Hello Lagosniv,
I’m a current applicant waiting admission at Penn State University. During the early stages of my application, I discovered the J1 visa and since I cannot afford to pay for tuition. I decided to make use of a J1 visa. I was told that all I needed was an epassport and a flight booking that I did not need to apply for a visa interview.

I put together the required documents and went to international airport in Lagos. The attendants said I cannot board the plane without a Nigerian passport and they were directing me to different airport staff members who were not straight forward with their answer.

Finally, I was taking inside to meet an officer who asked me some questions and asked me for the contact of any of my parents.

Meanwhile my parents do not know anything about American visa and they did not believe what I was telling them that I have been accepted into the J1 exchange visa program.

I believe my father said negative things on the phone and I was asked to go and meet my parents, then return to the airport.

This led me to relocate back to my parents house, cause I invested a lot of time and resources which was very limited to me as at the time of applying for this application.

This event happened on 10/09/2018 and since then I have taken the time to research in-depth on the whole process and also discovered somethings that I did not know before.

I’m ready to return to the airport, but I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do. Thanks and looking forward to helpful contributions

Hello Nairaland,

It’s been a while since I last came on here. Almost 2 years. Well, I have a couple of questions to ask and I would appreciate your kind efforts to help me out. I’m currently in the USA undergoing AOS and I want to invite my mom for my wedding which is in December. My concern is if she would be given the visa. She has an interview scheduled already and i’m worried. She was supposed to come with my dad but he passed away 2 months back, so she will be coming alone. Is there any tips or things to pay attention to? My wife sent out the invitation letter to her, alongside other documentations like bank statements, international passports and all. Please help me my people, is wedding invitation a solid ground to be granted B1/B2 visa? Is there anything we should consider? Can my status in the US affect things?

N.B. She will only be staying for 3 weeks.

Hi everyone. My visa was issued but i wasn't notified by DHL collection center in VI....I was there few days go and was told my passport has been returned back to he embassy. I tracked my passport and it reads "Your passport has been returned to post"...I have sent lot of messages to LagosNiv@state.gov and called the embassy. No response yet. Please anyone experienced this issue and is there a possibility my visa will be revoked?

Hello sirs, amd mas.

My husband has a valid visa. I have a valid visa. We have three children all under 10. We want to get a visa for each of them so we can have a family vacation. Do my children need to go for interview? Thank you.

LagosNIV:


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.

My wife was refused under 221g earlier this year. Does it mean she can still use the receipt to reapply? Pls clarify

Please I need a quick assistance on this:

My appointment is in 4 days time.
I earlier filled DS160 form long ago but didn't submit. While i wanted to submit the form 2 days ago, the system says it has expired. Meanwhile the old Ds160 no was linked with my appointment confirmation.
I have filled a new DS160 form. But how do i link it with the appointment confirmation. Somebody pls help.

Thanks

If you were refused 221g, then the consulate unlocked your receipt and you will not have to repay the fee. If this is your situation, then feel free to contact LagosNIV@state.gov for guidance. If you could not make your visa interview date or needed to cancel, you can reschedule without having to purchase a new receipt.

Beehandz:


My wife was refused under 221g earlier this year. Does it mean she can still use the receipt to reapply? Pls clarify

Rest assure that there is a solution to this technical issue. CGI handles website/technical issues relating to the application process. You may contact CGI for guidance. CGI customer service information is on the following websites: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-main-contactus.asp and https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/

Call Center no.: +234 1 227 8955
Email: support-nigeria@ustraveldocs.com
Website: www.ustraveldocs.com/ng
Business Hours: Working hours are from 0800 to 1230 hrs; 1330 to 1600 hrs. Monday To Friday except declared Nigerian and U.S. Holidays.

topmosttee:
Please I need a quick assistance on this:

My appointment is in 4 days time.
I earlier filled DS160 form long ago but didn't submit. While i wanted to submit the form 2 days ago, the system says it has expired. Meanwhile the old Ds160 no was linked with my appointment confirmation.
I have filled a new DS160 form. But how do i link it with the appointment confirmation. Somebody pls help.

Thanks

Hello, good evening.

My husband has a valid visa. I have a valid visa. We have three children all under 10. We want to get a visa for each of them so we can have a family vacation. Do my children need to go for interview? Thank you.

Dear LagosNiv,
I recently applied for a B2 visa via drop box and was called for a 221g followup interview. I am due to travel first week in December 2018. The first available date is April, 2019. I have gone ahead to select this date with the hope that I can reschedule. Or better still can be considered for an earlier date. Unfortunately I have not been given any opportunity to reschedule. What do you advise? Kindly help!

