₦airaland Forum

jyemsta:
My younger sister VISA APPROVED...................................

I got her I-20 about 10 days ago and i remembered not finding a date earlier than December 18th. My trick for getting a closer date (November 18th ) was to check the USA embassy website between 1am - 2:30 am, your chances of getting better date is higher.

My little advice: When applying to schools, please be involved in the process because it gives you at least 20% of your answers during interview. Although she was just out of secondary school, i made her write a SOP demanded by one of the schools (that gave her clear vision) and i sent her compiled transcript i downloaded on this forum for personal study. 8 days to her interview, i paid my cousin who recently finished NYSC to go and train/sharpen her interview skills for the last 7 days........They have 3 sessions of interview daily and i call in at midnight to conduct the 4th and check her progress. After the first 3 days of shaking, she became so confident and i knew what was left is PRAYERS......
Depending on your personality, always get someone to conduct series of interviews with or you stand in front of a mirror and practice like you mean it...........Say it out with strong expression and you realize they stick.........

You: Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Where are you going or which school are you going
You: I am going to the united states for my bachelor degree in Microbiology at Bowling Green State university, Bowling Green, Ohio.

VO: How many schools did you apply
You: I applied to four schools namely; Bowling green state university, East Tennessee State University (Johnson City), Tennessee State university (Nashville), and California State university (East bay)

VO: How many schools admitted you
You: All four offered me admission, but I choose Bowling Green State University

VO: Did you write any exams (e.g., SAT, TOFEL, IELTS, ACT)
You: No, it was not required. Especially when I have an outstanding WAEC result

VO: Why did you choose Bowling green State university
You: I choose BGSU because of the outstanding curriculum and course content that matches my career goal of becoming an Immunologist. Also, they offer scholarship opportunities for outstanding student like myself, and the region is also relatively cheaper and known for it very low crime rate

VO: Why did you choose Microbiology
You: I choose microbiology because since I was 8 years old, I have always loved to take care of sick people and also know why they fell sick. During my secondary school days, my best subject was biology and I was also the health prefect, this equally increased by passion for the field.

VO: What is microbiology
You: Microbiology is the study of microorganisms or microbes, which are unicellular or multi-cellular organisms and causes infections, they are too small to be seen by naked eyes but by microscope. Some branches of microbiology are, immunology, virology, & parasitology, etc

VO: What is immunology
You: Immunology is the study of the immune system in all organism and is a very important branch of biological sciences. The immune system helps us to fight and protects us from infections.

VO: How old are you
You: 17 years, but I’ll be 18 by January next year

VO: Do you have family in USA
You: Yes, I have a brother who is a Traction Power Engineer @XXXXXXXX in California

VO: How long have your brother been in the USA
You: Like 3 years now

VO: Where are your siblings
You: 1 is in Germany, 1 in USA, and others are working with different ministries and companies here in Nigeria. I am the last born of the family

VO: What does your parents do
You: My dad was an .......... of Customs, Federal Operations Muritala International Airport Ikeja and my mum is a .............. with the Lagos State ministry of education, Alausa Ikeja.

VO: Who is sponsoring you
You: My Eldest brother

VO: Why does he want to sponsor you& not your parents
You: I submitted both my brother and my parent bank information, but the school used only one because the amount in the account was enough.

VO: Can I have a look at his bank/financial documents
You: Yes sir/ma……..then pass the bank papers

VO: Where will you be living in the USA/school
You: I will be living in the school hostel for my first two years because this is the policy for new international student in Bowling green State University

VO: I will be approving your VISA, do you have your repository fee?
You: Yes........................

ALL GLORY AND HONOR TO ALMIGHTY GOD.....................

DexterousOne:
Haba

@AngelicBeing
Come and see something

AngelicBeing:
Chai

DexterousOne:
This one is strong o

E pain am enter bone

Adesegun1:
Hi Guys,

Went for my interview on Friday and I was denied.
The family before me was issued a pink slip and the woman was even begging; almost on her knees. I got nervous immediately but wasn't scared after all.

After passing my I-20 and passport.

