I must start by first apologizing to folks on this platform...I ought to have posted my transcript a looong time but things were happening in quick succession. I had to travel over 3 states in about a week trying to sign off work and pack for school.

All the same, I sincerely apologize.

So I officially arrived Lawrence, KS some days ago.

But first my visa interview transcript on 12/12/2017:

After biometrics and other prelude, I was directed to join a queue: It was the slim, not-so-fair lady with curly, sort of African hair.

I was on the queue for a while as she denied everyone before me. I couldn't help but notice other VOs too, they were all dishing out blue paper.
There was this smiling american guy with long hair interviewing a lady close to me. They seemed to be having a good chat and the lady was really relaxed and answering his questions. I think she mentioned that she had an Uncle in a state but quickly supported her claim to want to study by saying herself and her Mum chose the school in another state so that she could focus on her studies but Alas, after all the smiles, giggles and laughs, she was denied! I just weak at that point.

Success rate that morning was like 1 out of 10 in my opinion.

I was next to meet the VO when the Coordinator brought a family with ailing son to join my queue and meet her before me. They mentioned that the son needed an open heart surgery and they had paid a bill of $20k to a particular hospital and brought all the documents.

The VO was thorough and asked every reasonable question from the parents(how did they find the hospital, where did they meet the agent that facilitated the payment, how did they pay, how did they open a Dom account, what job the Father does, how did he afford 20k, etc). There answers were logical but not so convincing to me. Sincerely, I couldn't tell if they were legit or not: it was a close call for me but the VO decided against giving them the Visa.

So prior to meeting her, she denied EVERYONE!

At that point, I didn't know what to expect but I had done everything I thought I needed to do and sincerely, my parents had done looooots of prayers.

Now my turn:

Me: Good morning
VO: I doubt she replied verbally but she acknowledged the greeting.( She was obviously tired or fed up of non-convincing guys that came before me)
VO: Pass your documents please
VO: So why are you going to the US?
Me: I am going for my PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Kansas.
(The next question was the shocker I was so praying she wouldn't ask but she did straight up)

VO: Who is paying your bills?
Me: ( I wasn't expecting this but I just answered naturally...God just helped me at this point)
I've been working for 2 years after graduation, so I've been saving up for school( I submitted my personal statement to school so it reflected on my I-20 as personal funds of less than $7k) but I would be supported by Uncle who works as a Drilling Engineer at Total E&P( at this point, she was obviously not listening)
As soon as I mentioned personal funds, her attention just went off to the I-20 which reflected the funds.

VO: (She interrupted my long story) So what have you been doing?
Me: I work in the intersection of Power and Telecoms which tallies with what I wrote on DS160 (At that point, she looked like she was buying into my stuff)

VO: She interrupts again... What will this course do for you?
Me: My interest has been in the intersection of Power and Telecommunications which you'd agree with me are 2 major issues that need to be tackled in Nigeria and other African countries. (Doing oversabi, I somehow drifted into why I picked UoKansas and slighted her for not asking that, how I found a paper by one of the Profs when I was doing a research with my current employer, blah blah blah....

VO: She interrupted me again...I'd be approving your visa. Pick your passport at the Isolo office(I chose that while filling DS160 though). Gave me white paper, didn't circle anything, gave me a bulletin about a preparation seminar organized by the Embassy....

Me: I was shocked, didn't know what to say. I thanked her and walked away.

I was really confused as to the appropriate reaction, I didn't want to be extorted by the guys outside too so I kept my calm but inside me, I was aglow with joy!

I had a week-long prayer conference that started 2 days before my interview but couldn't join in because of the interview, so I quickly organized myself and started preparations to join the conference.

My take on the Visa interview: It's just God and favor in my opinion. Definitely, one has to do a thorough homework to be prepared. In my case, I've been following this thread for over a year, read several pages, I must have read entire parts. I even did a search on all previous VO interview PhD candidates in Engineering , printed it out and read it like a textbook. I studied my department's website for over 6 months and can tell almost all Profs in my area of research did, their background, whom they've collaborated with, etc.

But the truth is, there are other guys that did more but were still denied. So, my advice is, do your homework and trust God too. If it's the right time, things will work out.

Secondly, if you can submit personal funds to school, even if it means family pushing money to your account to submit as financial docs, please do. I have a feeling that was what helped me but then, I could be wrong.

POE experience

I found a cheap Qatar Airways direct flight to Kansas using Wakanow with 2 stop overs at Doha and Chicago.

