solastar2:


They actually scammed you. The always provide wrong information so as to confuse you. Almost everything they told me as I was passing was false. I told them they should let the CGI guy turn me back first.

I suspected this was happening while it was going on, but I did not want to take chances, especially as I kept seeing people walking back from the line. Now, I know they did. Anyway, that's over now.

Others reading will be more careful and can learn from these experiences. That's the good thing.

naijaeclectic:


You are welcome. Another Nairalander said this is the correct one ohh.

Please go with this one. It's okay.

Wow! Those guys Sha... thanks once again for the clarifications.

naijaeclectic:


-

I am the daughter ohh!

Good morning, everyone. Thanks for the transcripts, advice, and encouragement here. You were extremely helpful. God bless you all.
-

I think I got there at some minutes to 6. There was a crowd already. I had to register my bag for N2,000. Then, I learned that I was not with the correct copy of one payment receipt (the one paid to GT). They said that I needed something with a CGI logo.

A guy there showed me a sample of the correct document. Then, he said it would cost N10,000 to log in and print it. I didn't know when I told him he was wicked. Lol!

After bantering small, I started speaking pidgin/Igbo. I told them not to look at my clothes or smell my perfume, that I'm from the streets, and we're all here to hustle. All na packaging. Lol.

We later agreed on N4,000 for printing that paper and photocopying my passport data page. Photocopying costs N1000. If I hadn't argued, I would have paid N11,000 to print a sheet and photocopy a page.

I only agreed because I knew time was far spent. If you have time to argue or you don't have cash, please tell them you don't have the money. They'll drop the price.


Please, everyone going should ensure they're with the correct documents. The guys there are seriously looking for how to extort money from us. Someone behind me on the line said she paid N10,000 to print something.
-

After paying the N4,000, I ran to the line. My interview was for 8 a.m, and they'd already called that set when I was sweating/haggling over the price of printing. I lined up. It wasn't time yet, but they usually check documents first.

We stayed on that line for about three hours. No seats. Please wear comfortable clothes so you won't suffer more discomfort. Also, dress decently (like, nicely).

Your documents will be checked on the line. Carry your reciprocity fee, or you'll have to start looking for that.
-

At some minutes to/past ten, five of us entered the building. (We'd been entering in groups of five.)

We kept standing inside. We submitted the GT payments to someone, then joined the line for the interviews.
-

There was this terrorist at one window. He kept grilling people, and when he got to one boy that said he's studying Creative Writing or English (I'm not sure which), the boy was there for a while. I come dey sweat because I'm also going in for Creative Writing. He was grilling STEM-inclined people, and now, an art-based person was almost sleeping at his window. Jump and pass, na my prayer.

I started praying specifically to be sent to a friendly VO on the left (Window 10, I think). He occasionally asked people to stop sounding like robots, but from his demeanor, I could see that he was nice. Plus, people spent less time at his window.

Please try not to recite what you read online word-for-word. It shows when you're repeating it. Just pick valid points and mention them. Be confident.

Someone said you should smile (even behind your mask). I agree. A smile in your voice shows you're not intimidated.

When I got to the front, I saw that I'd either go to Mr. Terrorist or Mr. Nice Guy. They were delivering finishing speeches to the candidates in front of them. I prayed harder for the person in front of Nice Guy to pack his things and walk fast. Immediately he did that, I raced to Nice Guy. Two seconds more from the applicant, and it would have been too late.
-

TRANSCRIPT:

V.O: Good morning (smile).

ME: Good morning.

V.O: Please, pass your papers.

ME: (Passes papers.)

V.O: What school will you be attending?

ME: I'll be going to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

V.O: (Laughs.) Not to be mistaken for University of Miami, Florida.

ME: Yes (laughs).

V.O: So, I see you're going to study Creative Writing. Why Creative Writing?

ME: Well, I'm an editor, so I understand the power of language and how stories can be a powerful tool for sharing information about and addressing issues in the society. (It was basically something like this I said).

V.O: So, you're an editor. Freelance?

ME: No. I co-founded an editing company with my mother.