VO: Why should you go to the US?
Me: I am going to Franklin University for my MBA degree.

VO: How long is this program going to take:
Me: 14 months

VO: On your I-20, its 3 years.

Wanted to explain that the regular program takes 14 months, however, it could be extended to 36 months. But baba VO just asked another question.

VO: So, why Franklin University
Me: Explained the unique curriculum and the fact that FU is located in Colombus Ohio, which was named according to Forbes as one of the best places to do business in the USA.

VO: Sorry you've not met our requirements. You should try when you're ready.

Gave me a yellow paper.

Nothing less, nothing more.

I noticed students with full scholarships got their visas. Even the black woman at windows 7 approved a guy's visa at my face, but he used close to 12 minutes.

I'm thinking of forfeiting this admission to write GRE and toefl. Get good scores and apply for an MSc in International Business or Management program so I can get scholarships and funding.

Thanks for reading.

psychologyshuby:
This is a wonderful transcript...to God be the glory...honestly just pray for GRACE,no SAT,no TOEFL yet visa approved,while pple with scholarships are rejected...super happy for your sis.

Adesegun1:
Hi Guys,

Went for my interview on Friday and I was denied.
The family before me was issued a pink slip and the woman was even begging; almost on her knees. I got nervous immediately but wasn't scared after all.

After passing my I-20 and passport.

VO: Why should you go to the US?
Me: I am going to Franklin University for my MBA degree.

VO: How long is this program going to take:
Me: 14 months

VO: On your I-20, its 3 years.

Wanted to explain that the regular program takes 14 months, however, it could be extended to 36 months. But baba VO just asked another question.

VO: So, why Franklin University
Me: Explained the unique curriculum and the fact that FU is located in Colombus Ohio, which was named according to Forbes as one of the best places to do business in the USA.

VO: Sorry you've not met our requirements. You should try when you're ready.

Gave me a yellow paper.

Nothing less, nothing more.

I noticed students with full scholarships got their visas. Even the black woman at windows 7 approved a guy's visa at my face, but he used close to 12 minutes.

I'm thinking of forfeiting this admission to write GRE and toefl. Get good scores and apply for an MSc in International Business or Management program so I can get scholarships and funding.

Thanks for reading.

jyemsta:
Its the grace of God, but sometimes you must be smart............Consular like smart and intelligent students, do you think they want craps in their country? I have many student here in the USA that did not write SAT/ACT/IELTS............. Your job at the embassy is to show the consular what you are made of. Lots of person sees consular and fidget, spew trash, and come back to nairaland saying they answer all questions. I remember during my interview, the 2 guys before me were bounced and i suspect the reason was that (1. the first claim the dad is sponsoring him, and he said his dad sells iron gates.........Imagine that, why not he is a steel merchant........2nd person was a friend who answered that her mum is a nurse.............why not matron @xyz hospital). Practice well for interview and never be intimidated when you get there........Fear is a natural assassin

Biggggboy:
And the consulars I hope...



any of it

Adesegun1:
Hi Guys,


VO: So, why Franklin University
Me: Explained the unique curriculum and the fact that FU is located in Colombus Ohio, which was named according to Forbes as one of the best places to do business in the USA.

Thanks for reading.

