₦airaland Forum

goodmorning everyone. so I'm travelling today. last week was crazy, ended up buying dollars at the black market rate. haven't been able to update on this page sef, I'm behind like 5 pages.

Anyway I want to sound a warning to everyone so what happened to me won't happen to anyone else. Let's be extra careful, not after trying hard in this economy to get dollars one would now tell my kind of story. it's not your portion IJN.

I had a help that was so useful to me, she did so much that I would always sing her praises to anyone who cares to listen. For this trip I registered her for a catering course and promised to keep paying her (N25k a month plus free accomodation, feeding and personal effects as well as medicals when the need arises). I treated that girl like a sister.

long story short, this week my toddler who I'm travelling with has been sick so I've been in and out of hospital and doing all sorts, wasn't able to even follow up with bank hence having to buy dollars at black market rate. Yesterday I took him for a final checkup and other running around in preparation for my trip and she was home helping me get my things ready.

this morning her phone was switched off, I asked her why, she said it packed up, I asked her to bring it let me check what's wrong, she left and I didn't see her again. she just walked out and took a bike cos if she had carried load the estate security would have stopped her.

she left with my Dollars in her pocket. 20 minutes later I noticed she had taken the money. how she found it is beyond me, she must have really searched.

please pray for me, bought 1k now to go with and have money in an account there but still I'm not myself.

Let's be extra careful everyone please. be mindful of whos around you.

OgundeleT:
because i have not seen any evidence anywhere. can you please tell me the evidence you have?

when a woman is pregnant, especially for her first child, for the first 5-7 months there's no outward evidence that a baby is coming her way. Would it be wise to disregard her when she says her baby is coming soon simply because you 'haven't seen any evidence anywhere?'

OgundeleT:
and those are the things that make you believe he's coming?

what makes you believe he isn't coming?

nefertitiram:
Use nothing and it will go away. It's normal for babies to have rashes during d 1st few weeks.


My baby had it, I stopped everything, only water and soap and it cleared on its own

I couldn't agree more with this.

baby skin is very sensitive so we must be extra cautious what we use on it. using nothing and staying as natural as possible is always best. no matter how long it seems to be taking, wait it out. You'll be glad you did.

Pele, everyone understands how we worry as mothers.

you can read up 'common rashes in newborns' on webmd just for reference purposes.

my fellow PTA hustlers, how market?

omodadi:
Na hormones, esp when it's that of a big boy, meanwhile another one is dragging mummy for caprisone already.

No be small thing. lol

Christyline:
Great moms! How una dey o? Has anyone flown BA to Atlanta before? There is an almost 10 hours layover at Heathrow airport! How does a pregnant woman without a UK visa survive almost 10 hours wait without doing anything. Any advise on how to kill boredom during the long wait?

Pele.

1st 30 minutes -get free WiFi for however long it lasts and ping and browse and inform your people that the 1st leg of your journey has been done and dusted.

2. ask around, some airlines give free meals when you have long layovers.

3. find a secluded corner with enough seats for you to lie down, if possible get one Close to your check in area, restrooms and a screen were you can see flight details.

4. lie down and snooze.

5. this is very important when you have a long layover it is essential that you have as little carry on luggage as possible.

6. wake up, check the time and snooze some more. ignore anyone asking you to sit up, you're pregnant you need the rest

7. window shop.

8. exercise your toilet breaks( if you're like me you'll probably have 10 or more in the 10 hour wait )

9. begin to realise that long lay overs are frustrating and promise yourself never to do it again.

10. do it again and repeat 1 to 9 because, cheaper tickets!

tonjub:
To God be the glory. Was granted visa today after the vo denied so many.

Congratulations to you.

could you please share your transcript to help others?

modath:
No, they don't, they only bid for customers who have minimum of a Million for 3mths straight in a current account..

They also add the caveat of *subject to availability*

chai

nkc:
@leakytribe,

try keystone bank, i hear they do PTA if you pressurize

Thanks sir

princessbee:
I deserve d scolding. Took wrong advise. D VO didn't ask for any documents. How only asked where I worked whichbi told him, he also asked my duties which I told him to a point den my little boy pulled my chain n I pauses before I continued he asked another question. Which was how may kids I had n if i was expecting. I didn't know I could show him my introduction letter cos I had all my documents with me.@ the leaky tribe I have access to about #250 k n baby ticket fare.

frankly speaking with the budget you presently have it'll be tough to prove that you can afford to pay your bills. at the present exchange rate it is a very high risk you intend to take.

assuming you even get forex via PTA you'll just barely fall around the $5k mark. this may be sufficient for your bills but cannot be the only expenses you'll run into. what happens if there are complications?

It would be wise to consider leaving your kids behind for the trip. going with them for the interview may reduce your chances because it implies you should have more funds. Restrict your research to places where you're certain of getting free accommodation and other necessaries.

