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ADMINSTRATIVE PROCESSING.

University of Wyoming
MSc
Full Funding
First Attempt
US Consulate Lagos
28th July 2025
Appointment time: 9:15
White American man with headset and hair.

VO: How many schools did you apply to?
ME: I applied to 3 schools( I listed the school for him)

ME: I chose University of Wyoming , because of the focus of the program on Antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases which aligns perfectly with my research interest, career goals and what I currently do here in Nigeria.

VO: What do you currently do?
ME: I currently work as a research assistant at xxxxxx Research Institute here in Lagos, been working for a year and 4 month, and some of my roles include conducting and designing molecular experiments, collecting and processing biological samples like saliva, feces, etc from Humans and animals, I also mentor and tutor undergraduates and young vet scientists who have interest in the field as it is a field thats just developing within Nigeria.

When did you graduate?
ME: 2023, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UIL, as the best graduating student with distinctions in 9/10 departments.

VO: Oh so you’re a veterinarian?
ME: Yes sir, I’m a veterinary doctor.

A VERY LONG SILENCE.

ME: Sir, should I tell you about my research.
VO: No, let’s go at my pace so that you don’t end up repeating yourself.
(Alright that’s fine sir)

VO: How will you be funding your program?
ME: I have been awarded a GTA, that covers 100% of my tuition, medical insurance, mandatory fees and living expenses, and in return for this, I’ll be teaching undergraduates a course per semester on Diagnostic microbiology and laboratory ethics, and I’m also supposed to have a 3.0GPA per semester to maintain the assistantship.

VO: What will you be doing after this degree?
ME: Upon the completion of my program , I’ll be returning back home to Nigeria, the Bleep Research institute to take up a senior research role and lead research that significantly contributes to reducing the prevalence, occurrence and transmission of AMR and zoonoses within animals and from animals to humans. Also mentor young veterinary scientists and undergrad who have interest in the field.

VO: sorry, I am going to ask you some really weird questions now (I was beginning to think he wanted to test my knowledge on my field, was wondering what he’ll ask)

ME: Hmm, alright, it’s fine.

VO: Have you been to Israel, Gaza or Palestine?

ME: No, I have not been to any of these countries.

VO: Do you have any family members there or in the US?

ME: No, I don’t, all my family members are here in Nigeria.

VO: Okay, on your DS 160, We will need you to attach the links of your social media handles (LinkedIn and Facebook) so that it can take us directly to your page. Is that Alright?

ME: How do I gain access to that sir?
VO: I’ll give you a letter explaining that, and then you can either use a DHL to return your passport or bring it yourself. Have a good day.

ME: Thank you , you too sir.

I sincerely appreciate everyone in this group

God bless you all.
Alhamdulillah 🙏🏾🙏🏾

Oh, thank you for this, God bless you

FunnyDude:
You did a mistake in the deficit, you shouldn't have fonted as the one paying your deficit yourself those VO at Walter Carrington won't believe you. You should have mentioned your parent (Mother or Father) especially as your sponsor, then you can now say you also have some personal savings. I'm talking from experience.

Having a $37k funding for master's is not easy to get

Good day, sir. Thank you for your input and advice; it's well appreciated. COA = $62,132, Scholarship = $37,132, deficit = $25,000 covered by personal savings.

studyless123:
I agree that it can be an emotionally draining experience. You blurred out your savings so I can't tell if you can cover your expenses. The deficit is also high. The reason for the denial is in the notes - so you know your circumstances better than anyone.

Well, you have the option of applying again.
You can study the course online in many US universities.
You can try another country for your study.
You can also try other visa routes to the US if your intention is to migrate.
I wish you the very best.

Its well

Manoblix:
You did nothing wrong I think I was interviewed by that same woman and she didn’t even let me speak but my experience has prepared me for a showdown this next date on God I shall celebrate

Thank you

Efetobore1980:
Hello Rav4

YOU
This information is not included in the transcript; it was shared here to help me get proper guidance for my next application.

■ I am single and in my 40s is enough for you to share with Nairalanders and that is what we are going to use in guiding you. What is our business if your singleness is by choice or by inability to find a partner? I knew it was not part of the transcripts but this characteristic (unnecessary detail) also reflects in all of your answers in response to the consular.

YOU
VO: You were refused a Canadian visa in 2024?

I believe I’ve read here that when an visa officer asks you a question, you must be truthful. Do you think I should have only mentioned the 2024 refusal and left out 2023? But if the officer can already see my visa denial history, what’s the point?

■ You have a bad habit of over-explanation (not for insulting). Yes I was refused a Canadian visa in 2024 (this should be your answer with no additional talking. If the visa officer needs further info she will ask you eg Can you explain the refusal ? What do you think caused your refusal ? Etc.


