ivy1225:
was also asked how many times I have been to the US --- said 6 times and was a student there for graduate school.

You indeed had a very good travel history and stay in both the US and UK...congrats.

ivy1225:
Thanks decided to go for the interview.
Brief Background- got my first us visa 11 years ago. Since then I have had 4 us visas, including an f1 visa to do a masters (an ivy league uni) came back immediately after the end of my program. no opt, no overstay.

Was also a student in the UK from 15-21. and I have a 14 year travel history in the UK

Observations - they were loads of people today. I got there at 9:30 and I was number 900. Only 5 people were given the white slip. So many tears and the tension was palpable.

Mine was a 221g because i was not entitled to dropbox because my last visa was issued in the uk.

VO: Passport
Me: hands in passport
VO: how many kids do you have?
Me: shocked I don't have any kids not even married.
VO: where do you work?
Me: I am currently doing my legal training at the NigeriaN law school to enable me practice law here..
VO: How long do you intend to stay in the us
Me: 2 weeks
VO: When does your program end at the law school?
Me- Nov
Vo: why do you want to travel?
Me: vacation to celebrate end of law school exams and shop
Vo: how many siblings?
Me: 3 - 1 here, 2 in the Uk
VO: what area of law do you want to practice in?
Me: blah blah tied it back to the llm i did in the Us
Vo: after law school, what next
Me: get a job and reap all the investments i made paying fees in the us and uk
Vo: visa approved
took the white paper and left

Overheard a Vo ask a guy repeatedly why he chose a certain school and brother couldn't say jack? like for real!
Overheard a man tell the VO his wife has a successful legal practice and yet they were still turned down...

Wow! I am just glad this is over...
be honest, be truthful and please get travel history from a country like the UK.. for at least 2 years before going to the us. They know we have a lot of ties to the uk. so that should be your first travel experience logically!

Congrats... I love good news.

Beautyaddy:
Wow!....that is a lot of people

Where is everyone running away to...lol!

I know no oooo

.

Atom4s:
Good day everyone.
Please help a friend. I have a friend who is going to the AAMU, in Alabama but he wants to go to Maryland first to stay for two weeks with his brother( a student)before finally going to his school. He plans to take a greyhound bus from Maryland to Alabama. Maryland to Alabama is 11 hours.
Please will he have issues at the POE?

We don't even know the airline or his itinerary.... you can do better by providing enough info.

Hello,

So I just arrived the US and here is my POE transcript. POE was Atlanta and this is my first time in the US. During my visa interview, I stated that I intended to visit New York on holiday, but that didn't happen.

Me: Hi Goodmorning
CBP: Goodmorning lovely, how are you today?
Me: I'm very well thank you, how is it going?
CBP: Ehhhh, Not bad
Me: *hands over passport*
CBP: What's your purpose of visiting the US?
Me: I am attending a training course and I took a couple of days afterward to sightsee
CBP: Where is the training taking place?
Me: Houston, Texas. that's my final destination
CBP: What do you do?
Me: I am a xxxxxxx
CBP: Oh really, stand over there and please stand still so I can take a photo you
Me: Okay
CBP: *Stamps me in for six months while asking if I brought in any prohibited items*
Me: Not at all
CBP: okay have a great day
Me: You too.


After reading this thread before my trip, I was so scared because everyone said you had to use the visa for what it was given for in the first instance. That is totally not true. I must add that everyone's case is different. While it was my first time visiting the US, I had a very good travel history from other countries such as the UK and Schengen countries - maybe that helped. It is also very important that you are honest all through. They can spot dishonesty from a mile away. Be confident, assertive and honest.

seyewest:


Don't allow anyone to misled you, fly to New York spend a day or 2 before flying to Texas.

JenKendall:
Hello,

So I just arrived the US and here is my POE transcript. POE was Atlanta and this is my first time in the US. During my visa interview, I stated that I intended to visit New York on holiday, but that didn't happen.

