₦airaland Forum

fairheart:
I am sorry about your wife's and baby refusal.
I think it is important to note that VOs looks at cases differently. Those who were approved with F1-F2 were probably not interviewed by the VO that intervieweed your wife today. Now, during interview, VO usually ask about husband or wife coming to join later--in case you are married with kids. It is possible the VO that approved your visa asked you this question. Perhaps? What you said was No, not at this time. Probably? You have been in the US for a year, and now, your wife and only kid was about to join you. The VO probably thought this is a plan to migrate since you are already in the US and your wife and kids will not be returning to Nigeria with you once you graduate--if at all you will return yourself. I know this may not be the case.

Another thing is, I don't think she has funding, although she really gave very strong points during our mock. Now, here is another question: if you and your wife and baby are out, what is the chances of coming back after graduation? Very slim to impossible--in the mind of the VO. This is how they think.

She can change class of visa to F2, but I really hope that works. Now, I really hope, because that will confirm exactly what the VO might be thinking, that they are runing to come and be with you and you guys do not really want to return (assuming this is what he thought). Have you visited Nigeria since you travelled?

This type of case is hard to predict or say something definite on. Last fall, a lady I'd call T (not her real name) was refused twice with her baby, even though she has funding, and have been to the US like twice or so (can't remember details vividly anymore). After deliberation, I suggested she might need to leave the baby with hubby in Nigeria and apply alone--just to show her intention is purely for studies. She said she thought about the same and boom, she reapplied, and she was given the visa in December. She's in Indiana now, studying.

Another example is Bley (name changed). She got funding from XX university, and even though she is a mother, she applied alone. I think after a year and half, she returned to pick the infant (early this year), and according to her, the VO who interviewed her and the baby sympathised as why she left a baby so young behind for studies in the US. Now, something happened: Before Bley came in January, her hubby got admission to the same school, full funding. My dear, he was refused like 5 times. I remember grilling him over the phone. My grilling failed! Na so he chill and let go. Till now, the husband no get the visa. But wife and baby don dey US.

Case differ. No two VOs are the same, and even if they are same, they are unlikely to make same decision on different applications. Which is why you should not look at why it worked for others and not for you at this time.

One thing I am very sure about the US embassy is that, if they smell intention to run, they will refuse. It doesnt matter how you feel! Their job is to refuse anyone they feel isn't a credible student (even if the applicant is credible). How do you make them see that you're credible? So how do you show you are a credible student with intent to return to Nigeria after studies? Well, there's no single way to it, and in your wife's case, it is tricky.

My advice for her is to try again. But if getting funding is possible, tell her to try. It takes competitiveness to get funding, and I want to believe that every VO sees your funding as an opportunity you cherished and that you'd not abandon that just for your relationship. If your wife wants to show that credibility and remove the intent to migrate that appears to be visible (because you're there, and now, she is coming with your only child), she should have a competitive admission. OR, drop your baby out of the application. OR, she can try again and see how it goes.

Please note: I AM NOT A VO. THIS IS PURELY AN OPINION FROM MY ASSESSMENT OF YOUR SITUATION.
I hope this can help you make the right decision.

Hey, thank you for taking your time to dissect the situation and your brilliant suggestions. Although, she was given 30% funding for the program. However, they will reapply for the F-1 & F-2 again hoping for God's favor this time.
Lest I forget, accept my appreciation for the great work you did with them during the mock interviews. God bless you.

Thanks to everyone who have contributed so far.
One love.

LagosismyHome:
Did she have any funding with her F1 and was her school, the same as yours ?... however switching now might be ok or might not. Nobody can predict. I ideally would have gone for both F2

She has 30% funding and the reason for the denial is lack of home ties. Not same school. 670miles apart.

I am just worried about being denied again if applied for either of the 2.

Anyways, thanks for your input.

Hollyholy:
F2 for both of them is way better since you are already in US on F1.

Do you mean reapplying for F-2 now is better after they have been denied F-1 & F-2 (child)?

Please can you elaborate?

Thanks

Hello guys, please I need your advice.

