LagosismyHome:


Congrats and May God bless your new journey....

ICE website states it ok to travel with printed electronic I-20

Thank you!

Pls guys how can I book new appointment. Will apply with another email to create new profile because I have paid new mrv fee.

Geewin69:


Sorry to hear about the delay.

Can you share your transcript?

Dec 18th
Abuja

I met with the white guy

Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Pass ur passport and i-20

VO: So what are you going for?

Me: I'm going for a bachelor's degree in Y university Alabama

Vo(just recalled this one): why do you want to study this?

Me: It has always been my lifelong goal to work as a healthcare profession where I'll be equipped with the skills to help people in their most vulnerable state - when sick and injured

Vo: Checks the i20. Then asks why my uncle wants to give me that kind of money

Me: My uncle has always been interested in my education. He knows I'm very promising and focused and there'll be a great return of investment in my education

Vo: yes but you still haven't answered why he wants to give you that kind of money?

Me: oh, that? That's his bank statement

Vo: oh! Alright, what does he do?

Me: He's a X in Alabama

Vo: same state you'll be attending?

Me: yes.

Vo: do you have family in Nigeria?

Me: yes I do

Vo: list them

Me: My dad, mum, brothers and sister

Vo: Okay. Types for a while then says you're ineligible at this time

tarantino1:



Dec 18th
Abuja

I met with the white guy

Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Pass ur passport and i-20

VO: So what are you going for?

I’m sorry for the denial. I guess what the VO wanted to hear when he asked why your uncle was going to give you that kinda money was simply what you wanted to do with the degree.

I’m sure you plan to do something really great with the degree or it’s going to help you immeasurably in some way, that’s why your uncle was convinced that you needed the sponsorship. So the paraphrased question would be “What do you intend to do with this degree?” Or “Why this course?”

tarantino1:



Dec 18th
Abuja

I met with the white guy

Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Pass ur passport and i-20

VO: So what are you going for?

Me: I'm going for a bachelor's degree in Y university Alabama

Vo(just recalled this one): why do you want to study this?

Me: It has always been my lifelong goal to work as a healthcare profession where I'll be equipped with the skills to help people in their most vulnerable state - when sick and injured

Vo: Checks the i20. Then asks why my uncle wants to give me that kind of money

Me: My uncle has always been interested in my education. He knows I'm very promising and focused and there'll be a great return of investment in my education

Vo: yes but you still haven't answered why he wants to give you that kind of money?

Me: oh, that? That's his bank statement

Vo: oh! Alright, what does he do?

Me: He's a X in Alabama

Vo: same state you'll be attending?

Me: yes.

Vo: do you have family in Nigeria?

Me: yes I do

Vo: list them

Me: My dad, mum, brothers and sister

Vo: Okay. Types for a while then says you're ineligible at this time

The red flag was this part.

""Me: oh, that? That's his bank statement

Vo: oh! Alright, what does he do?

Me: He's a X in Alabama

Vo: same state you'll be attending?

Me: yes.""

Your Uncle lives and works in Alabama, and is your sponsor shows immigration intent.

Advice for all: Try avoiding sponsors living in the US except the sponsor is your School (Admission with Full funding). It's a big red flag.

EmancipatorEmmy:


Do you really not know anyone in the US? She didn’t ask if you have a relative or some sort; the question wasn’t specific. So, I think if you had even had a chat with someone in the US, your response to that question should have been “YES”. Just what I think though!!

I thought probably asking her for clarifications would have saved me, but the truth is that, she was looking for excuses to deny people. She asked me almost all questions you 've seen any where on VISA interview and queried me twice why I decided to leave my family in Nigeria. As for me, am facing my business for now and we go back there next year March or April,

RemKen:


I thought probably asking her for clarifications would have saved me, but the truth is that, she was looking for excuses to deny people. She asked me almost all questions you 've seen any where on VISA interview and queried me twice why I decided to leave my family in Nigeria. As for me, am facing my business for now and we go back there next year March or April,

I’m glad you’ve got over it! Try again whenever you’re ready and may things work out fine!!

EmancipatorEmmy:


I’m glad you’ve got over it! Try again whenever you’re ready and may things work out fine!!

Amen, thanks and God bless you...