Valley2Glory:
My US visa was rejected on Friday in Lagos embassy.
Transcript:
Vo: What are u going to study in US?
Me: I'm going to New Mexico State University to embark on a doctorate degree program in Hydrology and Water Resources Science. I will be joining an ongoing research in the college of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental science in collaboration with New Mexico Water Research Institute. The research is about understanding and modelling of food-water-energy nexus to foster its resiliency due to draught events, climate change and socioeconomic shocks. In order to achieve, we will be making use of remote sensing data and tools integrated with gridded near data obtained from surface models to improve regional water resources management for agricultural water use, water balance application, land use and land change cover.
VO: How many years is the program
Me: 4 years
VO: What will the degree do for u?
Me: The doctorate program is a specialized one. It is an interdisciplinary program designed by water experts in NMSU to raise world professional experts in tackling challenges of water resources management. So as such the program will equip me with high level skills while I return to Nigeria after its completion. I will be contributing to the deplorable state of Nigeria's water resources management which Mr President has already declared a state of emergency. Not long ago I made my intention to join Ogun-Oshun River Basin known but my application met a brick wall. I was told the ministry of water resources is revamping itself by absorbing only those with quality training in advanced countries like United States. So I will like join the agency upon the completion of my program.
My second option is to pick up an offer with my University where I did my Masters, Bleep university in Nigeria. Presently, there are limited research in water resources and environmental engineering option because of the few faculties there. With this program, I will definitely have an egde to join the research workforce.
However, my present employer has told me his willingness to absorb me as soon as I return to Nigeria after the program and of course with commensurate working conditions.
VO: So who funds the study?
Me: The school offered me a financial assistantship to the tune of about 70% which also waives out-of-state tuition for me. I'm left with about 5k dollars deficit...(cuts in)
VO: Who takes care of the remaining cost?
Me: Myself and my uncle. I have our statements here( trying to bring them out but he said no need)
VO: Where do u work?
Me: I work in bleep company. I'm a water engineer and I do bleep and bleep there.
VO: Have travelled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No (he kept looking at me because I went mute after the NO so I started speaking again). I never had any reason to travel out of the country, that's why)
VO: Not even Ghana
Me: No
VO: Sorry, you have not met the requirements for this visa at this time.

I zoomed off immediately.

That was my second attempt. I was in Abuja in June for Fall admission but there was no assistantship then. The assistantship came after I deferred to Spring 2020

My uncle's name on previous I-20 was to take care of all the cost. The new I-20 still bears his name for the 5k deficit. However, there was no place in the ds160 where I could indicate his name
I indicated US employer for the only available space for "who pays for the trip"

I intend reapplying but dates are fast disappearing.
Is switching to Abuja a red flag?
Is going to Ghana to change my travel history b4 reapplying a red flag?
If going to Ghana b4 reapplying is a red flag, what should be my response if asked for what has changed in my profile?
[b]
[b]I also need further advice from experienced hands.

LagosismyHome:
Tomorrow will be ok . ........... Stay calm

CephasNMR:
Can you share your transcript of your last interview

kayy88:
VO. Why are you going to the US?
Me: I am going for my masters in public health.

VO: please pass your I.20
Me: passed I-20

VO: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: yes I did

VO: can you name them
ME: I named the schools i applied to ...same schools i mentioned in my previous interview

VO: why Public health?
Me: it's my interest to pursue this masters degree in PH because there is a huge burden of public health diseases in Nigeria...VO cuts in...dont tell me that else I will deny your visa .. dont give me a generic answer
At this point I didnt know what line of thought to follow anymore and I simply rephrase my statements..

VO: I am sorry sorry this is the much I can go for now...flips red paper at me

sipicilia:
@Texrem please how do I contact you, my interview is on the 16 of October which is nextweek Wednesday and I am so scared

texrem:
.

Congratulations! I dont get on here often. Just DM me when next you need me!

Adesegun1:
Hi Guys,

Went for my interview on Friday and I was denied.
The family before me was issued a pink slip and the woman was even begging; almost on her knees. I got nervous immediately but wasn't scared after all.

After passing my I-20 and passport.

VO: Why should you go to the US?
Me: I am going to Franklin University for my MBA degree.

VO: How long is this program going to take:
Me: 14 months

VO: On your I-20, its 3 years.

Wanted to explain that the regular program takes 14 months, however, it could be extended to 36 months. But baba VO just asked another question.

VO: So, why Franklin University
Me: Explained the unique curriculum and the fact that FU is located in Colombus Ohio, which was named according to Forbes as one of the best places to do business in the USA.

VO: Sorry you've not met our requirements. You should try when you're ready.

Gave me a yellow paper.

Nothing less, nothing more.

I noticed students with full scholarships got their visas. Even the black woman at windows 7 approved a guy's visa at my face, but he used close to 12 minutes.

I'm thinking of forfeiting this admission to write GRE and toefl. Get good scores and apply for an MSc in International Business or Management program so I can get scholarships and funding.

