Shakidude's Posts
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The link is not working. Please, kindly add me to the groups. My no is 08023334514. Thank you Johnson021: |
My son is 17 year old going to study Biological Sciences at UMBC- Bachelor's degree. I followed him in for the interview as he’s still a minor. Cost of attendance: 45k Merit scholarship: 12k Interview at Abuja embassy last Thursday May 19 Duration: Around two minutes Visa approved VO: hello so I see u’re accompanied by ur mom Son: hello ma, yes VO: come forward for biometrics Son: did as was instructed VO: so I see u’re going to University of Maryland Baltimore county for your Bachelor’s in Biological sciences Son: yes ma with second major in English language and Literature ( he loves writing Lol) VO: nodded and smiled I see you have travelled to the US multiple times Son: yes all for family vacation VO: so who is paying for your studies? Son: my Dad VO: what does he do? Son: told him VO: so what are your plans after graduation? Son: I’m coming back to Nigeria to work in research institutes VO: I will be approving your visa and all the remaining stuff Both of us: smiling while saying thank you thank you Received pick up mail on the 25 Thanks to everyone, UmmZayd, beejay for answering my questions and those that accepted me to the Abuja appointment date check on WhatsApp. Good luck to others |
Daddydee56:We have a few number of undergraduates. My son’s F1 visa got approved last week. Nothing spectacular about the interview and I don’t think there is much to learn but all the same, I will share the transcript below. |
slimmy2005:Okay! Thanks very much for this information . I will do the needful |
Hello my good people, Please, I need your help! My son has gotten admission into University of Maryland Baltimore County for fall 2022. First degree With 12k scholarship. I am in the process of sending documents to the school to get his I20 but now that getting interview dates is so difficult, my question now is do I wait to to get the I20 before scheduling interview date or I can pay the visa fee, schedule appointment while waiting for the I20? At what point do I need to pay the SEVIS fee? Is it required to schedule appointment? Please, any suggestions will highly be appreciated. I just want to do everything on time for him to have his interview before school resumes in fall. Also, we are frequent travelers and already paid Visa fee for visit visa since last year. Can he use the same receipt for F1 visa or he has to get another one? Thanks |
megastu:. No, it wasn’t because of that. This is not the first time I’ve used an almost expired visa to travel, like less than 2 weeks to expiration. The visa allows you to board the plane as long as it’s still valid. I forgot to mention here, someone told me it could be because I bought the ticket in the morning and flew that same evening and this was due to the fact that I was turned back at the airport by Lufthansa the previous night. They were only carrying citizens and PRs. I had to buy another one the next morning through MR Seyewest who saved me from unnecessary stress. Most people from that plane were sent there anyway so I really don’t know their reason. |
My POE story..... I flew Turkish airline to Houston from Abuja. Lay over was around 9 hours at Instanbul: I dreaded this long wait but It didn’t bother me in the long run as I purchased internet service on my phone for around $7 valid for 24hrs. They only have free access for an hour. Turkish airline is also now becoming stingy, before they give food voucher that can even get u 2 meals but now they said voucher only for 12 hrs or more layover. I had to buy food this time. On getting to Houston; the CBP officer asked whom I would stay with, how long and when was the last time I visited, then he took my picture. I thought that was the end until he beckoned on another officer to take me in for secondary interview. I was shocked but calm. I was not expecting that since I had passed there multiple times. The room was full of people waiting for their case to be attended to by 4 officers at the long desk. There were also like 6 smaller rooms labeled interview room and an exit door for those that would not be allowed entry but sent back home. Like I said, I wondered what I was doing there and prayed silently not to pass through that exit door cos I saw someone being escorted through. I was going for an exam and while waiting doing nothing I decided to bring out my big book to study. After about 30 min, I needed to use the restroom and as an officer came to call someone into one of the mini interview rooms, I told him I wanted to go to d restroom but couldn’t find one, he told me to go meet the officers at the front desk to get the key and I did. After coming out and returning the key, the guy just told me to stay for my interview. It went thus; CBP: where are you coming from Me: Nigeria CBP: Did u come direct? Me: no, passed through Turkey so lay over at Istanbul Cbp: oh! Ok. So where are u going to stay Me: told him Cbp: how long? Me: 1 month Cbp: why are u here Me: to write an exam Cbp: oh! U’re a professional? Me: yes Cbp: remove ur mask and face