DENIAL TRANSCRIPT

Status: Denied
Scholarship: $18k(Deficit of $9004)
Sponsor: Mom
Program: MSc
Interviewed by a White Male American VO for about 15 minutes tops


VO: Pass me your I-20 and passport
ME: *passes them*
VO: where are you going to?
ME: Washington DC
VO: OH great, what will you be studying *glances at my f1*
ME: Masters in Data Analytics
VO: why this degree
ME: because data in Nigeria is underutilized, I intend to be a part of data optimization in Nigeria to enhance health, security, and other sectors.
VO: how do you intend to do that?
Me: I intend to get a better standing with my current employer.
VO: who's your current employer
ME: O***. I work as an IT officer, database management is one of my duties.
VO: Who will be paying for this?
ME: My mom
VO: What does she do?
ME: she is a Nurse and a consultant at a state ministry of health. (Maybe I should have mentioned that she is a lecturer in nursing). She also owns a company that manufactures cleaning products and toiletries for homes and hotels.
VO: (looking dissatisfied) what is the staff strength of this company?
ME: 15
VO: oh I see. (puts my documents together and passes them with the denial letter). I'm sorry but you don't qualify this time for a student visa.

I don't know what went wrong, but for some reasons I knew I probably didn't convince him enough on the sponsors front.

Overall, it was a good first experience for me (although I got denied), I didn't feel too bad about it.

Congratulations to all who got approved, I had some pretty amazing conversations with fellow applicants too.

I'd love to learn from as many experiences as there are to share.

Thanks.

nexytom:

VO: OH great, what will you be studying *glances at my f1*
ME: Masters in Data Analytics
VO: why this degree
ME: because data in Nigeria is underutilized, I intend to be a part of data optimization in Nigeria to enhance health, security, and other sectors.
VO: how do you intend to do that?

Getting an advanced degree should be all about you and your career! What do you mean by "data in Nigeria is underutilized" Bro, you need to captivate your interviewer very early in the conversation, which you clearly didn't do.

A good response could be something like; I am passionate about studying trends in data, and using analytical tools and methods to extract useful information from data. The skills i would gain from this degree would be valuable to me because I want to pursue a career in the financial sector in Nigeria which is heavily dependent on data analytics.

Make it all about you, Baba. No one spends thousands of dollars just because "data in Nigeria is underutilized" - hope you get the point. Present yourself very well as early as possible, the interviewer can easily overlook other stuff once he/she is convinced that you really know what you want with this degree. All the best!

It was my sibling

godguy:


how many of you? did you apply for F1 and F2?

Beautiful people of Nairaland. A friend directed me here. So I got admitted to MS&T and a few weeks ago, went for visa interview. Unfortunately, I was rejected. I asked for advice then but people were like, just be confident but apperantly, that didn't work.
I have re-applied and my interview date is on the 23rd so this time I want to be super prepared.
Some things to note: My other interview was rejected on the basis of "strong ties" but I had an employee verification letter and an attestation letter from my father's company to return to work there after my masters.
The CO never looked at the documents. In fact he never looked at my financial statements or any other docs apart from my I-20.
He asked me a total of about four questions before giving me the dreaded green slip last time.
Please I need proper advice for the second interview

So sorry about this bro.

The gurus in the house will do proper justice to this transcript and show you where things went wrong.

All the best!

tarantino1:



Dec 18th
Abuja

I met with the white guy

Good morning
VO: Good morning

VO: Pass ur passport and i-20

VO: So what are you going for?

Me: I'm going for a bachelor's degree in Y university Alabama

Vo(just recalled this one): why do you want to study this?

Me: It has always been my lifelong goal to work as a healthcare profession where I'll be equipped with the skills to help people in their most vulnerable state - when sick and injured

Vo: Checks the i20. Then asks why my uncle wants to give me that kind of money

Me: My uncle has always been interested in my education. He knows I'm very promising and focused and there'll be a great return of investment in my education

Vo: yes but you still haven't answered why he wants to give you that kind of money?

Me: oh, that? That's his bank statement

Vo: oh! Alright, what does he do?

Me: He's a X in Alabama

Vo: same state you'll be attending?

Me: yes.

Vo: do you have family in Nigeria?

Me: yes I do

Vo: list them

Me: My dad, mum, brothers and sister

Vo: Okay. Types for a while then says you're ineligible at this time

Hello guys. Please has anyone experienced this?
Is it possible to be invited for emergency interview only through email by LagosNIV. And you were not told to log in and reschedule on https://cgifederal.secure.force.com, but instead to print the email sent to you and come to the Consulate on the stated date in the email, with that email printout as your Appointment Confirmation?

