₦airaland Forum

@ OjaP, ok. Do the needful. I wish you a safe trip in advance.

@ benom, brotherly, I dey fire oh. But na Baba God hand e dey. Expecting my I-20 soon. I'm spending time browsing every relevant web page of the school's website so I can understand more about the school and programme. Applying to US schools for grad studies is an uphill task and I believe the God that saw me through the admission process will definitely be there for me anytime I need him. If the consular like, make e be chinco or Eskimo, na im sabi. That green ticket, I must collect am wen time reach.

@ God pikin, thanks for the prayer.

@ masepat, that is a top school. Congrats on your admission. I'm also awaiting my I-20. What is your email address?

@ OjaP, so when are you jetting out?

@ coolguy3, there is a place for everyone. What was your final GPA? You should look out for schools whose minimum GPA requirement is 2.0 on the 4 point scale. Google it up and see what that'll give you. All the best.

kspecial:
@House

To God be all the glory.
I have been following this thread for over a year now even though I just breeze in and out. I sincerely appreciate everybody’s contribution and special thanks to those who respond to my questions.

After a lot of delays which had made me think that Fall 2010 would not be possible, I had my interview today at Lagos and here is how it went:

Got to the embassy around 6:50 am and went through the normal clearances. Afterwards I sat down waiting for the Biometrics while one fine chic was beside me and engaged me in a conversation. This actually helped me eliminate any form of nervousness as I was not even thinking about the interview.
There were 5 Consulars and after an assessment, I observed that Cons1-Fair, Cons2-Good, Cons3 (Chinese Woman)-Mean, Cons4(One big guy)-Very Very mean, Cons5(Good). Immediately I started praying for the good ones. As it got to my turn I noticed that the only free place was the Very Very mean Cons4, na so I run go Convenience/Toilet straight and spent like 10 mins hoping that he would have called somebody else. As it turned out, the guy did not call anybody, and as soon as I sat down, he called for next applicant. I just prayed within me that God should take all the glory.

Cons: Pass me your documents
Me: (passed my passport, I20 and Sevis receipt)
Cons: (looks at the I-20) you are going for Masters in Electr….
Mecompletes it for him) electrical engr at XYZ University
Cons: so tell me, how did you hear about this university
Me: During my undergraduate days at ABC university…
Cons: Is that school here in Nigeria
Me: Yes, (continued with my explanation), I had access to some of their papers and I was impressed with the quality of work
Consjots down what I said) You saw their papers and you liked it?
Me: Yes
Cons: Did you apply to any other school?
Me: Yes, I applied to a total of 3 schools
Cons: Tell me their names (Told him)
Cons: Ok, tell me about this school’s program
Me: Well, in my 1st year at the school, I will be doing …… (gave him some info the school had sent to me, and at some point I mixed up somethings and stammered a bit)
Cons: (cuts me) Ok, at least you have told me some things
Cons: When you finish, what are you gonna do
Me: come back to Nigeria to work in the oil and gas industry
Cons: where?
Me: (expantiated that probably in an indigenous company like oando or even NNPC)
Cons: okay, we’ve settled that
(At this point, I thought everything was over but na lie)
Cons: I see that you’ve paid your SEVIS fee (looks at the I-20 again)
Cons: Your school resumes Sept 21, so you still have ample time. Your fees is $36,645, how do you intend to pay
Me: I have a Tuition Scholarship from the school
Cons: (looks at the I-20 again) Can I see a letter from the school to show that
Me: (gave him the letter)
Cons: that covers about $20, 000, so how do you intend to pay for the rest
Me: my dad is paying the rest
Cons: Did he write me a letter
Me: (showed him the letter)
Cons: Ok, he has promised to pay, Can I see his bank statement
Me: (showed him the statement)
Cons: that’s quite a lot of money
Cons: take this form and go collect your visa on Monday… (started a long story about me entering the US only 30 days before the commencement of the program, not putting my I-20 in my luggage because of Port of entry, blah blah blah!)
At this point, I was just thanking God.
Cons: I will collect your I-20 and passport. Do you have any questions for me?
Me: (for where? The only question I for ask him was why was he denying people anyhow because almost 6 people that he attended to before me were all denied including one 70yr old woman) I just shook my head and walked out before he changed his mind and I silently prayed for OjaP that he would not meet this guy. Other applicants were giving me thumbs up, but no be me o, It was totally God.
The guy no type anything at all in to the computer, he just took his time to face me and conduct a proper interview