Me: Hi Goodmorning
CBP: Goodmorning lovely, how are you today?
Me: I'm very well thank you, how is it going?
CBP: Ehhhh, Not bad
Me: *hands over passport*
CBP: What's your purpose of visiting the US?
Me: I am attending a training course and I took a couple of days afterward to sightsee
CBP: Where is the training taking place?
Me: Houston, Texas. that's my final destination
CBP: What do you do?
Me: I am a xxxxxxx
CBP: Oh really, stand over there and please stand still so I can take a photo you
Me: Okay
CBP: *Stamps me in for six months while asking if I brought in any prohibited items*
Me: Not at all
CBP: okay have a great day
Me: You too.


After reading this thread before my trip, I was so scared because everyone said you had to use the visa for what it was given for in the first instance. That is totally not true. I must add that everyone's case is different. While it was my first time visiting the US, I had a very good travel history from other countries such as the UK and Schengen countries - maybe that helped. It is also very important that you are honest all through. They can spot dishonesty from a mile away. Be confident, assertive and honest.

Nice one, hope you have a nice trip.

JenKendall:
Hello,

So I just arrived the US and here is my POE transcript. POE was Atlanta and this is my first time in the US. During my visa interview, I stated that I intended to visit New York on holiday, but that didn't happen.

Me: Hi Goodmorning
CBP: Goodmorning lovely, how are you today?
Me: I'm very well thank you, how is it going?
CBP: Ehhhh, Not bad
Me: *hands over passport*
CBP: What's your purpose of visiting the US?
Me: I am attending a training course and I took a couple of days afterward to sightsee
CBP: Where is the training taking place?
Me: Houston, Texas. that's my final destination
CBP: What do you do?
Me: I am a xxxxxxx
CBP: Oh really, stand over there and please stand still so I can take a photo you
Me: Okay
CBP: *Stamps me in for six months while asking if I brought in any prohibited items*
Me: Not at all
CBP: okay have a great day
Me: You too.


After reading this thread before my trip, I was so scared because everyone said you had to use the visa for what it was given for in the first instance. That is totally not true. I must add that everyone's case is different. While it was my first time visiting the US, I had a very good travel history from other countries such as the UK and Schengen countries - maybe that helped. It is also very important that you are honest all through. They can spot dishonesty from a mile away. Be confident, assertive and honest.

Congratulations to you. Do have a swell time....

“Totally not true” as used as used above however sounds too certain. Instances are there in different scenarios where such situations have proved “a whole lot true”. At least the one many can relate with is the one visa applicants secured the B1/B2 for the purpose of either attending a conference or for holiday, but later showed up in front a CBP officer for the purpose of birthing which the visa of course qualifies them for. Loads have had issues at that point, some at that point and point of renewal again, some at only renewal, some (which I have hardly seen or read of) with no issues at all.

Will only just call your attention to the point there’s yet a visa renewal to do in front even though I believe you should worry less having passed the CBP level in your own peculiar case, I doubt if the consulate will have much left to hold against you then, but it can still come up, at least an invitation to attend an interview with them when you do Dropbox application can still be sparked by this singular act....

Hello, thanks for your reply.

I understand what you are trying to say. You see, the example you gave is very different from my situation because my purpose of visiting the US had not changed significantly. However, after doing extensive research I have also come to realize that even going to the US to give birth on a B1/B2 visa without notifying the US embassy ahead of your trip, is not in itself a crime. If you turn up at the point of entry with valid documents that represent the true nature of your visit, I see no reason why you will be turned back. Unless of course, you present a discounted invoice amount (which indicates a strain on taxpayers) or you have no doctors appointment or you lie about certain information etc. (P.S. We Nigerians are sometimes the cause of our own problems).

While I could agree with you that it may be a much smoother experience to go in through the city you stated during your interview, I repeat that the singular fact that you turned up at a different city is not enough reason in itself for you to get turned back at the port of entry. Before they turn you back, they would usually carry out secondary investigation and if what you say checks out, you will be let in. Take, for instance, I read of a guy that got turned back because he could not give them an exact date of return. Obviously, that means he had no plans to return. The most important thing is to prove to them in all your communication that you have no plans to stay in the US illegally, If you are a genuine traveler with a clear and concise itinerary, that shouldn't be a problem.

I don't think anyone who can confidently defend the purpose of visiting the US should have a problem with renewal or co. If asked even 10years after, you should be able to explain reasons why you turned up at a different POE (even though I don't see the sense in asking such questions at renewal when there were no issues about it at the POE).