Please has anyone experienced such? Is it legit?
Please kindly reply urgently. Thanks.

Congratulations. Wish you well in your new endeavor

thedsl:
Visa Approved at Lagos Consulate.

Interview was pretty short and here goes:

Me & VO at the same time: Hi, Good morning.
VO: Pass me your I-20 and passport. (Sevis receipt was there too)

VO: So where are you going?
Me: I’m going to the University of Iowa for my PhD in ***

VO: Oh really? Tell me about your course.
Me: Honestly I lost focus here and started talking plenty. Lool. He even cut me short. Chai.

VO: How do you intend to pay for your studies?
Me: I have a full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend. (I actually have a small deficit ($487) but I was advised to wait till I’m asked before volunteering the usual “and the deficit will be paid for by my mum” information)
He never asked and I didn’t say a word though I had bank statement with me.

VO: (Looks at his screen; I guess my DS160 is where he got the info from) Oh you’re a Dentist?
Me: Yes, please.

VO: How long have you been a dentist?
Me: Mentioned.

VO: So what have you done since then?
Me: I have since completed my internship (Housejob) and one year Nysc.

*Types for what felt like eternity. Hovers his hand over the green paper on his table and I’m like OH HELL NOOOOO. Then his hand lands on the white paper. LOL.

VO: I intend to issue your visa.. be ready in one week... bla bla. I wasn’t even listening again at this point lol.

Special thanks to everyone on this platform. The least I could do is come back and post my transcript. I skipped course details on purpose but I’m happy to give my full details to anyone who needs. I had actually been denied before (B1/B2) so I was a bit worried about that but it all worked out well.
Word of advice: Look the VO right in the eye and speak your truth!
Pray too, He listens.
Cheers, guys.


P. S: Can we still travel with electronic I-20?

SoccerUSA:

Congratulations, JCSU is lucky to have you!

You're so kind, thank you!

thedsl:
Visa Approved at Lagos Consulate.

Interview was pretty short and here goes:

Me & VO at the same time: Hi, Good morning.
VO: Pass me your I-20 and passport. (Sevis receipt was there too)

VO: So where are you going?
Me: I’m going to the University of Iowa for my PhD in ***

VO: Oh really? Tell me about your course.
Me: Honestly I lost focus here and started talking plenty. Lool. He even cut me short. Chai.

VO: How do you intend to pay for your studies?
Me: I have a full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend. (I actually have a small deficit ($487) but I was advised to wait till I’m asked before volunteering the usual “and the deficit will be paid for by my mum” information)
He never asked and I didn’t say a word though I had bank statement with me.

VO: (Looks at his screen; I guess my DS160 is where he got the info from) Oh you’re a Dentist?
Me: Yes, please.

VO: How long have you been a dentist?
Me: Mentioned.

VO: So what have you done since then?
Me: I have since completed my internship (Housejob) and one year Nysc.

*Types for what felt like eternity. Hovers his hand over the green paper on his table and I’m like OH HELL NOOOOO. Then his hand lands on the white paper. LOL.

VO: I intend to issue your visa.. be ready in one week... bla bla. I wasn’t even listening again at this point lol.

Special thanks to everyone on this platform. The least I could do is come back and post my transcript. I skipped course details on purpose but I’m happy to give my full details to anyone who needs. I had actually been denied before (B1/B2) so I was a bit worried about that but it all worked out well.
Word of advice: Look the VO right in the eye and speak your truth!
Pray too, He listens.
Cheers, guys.


P. S: Can we still travel with electronic I-20?

Congratulations on your visa approval.

Please can you shed some light on how you got your full funding. The criterias they considered and your tactics. Thanks

EmahPurple:

The CO never looked at the documents. In fact he never looked at my financial statements or any other docs apart from my I-20.
He asked me a total of about four questions before giving me the dreaded green slip last time.
Please I need proper advice for the second interview

Documents don't speak, humans do. The aim of the interview is for the CO to get a "visual feel" of the visa applicant. If you can recall your responses to the questions, please post them here for advice.

Thank you

tegipraise:
I was only asked for my i20 at the port of entry. No yellow test or vaccine but if you can, do the covid test like 3days before ur trip and hv ur result with u. Some airlines demands for it.