YOU
she did not meet her colleague, just a bit far from her desk

■ Your interview session is being videotaped. What she did is a psychological approach in order to see your reaction while standing alone, that is if she did not actually went to seek advice or discuss with her senior. Some junior or training consular usually seek the opinion of their colleagues or supervisor before making a final decision. They have coded or sign language that you cannot decode.

■■ Anyone who wants to guide you with honesty must review all the information in your ds 160. Review your resume (your Canada visa attempts), review your I 20 together with your style of communication in order to arrive to a meaningful re-application. I also hope you have not been annotated for immigrant intent at the U.S. embassy. 👋

Thank you for your input

Efetobore1980:
■■

YOU.
The main reason I’m pursuing a Master’s degree now is because I believe I need advanced knowledge in Cybersecurity to properly scale and lead my company towards the vision I have for it.

Your motive is weak. This is the beginning of your visa application failure. You were not certain of the reason you needed an Msc degree.
The point is well noted

YOU
I’m single by personal choice and in my early 40s.

This is an unnecessary revelation or explanation, which was your characteristic all through your answers, and it presents you as a pre-meditated visa applicant. I am single, and in my early 40s is okay (why adding by personal choice ? ).
This information is not included in the transcript; it was shared here to help me get proper guidance for my next application

YOU
Me: Good morning, officer.

VO: Good morning.

It is permissible to initiate a greeting to a visa officer.


YOU
Me: How are you doing, Ma?

VO: Pass me your passport.

It is not permissible to turn it into a casual chat. Do you want to distract the Visa Officer ? That was why she snubbed you. Instead, the VO asked for your passport. By this time , you have created a bad impression for yourself.
ok

YOU
VO: You were refused a Canadian visa in 2024?

Me: No, ma, in 2023 and 2024, I was refused a Canada Visa. The refusal was due to insufficient funds, as noted in the IRCC letters. However, my financial situation has since improved. I now have a merit scholarship from George Washington University, and I’m on paid study leave from my current employer.

Let me quote @Popson09 answer for some clarification here : ●● A visa officer cannot automatically know that you’ve been refused a visa by another country just by scanning your passport.

A Visa Officer from any of the 5-Eyes (U.S.A, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) can actually automatically know your past visa application histories from within any of the listed members, but the visa officer is not permitted to reveal it to you. However, in some circumstances, like the case of the OP, a visa officer may reveal it to you in order to trick you into talking or revealing a secret. Can you see the unnecessary revelations in the OP answer ? The visa officer deliberately omitted the year 2023 refusal, and the bait caught the OP.

I believe I’ve read here that when an visa officer asks you a question, you must be truthful. Do you think I should have only mentioned the 2024 refusal and left out 2023? But if the officer can already see my visa denial history, what’s the point?

YOU
VO: I see you’re going to GWU for a Master’s in Cybersecurity in computer science.

Me: Yes, ma’am. I’m going for my master’s in Cybersecurity in Computer Science to gain global exposure, and this course will equip me with advanced skills in cybersecurity—both technical and strategic, so I can better protect digital assets, respond to threats, and lead cybersecurity projects. Once I am done with the program, I plan to return to my current employer to take on senior roles.

NB: The reason I didn’t stop at simply answering “Yes” was because I had observed her while she interviewed others. She rarely asked more than three questions, and by the third, she usually seemed to have made up her mind. That’s why I decided to include information about my ties to home, just in case she didn’t ask any follow-up questions.

You do not have an excuse. This is a display of pre-meditated scripts. The answer is too long and boring, and it is a common answer that could be found in almost every F1 visa transcript website.
ok

YOU
VO: Who is funding your education?

Me: Thank you for that question, officer.

Are you in a debate classroom? Or do you think you are being interviewed by a TV journalist about your personality? This is not permissible. Only this answer is enough to deny your visa. Why thanking the officer for the question? You can implicate a visa officer with such rethoric.
ok
YOU
At this point, she interrupted with “OK” and she stood up, moved away briefly like someone that want to stretch her body, and returned.

She probably went to confirm your desperation and finalize your refusal with her colleagues or a senior officer.

she did not meet her colleague, just a bit far from her desk
YOU
I offered to show my bank statement, study leave approval from employer and scholarship documents, but she said it wasn’t necessary.

Did she ask you to tender any of those documents? So, you just reconfirmed with that action why she (what she told her colleagues) needed to deny your visa.

I dont know about your other visa application standings ie ds-160, your overall profile etc but lack of good way to express yourself to the visa officer contributed 55% to your visa rejection. 👋

Thank you for your time—your points are well noted. What exactly would you like to know about the DS-160? Also, what do you suggest as the way forward for the next application?