@Gongo aso,
thanks for your efforts when I needed to courier my I-20 and thanks for your sincere concern (as promised).

@OjaP,
I am very happy for you too. Being denied is not a funny experience as I saw people getting depressed after denials. I will send you a mail if we can hook up at VFS office on monday

@Nethacker,
I hope you can now hook me up with people in my prospective city. should be sending you a mail soon.

@Other prospective applicants,
Never give up, I had many challenges/obstacles but as has been said on this thread, don't let the words "give up" be in your dictionary. I wish you all the best…

Congrats bro,

@ OjaP, I'm here oh!!!! Just got back from church and i had you in mind all day. I'm so glad you were able to get your visa. I knew God was going to do it for you. He will surely see you through your studies. Congrats once again. About the intelligence thingy, brother, na God dey give wisdom oh.

@ House, I like the joy in the atmosphere. Spring 2011 hopefuls, september is the month of "happenings"-admissions, I-20s and booking appointments. I'm also expectant too.

@ gongoaso, I'm humbled. But you know every na, you be my chairman oh (where is sefago? )

OjaP, success in your interview tomorrow. God be with you.

Je m'appelle Superbrain. Je suis Nigerian et J'habite a Lagos. J'aime les filles. *smiles*

Say exactly what the consular told you the last time but counter it immediately with your strong points. I meant Petroleum Industry bill not NCD bill. Sorry about that.

It is okay. Just be confident. I bet you that by the time you begin to go technical, the consular would cut you short. But be spontaneous. As the questions come, respond in a quick and calculated manner. Don't hesitate, stammer or look disgruntled.

And if asked why you were denied and how you hope to convince them you will return, emphasize on the fact that the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is at a revolutionary stage with the forthcoming implementation of the Nigerian Content Development bill, and that coming back after your masters will be best for you. Show your enthusiasm about returning. Goodluck bro. God be with you.

@ seniorak47, right on spot. One's confidence and spontaneity of reponses are prime qualities.

@ OjaP, once asked why you opted for CSUB, talk about the research interest and your communication with the Professor. Also state that though some other schools are into that research area, that particular Project Y which you're interested in is unique to CSUB. Then you can add other secondary reasons like good research labs, small department with a good faculty to student ratio, etc. Just make sure that you do not deviate from the truth (be as honest as possible) because it is easier to remember a truth than a lie.

@ OjaP, good. So you only have to explain what you were doing from February 2008 to Sept 2009 right? And the company was registered in April 2009, right? Another point you can make to the consular if asked is that you were involved in the pre start-up process of the company. Being a family thing, your involvement mattered and your family thought it important that you participate in the planning stage of the start-up company. You already had graduate school in view and thought it necessary to get involved at the start-up stage, then proceed for a masters, return to work in any of the multinationals for a period of time before returning finally to take on more senior roles at the company. At this stage, your masters degree and years of experience in a multinational coy or government agency will not only help bring expertise to the company but you would also have succeeded in building a strong network with other players in the industry which will prove invaluable to your company's growth. About the computer thingy, I'm indifferent. If you must mention it, be ready to show evidence of training in industry-related softwares like petrel, or other seismic stuff. It makes no sense to say you were doing basic computer training. For how long? Just my 2 cents.