Yes. If the school isn't specific about the grade, he should convert to a 4 point scale and present himself well in his statements. If he doesn't apply, he can't get admitted. If he does apply however, he can either get in or not. Think about it.

godguy:


Thanks for this, a BSc (Mathematical sciences) with 2.1 (3.9 CGPA) (graduated from Nigeria, with 6 years experience as a Statistician in Nigeria, can he apply for PhD directly in Computer science or Statistics

EmahPurple:
Beautiful people of Nairaland. A friend directed me here. So I got admitted to MS&T and a few weeks ago, went for visa interview. Unfortunately, I was rejected. I asked for advice then but people were like, just be confident but apperantly, that didn't work.
I have re-applied and my interview date is on the 23rd so this time I want to be super prepared.
Some things to note: My other interview was rejected on the basis of "strong ties" but I had an employee verification letter and an attestation letter from my father's company to return to work there after my masters.
The CO never looked at the documents. In fact he never looked at my financial statements or any other docs apart from my I-20.
He asked me a total of about four questions before giving me the dreaded green slip last time.
Please I need proper advice for the second interview

Morning EmahPurple,
Was denied few weeks backs too and I have been trying to get a date. Please, how did u secure a date? Kindly help.

Morning to all,
Wishing you a blessed weekend ahead, and those going for interviews today? I wish you all success.
Please, how can I send a PM here?

ponpon:
Our visa has been approved Ooh.

Now I need help guys. Please if there’s anyone on here going to a school in Atlanta, GSU, GaTech, Emory.

I’m in need of housing, seeking roommate or taking over a lease for a shared apartment for a new female graduate student. Preferably Female!

Please pm or send an email! Thanks!

Ponpon I hear say na u dey help boys do gre and toefl marras. Abeg can you? How much?

Congrats on ur visa

Alwaysbecool:


Morning EmahPurple,
Was denied few weeks backs too and I have been trying to get a date. Please, how did u secure a date? Kindly help.

After paying the application fee, I went to ustravel website and just re-applied and 23rd was available. My first interview was under emergency status so maybe that helped.

Hi guys, is there anyone who knows someone at Western Illinois University, Macomb? A male who can accommodate me for a couple of days till I’m able to secure a place? Please help a brother. God bless

EmahPurple:


After paying the application fee, I went to ustravel website and just re-applied and 23rd was available. My first interview was under emergency status so maybe that helped.

what I've kind of noticed is that if your first interview was gotten by applying for emergency and you're denied. When reapplying, the 'previously refused' tab would disappear or if you apply for emergency again, you would be granted, even though it is against their 6 months rule.

Although, I have been just a 'reading' member of this thread, I have benefitted greatly from reading other people's transcripts. I had my interview yesterday in Abuja and my visa was approved.

18th December 2020.
9am but I finished before 8:30.
Abuja.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Biological Sciences.
I was interviewed by the Black man.

He just stretched his hand, and I passed my I-20 and passport.

VO: How did you come about this school?
Me: I came across the school first on LinkedIn and made further Google search on the school and my course of interest.

VO: Tell me about your educational background
Me: I concluded high school in 2012, then I started my undergraduate degree in the 'University' in 2019 after which I went for my National Youth Service in the same year.

VO: Do you have siblings?
Me: Yes, I do

VO: Any siblings in the US?
Me: None

VO: Where are your siblings?
Me: They are here in Nigeria with my parents

VO: Where are you working?
Me: I am not employed in any organization. I concluded my Youth Service this year and I have been focused on taking online courses that would boost my career profile.

VO: Have you been outside Nigeria before?
Me: No, I haven't

VO: Who is sponsoring your masters?
Me: My dad is sponsoring my masters

VO: What does he do?
Me: He runs an organization that ....

VO: What does your mum do?
Me: She is a.....

VO: What do you intend to do with your Masters degree?
Me: I intend to pick up a job at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture where I had previously interned during my undergraduate studies and I can contribute to the agricultural sector of the country because my course is agriculture related.

I would be approving your visa and here is the instruction on how to pickup your passport. Thank you and have a good day.


I wish everyone who is preparing for their interview great success. You can do it and we are rooting for you.

EmahPurple:


After paying the application fee, I went to ustravel website and just re-applied and 23rd was available. My first interview was under emergency status so maybe that helped.

Pls I have paid too, how did you reapply, did you create new profile....

Pls anyone help how go about this , resumption is January 2021

Pls anyone seeing latest date in Lagos abeg my people

My visa was delayed in Lagos this week, I want to reapply to Abuja, but the earliest date is March 18th for previously denied.
What can I do?
I haven't schedule any appointment yet..