the camera. Stamped me in for 6 months. Enjoy your stay Meanwhile, my visa is due to expire this month end. It doesn’t matter though, it’s d duration of stay that matters I don’t know the criteria they use to call people but definitely not according to as u arrived there cos if it had been, I would have stayed at least 4 hrs there before it reached my turn but I spent less than an hour there. I just thank God that I wasn’t sent back. I have a good travel history though and have never overstayed my visa. NB. They didn’t ask for my Covid result on arrival Important info that I forgot to mention here. [b][/b] If u’re on B1/B2 visa, avoid European airlines and BA for now, they are only carrying citizens and permanent residents. I was turned back at the airport by Lufthansa. I had to contact our dear Mr Seyewest who was able to get me Turkish ticket the next morning at a very very affordable price. You wouldn’t even know that it’s an express ticket to tell you low it was. Thanks again MR Seyewest for relieving my stress and saving me from unnecessary worry. |
Hello everyone, if you are traveling to U.S, and on a B1/B2 visa, pls avoid European airlines and BA. I was turned back at the airport on my scheduled Lufthansa flight. They were only carrying citizens and permanent residents. My Plans were disrupted but thanks to Mr Seyewest. I remembered that I had read a post here on how he helped people to book ticket while being trustworthy and professional. I contacted him the next morning and he didn’t disappoint. He got me a Turkish ticket to fly that same day at a ridiculously low rate. I didn’t bother to unpack my luggage from the car, I just rested for a while and headed back to the airport. Mr Seyewest kept checking up on me till I reached my final destination in the U.S. He relieved my stress. I will definitely contact him again for other travels. I recommend him to anyone planning same. Thanks a lot Mr Seyewest. You really saved me from unnecessary worry. God bless you |
Greetings everyone, Would like to give a positive feedback. So, I submitted my passport for renewal(dropbox) on April 29 and visa was granted July 12. It took a total of 10 weeks Having read so many recent transcripts about 221g and subsequent denial after birthing in the U.S, I dreaded the trending 221g and Im so happy to have scaled it this time. I got one in 2017, was later refused but re- applied 2 weeks after and got it. Although, the dropbox has now been cancelled, In my own opinion, I feel you can increase your chances for a successful visa renewal if you also go for vacations in other countries, that way you don't sound like you cannot afford any foreign trips or you are looking to cheat the system. I paid less than 10k for my last birth. Previous one was even way cheaper and both were through CS. I mean if I want to purchase a good for 100 naira and another person is offering me fifty naira for same quality, why will I for heaven's sake decide to pay 100 naira when I can use the balance for something else. I have never received any public fund or medicaid but I've been able to convince the V.O that I will never in anyway abuse my visa. I spent 2 months when I went for childbirth in 2017 as stated in my application and have also gone back to the states on 2 other occasions for 2 weeks in 2018 and another again earlier this year. Also within that 2 year period, I visited the U.k and France. In all, don't forget the power of prayers. It works wonders as long as you're doing the right thing. Even God wants honesty. Good luck to others. |
Greetings everyone, Would like to give a positive feedback. So, I submitted my passport for renewal(dropbox) on April 29 and visa was granted July 12. It took a total of 10 weeks Having read so many recent transcripts about 221g and subsequent denial after birthing in the U.S, I dreaded the trending 221g and Im so happy to have scaled it this time. I got one in 2017, was later refused but re- applied 2 weeks after and got it. Although, the dropbox has now been cancelled, In my own opinion, I feel you can increase your chances for a successful visa renewal if you also go for vacations in other countries, that way you don't sound like you cannot afford any foreign trips or you are looking to cheat the system. I paid less than 10k for my last birth. Previous one was even way cheaper and both were through CS. I mean if I want to purchase a good for 100 naira and another person is offering me fifty naira for same quality, why will I for heaven's sake decide to pay 100 naira when I can use the balance for something else. I have never received any public fund or medicaid but I've been able to convince the V.O that I will never in anyway abuse my visa. I spent 2 months when I went for childbirth in 2017 as stated in my application and have also gone back to the states on 2 other occasions for 2 weeks in 2018 and another again earlier this year. Also within that 2 year period, I visited the U.k and France. In all, don't forget the power of prayers. It works wonders as long as you're doing the right thing. Even God wants honesty. Good luck to others. |