My wife and daughter were denied F-1 & F-2 today at Lagos embassy due to weak ties to Nigeria since I (husband) is already in the US on F-1 visa. She has a very strong sponsor with more than required money on financial statement of account, but they didn't check it. She was asked about her workplace, which Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and how long she has been working there (2 years). She said the VO told her I will deny your visa due to ties to back Nigeria and issued them yellow form.
However, since they also approve F-2 for families of recent, is it wise for them to shift to F-2? What is their chance of approval? Or they should reapply for F-1 & F-2 again?

Your timely response will be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hello house.

I defer my admission to speing resumption due to Covid-19 and I have recieved an updated I-20 with spring resumption date electronically (emailed).
My question is, do I need to fill another DS-160 for since I have different resumption date on the former DS-160 i filled?

Also, US embassy normally accept only mailed (original copy sent by fedEx or DHL) to student, but my school said they cannot mail I-20 because of the Vovid-19 that the emailed one is the original copy and would suffice.
Please what do you guys think I can do?

@Snakedoctor1 and others
Thanks and do have a fabulous sunday.

US visa interview on the 13th June, 2019. After almost five weeks of waiting, the visa was issued on 25th July, 2019. It was a serious suspense filled with apprehension. My program coordinator had to put up a letter to the US Embassy in support of my visa application when I informed her. I had to also mail and call the Embassy after one month of no update on the visa application that has been under necessary administrative processing since 13th June, 2019. But all that were said is nobody knows the exact time it will be issued and pleaded with me to exercise patience. Finally, I got the good news and the following is the interview transcript.
Me: Good morning madam (with smiling face).
VO: Good morning. Pass me your I-20 form and passport.
Me: I did (still maintain eye contact with smile).
VO: what are you going to do in Rutgers?
Me: I am going for MSc in Forensic science at Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey.
VO: You just returned from Saudi Arabia this December, why haven’t you been working?
Me: I have been preparing for a postgraduate study in the US against fall resumption.
VO: Nodded with okay.
VO: What were you doing in KSU Saudi Arabia?
Me- I went for a MSc in Environmental Sciences. VO cuts in
VO: Then why going for another MSc?
Me: Because I was denied the opportunity to study a any medical course because I am not a citizen of the country even though I met VO cuts in...
VO: Why didn’t you go for Medicine in other country?
Me: I studied medical laboratory science in my undergraduate and not Medicine and Surgery. I then explain the responsibilities of MLS and the interjection with Forensic Science.
VO: Okay okay
VO: Why US?
Me: Because US schools are top class with world class research facilities that will afford me the opportunity to carry out excellent researches in the field of forensic science. VO cuts in
VO: Who is sponsoring your study?
Me: I have partial scholarship of $10,000 (Chancellor’s Merit Award) with additional $5,000 just yesterday. I presented the document of the new scholarship from the department because it was not captured in my I-20.
VO: Who will be paying for your deficit?
Me: (I dribbled her here) My guardian will be responsible for my deficit.
VO: Typed why talking. Pass me the statement of account.
Me: I passed the SOA including affidavit and attestation letter. Unfortunately, she noticed my sponsor is my uncle from the attestation letter.
VO: She said, so he is your uncle?
Me: Yes, he is also my guardian.
VO: Typed for some time (I think she changed it from father to uncle).
VO: What does your uncle do?
Me: He is a major distributor of motor cycle and tricycle and also has an even centre and shopping complexes.
VO: This school is expensive...
Me: Yes, Rutgers is one of the best schools in the world. It’s 8th oldest University on US, so it worth the price.
VO: She checked the SOA front and back and noticed it ended in May, 2018. I didn’t hear what she said here clearly. But what I inferred was that she said but the SOA ends in May.
Me: I said yes, it was requested from school to process my I-20 in May.
VO: Already brought out yellow paper and started writing something on it. She handed it over to me with explanation that I should send the current SOA up to middle of June, 2019 through DHL to US Embassy's document collection centre in Abuja. The paper contains what to send and when to expect the visa.

Thanks to everyone here and all that have contributed to the success of this interview and visa processing, most expecially Brown2Green. I so much appreciate you input and support.
I wish all the intending interviewee success too.