The flight was long but it was nice. I ate everything presented and slept as though I was pregnant(lol).

Doha Airport is really nice and had to sleep overnight in the sleeping room because the time I had to process docs for staying at the hotel and returning to the Airport was little. They provided dinner and breakfast at the Airport, and the sleeping wasn't bad too.

After flying over 14hrs from Doha, we got to Chicago. On the flight, we were given the Custom forms to fill and we submitted this to the Immigration officer at the Airport. I didn't declare my Garri and beans because they were not with me at the time I was interviewed by the Officer.

POE Interview:
Me: Good afternoon ( Passed my I-20, Passport and Custom Form)
Officer: No response, no smile (I couldn't be bothered after such long flight)

Officer: What did you study for your Masters?(unexpected question)
Me: I didn't do a Masters, I am going directly from Bachelors to PhD.

Officer: (Looking surprised) Is that even possible? A direct PhD without a Masters? So what did you study for 1st degree?
Me I was surprised that he was surprised, lol) My first degree was in Electrical Electronic Engineering.

Officer: How much money will this course give you in Nigeria?
Me: (I couldn't help laugh at the question) A Phd in Electrical Engineering gives me a looot of money in Nigeria.

Officer: (I'm not sure he laughed) Okay, bye.


Not knowing anyone in my destination and without any Credit Card, I had to use my partner's sister's card to pay for Uber to the Hotel as they were not collecting cash.

Stayed at the Hotel for 2 nights( like $140), Had to get a SIM Card after walking over 45mins in the freezing cold in Lawrence. Made multiple calls and luckily got an unfurnished apartment.

Still trying to blend into the new environment with the freezing cold and no known food.

But I'm grateful! American dream was a success!

School starts in few days...

I thought I was going to act like Uncle TWoods about Visa application and interview- less sentimental, be logical and just be a genuine Student and apply to a good school....but mehn, I'd be sincere, I had to resort to trusting God.

No doubt I did my bit, did all that's humanly possible but then, even folks I felt were better qualified were denied today. It was almost a foray of blue paper!

Luckily, I got the White Paper


My detailed interview in a bit.


Plenty thanks to everyone! it's been over a year on this thread and I must confess, it contributed to 90% of the success story.

Thanks fam!

For those going this week, my only advice: Pray and do your best!

Time2Smile:

Please don't give the VO any document unless you are asked. And the VO sure doesn't have time to read a PowerPoint presentation.
You don't have to choose one of the reasons you are going to University of Kansas, you can mention both. I do hope you don't plan to say it exactly as it is written up there. Having the general point and stating the points naturally without coming out has rehearsed will really help because you can be cut off anytime mid-sentence.

I am also not comfortable that you are not being funded from the get go as a PhD student in a STEM field. Paying tuition for the first semester does not sound right to me. You should get specific details about the funding situation. Trust me you won't feel good by the time you see all your colleagues getting funded.

Thank you Time2smile for your comment.

I actually remember you well from the GRE thread late last year...I remember your stellar result too
Hope you got funding?

Paying the first semester isn't something I'm happy about myself but instead of waiting for another year, I just want to do that.
Plus there's the chance of getting funded as soon as I get to school. My intention is to go round the faculties and see which of them I can get something out from(GRA or GTA). I spoke with someone in Chemistry department in the school and she was like, " just come, you'd not spend a dime"

Notwithstanding, I am planning to at least pay for the first semester in the worst scenario which I hope wouldn't happen.

Also, I appreciate the fact that you noticed that my lengthy replies: I can be unnecessarily prolix at times which is why I'd appreciate what part of the response I edit off. Any suggestions?

My I-20 also include personal funds of $6.7k, do I need to go with my statement?

What other question should I watch out for that I haven't mentioned? Any advice?

cc: Lagosismyhome, TWoods, mitchely, ABIM06, Ponpon, Femi321, everyone that can be helpful

Thanks again.

Hi people,

I've been on this thread for a while and finally my interview is this week.

I've been trying to reach guys for mock interviews but none is forthcoming yet.

So based on likely questions I've seen here, I decided to type out possible answers to likely VO questions.