Good morning LagosNIV,
I am in the process of applying for a B2 visa for vacation to the USA.
I am confused as to the differences between the information required in the field that states “Passport/Travel Document Number” and that which states “Passport Book Number”; please could you help clarify?

I saw in the previous thread where AbujaNIV identified Passport book number as the number on the top right of the bio-data page; in that case why would the “Passport/Travel Document Number” be?

Thanks in advance for you input!

Hello LagosNiv, i know this is a thread for non immigrant visa but i have a question about immigrant visa, wonder if you can be helpful, please On the day of my interview i was asked to submitt some additional documents at a DHL office which i have done, they said they would contact me, my questions are, 1- who will they contact? Me or my petitioner? Also how long will the whole process take? And finally should i still create an account @ ustraveldocs.com/ng ? Even tho my case is pending

@LagosNIV please I lost my Nigerian passport with my visa till on it, but have got 4months left on it. do I need to report it to the embassy or just wait and get a new one and reply for a new one. since it almost over.

@LagosNIV please I lost my Nigerian passport with my visa till on it, but have got 4months left on it. do I need to report it to the embassy or just wait and get a new one and reply for a new one. since it almost over. Thanks

Hello, good evening. I attended my F1 visa interview today in abuja by 7:30. I answered all the questions asked. The lady took my passport and the financial statements she said she needs to validate the documents. An hour later, I checked my status, and I saw REFUSED. I'm really confused as to why she collected my passport if she was still going to refuse me the visa.

LagosNIV:
Rest ssure that there is a solution to this technical issue. CGI handles website/technical issues relating to the application process. You may contact CGI for guidance. CGI customer service information is on the following websites: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-main-contactus.asp and https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/

Call Center no.: +234 1 227 8955
Email: support-nigeria@ustraveldocs.com
Website: www.ustraveldocs.com/ng
Business Hours: Working hours are from 0800 to 1230 hrs; 1330 to 1600 hrs. Monday To Friday except declared Nigerian and U.S. Holidays.

Good day Lagos NIV,

Please I had my interview on the 1st of November and was approved. I was asked to collect my passport after 3 working days at DHL office .

It has been 4 days now and yet no message or email. I sent an email to passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com but it says my passport is still with post.

My portal says my passport is still in the us consulate. Please what do I do?

Thank you for sharing your concern. First, let me thank you for using the proper site to track your passport: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-passportretrieve.asp Follow-up with all of the resources available on this site after a few more days as passport processing can take more than three days. Please take into consideration local and U.S. holidays.

Fiona007:
Good day Lagos NIV,

Please I had my interview on the 1st of November and was approved. I was asked to collect my passport after 3 working days at DHL office .

It has been 4 days now and yet no message or email. I sent an email to passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com but it says my passport is still with post.

My portal says my passport is still in the us consulate. Please what do I do?

Good day and thank you for the enlightenment on US policy that you provide.

I will like to know if it is illegal to accept discounted medical service in the US.

Good morning Lagos NIV,
Thank you for your response. However, Its over a week . I really dont know what is happening because I was told approved and no document was collected . I would have said something had to be verified. Its just my passport that was collected.

The last time my portal was updated was on the day of my interview, 01/11/18.

Was my passport forgotten over the weekend?

Please advise what to do

Hello LagosNIV/AbujaNIV,
Please i need you to clarify the visa waiting time to reapply: for B1/B2; the wait time to reapply after refusal is six months, is this time between last refusal date to next appointment date in which case you can start the DS-160 form and source for appointment within the six months date or the wait to reapply time is between the last refusal date and the next date to create a new DS-160 form; in which case it may take one year for another interview date, considering the scarce availability of interview dates. Thank you.

Hello LagosNiv,

I'm currently in the US on F1, I came here for my masters program but on getting here, my school could no longer enroll me for this year session because I came in late and my program was deferred to next session, even though I got an extension letter from the school. I was transferred to another college to take some courses relating to my program of study to keep my status till my program starts next year.

My husband and 2 kids will be be visiting the embassy soon for their F2 interview, If they ask them why I change from master's program to an associate degree program, can they explain my situation to the VO, I have all evidence to back my reason up. Will the VO see us as potential immigrants? I really need to see my kids since my program has been delayed in the US. Please I need your advice.