@ OjaP, I've told you before and I will say it again. Research interest is your best bet is asked why you opted for CSUB. Almost all universities in the US have standard facilities, so you would have made no point if you end up saying that. Tell the consular that Professor X is currently working on Project Y, and that you communicated with him and got a good response from him. You should state that you're interested in that particular Project Y and the reasons for your interest. That should be an easy sell for why you opted for CSUB. About the job thingy, the consulars know the job situation in Nigeria. When did your family business start? And where do you work currently?

I agree with you. But you will need to take as much documents as possible to be able to defend any claim you make or any question you are asked. In your case study, the older guy may have to show evidence of what he has been doing since graduation and how it relates to his course of study. But above are the basics. How have you been?

@ electronic, those are good schools. You can also try Oregon State University. There are lots of semi-conductor companies in that region. You should be able to get in with your undergraduate GPA but work hard on getting a good GRE score and writing a good SOP. It is well bro.

@ masepat, you can request that they first email you a scan so you can see your SEVIS number to enable you make your SEVIS fee payment while you await the I-20. Once you get the number, make your SEVIS fee payment and also book an appointment. If they are sending your I-20 by courier, then book an appointment at least two weeks from the day your I-20 is sent. But make sure it is within the specified 90days before your school resumes.

Hello house, Spring 2011 applicants should find the information below useful. You can also use it as a checklist.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY VISA INTERVIEW?

Prepare and bring the following to your visa interview:
• An international passport valid for at least six months

• Form I-20 (sign the form under Item 11)

• School admission letter

• A bar-coded confirmation page for the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form. (find DS-160 form at https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV)

• Two 2”x 2” photographs in the prescribed format.

• A receipt for the visa application fee,(MRV and VFS which you get from UBA)

• A receipt for the SEVIS fee - If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the fee electronically, the consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least 3 business days before your interview.

• Financial evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study.
-Academic documents which may include high school certificates, university transcripts, Statement of Result, University Certificate, Test scores (TOEFL, SAT, GRE or GMAT), Award letters, Testimonials, NYSC certificate etc.

• Provide any information proving that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include:
◦ proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.
◦ proof that one or both parents is working in the home country;
◦ that other family members have not immigrated to the United States;
◦ that family members are not illegally present in the U.S.;
◦ that the student has job prospects upon return home;
◦ that the student's family is able to economically support him/her;
◦ evidence of property or business interests in the home country, etc. • If the applicant for a visa is a student dependent, he or she must present evidence of the relationship such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, as well as the types of evidence previously mentioned.

Remain calm and answer all questions asked to you openly and honestly.

@ electronic, I can't say for sure but it should be between 3.4 and 3.6. A friend of mine who had 3.51/5.0 ended up with 3.1/4.0 after evaluation. Like I said, your last 60 hours of undergraduate course-work matters. What unis are you considering?

@ house, those that have already gotten their I-20 should hurry up and pay their SEVIS fees and try to book early appointments. All the best.

New letter for resumption? Don't know about that. What date were you supposed to resume? Drop your email so I can beep you.

@ kwizzy212, beeping you on ym but you're not responding.

@ RufusUzoma, Did your school request that you evaluate your transcripts through WES? If they didn't then don't bug yourself. But if they did, then go to WES website and see the application procedures. It costs about $180 or so. You will have to mail them your transcript, then also request that they send it to your intended school. All these information is available on their website. Google it up. About your G.P.A. If don't think it will be more than 2.8/4.0 so target schools that accept such. Many times, your last 60 hours of undergraduate course-work determines the evaluated GPA.

@ OjaP, you're good to go. Keep absorbing every detail about your research and it's impact on the family business when you return. I'm glad your spirit is "gingered".

Yes, it is his final score.

@ benom, I don't know about that oh. Try to convince him.

@ benom, take the following:

1. His bank statement which should be within the last six months with account balance of at least 60% more than the amount stated on your I-20.
2. A letter from his bank (on the bank letter-headed bank) stating his details- name, account number and account balance (both naira and dollar equivalent).