Leoney:
Hello everyone,
My visa was approved on May 24th at Abuja, sorry it took long to come back and give thanks to everyone in this group, work has been tight and I only just collected my passport yesterday (not an excuse though). Thank you all for your wonderful contributions to this thread and also @Time2win for the mock interview a day before the interview, your drills were just what I needed to put my mind at ease, even asking questions that up until that moment I had not anticipated.

The interview was very, very brief. To provide a context of how short it was, I had my interview after @Amyfid12 and her interview went exactly as she described, I thought she was very articulate and spoke really well, but she was stopped right after she said Aunty. After her interview she was just outside the interview door arranging her documents when I met up with her, and we walked out together. I genuinely felt for her, I just think the lack of assistantship was the issue.

To the interview proper.

Me: Good morning (she did not smile or really look up)

VO: Pass me your passport (I did), I-20 too (I did also)

VO: Why this University?

Me: This university is unique to me for several reasons. Firstly, it is a research active institution and the research of Prof. Madsen who is a pioneer of sorts in geophysics also attracted me to the institution. Secondly, (VO cuts in)

VO: I see you have full funding from the university.

Me: Yes, I do

VO: Congratulations, your visa has been approved blah, blah blah.

So, thank you all for your continuous contributions to this thread.

Waooooo, congratulations.
I hope to have this grace in my interview on 13th of June. Although I have partial scholarship and have applied for research assistantships, one of which the program coordinator recommended me but o decision has been made on it. I am a bit scared of these rejections base on Uncle being the sponsor because I am using same uncle. I hope and I pray I get this grace too.

Congratulations once again.

Please I need a coach to drill me too.

Brown2Green:
How did you hear about the school?
Avoid that talk of saying your friend told you about the school to avoid stories that touch.

Otherwise, I think your responses are fine.

Thanks for always being responsive to questions and enquiries here. God bless.

Your comment is noted and would be changed to 'through personal research on schools offering Forensic science in the US'.
I would love to hear your view on the issue of the sponsor being raised by someone up there.

Thank you.

jossywayne:
Uncle you get $10,000 scholarship to $55,000 total cost of attendance per year, so ur left with $45,000?
Uncle to tell you the truth the scholarship is too poor for $55,000. The VO maybe like how can your sponsor spend such amount of money on you?
Will he withdraw all the money he use to do business to fund ur studies abroad??
My advice is for u to try and get more scholarship.
Thanks!

Thanks for your input on the above transcript. My sponsor is actually my guidian and financial sponsor since my bachelor's degree and he is capable of footing the bill as his statement of account shows huge amount of inflow and outflow. We also plan to establish a big diagnostic centre when I return, I think this is a good point that he can invest such amount of money on my study. One of the daughters just finished her MSc in Dublin while another one is currently studying Medicine in Ukraine (can I include this in the defence of his ability and willingness to sponsor me?).
I have also applied for RA/TA through my prospective supervisor and program coordinator, but the outcome is not yet out (should I include this also)?.

Thanks once again for your contribution.

Good day Nairalander. I personally appreciate the good work you guys are doing in this thread, may God Almighty reward you in manifolds.
Below is my proposed transcript for my visa interview on the 13th of June, 2019. I want the gurus in the house to criticize and advise me appropriately.