V.O: What kind of editing?

ME: Fiction and creative non-fiction.

V.O: Have you published a book?

ME: (Laughs). Not yet, but I have stories and poems in literary journals.

V.O: (Smiles). Well, that has to change soon. (Taps on my 1-20, and I believe it's because he knows my final year project is going to be a book).

V.O: (Tikka Tikka Tikka on keyboard.) Are you married?

ME: No.

V.O: Do you have kids?

ME: No.

V.O: Have you ever traveled out of Nigeria?

ME: Yes, to Denmark.

V.O: (Surprised look). Denmark? That's an odd place to go. Why did you go there?

ME: Well, I gained admission into the Erasmus Mundus Journalism program. I did not get the scholarship, but since it was a subsidized program, I joined. In my second year, I was supposed to go to Swansea but could not make it due to financial issues. (NOTE: Some Erasmus programs let students school in different countries. Depending on your course, you can school in 2 to 4 universities before you're done. One school per academic year or one per semester. Something like that.)

V.O: (Nods like he could feel my pain). But I see you have a full scholarship now. (Happy smile on my behalf).

ME: (Happy smile back) Yes, I do!

V.O: Well, I'll be approving your Visa. (Story story story.) Miami University, huhn? It's a great school!

ME: I know, right! And it's public Ivy, too. (I laughed and said that because the school is on a list of public Ivy League schools. The guy slipped my passport and the yellow slip back to me. Told me to have a nice stay. I told him to enjoy the rest of his day, smiled, and ran to the reciprocity place.)

-

That's all.

The interview lasted about a minute. I was worried he'd ask complicated questions, but nothing like that. Seeing as they were grilling people doing super-complicated courses, the chit-chat for mine was just a miracle.

-

Lessons learned:

1. Carry extra cash. You never know the stuff you'd need it for.

2. Calm down. Confidence helps anywhere. Overthink it, but don't overthink it. I hope that makes sense. Overthinking will make you tense, but you still need to realize how important this is.

3. Know why you're going to study the course. Me, I just need a space to chill and write in peace while chopping life, but I gave a valid reason for why I'm going. And what I said about why I'm going down the writing path is true.

These guys have interviewed people long enough to know lying patterns and stuff. Plus, when you deal with humans, you'd learn to watch their faces and decipher speech patterns.


That's all, guys. I wish everyone going the best. Please stay safe. Also, let's just say they're happily giving out visas. Stay optimistic.

God bless you, and good luck!

(Forgive any grammatical and punctuation errors in the text. Don't use this to judge my editing skills ohh. Lol.)

What a writer. You presented it just like a novel. Like Chinua Achebe.

Congratulations babe.

jhidey08:

Wow! Those guys Sha... thanks once again for the clarifications.

You're welcome, Jhidey.

I wish you the best!

Ifesinachi22:



What a writer. You presented it just like a novel. Like Chinua Achebe.

Congratulations babe.

Thank you!!!

Hah! Achebe Sha.

I tap into that anointing jare.

Now I have to find a way to make money from this writing.

Please, if you're going don't let them scam you like me ohh.

pointednose:


Wow, congrats

I have also done some passion projects.

Wondering if this was written as part of your job description.

Regards,

Thank you @pointednose,
There is a question as regards volunteering in the DS 160 form, I filled in the organisations I volunteer for. But didnt mention at all the services I implemented. I was surprised the VO pointed that, because information about my service can only be found on my social media platform.
The best answer on how the Vo pointed my work was through inferring from the name of the organizations I filled in. And he was right

naijaeclectic:


I suspected this was happening while it was going on, but I did not want to take chances, especially as I kept seeing people walking back from the line. Now, I know they did. Anyway, that's over now.

Others reading will be more careful and can learn from these experiences. That's the good thing.

Nevertheless, congratulations dear

Good evening everyone. Please who has used travelstart before? And how reliable are they?

Hi guys. Weldone around here.

Quick one please, If my sponsor resides in the US, can I print out a scanned copy of their SOA for my interview?

naijaeclectic:


Thank you!!!