Thanks for reading.

Muleriders:
1. No GRE / Gmat for MBA?, you sound like an unserious student looking for cheap admission.


2. Choosing Franklin University (unranked) over northeastern University with a 40 tie rank? ( check my attachment). You sounded more unserious.

If you are a Nigerian V.O . And someone told you he chose odududwa University in ife over covenant University in Ota (both private university),

How would your reaction be?,

If truely northeastern gave you admission. Pls reschedule your interview and accept that of northeastern University. You have a better chance with it than Franklin.

My own opinion, I may be wrong though.

nmicky:
can someone present his father's company statement of account during f1 visa interview processes.

BeebarHH:
Hi everyone.

I had to retrieve my password to submit this post as I forgot it as soon as I opened the account years ago. This is because I think it's really important to also drop my transcript here as i have read several transcripts from the older threads which really helped me today at the embassy. So I'd like to thank everyone who has made a comment or another since the beginning of US visa thread (I'm not sure if 'thread' is what they call it but you know what I mean yeah?)

The pre-screening section was fine but i got a bit scared when a lady who's supposed to confirm the passport right before the bio-metrics shook her head while looking through my I-20. She didn't say what the issue was but I knew I had to start praying immediately. I then noticed pink and yellow slips being issued to most applicants. If I hadn't read through this thread from part 13, I would have assumed they were all granted the visa because some of those applicants had been the US and many other countries before and sounded legit. I personally didn't understand the reason for the denial. Anyway, lets skip to my interview.

I was interviewed by a guy at the third booth which went like this
VO: Good morning
ME: Good morning
VO: Pass me your passport please
ME: Here
VO: So you're going to Georgia state
ME: Yes I am. i intend to study for a master's degree in Geosciences at Georgia State University
VO: oh Student Visa
ME: yes
VO: pass me your I-20
ME: here
VO: (looks through the i-20) ohhh Master's
ME: yes, Masters in geosciences
VO: How long is your program
ME: 28 months
VO: how many schools did you apply to?
ME: three schools. Kansas state university, the University of North Dakota and georgia state Uni but I chose Georgia State Uni because I was impressed by its academic ranking in terms of innovation, commitment to teaching and also research. I was also interested in the work of Dr Hassan who has worked extensively on structural geology. I intend to use the acquired to further study the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta hosts the largest oil reserve in Nigeria.
VO: (nods) very good. so you intend to go for a PhD afterwards?(then he looked right into my eyes)
ME: (looking confused) No, I believe the knowledge acquired would be enough to independently study the Niger Delta. My plan is to apply to Shell Nigeria, where I did my graduate Internship, as an experienced Geologist wherein I'd use the data acquired over the years to further understand reservoir connectivity and communication which would in turn boost hydrocarbon production.
VO: (nods) very good. So you did an Internship at Shell
ME: Yes
VO: good...I see you have a deficit of $12000 aside your assistantship. Who'd be paying for that?
ME:My Uncle
VO: Pass me his Bank Statement
ME: Okay but give me a second to get it...here
VO: (looks through it for longer than I expected and I suspected that he assumed the statement was in Naira but I didn't say anything) Oh he's in switzerland so the currency is in CHF
ME: yeah
VO: (he looked me in the eye again) i will be issuing your visa (pauses for a second to process my reaction) you should pick it up at the point...(I didnt hear the rest cuz I was trying to absorb the fact that my visa was granted)
ME: (emotionless face) Okay, thank you
VO: Please go there to pay your reciprocity fees. You should always take your I-20 with you when you travel......(I zoned out again but tried to appear like I was hearing it for the first time even though my school has put me through the entire process but of course he was trying to help and I appreciated that)
ME: ( nods) Okay, thank you.

