most of his questions for him, he still got denied. I was hoping to get the Chinese guy cos d guy is good and knows a lot about IT.
My interview
Was directed to window 3.
The guy wore Ankara.
Vo: Good morning
Me: morning
Vo; pass me ur passport and I 20
I did before he even landed.
Vo: how did you hear about the school
I didn't hear him properly, told him to repeat and he did.
Me: After I made d decision of going for masters, I used internet tool to search for schools, listed out some school online with software as d keyword, took it inside Kimberly Clark (an American company). Fortunately for me, d present automation engineer inside d plant did his masters there so it's more like a recommendation.
Vo: what do you do
Me: am an automation technician
Vo: so u write code in c++
Me: am not really good with c++, but I write c#..as an automation person, I basically write PLC programming from Rockwell automation (he told me to repeat Rockwell).
Vo: who's ur sponsor
Me; my dad
Vo: what does he do
Me: he is into oil and gas
The vo guy laugh scatter
Vo: explain further
Me; he is a professional project engineer with schlumberger oil field services in ph
He corrected the pronunciation of schlumberger. I said that's what I call it right from time.
Vo: do u have his bank statement
Me; showed him
he perused through it and took it inside for over 7minutes.
When he got back
Vo: has ur dad been to US before cos of his job
Me: no he has been to Istanbul and UK
vo :you couldn't pronounce your dad's company well which means he doesn't work there.
I laughed and repeated that's what I call it since its German, he said he has never heard anyone pronounced it that way
Me; ok
Vo:what does ur mum do
Me; she's into real estate.
Vo: how many siblings
Me; 4 am d second born
Vo : I believe you are a genuine student but you will be paying 40k USD as tuition fee and am not sure u can afford it
And he gave me blue paper and I left.
Am not reapplying until I find a good school with moderate tuition fee and the course has to be related with software programming cos that's d only course I can defend cos of my job. Any recommendations
Thanks in anticipation.