People can't just recommend to you because you have to have accomodation there as your budget is tight. Get pen and paper and start doing your research.

princessbee:
To be candid, asides my fare I have #1m cash at hand, though I have family I will stay with at houston/ Arkansas/ MD. I work here in Nigeria, I haven't travelled before..

is the 1 million naira your full budget or do you have access to other funds?

princessbee:
I have been reading all along since last year. I was scared I will be asked to av a #20M bamk statement, which we don't have. And Dr F of oakbend says he doesn't give an invitation letter. He also doesn't take payments through bank without seeing u in person.

well like LG stated, you've increased the burden of proof on you because it would raise suspicion before a VO for you to be interviewed two weeks ago for vacay (specifically 2 weeks) and suddenly show up with a new application for childbirth which runs into months.

You'll need to deal with the suspicion of being a possible immigrant as well as prove that you can afford to have your baby in the US.

You need to be very prepared. Do research, make your budget, check other documents people have successfully used and have them ready, but more importantly prepare yourself for the interview. find out doctors and hospitals that accept prepayment and maybe pay ahead (to someone that does refunds oh, to be on the safe side).Your confidence and HONESTY is more important than any document.

it may also help if you can be honest with the members of the thread about what you can afford so you'll be advised with particular reference to your specific case.

wish you all the best.

princessbee:
I was asked if expecting which I answered yes was asked if I wanted to deliver in America n I said no, cos I said I was going for 2 weeks vacay to C a friend. I dream America. Please advise me

just curious, did you stumble on this thread before or after your interview.

why did you say you were going for vacay, was your intention to give birth all along?

please good people of this thread does anyone have any news about PTA/ form A application this week?

please share

KDK:
For those who can recall, I have a very detailed transcript of wifey'so interview before I took it off for personal reasons. I am however undecided about the POE trnscripts because of what transpired there. However, I will state some facts:
1. As soon as we gave our passports, my wife was asked why she is here. She said child birth. The next next question was where? She said El-paso. The CBP changed countenance and said "the fact you are going to El Paso is not a good sign at all".

2. Doctores Para Ti is not in their good books (at least in IAH),

3. If you must use Doctores Para Ti try to pay ahead and take proof of payment from your bank as well as from Doctores Para Ti or stand the risk of being sent back to Naija.

4. If you must use El paso, pay for your accommodation ahead. Let the cash on you be for miscellaneous expenses. Carry enough cash irrespective of payments already made. This will show solvency.

5. I discovered Houston POE has nothing against birthing in the USA just make sure you are intact and give honest answers.

6. If you have given birth in the states before, always carry your receipts whether vacationing or not.

7. As we were advised by the CBP, do not use hospitals or doctors that people have been using. Do some research, America is a very big place with many hospitals and doctors. Use the power of Google one of the greatest inventions of our age. This is what people like ladyguinivere and feddy27 have been advising.

8. The Houston POE follow this thread and nairaland.

9. Just like many feared, they no longer regard those e-mails to the consulate. So better you get your plans straightened out. I understand with the dollar palaver, many plans may change. However, try to stick to your plans as much as possible. Be genuine. I am sorry to say but a lot of Nigerians have abused the privileges given in the past and as such future intending mothers pay then price.

10. Be prepared, prayerful and never argue with the CBP. You can make your point whenever given the chance.


I will write more as I remember. Later on, I will respond to the questions earlier addressed to me.

Thank you!

This!

Thank you! !!

Some of this hospitals and destinations (I've read of some of these investigations prompted by asians who use them) get investigated in relation to birth tourism, so the chances of being delayed are higher when you use their information at some POE.

There was a link posted by Justwise, very detailed showing different states and the health care charges. All one needs to do is factor in accommodation, transport and other expenses and choose.

Many of us go on this journey without knowing anyone there so there's no real need to insist on using the commonly used places, there are cheaper places that have not been discovered. If you must use a frequently used state, dig deep like some people have done. Be a forerunner for others too.

If you can afford more then don't go for the cheapest options, just use a decent package that is affordable to you.

Confirmeroptima:
Dear House,

Oakbend has reduced the reviewed prices. I was at the hospital on Tuesday and I got a copy of the downward review from the initial upward review which was to take effect from March 1.

I can categorically inform the house that the reduced reviewed prices are;
VD, 2500 (an increase of $200 as against the previous upward $3500) The price pre review was 2300
CS, 3700 (also an increase $200)

On transportation I think Uber is about the cheapest when compare to yellow cab and private cabs. You can negotiate with the private cabs with uber price

Regards

Aka Jehovah na'eme mma

God please touch hearts in Baylor too.

Lol

nkc:
woow, urs was expensive even, we paid $3k for everything, although some funny little charges trickled in after we got the zero balance letter, i just went ahead to pay, being good citizen...... lol


ur correct the 'hotel' is amazing, you wont even realize ur in a hospital, mind blowing

will be going in april, and if i hear 30k, will have a good seat in presby, now am on hunt for pta, very crazy

Yeah they charged $750 for epidural administration

Fingers crossed for PTA, my trip is next week sef.

nkc:
How ?

the hospital is owned 51 / 49, 51 by the doctors, 49 by other stake holders, i feel they wanna add celebrity status to it, maybe when they try for 1 year their head will reset

Chai

omodadi:
Hello everyone, please who has collected PTA this week? Pls we need update as I'm hearing some news that stanbic isn't selling again.....That's our hope o and waiting for our dates to be close before going there. I know we are many here in this situation.