What I learned from this is
1. Don't memorize your answers. Practicing a billion times would give you an default, memorized response but try to be flexible with it so that you can think while responding. This is because most times, the tension could cause you to forget the rhythm of your response and that could disorient you completely but if you're listening to yourself speak you can always replace a forgotten response with a more logical answer....Half of my responses weren't delivered as rehearsed.
2. Don't wait for the VO to ask every question. if you've gone through this visa posts long enough you'd see a pattern in the questions. e.g which schools did you apply to, why that school and what are your plans after the degree. Answering them before being asked shows that you actually have a plan already and didn't just cook something up because they asked. While sounding smart with your brief and combined response, the VO also wouldn't have the opportunity to pay special attention to each response like if they were asked individually.... I learned this while rehearsing with my Kid bro last night
3. Please don't lie. there was a man who said he hadn't been denied by any country as he has traveled to so many countries only for the VO to roll his eyes and say "really? are you sure?" then he started to confess and ultimately got denied. You can't tell how much info they have of you.
4. Please please and please, practice your response with the intention that you wouldn't stay any longer in the US than the degree you're going for. The PhD question that was asked of me was a trick i believe. If I had said yes then it would have shown that I wasn't eager to come back and that I'd stay back in the US at the slightest opportunity.. I actually didn't realize this until after the interview.
5. Be prepared. Practice as much as you can and be confident. If you're a genuine student with the intention to study for a better future, remind yourself of that every time because you deserve the opportunity.
6. Speak up and speak out. Don't frustrate the VO by sounding like you've got a sore in your mouth. If you have stage fright like me and tend to speak at a low tone in an interview, lean closer to the receiver. Also, once you notice that the VO is struggling with an Info, especially funding, clear the air before he gives you the pink slip. I should have spoken out immediately i noticed him struggling with the Bank Statement ... Thank God he realized it eventually but not everyone gets that lucky.
7. I don't need to tell anyone to pray. That's default. You should go in with the conviction that your prayer has been accepted. That can loosen up the tension a bit and also improve confidence.


I'm so sorry for the long post, i just wish to give back as much information as I gained from Nairaland. I hope this helps a lot of people.

by the way, hold your reciprocity fee. Its N40,700 or $110. You must show the fee in *CASH*in either currency before you even get past the second checkpoint and there are about 5 of them before meeting the VO (but they'd only confirm that you have the fee once). If you get the Visa you'd pay the fee and if you don't then you'd take your money away with you.

Finally(I promise), don't pray for the VO to retain your Passport because the system has changed. the VO would return your passport to you with a tiny pick slip and the usual white paper which you'd take to the booth where you'd pay your reciprocity fee. that's where they'd retain your passport and the tiny pink paper.

Thank you.

BeebarHH:
Hi everyone.

I had to retrieve my password to submit this post as I forgot it as soon as I opened the account years ago. This is because I think it's really important to also drop my transcript here as i have read several transcripts from the older threads which really helped me today at the embassy. So I'd like to thank everyone who has made a comment or another since the beginning of US visa thread (I'm not sure if 'thread' is what they call it but you know what I mean yeah?)

The pre-screening section was fine but i got a bit scared when a lady who's supposed to confirm the passport right before the bio-metrics shook her head while looking through my I-20. She didn't say what the issue was but I knew I had to start praying immediately. I then noticed pink and yellow slips being issued to most applicants. If I hadn't read through this thread from part 13, I would have assumed they were all granted the visa because some of those applicants had been the US and many other countries before and sounded legit. I personally didn't understand the reason for the denial. Anyway, lets skip to my interview.