Its well

officialchikzy0:
it doesn't even take much time from the first 2 question they should get their deduction

You might be right, when I came back home, I did some search because I was surprised!, here is it: Canada and the United States share immigration information, that allows for the automated exchange of visa and immigration information. The United States and Canada do share some immigration information. As members of the Five Eyes Alliance—an intelligence-sharing partnership that also includes the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand—they exchange data such as biometric information, visa refusals, and border crossing history to help detect fraud, security risks, and past immigration violations.

In addition, under the 2011 Immigration Information Sharing Agreement, both countries share fingerprints (biometrics) and visa application histories for individuals applying for visas, asylum, refugee status, or other immigration benefits.
I don't know about the other countries

Popson09:
A visa officer cannot automatically know that you’ve been refused a visa by another country just by scanning your passport. I believe the visa officer was asking a psychological question. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

The entire interview lasted barely a minute, everything just go like that

officialchikzy0:
it can be I can attest especially after giving your all

Thank you for your kind words. There is no section on the DS-160 form to input details about a Canadian visa refusal. However, once the visa officer scanned my passport, her first question was about it, she just made mentioned of 2024 alone. I explained that I had been denied twice for the same reason and presented the denial letters from IRCC during the interview.

Popson09:
I’m sorry about your denial.

Did you include your Canadian visa refusal in your DS-160 form, or did the visa officer ask you about it verbally? Because the form does not directly ask if you were refused a visa from Canada or any other country.

Good day everyone, I’m new here and I need your help.

I recently had my U.S. visa refused under Section 214(b), and I’m currently planning to reapply. I’ve already deferred my admission to Spring 2026 so I can properly address any concerns that may have led to the refusal.

A bit about my background:

I hold a National Diploma in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

I have over 10 years of professional experience working as a System Administrator and IT Support Specialist.

In 2024, I launched my own Cybersecurity and IT startup, which is registered with CAC.

The main reason I’m pursuing a Master’s degree now is because I believe I need advanced knowledge in Cybersecurity to properly scale and lead my company towards the vision I have for it.

I’m single by personal choice and in my early 40s.

My visa interview experience:
I arrived at the embassy around 6:00 a.m. for my 7:00 a.m. appointment. People scheduled for 6:30 and 6:45 a.m. were already being called in, and eventually, those of us with 7:00 a.m. slots were also let in around 6:45.

After the security checks and administrative processing, I joined the queue for the visa interview. It was a tense atmosphere — one of the officers at Window 3, a young man likely in his early 30s, seemed very strict and was issuing a lot of refusals. I was really hoping not to end up at his window.

Thankfully, I was directed to a female officer, who had just interviewed and approved a woman who needed an interpreter. However, before me, I also saw her issue several refusals.

When it was finally my turn, the interview felt rushed. I tried to present my case clearly, but I wasn’t asked many follow-up questions. In the end, I was handed a blue refusal sheet under 214(b).

Transcript:
F-1 Visa Refused.
Attempt: First time
Interview date: June 30, 2025
Interview Time: 7:00am
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
GWU.
MSc in Cybersecurity.

Me: Good morning, officer.

VO: Good morning.

Me: How are you doing, Ma?

VO: Pass me your passport.

I placed my passport and I-20 in the tray. She scanned my passport.

VO: You were refused a Canadian visa in 2024?
Me: No, ma, in 2023 and 2024, I was refused a Canada Visa. The refusal was due to insufficient funds, as noted in the IRCC letters. However, my financial situation has since improved. I now have a merit scholarship from GW, and I’m on paid study leave from my current employer.

VO: I see you’re going to GW for a Master’s in Cybersecurity.

Me: Yes, ma’am. I’m going for my master’s in Cybersecurity to gain global exposure, and this course will equip me with advanced skills in cybersecurity—both technical and strategic, so I can better protect digital assets, respond to threats, and lead cybersecurity projects. Once I am done with the program, I plan to return to my current employer to take on senior roles.

NB: The reason I didn’t stop at simply answering “Yes” was because I had observed her while she interviewed others. She rarely asked more than three questions, and by the third, she usually seemed to have made up her mind. That’s why I decided to include information about my ties to home, just in case she didn’t ask any follow-up questions.

VO: Who is funding your education?

Me: Thank you for that question, officer. I received a merit scholarship from GWU covering my tuition—$xxxx, "My deficit is $25,000 after the scholarship". I have personal savings XX amount and study leave salary from current employer of xx amount to cover my living expenses, books and health.

At this point, she interrupted with “OK” and she stood up, moved away briefly like someone that want to stretch her body, and returned. I offered to show my bank statement, study leave approval from employer and scholarship documents, but she said it wasn’t necessary.

As I attempted to continue, she said, “Thank you for applying for a U.S. visa,” and initially picked up a white sheet, but then switched to the blue refusal sheet and said, “I’m refusing your visa. The blue sheet explains all the details.”


The whole experience was emotionally draining — watching people get denied one after the other while waiting for your turn is not easy.