My Presumed Interview
VO: Pass your documents(i-20, passport and Sevis)
Me: I do as instructed
VO: What are you going for?
Me: I am going for my PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Kansas with specialization in Communication and Signal processing.
VO: Why Uokansas?
me: Ans1: My interest has always been in the intersection of Power Engineering and Communication Systems. My previous employment and current job is in this field but I found out UoK while I was part of a research group in my current company which lasted 3months at Elizade University( I would provide the Power Point Slide). The research was to tackle the problem of power theft using PLCC. During the research, I found Dr Erik Perrins work on the subject and it was really helpful. I later spoke with him on my intentions for Graduate Studies which he encouraged and sent me the contact of the Grad Coord. I have been in talks with Pamala Shadoin since then. When I told her of my intentions of getting a PhD after Masters, she told me I could apply for a direct PhD and I gladly did.

A2: UoKansas is a tier 1 public research University and the ECE with core specialization in Communication systems and Signal Processing. Unlike other schools with similar specialization, UoK has it's Signal and processing well defined and further subdivided into 5 subgroups: Communication Systems, Network Systems, Network Engineering, RF and Radar and then Sign Processing. The department also has 3 IEEE fellows with over other 10 faculties working in Communication Systems. Also, the ultra modern the CReSiS laboratory founded since 2005 and funded by the NSF to carry out research monitoring ice sheet layers and effects of Climate Changeo on the Antarctica using Signal Processing technologies is enticing to me as I hope to work and learn using available resources.

(both are true but which is the best?)

VO: What will this course do for you?
Me: This course will help me achieve My ultimate career goal of getting a Doctorate and setting up Communications Laboratory specially suited for Smart Grids in Nigeria and subsequently, other West African Countries.A Smart Grid is basically the conventional power grid but with added communications and networking technologies which makes it easy for Power Distribution Company to optimally deliver power to Customers and also ensure that everyone pays the commensurate amount. Power and Telecommunications are 2major infrastructure lacking in most African countries and I forsee interest by Government and Private Investors in the next 5-10 years which opens up opportunities for people like myself who have needed skillset in that field.

VO: Did you write any standardized tests?
Me: Yes, GREQ161, V154 AWA 4, IELTS 8/9( Provide the documents)

VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 4- 2 offered me admission (UoK, Montana State) while (UCB and Washington SU did not)
I'm not going to Montana because the Communication Systems there is not as broad as in UoK( Just one faculty does something similar and he is into Optical Communication as opposed to RF and Radar)

VO: I see you have very little funding,($2k) how do you intend to pay your bills?
Me: My Uncle who is a Senior Drilling Engineer at Total E&P Nigeria has been my academic sponsor since my Undergraduate will be sponsoring me( statement of $27k ) and he'd be supported by my Brother (N5m statement)
I also have been in talks with the department about this and the Graduate Coord confirmed that they only provide funding to students that are available and mostly will get a GTA or GRA the next semester (I printed the emails she sent and will provide it)

PS: I reaally don't want to use my Brother's statement.

VO: Where do you work and what do you do?
Me: I work with XYZ Power Distribution Company and my job is in the intersection between Power and ICT as I monitor and provide support for all Prepaid Energy Meters installed in the 4 States of our operation in Nigeria. I monitor each Prepaid Meter User account from the Head office and routinely go to the field when a case requires such. This job role was what influenced the research I was involved in to reduce Power Theft on our Network using PLCC. Also my previous employment was in a Company that worked with Renewable Energy Sources particularly Solar and also provide Internet and Communication services(an ISP) for homes and companies.

VO: Are you married?
Me: No

Expected outcome: Please take this White Paper and get out of Nigeria!


Please I will appreciate your critique, correction and advice. How best should I arrange the answers?

I look forward to your replies.

Thank you all.

omoluabiguy:


Because western union would charge that not me. Anytime you want to make payment via western union, there is always a sending fee. Sevis fee is 200 and western union would charge extra 9.99.

Finally, after over a year of reading and following this thread, I've reached the point of Sevis.
I'm hopeful everything will turn out fine. I still have lots of gray areas I need clarifications on and mock interviews too.

Will appreciate any "senior" colleague to lead this toddler in the right direction.

But first Sevis.....☺

Chief @omoluabiguy

I sent you a PM.

Want to pay my Sevis.

Kindly check and reply with your bank details.

Thanks.

Austinpee4:


Significant partner in this regards mean your LEGALLY married spouse or a common-law partner(you’ve been living together continuously for one year, without any long periods apart with evidence of cohabiting or joint activities, etc).

Aside these two unions, you won't be able to travel with her as a spouse or "significant partner" to Canada.

So NO, it is not possible to travel together to Canada if you are not in any of the aforementioned unions with legal and evidential documentation.

Thanks @Austinpee4 for your response.

Common-law Partner is exactly what I saw that intrigued my curiosity.