Like I said before, be honest, assertive and confident.

OmoBendel24:


Congratulations to you. Do have a swell time....

“Totally not true” as used as used above however sounds too certain. Instances are there in different scenarios where such situations have proved “a whole lot true”. At least the one many can relate with is the one visa applicants secured the B1/B2 for the purpose of either attending a conference or for holiday, but later showed up in front a CBP officer for the purpose of birthing which the visa of course qualifies them for. Loads have had issues at that point, some at that point and point of renewal again, some at only renewal, some (which I have hardly seen or read of) with no issues at all.

Will only just call your attention to the point there’s yet a visa renewal to do in front even though I believe you should worry less having passed the CBP level in your own peculiar case, I doubt if the consulate will have much left to hold against you then, but it can still come up, at least an invitation to attend an interview with them when you do Dropbox application can still be sparked by this singular act....

JenKendall:
Hello, thanks for your reply.

I understand what you are trying to say. You see, the example you gave is very different from my situation because my purpose of visiting the US had not changed significantly. However, after doing extensive research I have also come to realize that even going to the US to give birth on a B1/B2 visa without notifying the US embassy ahead of your trip, is not in itself a crime. If you turn up at the point of entry with valid documents that represent the true nature of your visit, I see no reason why you will be turned back. Unless of course, you present a discounted invoice amount (which indicates a strain on taxpayers) or you have no doctors appointment or you lie about certain information etc. (P.S. We Nigerians are sometimes the cause of our own problems).

While I could agree with you that it may be a much smoother experience to go in through the city you stated during your interview, I repeat that the singular fact that you turned up at a different city is not enough reason in itself for you to get turned back at the port of entry. Before they turn you back, they would usually carry out secondary investigation and if what you say checks out, you will be let in. Take, for instance, I read of a guy that got turned back because he could not give them an exact date of return. Obviously, that means he had no plans to return. The most important thing is to prove to them in all your communication that you have no plans to stay in the US illegally, If you are a genuine traveler with a clear and concise itinerary, that shouldn't be a problem.

I don't think anyone who can confidently defend the purpose of visiting the US should have a problem with renewal or co. If asked even 10years after, you should be able to explain reasons why you turned up at a different POE (even though I don't see the sense in asking such questions at renewal when there were no issues about it at the POE).

Like I said before, be honest, assertive and confident.

Robust one there.... Greetings

Going in through the city you stated during your interview isn’t mandatory, a good explanation can handle that, that’s not actually in contention. Rather, it’s a modification/alteration/change of PURPOSE/INTENT that is.

Quite extensive research that is, cool. I agree almost on all grounds per the above.... Do @the bolded with a visa issued based on a B1 precise purpose and turn up at the POE for birthing purposes (with or without notifying the embassy - take note meanwhile, as at today, if you as a Nigerian send in such notification to their Lagos or Abuja offices, your visa can then not even get you on a US bound plane without having to first visit them at the Embassy), get past the CBP easily (get sent to SECONDARY or not) because you checked right with them by reason of your preparedness (and birthing in the US capability proof) and all, then birth and make necessary payments, cool.

A RENEWAL at the Embassy is yet in front, where you almost certainly won’t get a Dropbox renewal without an invitation to the embassy for interview purposes (that alone is not an easy “punishment” to go through I assure you. Several people as at now are yet to even get a date for interview appointment with the embassy even after weeks of their Dropbox application being turned down).

Then to the interview, that is when you will know that knowledge and practice got difference (khaki no be leather). Go and speak all you have learnt above to them let’s see what the outcome will be at the end 90% of the time. Question thereafter will likely be “what happened, why”? But this was a B1/B2 visa, you were honest, assertive and exuded all the confidence there is at the interview; it qualifies for business visit, conferences, general visits/holidays, medicals, short courses in some cases even, etc. But, a big BUT....

Like I earlier said, you have reiterated too, your kind of situation is peculiar and comes across as the type that doesn’t have a sharp contrast from what obtained at interview, the likelihood of future smooth sails could easily be on the horizon for you. That you used the construct “TOTALLY” alongside “not true” is what I have ought against, “not entirely true” would have worked better in my opinion though, just my opinion. Regards, and do Enjoy your trip!