Hi IV/Officer

Lagos, IV
VISA APPLICATION
Expiring Soon
Case Last Updated: 15-Nov-2017

Hi, IV/Officer my Stepson's I-130 application was sent back to The Department of State. for review. They requested for evidence . The USCIS received the response for evidence from me on 2/22/18 which states they will begin working on our case again. I was told it would be 7-9 months before we will hear an answer of the outcome. As of today we have not heard anything. I also was told I could not submit a case inquiry until the case is outside normal processing time. We have a little longer to submit an inquiry. Now his case is soon to expire due to the time frame of the case being reviewed. Our failure to pursue his visa application was due to circumstances beyond our control and noting that we still wish to pursue this visa petition. I sent an email to LagosIV@state.gov is there anything else I need to do while waiting on the outcome of the case. Thanks for your time and consideration into this matter. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely

Hello topmost2018,

We cannot comment on individual cases, but as always, your family should be prepared to explain your specific situation and why your enrollment was deferred.

topmost2018:
Hello LagosNiv,

I'm currently in the US on F1, I came here for my masters program but on getting here, my school could no longer enroll me for this year session because I came in late and my program was deferred to next session, even though I got an extension letter from the school. I was transferred to another college to take some courses relating to my program of study to keep my status till my program starts next year.

My husband and 2 kids will be be visiting the embassy soon for their F2 interview, If they ask them why I change from master's program to an associate degree program, can they explain my situation to the VO, I have all evidence to back my reason up. Will the VO see us as potential immigrants? I really need to see my kids since my program has been delayed in the US. Please I need your advice.

Hello bestbuyer,

The six month period refers to the amount of time that must pass between each interview. You can start your DS-160 before the six month period elapses. Please note that if you re-interview less than six months before a prior refusal, it could indicate to the officer that you (or someone who helped you fill out your application) was dishonest about when your last refusal date was.

bestbuyer:
Hello LagosNIV/AbujaNIV,
Please i need you to clarify the visa waiting time to reapply: for B1/B2; the wait time to reapply after refusal is six months, is this time between last refusal date to next appointment date in which case you can start the DS-160 form and source for appointment within the six months date or the wait to reapply time is between the last refusal date and the next date to create a new DS-160 form; in which case it may take one year for another interview date, considering the scarce availability of interview dates. Thank you.

Hello Fiona007,

Please send an email to LagosNIV@state.gov with the specifics of your case.

Fiona007:
Good morning Lagos NIV,
Thank you for your response. However, Its over a week . I really dont know what is happening because I was told approved and no document was collected . I would have said something had to be verified. Its just my passport that was collected.

The last time my portal was updated was on the day of my interview, 01/11/18.

Was my passport forgotten over the weekend?

Please advise what to do

Hello laonidolla,

Please report the loss to U.S. Consulate Lagos or U.S. Embassy Abuja (whichever issued the visa) immediately. If Lagos issued it, please email LagosNIV@state.gov. If Abuja issued it, please email ConsularAbuja@state.gov.

laonidolla:
@LagosNIV please I lost my Nigerian passport with my visa till on it, but have got 4months left on it. do I need to report it to the embassy or just wait and get a new one and reply for a new one. since it almost over. Thanks

Hey Lagos NIV. This is my first time on this thread in over 2 years. Thanks for the good work you have been doing. I have a question to ask. I'm working in the USA on an H1B visa since 2017. Actually, I changed status from F1 to H1B. My passport still has my original student visa. I'm considering going to Canada for visa stamping. While filling out my DS160 form, there was a section which asked about any criminal convictions. Last year I had a speeding ticket to which I hired a lawyer and pleaded no contest. The Judge in a municipal court recommended paying the court fees, defensive driving and no point deductions. I duly complied with everything and I'm still on H1b status. I still have a clean driving record. If I return to the court next year after the probation period with a clean driving record, no point deductions would be made. My question is, does this situation amount to a "criminal conviction". What are the implications of having such a record on your H1B visa stamping? I did talk to my lawyer who told me it does not amount to a criminal conviction. But I want to make doubly sure in order not to make a mistake in my application thereby putting me in jeopardy. Thanks!

Hello, LAGOSNIV/ABUJANIV

My husband has a valid visa. I have a valid visa. We have three children all under 10. We want to get a visa for each of them so we can have a family vacation. Do my children need to go for interview? Thank you.

Hello pls.. I have an urgent question . My visa interview is schedule to hold tomorrow Nov 19. Can I go along with bank statement printed my self .. though I got it from my sponsors bank when he requested online . And secondly . The bank statement ended on September 13. ... pls advice

Good day VO,

I got a feedback from the interview waiver process that says I schedule for an appointment under 221g category and that I do not need to pay for another visa fee.

I tried to schedule for the appointment but cannot get pass the receipt confirmation page because it gives an invalid receipt message.

I have dropped this complaint on the feedback session of the appointment scheduling page and it says escalated.

I have sent messages to lagosniv@state.gov, support-nigeria@ustraveldocs.com with my passport
data page and 221g letter yet no positive response.

This has been up to two weeks now and I have followed up with calls but is not yielding results.

Is it advisable to pay for another visa fee and schedule for the appointment.

I really need your help.