How does one prove "you’ve been living together continuously for one year, without any long periods apart with evidence of cohabiting or joint activities, etc"?

I think we qualify for this but I want to be totally sure.

Thanks again Chief!

Expecting your response.

Hello wonderful people,

I have a question but I'm not sure I'm on the right thread. I'm not so versed in Canadian immigration procedures...

My Girlfriend and I did PhD applications to study in the US and Canada. I got an offer in the US(not funded) first but my spouse(we're yet to marry) got a PhD offer(almost fully funded) in a University in Quebec Province. We had plans of probably getting married late next year or early 2019 but with this...we just concluded that she leave for school first

But while filling some of her immigration documents, I noticed that she could travel with her "Significant Partner"...I don't totally understand that.

Is it possible that we travel together?

If yes, what is the extra financial implications involved?

Thanks for your anticipated guidance.

Hello guys,

I have a question but I'm not sure I'm on the right thread.

My Girlfriend and I did PhD applications to study in the US and Canada. I got an offer in the US(not funded) first but my spouse(we're yet to marry) got a PhD offer(almost fully funded) in a University in Quebec Province. We had plans of probably getting married late next year or early 2019 but with this...we just concluded that she leave for school first

But while filling some of her immigration documents, I noticed that she could travel with her "Significant Partner"...I don't totally understand that.

Is it possible that we travel together?

If yes, what is the extra financial implications involved?

Thanks for your anticipated guidance.

acedboss:


did u attend U.I?

i'll advise you to not limit yourself to only schools that don't require you to send certified copies of your docs. it doesn't cost so much to certify an send your docs if you plan well ahead. with your cgpa and IELTS you have a very high chance of getting admission offers to your choice courses if you write convincing letters of motivation and apply to other institutions that may require you to send certified docs, especially schools under uni-assist.

Yes I did Boss.

Thank you for reaching out. I actually have certified all of my documents. My issue basically is
(a) I earlier applied only to a school and got reject; Now I want to apply to any other school that still have the admission for Winter on before it's closed. I hope it's not too late
(b) I don't want to have to send hard copy documents again with another 12k until I'm quite sure the admission is secured. I'd prefer schools with online application before final sending of hard copies.

Do you know any that fall into this category??

Danke Bruder!

Hi everyone. Welcome to Part3: me sef join those wey dey pray for testimony oo!

Please folks, I applied to TUM before the deadline for 2 courses but I just got a reject for one!!!
So, it just dawned on me that I have been stocking all my eggs in a basket. If the other one doesn't work out too( which I'm seriously praying against), then my hopes for Winter is.....

Hence, my plea: which school with admissions for October still open can I apply for that is relatively easier and probably won't need me to send certified copies until admission is sure??

I'm looking at applying for Elect/ IT courses. I graduated with 5.7/7.0 in Elect/ Elect and have 8.0 in IELTS.

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks Fam!

Alamin28:
it was nice... mixed questions.... was urs indomie? ... when did you yours?

Chief Alamin, can you be a little more detailed in your explanation of "mixed questions"?

It will go a long way in helping others who might need to prepare for same exam days and years to come....

thefacelessguy:
Hi people....For those that want study materials for IELTS...there is a thread on the travel section that's dedicated to this and I gave some tips on how to ace each aspect of the exam. It worked for me and in my opinion, t'is straight-forward enough. You can search for my comment on that thread.

@Eke4Seven....I hail you bruder! How that side? Sorry to bother you again..

I just received a confirmation mail from TUM that my documents have been received, all but one was okay. There was a complain about the Student Insurance document that I didn't provide. I don't have any student insurance..Is there even one in Nigeria? Pls, how did you go about this? What document did you use in your time? Can I secure the admission without it? Plus how long does it take for the school to make decision after receiving your application?

Also, I've seen DAAD scholarships online, Do you know how one can apply? Can I apply before commencing my studies or I have to resume first?
I'm applying for Msc Power Engineering to resume October (if everything works out)....
I seriously want to apply for funding opportunities and will greatly appreciate your guidance.

Thanks Bro!

Eke4seven.... Kindly reply this. Thanks.

Hi people....For those that want study materials for IELTS...there is a thread on the travel section that's dedicated to this and I gave some tips on how to ace each aspect of the exam. It worked for me and in my opinion, t'is straight-forward enough. You can search for my comment on that thread.

@Eke4Seven....I hail you bruder! How that side? Sorry to bother you again..