yinksob002:Hi, I also submitted on April 29. Everytime I check, I see passport delivery information. Had to send them a mail on Tuesday and they apologized for the delay, that they have large volume. I decided to check now after seeing your post and saw that my passport is ready for pickup. |
[quote author=mamanjai post=57226870][/quote]I think you have a better chance in Lagos. You are lucky Abuja airport has been re opened. Me i had to go through Kaduna to fly to Lagos. I don't think the itemized bill will change their mind in Abuja embassy |
mamanjai:Your story is similar to mine. You can read my transcript. I guess you used MIHS previously. If yes, then it's probably because of the low bill that the VO drilled you so much. I'm also guessing this took place at Abuja embassy. They are vexing in that place. If yes, I would advice you to reapply in Lagos Also, that your reason of Phoenix being far compared to Chicago is too vague. America is far as well. If you are so worried about distance, why not give birth in Nigeria where you don't even have to travel at all. You could have said something about getting better accommodation there. |
mamanjai: |
Yippie! I scaled the dreaded Houston POE. If you will recall my story about how I, hubby and son applied for dropbox, were called for interview and denied visa in Abuja despite multiple travels to the U.S. I went to Lagos 2 weeks after and got my visa approved by God's grace so on this journey, I also prayed to God to go with me. I arrived yesterday. So, as we were asked to move forward to wait in line for the CBP officer, I quickly scanned for a cool looking face and stayed there. My turn... CBP... Hi Me ...Hi, hands him over my passport and immigration card CBP.... checks the card and asked: Are you bringing any food, meat? Me.. No CBP..... I can see you have declared cash over 10k. How much do you have? Me... $12,410 CBP... why are you coming with so much money? Me.... Because I'm here to have my baby CBP..Oh! You are pregnant? With my bloated face and obvious belle oooo Me... yes CBP... Did you already fill the white paper to declare the amount? Me.. Yes, then I asked my self, which white paper is this guy talking about? I know I'm supposed to fill that after being stamped in. Then I asked him. Sir, which paper are you talking about? I only filled this one that was given on the plane. CBP.... Alright, place your fingers on..... took my fingerprint and picture. So you will step aside for me. I will call an officer to take you to a place where you will fill the form and declare your cash. I did and he immediately calls someone, gave him my passport and the person just directed me to where to go and hands me back my passport. All these took less than 2 minutes. I went downstairs and declared the cash and while the CBP officer was doing his job, I checked my passport and realized the first guy did not stamp me in so I was hoping this one will stamp me in after but when he was done, he just told me to go so I told him that I've not been stamped in. He said I should have. I told him no. He checked my passport and when he didn't see it, he said that's weird, how can they admit me in and not stamp my passport. He wanted to place a call to d unit upstairs but then, his colleague said he should call the guy that admitted me in directly so as not to put him trouble. They checked the system to see who it was and said oh! It's the new guy! Me thinking, no wonder he was asking for white paper. Na so dem call am oooo. D guy said he will come down to stamp it. I come begin dey wait. I waited for like 20min d guy no gree come. They were pissed with him, they called him again and he said he's no longer coming that they should stamp it. The guy just told me not to worry and went in to stamp it. Then when he brought back my passport, I told him maybe the other guy must have forgotten to stamp it. He said dont mind him and he doesn't want to admit it and we are trying to help him here. Well, na so God win again ooo Lesson learnt, always check your passport before leaving their sight and if in doubt of anything, ask questions. Don't be afraid of Houston POE as long as you have done the right thing. Best wishes everyone. |
PrinceAdeAde:Okay. Thank God |
PrinceAdeAde:I can be of help. Where do you live? I am in Abuja |
freshdad:Thanks for the reply. I will weigh my options. |
freshdad:Congrats Freshdad. Please what's the duration of the VOA? Is it the regular 2 years or less? I'm asking cos of the stress of getting Nigerian visa every time for frequent travellers, this one that Naija passport booklet is scarce. |
nefertitiram:You have said it all Nerf. A birth cert is issued in the country of birth. It can't be issued elsewhere. So simple. |
nefertitiram:I rejoice with you and family. Congrats Nerf |
nefertitiram:God win oooo. I also thank you for all your inputs on NL. You are doing a great job! |
Babatwi:Lol! Although I put part 1 in the first story, I still wanted you guys to digest the info first and understand it. Thank you. |
Kween2014:Amen. Thanks and God bless. |
Ddoy2003:I know JFK used to be stress free. Passed through several times. |