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT
VO – Good morning
Me – Good morning, how are you?
VO – What are you going to do in US?
Me – I am going for a Master’s degree in Forensic science at Rutgers the state university of New Jersey, Camden, NJ.
VO – Why US? This course is being thought in Nigeria
Me – Because schools in US are top class and are well equipped with world class research facilities and competent experts in latest technologies. This will afford the opportunity of carrying out an excellent research, especially in the field of forensic investigation. Also, studying in the US will give me international exposure and experience which will place steps above my contemporaries and enhance my chance of getting job in a competitive environment like Nigeria.
VO – How many schools did you apply to?
Me – 3
(i) Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey, Camden, NJ.
(ii) Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan.
(iii) Emory University, Atlanta State of Georgia
VO – Why Rutgers?
Me – I choose Rutgers because it is one of the leading national research institutions in the US with good quality academic environment, very high research output and graduate employability. Rutgers is also the state of New Jersey’s preeminent and comprehensive public higher institution and 8th oldest university in the US with rich history of academic excellence. In addition to these, the prompt response from the program coordinator and prospective supervisor encouraged me more.
VO – Who will be sponsoring you?
Me – I have a Chancellor’s merit scholarship of $10,000 and my uncle will be responsible for the remaining cost.
VO – What does your uncle do?
Me – He is a motorcycle and tricycle dealer, he also own an event centre, 2 shopping complex and a student hostel.
VO – What qualifies you for the scholarship?
Me – The strength of my application and an outstanding academic accomplishment in my previous degrees as well as my work and research experience in the field of clinical laboratory investigation on human samples were the factors considered.
VO – How did you know about the school?
Me – Through an old friend who is also an alumnus of the school, after which I researched about the school’s academic, research and social activities.
VO – Do you know any member of the university staff?
Me – Yes, Dr Kimberlee Moran, the program coordinator and
Dr Catherine E. Grgicak, an Associate Professor of Forensic Chemistry and my prospective supervisor.
VO – What will this degree do for you?
Me – Master’s in forensic science will arm me with requisite knowledge, experience and expertise require for carrying out decisive investigations for the purpose of administering justice on civil and criminal cases. There have been incidences of mismanagement of litigations, paternity dispute, rape case and other civil/criminal cases in Nigeria in recent time. This is hugely due to lack of adequate number of forensic experts in Nigeria.
VO – What is yearly expenses?
Me – My expenses per annum is $55,000
VO – What is your topic?
Me – New technology for the identification of body fluid utilizing RNA method.
VO – Did you write any standard test?
Me – Yes, I wrote TOEFL in 2018 with total score of 85 and GRE in 2018 with total score of 290 and analytical writing of 3.0.
VO – What is your total credit unit?
Me – I am going to study 49 credits of college work for four semesters.
VO – Tell me about Forensic science
Me – Forensic science is a branch of science that uses scientific principle and techniques in matters of criminal and civil justice especially as relating to the collection, examination and analysis of physical evidences. Forensic scientist works within the investigative process from the crime scene to the laboratory and court, providing information and evidences for the administration of justice.
VO – What are your plans after graduation?
Me – I will return to Nigeria to take up a lecturing job in a university and also establish a forensic research and medical diagnostic laboratory in collaboration with my wife, who is also a Medical Laboratory Scientist and my uncle.

Kindly advice and criticize above transcript.

Thanks in anticipation for your input.

Good evening all.
Please is the DS-160 Application ID same as confirmation number that's being asked for while scheduling a visa interview?

I want to confirm this as I want to schedule my interview before I submit my DS-160 form so as to avoid mistake.

Thanks in advance.

Good evening all.
Thanks for your input on my previous enquiries. I am here again for another enquiry. While filling my DS-160 form, I have reached Work and education experience when their server started showing error. In fact I have filled current work. Before this error started showing. It said the error has been co.municated to the administrators. I hope this won't affect my DS-160, can I proceed to make my visa payment and book for interview?

Thanks

I just got my I-20 form yesterday afternoon, and behold, it was only F-1 that was sent for me alone no F-2. Seems God has answered my prayer. When I asked for the reason F-2 for my dependents were not sent, she said she was sorry, it was a mistake. She then requested for another attestation with my sponsor stating that he will sponsor my family too, statement of account with the required amount.
I just told her not to bother again as time is no more on my side, I will do theirs later.
Please, what is the next step? Should I pay the visa fee and sevis together same day and book for my visa interview? Where will I fill the DS-160 form (link)?
Thanks for your advice on going alone instead of going with the family.

Brown2Green:
Forget about taking your family for now cuz they are your home tie. VO will hardly approve your Visa if you go with your family .

And you should have a good response as to how your wife will cater for the kids on your absence.

As earlier mentioned, your wife can join you on visiting after some months.