3. A sworn affidavit by your uncle stating his relationship to you, vouching for your conduct and character, and confirming himself as your sponsor all through your education.(he should state the school and course too to show that he is aware). You can get this done at the High Court in Ikeja if you're in Lagos or any other high court.

4. If he works, you need to get his employment letter, payslips, tax-clearance documents, etc. If he owns a business, get the particulars of the business, CAC certificate of registration, and tax documents.

I think thatz it. If anyone has more to contribute, please do so.

Benom, how do you hope to show your intent to return back after your studies? That is the most important.-

@ benom, it is a big fat lie! Your I-20 contains your SEVIS number cos it is SEVP generated. Don't even think of taking more than one to the embassy. Make use of the one you have. You're good to go. Are your documents set? I will advice you book an appointment for October so you can have ample time to sort yourself out before you leave Naija. All the best.

@ femiap, he should still go ahead. If he plans to use his elder brother as his sponsor then his chances are low. Is the elder brother a citizen? Honesty is key here.

Ok. If asked again, capitalize on two things. The first is the fact that you're a director in the company and will have to return to take on more senior responsibilities after your studies. You can say your exposure will also help you determine how you can improve on the company's current operations. Don't generalise. Be specific so you appear as someone who knows his onion. You can talk about advanced technology in geology that you hope to incorporate into the business when you return. Use some geological terms but be sure you know exactly what they mean.

Secondly, don't ever say your school is cheap! To defend why you opted for CSU Bakersfield, you best bet is to talk about your research interest. Talk about the project work you did in the university, and how Professor X is currently working on Project Y and how it interests you, what you hope to achieve with it (all these must tally with what you may have said initially about improving the family business when you return).

Also have documents to back any claim you make like your being a director, maybe a study leave letter, or the printout of an email showing that you communicated with a Professor at the school.

What else?

@ House, where is everyone? Gongo aso et al? Spring 2011 hopefuls, how far? Any acceptances, I-20s, yet?

You have not answered the questions in the second paragraph of my previous post. Did you take the company documents with you during the interview?

Another thing I think you should do is find out a lot about Bakersfield. You'll have to convince the consular about your choice of School. Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana are more recognised for oil and gas related course. Create a "Unique Selling Point". What research have you done in the past? Is there a lecturer at the school whose research interests match yours? Did you communicate with the lecturer? If you did, print out such email. You main aim must be to show family ties. Get a letter from your family company stating categorically that you will return after your studies and the company's expectations. If you've been working there, get a study leave letter.

Asides the above, I advise you just lay it all at God's feet.

PS: you must be able to explain your preference for a not too popular university in California to other renowned unis in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. All the best.

I don't get you. Are you going for geology? If yes, then is your family in the oil and gas business (exploration and production)? Because I don't see how your course of study will make you add "professionalism" to your family business after your MSc.

If I'm wrong, then what is your stake in the business? Are you a director in the company and what document do you have that verifies that claim. If I was the consular, I would have had lots of questions to ask.

What course are you going for? What school? And what kind of business is your family into? Also, who is your sponsor. If I know all these, I can construct a valid argument for you.

Expecting your reply.

@ kwizzy, I've sent you the mail. But please ask you questions here so other members of the house can benefit and also contribute. You can add me on ym.

@ kwizzy212, read all the pages on this thread. You will get enough answers. If you do not have permanent internet access, get a flash drive, save the webpages and read offline at your pace. Simple.

@ Abgovernor, very true bro.

@ OjaP, post details of your interview. It will make your picture clearer.

@ OjaP, no long thing. Try to get the next possible date and go for it again. You're not the first to be denied. Take a cue from the other folks who were denied and still got theirs the same week. Words have been spoken so do the needful. We dey your back.

@ benom, I'm beeping you on ym. I've also sent you a mail. Add me.