I was interviewed by a guy at the third booth which went like this
VO: Good morning
ME: Good morning
VO: Pass me your passport please
ME: Here
VO: So you're going to Georgia state
ME: Yes I am. i intend to study for a master's degree in Geosciences at Georgia State University
VO: oh Student Visa
ME: yes
VO: pass me your I-20
ME: here
VO: (looks through the i-20) ohhh Master's
ME: yes, Masters in geosciences
VO: How long is your program
ME: 28 months
VO: how many schools did you apply to?
ME: three schools. Kansas state university, the University of North Dakota and georgia state Uni but I chose Georgia State Uni because I was impressed by its academic ranking in terms of innovation, commitment to teaching and also research. I was also interested in the work of Dr Hassan who has worked extensively on structural geology. I intend to use the acquired to further study the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta hosts the largest oil reserve in Nigeria.
VO: (nods) very good. so you intend to go for a PhD afterwards?(then he looked right into my eyes)
ME: (looking confused) No, I believe the knowledge acquired would be enough to independently study the Niger Delta. My plan is to apply to Shell Nigeria, where I did my graduate Internship, as an experienced Geologist wherein I'd use the data acquired over the years to further understand reservoir connectivity and communication which would in turn boost hydrocarbon production.
VO: (nods) very good. So you did an Internship at Shell
ME: Yes
VO: good...I see you have a deficit of $12000 aside your assistantship. Who'd be paying for that?
ME:My Uncle
VO: Pass me his Bank Statement
ME: Okay but give me a second to get it...here
VO: (looks through it for longer than I expected and I suspected that he assumed the statement was in Naira but I didn't say anything) Oh he's in switzerland so the currency is in CHF
ME: yeah
VO: (he looked me in the eye again) i will be issuing your visa (pauses for a second to process my reaction) you should pick it up at the point...(I didnt hear the rest cuz I was trying to absorb the fact that my visa was granted)
ME: (emotionless face) Okay, thank you
VO: Please go there to pay your reciprocity fees. You should always take your I-20 with you when you travel......(I zoned out again but tried to appear like I was hearing it for the first time even though my school has put me through the entire process but of course he was trying to help and I appreciated that)
ME: ( nods) Okay, thank you.

What I learned from this is
1. Don't memorize your answers. Practicing a billion times would give you an default, memorized response but try to be flexible with it so that you can think while responding. This is because most times, the tension could cause you to forget the rhythm of your response and that could disorient you completely but if you're listening to yourself speak you can always replace a forgotten response with a more logical answer....Half of my responses weren't delivered as rehearsed.
2. Don't wait for the VO to ask every question. if you've gone through this visa posts long enough you'd see a pattern in the questions. e.g which schools did you apply to, why that school and what are your plans after the degree. Answering them before being asked shows that you actually have a plan already and didn't just cook something up because they asked. While sounding smart with your brief and combined response, the VO also wouldn't have the opportunity to pay special attention to each response like if they were asked individually.... I learned this while rehearsing with my Kid bro last night
3. Please don't lie. there was a man who said he hadn't been denied by any country as he has traveled to so many countries only for the VO to roll his eyes and say "really? are you sure?" then he started to confess and ultimately got denied. You can't tell how much info they have of you.
4. Please please and please, practice your response with the intention that you wouldn't stay any longer in the US than the degree you're going for. The PhD question that was asked of me was a trick i believe. If I had said yes then it would have shown that I wasn't eager to come back and that I'd stay back in the US at the slightest opportunity.. I actually didn't realize this until after the interview.
5. Be prepared. Practice as much as you can and be confident. If you're a genuine student with the intention to study for a better future, remind yourself of that every time because you deserve the opportunity.
6. Speak up and speak out. Don't frustrate the VO by sounding like you've got a sore in your mouth. If you have stage fright like me and tend to speak at a low tone in an interview, lean closer to the receiver. Also, once you notice that the VO is struggling with an Info, especially funding, clear the air before he gives you the pink slip. I should have spoken out immediately i noticed him struggling with the Bank Statement ... Thank God he realized it eventually but not everyone gets that lucky.
7. I don't need to tell anyone to pray. That's default. You should go in with the conviction that your prayer has been accepted. That can loosen up the tension a bit and also improve confidence.


I'm so sorry for the long post, i just wish to give back as much information as I gained from Nairaland. I hope this helps a lot of people.

by the way, hold your reciprocity fee. Its N40,700 or $110. You must show the fee in *CASH*in either currency before you even get past the second checkpoint and there are about 5 of them before meeting the VO (but they'd only confirm that you have the fee once). If you get the Visa you'd pay the fee and if you don't then you'd take your money away with you.

Finally(I promise), don't pray for the VO to retain your Passport because the system has changed. the VO would return your passport to you with a tiny pick slip and the usual white paper which you'd take to the booth where you'd pay your reciprocity fee. that's where they'd retain your passport and the tiny pink paper.

Thank you.