Hello all, Continuation of my experience. Part 2: After I was denied the visa renewal in Abuja, I contemplated going to Canada but found out that it takes about 4 month for visa processing and I'm far gone in my pregnancy. Hubby planned to send me to UK (I have a valid UK visa and family there.) since my pregnancy is high risk but me I was skeptical. If we are going to spend that much for birthing, it's better in the US where I get to have d health care that I want and also citizenship for my baby. I decided to try again this time in Lagos (exactly 2 weeks) as earlier adviced then by nefertitiram, misssexiest and others here but I went alone cos hubby was not interested. Here goes the transcript: VO: good morn ma'am Me: good morn VO: where are you going in the US and why? Me: Texas and to have my baby VO: what do you do? Me: I'm a physical therapist(physiotherapist) VO: what are your roles? Me well composed, told him a lot about all I do VO: nodding and smiling. Okay, let's say I have left shoulder dislocation, how are you going to manage it? Me: in my mind, I was like, is this a promotion interview or visa interview? Still calm and smiling I told him about how i will first assess him and how I will rehabilitate him till he will regain functional use of his limb. VO: impressed. Now glanced to d screen and read for a while. Turned to me and said. I see that you were recently refused in abuja Me: that's correct VO: do you know why? Me: No I don't she no kuku tell me. Na green paper she give me. VO: I also see that you have applied for all your visas in Abuja. Why have you decided to come to Lagos this time? Me: like I said earlier. I was refused in Abuja and couldnt understand why and I wanted to reapply as soon as possible and I was under the impression that I will get a faster date in Lagos. VO: how much are you paying for the birth? Me: this time, I didn't bother to ask whether na doctor's fee or total. My budget is 20k. About 8500 for the doctor and other expenses VO: can i see ur Dr's correspondence Me: handed it over and he read through it VO: how much did you pay the last time Me: Though the hospital fee was 4200, I rented an apartment and paid 1500, I flew to Arizona with my husband, I bought groceries and others so if I calculate everything, I will say about 8 to 9k VO: why are you not going to this same hospital this time around? Me: this time I'm going alone. I can't afford to stay alone in Arizona without my husband since I have no family or friend there. I'm going to Texas to stay with a friend. VO: how did you find out about this hospital Me: smiled and answered. I did research online. VO: He began typing for so long ooooo and I'm like wow! I hope he's not going to deny me again. Na so I begin fire prayer VO: looked at me and said excuse me ma'am. He went inside with my passport oooo. I knew i had done my best and he was impressed with me. So maybe he went inside for further discussions. I continued praying and asked God to take control. VO: came out much later with a bright smile. Congratulations ma'am, your visa has been approved. At that point, I went to Cloud 7 abi na 9 self. Me: thank you, thank you. I prayed before I went and friends and family prayed with me. I give the glory to God for directing me to the right person and staying with me throughout the process. Conclusion: If you are really convinced in your heart that you have not done anything wrong, never lied during your application or interview but was still refused, apply again, go with confidence and state your case. Most importantly, avoid Abuja embassy now if you are pregnant and going for visa renewal, they already have a mindset for refusal and it would be very hard to convince them. Good luck to others. |
@ Nefertitiram, sorry don't really know how to quote. Lemme clarify some things. 2. You guys left bobo with a cousin and went together to US for 2 months... hummnnn Now, you're sounding like her. Lol. Would I have allowed him to miss school for 2 months just to accompany us to America? Will he benefit anything from that? Its not holiday season you know and he has traveled abroad countless times. A child of 9year old that is comfortable around his extended family. All the children attend the same school. B1 is for business and not for tourism... Is your son going on business? Also this may have led to her question on "did you buy stuff to supply while you were there. Seem hubby applied for B1 visa the first time too? I'm just assuming though. Well, I mean the bi/b2 together, the one for pleasure and tourism for them. In my own application, I specified medical. I guess she asked that question cos sometimes we declare more than 10k when we travel so she is assuming maybe we re buying things to sell. |