Hah! Achebe Sha.

I tap into that anointing jare.

Now I have to find a way to make money from this writing.

Please, if you're going don't let them scam you like me ohh.

Mine will be next summer. Massachusetts or Kansas. Chukwu gọzie gị nne.
Oga adịrị gị na mma.

Jee nke ọma, natakwa na udo

Lex04:
Hi guys. Weldone around here.

Quick one please, If my sponsor resides in the US, can I print out a scanned copy of their SOA for my interview?

It would be cool if you have the SOA softcopies. Preferably in PDF,then you print them here instead of the scanned copies.

I think sometimes, scanned copies after printing might not look cool or presentable.

My submission though.

naijaeclectic:


Thank you!

I'm so sorry, but I have no idea how they got the one they gave me.

I just followed the guy to an office, he logged into a website, entered info from my passport and GTWorld receipt, and gave me the CGI paper.

I saw some people holding just the GT receipts and began assuming that I'd been scammed, but when I checked my papers after the interview, the CGI sheet was gone. It was then I realized that the lady collecting payment receipts took it along with the GT confirmation receipt.

Without that, I would have advised that you ignore it, but I'm guessing someone does need to see it.

Hello! Congratulations! More Grace.

jhidey08:

Alright, thanks for the detailed information, I’ll find a way to go about it.

Hello. We're you able to print the receipt with CGI logo?

yinkhar:


Yes. Don’t mind those guys outside, they will intensionally say it’s the wrong one just to extort money from you

Oh. No need to print another receipt with CGI logo. The one given by GTBank is enough

Cocao:
Visa Approved

First I stood for 4 hours, my legs still hurt till now. But I guess it doesn't matter now. So when I got in there, I noticed that the guy at window 7 was just distributing rejection like kilode. I began praying that I skip him but for this kin thing luck no dey favor me. I kept faith sha. But I sha still landed on his table.

When I got there he asked me to place my left hand on the scanner. I did and he couldn't get my finger print. We tried for a bit so I asked him, did you mean my left or right because you told me left. Then he apologized and said that he meant the right hand.

VO: Where are you going to in the US

Me: I am currently a graduate student of the communications program in the University of Cincinnati Ohio.

VO: Why did you choose this school

Me: The department has a concentration in organizational communication that align with my research interests. The profile of faculty members like Professor Suzanne and Dr Banjo impressed me and consolidated my interest in the department. My graduate assistantship award that covers tuition and living expenses was the icing on the cake.

VO: Where do you work

Me: I work as a customer service supervisor in my organisation.

VO: Have you ever traveled outside the country before

Me: No, I have not had any reason to

VO: Are you married

Me: No

VO: Do you have any kids

Me: No

VO: I intend issuing you your visa



If I start to thank people, I'll run out of space. Fairheart, I have nothing but love for you.

Congratulations to everyone! More Grace.

Good news, Joe Biden has said in his first 100 days in office he'll allow majority-Muslim countries to file for permanent stay, thank GOD oo NAIJA ppl Biden go give us chance to JP.

Thanks a lot for your advice, I'll probably just do that.

Comique:


It would be cool if you have the SOA softcopies. Preferably in PDF,then you print them here instead of the scanned copies.

I think sometimes, scanned copies after printing might not look cool or presentable.

My submission though.

vc1177:

Hello. We're you able to print the receipt with CGI logo?

No, I actually stopped trying since someone confirmed that the receipt from Gtb will suffice.

Just pm you @Mosminic, kindly check your email.

Is there anyone here who was able to book an appointment n expedited appointment after denial?
Comments pls

Is it the person’s first appointment?

sonofakin:
Lol. This is October Bro. Ofcourse Oct. 16 was the earliest date in the email message the embassy sent,
the bros was able to book it but was still asking for an earlier date.

Please house is there any special format to book an emergency appointment, I have just paid my sevis fee

Vader92:
Visa approved
6th November 2020

Me: Good morning (Removes mask)
VO: Good morning, Please put on your mask. We are going to start by taking your finger prints.