Thanks for your prompt response. It's actually MSc admission, but on their Certification of fund form, it's stated that one can come with dependents, that's why I explore the opportunity. I have provided financial statement (I also have partial scholarship & applied for Research assistants of which the program coordinator recommended me for the post, although not yet approved) that covers the 3 members of the family for a year. I have applied for I-20 form which i was messaged that have been mailed to my address to arrive on Tuesday.
I understand your position on this and sincerely appreciate your advice.
Now that I have commenced the process for the family, is it possible for me to halt their own process and continue with mine? How easy it is to invite them after I have gone there? I heard my financial statement will be verified (if i am in US) there before they can issue them visa.
Even though our plan is not to leave Nigeria same day if issued the visa (s), I am a bit confused on what to do now.

My fear is the rate at which they reject visiting visa these days, it's worrisome.

Your sincere advice please.

Time2win:
Congrats on your admission, Rutgers university is a good one. It's advisable you go alone and let them join you later. If you have the resources for all your family members, you all can go together and that's if you are going for a PhD program. We have seen testimonies of those that went together and were approved.

They will ask what why she wants to join you and what she will be doing over there. More questions will follow, depending on her answers.

Thanks for your prompt response. It's actually MSc admission, but on their Certification of fund form, it's stated that one can come with dependents, that's why I explore the opportunity. I have provided financial statement (I also have partial scholarship & applied for Research assistants of which the program coordinator recommended me for the post, although not yet approved) that covers the 3 members of the family for a year. I have applied for I-20 form which i was messaged that have been mailed to my address to arrive on Tuesday.
I understand your position on this and sincerely appreciate your advice.
Now that I have commenced the process for the family, is it possible for me to halt their own process and continue with mine? How easy it is to invite them after I have gone there? I heard my financial statement will be verified (if i am in US) there before they can issue them visa.
Even though our plan is not to leave Nigeria same day if issued the visa (s), I am a bit confused on what to do now.

Your sincere advice please.

Hello Nairalanders, I am very excited to join this thread. I just got admitted by Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey-Camden, US for the 2019 fall session. I have started the process of getting my I-20 and schedule interview for visa.
My questions go thus, I intend to go with my family (wife & a daughter), is it advisable to go with my family or go alone while they join later?
What are the possible questions and answers they might ask my wife?

Thanks

I can't just imagine these jobless and greed people calling themselves activist making wealth out of dubious activism. Asari Dokubo a case study by Fejiro Oliver
http:///1oIcDo

Second: On the issue if allowing other life science courses from practicing in the medical laboratories is not only a rape on the profession but abomination. There is nowhere in the world where such is being practised. There is no medical profession that takes those life science courses as a registered/licensed member of their profession. While didn't they go to medicine or pharmacy and seek for admission into 300 level, or for a 2/3 years course to become a medical doctor? If that is not allowed in those courses, why MLS should be different?
Without proper diagnosis of disease, treatment may cause more harm than the cause of visiting hospital. So those interested in practising Medical Laboratory Science should go and start from 100 level till internship level.
Third: Concerning the NUC issue, you got it wrong. It is not only the MLS that is having that problem, pharmacy is also having same issue. NUC lead by a medical doctor stopped both courses because they are issuing two parallel certificate (D. MLS and D. Pharm). The NUC chairman didn't raise any eye brow when it was only pharmacy, but did when MLS join them.
My fellow Nigerians, let's help ourselves by calling those in quackery (Doctors and life science) practise to other because their next client/patient may be you or your dare relative.
prevention they said it is better than cure!
MLS solve the problem your doctor don't know solution to.

shehu roji jide; whatsapp me on (07031179591) bbm on 7FF24B74. Ondo here we come!

Name: Shehu Roji Jide
Sch: Ebonyi State University
Dept: Med Lab Science
current location: Oyo stateName: Shehu Roji Jide
Sch: Ebonyi State University
Dept: Med Lab Science
current location: Oyo stateName: Shehu Roji Jide
Sch: Ebonyi State University
Dept: Med Lab Science
current location: Oyo state

It is my pleasure to meet all nairalanders posted to Ondo State, wish us all a splendid and successful service year. Pls, is there anybody in the room who can tell us d best network to subscribe before going to ikare akoko for camping? I can't wait to meet u guys there!
I remain shehuroj1[color=#990000][/color]