I just received a confirmation mail from TUM that my documents have been received, all but one was okay. There was a complain about the Student Insurance document that I didn't provide. I don't have any student insurance..Is there even one in Nigeria? Pls, how did you go about this? What document did you use in your time? Can I secure the admission without it? Plus how long does it take for the school to make decision after receiving your application?

Also, I've seen DAAD scholarships online, Do you know how one can apply? Can I apply before commencing my studies or I have to resume first?
I'm applying for Msc Power Engineering to resume October (if everything works out)....
I seriously want to apply for funding opportunities and will greatly appreciate your guidance.

Thanks Bro!

Eke40seven:
it means, type D visa. I got to Germany from Lagos via Abu Dhabi, that was when the flight and immigration people mentioned it as I was held up for a while. No consequence at all.
Change the language to English. The option is usually up on the right side of your login page.





If anyone wants to apply to TUM, or anywhere in Germany before the end of the month, a friend is planning to send his documents to me, for further distribution, so if you want your docs to arrive fast at a very low price by sharing the cost, you can let me know quickly. For people posting to TUM, I will take it to Arcistr myself and for people in other cities, I will repost to your destination with priority post or Hermes and it should reach the destination within 24-48 hrs (but you will pay an additional cost for reposting).


I just need 4 more people preferably living in Lagos for ease of collection and posting. Indicate here!

Hey thanks Bruv. I have successfully completed my online application and will be ready to send my documents this week. But again, I have some questions
1. I was thinking of applying to more than one course in same Engineering department in same school. Is this advisable? hope it's not one selection committee that will endorse the applications? One may seem confused given the lies we've told in the SOP. Or should I just apply to another school altogether?

2. What exactly are the documents I need to forward with the online print out? I just want to make sure I'm not leaving anything out...Prevention, they say, is better than cure.


3. Transcripts, Degree Certificate, IELTS must be certified....what are the cheapest options?

Lastly, I'm currently out of Lagos. But I'm of the opinion that I can still send the documents to you in Lag before you travel. When are you leaving and where do you stay in Lagos so that I can decide which means is best to get them to you.

Thanks again. Grateful!

Abeg guys, I wan join team winter abeg but I just dey start. Hope I'm not too late.

I've been trying to even to my online application in TUM but the mixed German+English is really confusing. Has anyone applied succesfully to TUM, Kindly help a Brother biko!

Also, I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket..any suggestions on Schools for MSc Electrical Engr /Information Technology

Thanks Bosses

OJaySeenson:
yes o...TeamWinter, no matter what CBN and the Bankers do...We go scale thru IJN... waiting on TU dortmund PSE and TUHH Chem and BIoprocess Enginering,,,anyone potentially sharing a class with me?

Hi folks. Please help out with this. Just started my appl with TU muchen.
I'm asked " Please enter what type of higher education entrance qualification you hold and when and where you have obtained it?"

I REALLY don't understand this question. Can someone explain pls?

Danke

Hi guys. I'm a newbie on this thread. Big thanks to everyone that has contributed so far.

I have been reading this thread for a while and finally decided to come forward to ask some questions. I'd sincerely appreciate urgent and sincere answers:

I finished in a Naija UNI with 5.7/7.0 from Electrical Electronic Engr.
I am applying to Uof Manitoba for Fall, 2016.
I started the application some days before the deadline, filled my referees details( they are yet to fully respond to it)
The application was stated on the site to close Feb 1st but then I want to take my chances to go ahead to submit instead of waiting for my referees

Q1: How do I pay the application fee in Nigeria? ATM cards? What bank? Which Bank's charges is the most reasonable?
Q2: Is it still possible to get sponsorship? The advisor I chose is yet to reply my couple of mails? Do I keep stalking him?

Thanks guys. Hoping for a swift response.

]

Offers rolling in....but I aint see the 3 years bond thing, just 2 weeks in this!

Can anyone clarify this pls?

I really don't understand why some of you think this is a SCAM. You just use the word "SCAM" at every opportunity you get.

This advert was posted in The Guardian Newspaper of Tuesday 11th August, 2015 and you still call it a Scam?


Smh4uall.


About the mail that has been bouncing, I think it has been fixed now. You can try again: someone told me his went through already.



Peace!

All these guys talking about Interview, can you at least answer the question on WHAT THE APTITUDE TEST LOOK LIKE?


Something to give you a hint on what to expect....Let's start with that first!

Hi Everyone,

please I seriously want to write my CCNA certification in the next one month....please who knows any centre I can write it either in Lagos or IBadan?

Your response will be immensely appreciated.

Thanks Y'all!