Hello all, I would like to share my experience with you. Sorry for the long post. Part one: I applied for Dropbox renewal in Feb at Abuja with my husband and child but we were called for interview in march. First, my background. I have been travelling to USA since I had my masters there in 2008. I go on annual vacation with my family to the USA and sometimes UK. (first UK visa was in 2004) The visa I used for birthing in 2014 was issued in 2012, we all travelled in 2012 & 2013. Renewed via Dropbox after, and travelled in 2016. Visa expired in Jan 2017. I used the popular MIHS and paid 4200. So here goes my transcript at the Abuja embassy: While in line, a VO was interviewing a pregnant lady and asked for d receipt of previous birth. She provided it and when she saw $4000, asked if it was vaginal or CS, the lady said vaginal and the VO replied while shaking her head and in a sarcastic way "why so low"? The lady replied, ehm! I got a discount, and the next thing, sorry you are not qualified at this time. That VO was so harsh and we didn't wish to go to her. We were later called by another lady VO and I was very calm and confident. VO: good morning Me: morn ma'am VO: first thing without smiling: can you tell me about your 2014 trip? Me: yes. I went to have my baby Vo: can i see the receipt of payment? Me: sure, handed her the MIHS maternity agreement and even told her to flip through to the last page where the actual receipt was then also handed her the zero balance VO: well, this doesn't tell me anything, I don't know whether you had any complications and if you had more bills to pay. This is just an agreement Me: I didn't have any complications and it's not just an agreement. It's a down payment and it's stated there that in case of any complications, one will have to pay more. I got the zero balance 4 months after delivery after it was confirmed that I didn't have any complications or outstanding bill. VO: nodding and frowning, well it still doesn't tell me anything, anybody can come with zero balance. Do you have itemized bill? Me: No. The Hosp only issued zero balance since I paid what we agreed on and did not owe them. VO: okay, why didn't you travel with your child at that time? Me: it was during the sch year and he had to go to sch VO: who did to leave him with? Me: my cousin VO: I still find it hard to believe you could leave your child and travel Me: reteirated the fact that the child was in grade 4 at that time and needed to go to sch VO: why did you stay for 2 months? Me: in Nigeria, we have 4 months of maternity leave VO: cuts in, I mean your husband Me: well, I was heavily pregnant and went to a state I had never been to. My husband had to come with me to take care of me. He couldn't leave me alone. We got an apartment and he was by me throughout VO: Still frowning, turns to my husband. What do you do? Hubby: I'm a business man. Tells her the nature of his job VO: I still cnt believe you could leave your job for 2 months Hubby: I'm the owner of my company and I have people working for me. I still earn while I'm away VO: Did you buy things to supply while over there? Both of us: No. just personal shopping VO: Okay, are you pregnant now? Me: yes. With obvious belly ooooh. I kukuma filled B2 in my application and said I was going for 2 months. B1 for the others since they were not planning to travel with me. This time going to stay with a friend. VO: how much are you paying this time? Me: is it total? I asked cos my budget is 20k including airfare, shopping and miscellaneous VO: Answered with a sharp NO. " only the doctors fee" Me: 8500 (Dr fagbohun's quote oooh!) At this point, she stopped asking questions and started typing. Honestly, I felt I answered all her questions well. Was so confident and composed. I was shocked when she handed over the green paper explaining that she is sorry that we are not qualified at this time Later, my son said, wow! Mummy that woman was so mean, she didn't even smile at all. Me I feel the woman already made up her mind from the onset that she was not going to grant the visa. |
Hello wonderful people, please, I have a question. I submitted my passport for Dropbox last Monday, I checked today on the ceac (us embassy page) and it says its under administrative processing updated on the Thursday, 9th of February. I also checked us travel docs and the status has changed from your passport is with the US embassy to book an appointment. I have not received any mail from the embassy to come for interview. Pls for those that have been called for interview after submitting passport for Dropbox, Do I wait for an email from them or I should go ahead and book appointment because I really don't understand. Thanks. |
Thetherapist:Hello, I am a physiotherapist. I was directed to your topic on Nairaland but found out people were not contributing. I'm happy to find you here again on the general forum. I also want to begin the process. I have sent you a pm. I hope to hear from you. Thanks |
happytbaby:Hello Happytbaby. Thank for the reply. Baby is doing great. 6months now. How is ur LO tooM may God bless them all. Well, u're absolutely right. It's because they have my profile in their system. The last time I renewed, I had d same problem and then used husbands email but now it just keeps recognising me when I enter passport details and DOB. I opened another email but it still didn't work. I've contacted them 3 times and they are working on my profile. |
supamom:@supamum, pls what exactly do u mean by MtN network problem because I'm using MTN hynet to browse. Could that be d issue? Do u suggest I go to a cybercafe? And how did you overcome the difficulty then? Thanks |
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