.


I

Hello,
Please travelling close to visa expiry (1 week to expiry), will that be a problem

Cobiss:
Hello,
Please travelling close to visa expiry (1 week to expiry), will that be a problem

have you used the visa?

seyewest:


have you used the visa?

No I haven't. I want to use it now before expiration

Cobiss:


No I haven't. I want to use it now before expiration

No previous US visa and visit before this?

OmoBendel24:


No previous US visa and visit before this?

My first U.S. visa was in 2014 B1/B2. Visited in 2015 and used for childbirth in 2016. Renewed via Dropbox in 2017 and want to visit now before it expires. So since I plan to enter the US a week to visa expiration (that is when my leave is starting), am a bit worried

Cobiss:


My first U.S. visa was in 2014 B1/B2. Visited in 2015 and used for childbirth in 2016. Renewed via Dropbox in 2017 and want to visit now before it expires. So since I plan to enter the US a week to visa expiration (that is when my leave is starting), am a bit worried

Go ahead, no issues with the timing, just meet other normal conditions like one who has two years validity left on the visa even. You no get wahala!

OmoBendel24:


Go ahead, no issues with the timing, just meet other normal conditions like one who has two years validity left on the visa even. You no get wahala!

Ok thanks a lot

That means someone like me has nothing to worry about niyen.lol !My visa expires may 29th,booked my ticket for april 1st-22nd already sha.My third visa in 9years.1st was 2010,2nd was 2012 and this one 2017.I usually travel the year I get the visas,but this one,not had time to travel
My mum who has been a frequent traveller ,since 2008 ,but she no sabi how this things work .she is like "se won ma je ko wole ni jfk bayi,visa e ma ti fe expire"(will they allow you in at the poe like this,your visa has almost expired).have told her to calm down sha.

OmoBendel24:


Go ahead, no issues with the timing, just meet other normal conditions like one who has two years validity left on the visa even. You no get wahala!

BabyPosh:
That means someone like me has nothing to worry about niyen.lol !My visa expires may 29th,booked my ticket for april 1st-22nd already sha.My third visa in 9years.1st was 2010,2nd was 2012 and this one 2017.I usually travel the year I get the visas,but this one,not had time to travel
My mum who has been a frequent traveller ,since 2008 ,but she no sabi how this things work .she is like "se won ma je ko wole ni jfk bayi,visa e ma ti fe expire"(will they allow you in at the poe like this,your visa has almost expired).have told her to calm down sha.

No problem at all with your chosen dates, it will fly. Provided you don’t have other issues hanging on your neck though

Thanks.....No other issues,never stayed beyond 3wks on each visits.

quote author=OmoBendel24 post=76826141]

No problem at all with your chosen dates, it will fly. Provided you don’t have other issues hanging on your neck though [/quote]

POE Transcripts

Flew using Qatar Airlines. It was a long journey (14hrs). Arrived 12th March morning. POE is JFK ( I used JFK in 2014 too). One Chinese-looking American.

Me: Good Morning

CBP: Morning, Can I have your passport?

Me: Sure! Gave him and he scanned it.

CBP: Where are you coming from?

Me: I told him

CBP: Why are you in the US?

ME: for a convention

CBP: how long are you staying?

ME: 4 days

CBP: Look at the camera. That's all. He stamped me in and indicated B1 on the stamp. He gave me my passport.

Me: Thank you.

As I was walking to the exit, since I have no bag to claim, a lady (CBP) called me and asked me few questions.

Lady: how are you?
Me: Good and you?
Lady: Fine , thank you. Can I have your passport?
Me: Sure! Gave her.
Lady: What do you do and where are you coming from?
Me: I told her.
Lady: How long re you staying?
Me: 4 days.
Lady: Are you connecting flight?
Me: Yes, JetBlue
Lady: Thats terminal 5. She gave me the descriptions to the terminal and handed my passport to me.

Back to my base and good luck and safe flight to others.

folmus:
POE Transcripts

Flew using Qatar Airlines. It was a long journey (14hrs). Arrived 12th March morning. POE is JFK ( I used JFK in 2014 too). One Chinese-looking American.