After that was completed

VO: So where are you going?
Me: UIUC

VO: Hmm, Urbana Champaign, why are you going there?
Me: I'm a masters student in aerospace engineering at the university and I expect to resume on campus in the spring.

VO: why did you select University of Illinois?
Me: The program at the school has an interesting course structure that provides me with the opportunity to specialize in structural aerospace engineering which is a particular interest of mine.

VO: who's sponsoring the program?
Me: The department gave me a generous funding that comes with tution waiver and monthly stipend to cover for living expenses

VOchecks my i20) What do you intend to do with the degree
Me: I intend to use the degree and skills gained from the program to return to Nigerian and join the National Space Research and Development agency to (Vo cuts in)

VO: Are you married?
Me: No

VO: Any children?
Me: No

VO: have you travelled out of Nigeria?
Me: Yes. I've been to the US, UK, UAE

VO: (pauses for a while) when was the last time you were in the US?
Me: 2017

VO: I intend to issue your Visa
Me:, Thank you

VO: here are your documents blah blah blah
Me: Thank you



I noticed my interview was a lot shorter than most other people. I completed my interview before the two people in front of me on the queue.

The Lady that's going for PHD in chemistry (knows a little too much about nanochemistry,  likes mixing chemicals and has never blown up a building), I tried waiting for you but an officer told me to keep moving. I really hope your friend and the third guy with us also got accepted.


I also noticed two things I thought I should share

1. After an applicant answered a question the VO asked, the next thing the VO said was "how long did you practice that speech?". He eventually got the Visa but I believe the VO tried asking questions he wouldn't expect him to have prepared for cause further down the interview, after answering a question, the VO asked whether he prepared that and he was like "NO" and The VO enthusiasticly said "Yeah I like it when we just talk".

2. An applicant who I think was going for Chemistry was asked what "entropy" was. He was also asked which had more entropy between "air" and one other option I didn't hear.

Lastly, I observed there were more acceptance than rejection during my time in the hall.

Congratulations!

I'm going to UIUC too. My interview is 11th December.

godlyB:
Just pm you @Mosminic, kindly check your email.

Replied

Kateyy:
Is there anyone here who was able to book an appointment n expedited appointment after denial?
Comments pls

maybe d gurus and experience guys are already sleeping

Kateyy:
Is it the person’s first appointment?

Kateyy:
Is there anyone here who was able to book an appointment n expedited appointment after denial?
Comments pls

maybe d gurus and experience guys are already sleeping

TheNoble007:


Trump is not the best choice for America, however he is better than his strong opponents in many terms that I choose not to explain. They say, the devil you know, is better than the angel you do not know.The coming election will determine the future of America and the destination of the world. Trump is bound to lose in the coming election... I saw him control power for a short time. He will definitely not win the election and will give the reign of power to a man whose deputy will be a woman. Feel free to quote this prophecy when it happens...

And it happened......

horlahsunbo225:
let me keep this
November is almost here

And it happened....

TheNoble007:


And it happened....

Had to go back to read that...woow

Kindly check your email sir, I will like to have a private conversation with you, thanks and God bless

fairheart:
Congratulations to all approved applicants.
What can I say? Y'all worked hard for this; some of you had to borrow money to fund this dream. So you deserve the joy your approval has brought to you!

My advise: Don't take the funding for granted! Some people somewhere desperately need them, but they don't know how to get it. It's a huge privilege! I know why I am saying this! Please do all you can to study well and graduate as one of the best students in your department. Success can turn to failure if we stop working hard to build on the foundational success, which is the opportunity to study in the US.

All the best guys!

Good morning bosses.

I intend choosing the Abuja consulate when filling out my DS-160 but I haven't been able to confirm if any one have had a recent interview there or anyone has an appointment date.

Has any one had an interview there of recent or is scheduled to have an interview in the future?

Your response would be very much appreciated.

@fairheart @lagosismyhome

Kateyy:
Is there anyone here who was able to book an appointment n expedited appointment after denial?
Comments pls

I don't think it's possible. It's once per MRV

Hi guys,
Should I fill nysc under para military or normal work experience?