My sister I really pray not, my trip is next weekend. Really praying that I can get the Form A too regardless.

ZillyO:
When I called the hospital I was given that $5,700 but when I called Dr Stimages office I was given $3,750 plus Epidural. Though they said there's another little fee I will need to pay the person that will administer the Epidural

Thank you ZillyO, you've done some great research. Well done and thanks for sharing.

bigfido:
Thank you Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord for everything you have done!! Let somebody shout Jesus! LO came through today! Mother and child doing fantastically well! I can't thank God enough..

Congratulations! God bless the little one.

nkc:
@leakytribe,


frisco so revised their price, that i almost had a heart attack

price is now $30k, no matter how you contact them, but doctor prices are still in the lows of $1,500

some other baylors in dallas are still within $5k range, have deiced to do texas presby plano instead, same quality as frisco baylor .

wil also have to check baylor frisco physically and hear the $30k face to face before i port to plano

Haha!

We experienced the same thing then. I was so sad cos I used them for my first and I was looking forward to it again. When I saw the $30,000 I almost cried.

Ported to Texas Presbyterian too but I'll still check when I get there this month because Baylor is amazing and I can't get over it. $3,750 to $30,000. How?

Lol

ZillyO:
If your host is a Tarrant County resident then count yourself lucky and head for JPS- John Peter Smith hospital and access their maternity package totalling $4,500

Or you can do Baylor Hospital, Dr Stimage is surprisingly $800 but hospital is either $3,750 or $5,700 depending on how u contact them. But Dr Stimage is at Carollton just 30mins away from Dallas

Just search for hospitals in Dallas, a lot of people here have gone to Dallas

Hi dear,

Please just wondering what Baylor hospital this is that has $3,750 and $5,700 as options. Please can you tell me the location, cos to my knowledge the one at Frisco has revised their prices.

TrajansKong:
Are you a man?

See question

greatie:
Goodmorning beautiful people.
i just want thank God for a successful visa interview that took place on friday in Abuja. I also want to thank God for this forum... y'all have been informative cos i am a first time mom never travelled out befor.

My transcript:
VO: why r going to the state
ME: i will like to have my baby in the US
VO: ok, have you contacted a doctor?
ME: yes and i gave him d correspondance of Dr F and my statements of account
VO: where do you work?
ME: i work ××××
VO: where does you husband work?
ME: he works ××××
VO: what do u do for ××××
ME: i am ×××× for ×××
VO: ok, what does your husband do for ××××
ME: he does ××××
VO: how much do u earn
ME: ××××
VO: how much does your husband earn
ME: ××××
VO: starts typing and then drops his eyeglasses and said from my calculation your income and your husband's income wont be able to pay for this. How Would u pay without using medicaid?
ME: we actually made up our mind in december to have this baby in the US and from that time till now we have bn able to save ×××× and i still have bonus and allowance that will be paid befor and while i am away.
VO: impressive. (He started typing) and said congratulations your visa has been approved.
ME: thank you.

Lots of ppl with fantastic income were denied. Infact some guy said he earns 560k monthly. I looked at him, his shoe and family he really dint look like he earns such
i was almost tempted to quote annual income when i dint quote that in my application.
My take: stick to what u filled in your form. Dont panic when you hear people's response. Be truthful.

Merci beaucoup!

Congratulations dear

Best wishes to the Lady who has a repeat interview today. Can't remember your handle but all the same. Fingers crossed.

johnydon22:
Jesus is still using Horses and probably swords in a 21st century ..hahahahahahaha Christianity.. SMH Am sure other animals must be in heaven too dogs, monkeys, snakes etc..

So?

Judas2013:
In this age of armored tank Jesus is coming with horses? Is the guy OK at all? With all the offering money,na horse he carry come?

Judas

What do you see?

What do you think?

What do you believe?

Nogen:
House please help me here. Bro in law is asking me to scan and send the children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers for yearly tax refund. I'm not interested and have nicely turned it down.

The man is very upset . I need to show my husband the many disadvantages as possible so he can show his brother who is now making a fuss about the whole thing now.

Please list them out for me. I told him , the SSN could go into the wrong hands who may take loans and leave debts for my innocent children in the future to pay. Give me others biko. Thanks in advance.

Hey dear,

It is actually fraudulent oh and if discovered can land you in a lot of trouble.

For him to get tax refunds on your kids he'll have to claim them as his dependents on his tax returns. Social security number is sensitive because unlike here, it tells you a lot of details about the individual who owns it. Your kids aren't living with him are they?

Please say all you can, just don't get involved in this. Keep a clean slate biko.

$10 isn't bad at all

ifeoluwakintan:
I got Nigerian Noodles from Sagara in Indianapolis last year for 10 dollars for a box.

Don't know how much it is in other places.