Me: Good Morning

CBP: Morning, Can I have your passport?

Me: Sure! Gave him and he scanned it.

CBP: Where are you coming from?

Me: I told him

CBP: Why are you in the US?

ME: for a convention

CBP: how long are you staying?

ME: 4 days

CBP: Look at the camera. That's all. He stamped me in and indicated B1 on the stamp. He gave me my passport.

Me: Thank you.

As I was walking to the exit, since I have no bag to claim, a lady (CBP) called me and asked me few questions.

Lady: how are you?
Me: Good and you?
Lady: Fine , thank you. Can I have your passport?
Me: Sure! Gave her.
Lady: What do you do and where are you coming from?
Me: I told her.
Lady: How long re you staying?
Me: 4 days.
Lady: Are you connecting flight?
Me: Yes, JetBlue
Lady: Thats terminal 5. She gave me the descriptions to the terminal and handed my passport to me.

Back to my base and good luck and safe flight to others.

What a short trip... Jetlag will deal with you.

folmus:
POE Transcripts

Flew using Qatar Airlines. It was a long journey (14hrs). Arrived 12th March morning. POE is JFK ( I used JFK in 2014 too). One Chinese-looking American.

Me: Good Morning

CBP: Morning, Can I have your passport?

Me: Sure! Gave him and he scanned it.

CBP: Where are you coming from?

Me: I told him

CBP: Why are you in the US?

ME: for a convention

CBP: how long are you staying?

ME: 4 days

CBP: Look at the camera. That's all. He stamped me in and indicated B1 on the stamp. He gave me my passport.

Me: Thank you.

As I was walking to the exit, since I have no bag to claim, a lady (CBP) called me and asked me few questions.

Lady: how are you?
Me: Good and you?
Lady: Fine , thank you. Can I have your passport?
Me: Sure! Gave her.
Lady: What do you do and where are you coming from?
Me: I told her.
Lady: How long re you staying?
Me: 4 days.
Lady: Are you connecting flight?
Me: Yes, JetBlue
Lady: Thats terminal 5. She gave me the descriptions to the terminal and handed my passport to me.

Back to my base and good luck and safe flight to others.

Kai!! You get liver ooooooo. 9hrs Max at a stretch for me.

flourishing247:


Kai!! You get liver ooooooo. 9hrs Max at a stretch for me.

You no wan go U.S be that.

seyewest:


You no wan go U.S be that.

LOL. I break my trips to rest.

flourishing247:


LOL. I break my trips to rest.

except that.

seyewest:


What a short trip... Jetlag will deal with you.

Absolutely! My circadian rhythm is just getting back to normal

Baby posh. .. what airline are you travelling with?

BabyPosh:
That means someone like me has nothing to worry about niyen.lol !My visa expires may 29th,booked my ticket for april 1st-22nd already sha.My third visa in 9years.1st was 2010,2nd was 2012 and this one 2017.I usually travel the year I get the visas,but this one,not had time to travel
My mum who has been a frequent traveller ,since 2008 ,but she no sabi how this things work .she is like "se won ma je ko wole ni jfk bayi,visa e ma ti fe expire"(will they allow you in at the poe like this,your visa has almost expired).have told her to calm down sha.

Emirates

Doublej805:
Baby posh. .. what airline are you travelling with?

Thank God for the grace to post my POE, being looking forward to it for almost 2yrs, we got our visas in 2017.
Left Nigeria with my 3 kids on Thursday via Delta to New York, flight was about 11 hours. Arrived about 5am, we all had to scan our passports then to d cbp officers. Wasn't asked much, Just our final destination and reason for our visit, which I replied for holiday, was also asked what I do, wc I replied, then he said have a nice holiday then we left.
Then we went to pick our bags and went to wait for our connecting flight. In all from Lagos ,I thank God for favour. Enjoying the holiday so far, hoping for a lovely 4wks.

Please i will need some help here on how best to route my flight to get the best at a reasonable(cheap) price.
I am attending an academic conference in Houton, Texas late next month...which airport can i get a flight from Lagos to, aside NewYork?