₦airaland Forum

[quote author=foohard][/quote]Just call their customer care line and they will advise you. When I wanted to change mine, I also called them. You will need to scan your old and new passport as one file preferably pdf and upload on your appointment page. There's a provide feedback option on your appointment page. State your case there and attach the pdf. See the sample I sent to them

Good Morning, I just got my passport renewed as my old passport was due to expire on the 4th of December 2013. This is less than 6 months and I want to apply for a 2 year visa. I have a new passport number with a new issuance date and expiry date and I would like to update my profile with it. Attached are my old and new passports.Thanks for your assistance.

Hallo House,

My I-20 was collected at the embassy. Would I get this back when I get my passport ?

omonaijar: My 7:30 interview

Sorry I cannot give lots of specifics because the way I see it, the Internet is never anonymous and I'd like to remain so (no be say I do anything illegal oh!).

Slept overnight in VI at overpriced hotel (do your research for cheap hotels wella oh, me I've learnt). Got to embassy around 6:15 and already the place was full of my brothers and sisters, applicants and touts alike.

Went through the security fortress to convince them that I no get bomb. The entire time I had been waiting, kept thanking God concerning His promises in the bible for provision, favor, etc. It's already such a nerve-racking on its own, but hearing people on the same queue getting denied makes it even worse.

Anyway d koko: I looked straight at the VO with a slight smile, gave short answers. She already had my documents because the first attendant held on to them.

VO: Hi
ME: Hello
VO: Please put your fingers on the warreva for fingerprint
ME: Puts fingers jeje
VO: So why are you going to the US?
Me: To study for an MS in x at Ivy League university y
VO: Master of Science huh?
ME: Yes, in course X
VO: Ok did you apply to any other schools?
Me: Yes, (mentioned other two)
VO: Did you know that the University of Missouri is actually the best place for your course? (I had read something about trick questions on this thread and was prepared!)
ME: Actually, my university is the only Ivy League school that offers it and so it is the best.
VO: (Gives me a smile that said "damn you DO know your ish", meanwhile she's typing away.
VO: (Flips through my passport to see if I've traveled before, it has three visas to the same country)
VO: So who's paying?
ME: I have a full tuition scholarship to the tune of $x (>N5m by the way) and my parents are funding the balance of living expenses.
VO: What do your parents do?
ME: My dad and mom both own companies (included succinct job descriptions)
VO: What do you plan to do after graduation.
ME: I plan to come right back to Nigeria to complete my compulsory one-year youth service. Because I'm a foreign-trained graduate, I will choose Lagos and hopefully get a placement on a top company there.
VO: (Gives me that look again Okay you can collect your visa on Friday in VI, and good luck (Gives me that beautiful sexy gorgeous A4 piece of gold ) .
ME: Thank you very much.
ME: *Walks right out and tries to maintain straight face for people that are entering as if to tell them "it ain't a thing", but fails dismally, as I begin to say "thank you Jesus" repeatedly and shed rare tears*

Interview took less than 2 mins, no agent used, no documents asked though I even took my Local Government certificate of origin as proof of home ties.

To God be the glory and to Nairaland be the three gbosas. Thank you all for taking the time out to share your tips and experiences. I've been a silent reader, only popping in to ask crucial questions. If my experience was anything to go by, you guys are on point.

Footnote: As a recommendation to the mods ( who're probably reading this), please consider setting up a sticky FAQ post for student visas with the most-commonly dealt with issues and tips (by no means a replacement for this thread). This thread is approaching four pages. If people start reading from page 1, they may end up confused, with a mix of outdated and current info. I for one was not prepared to because the pages are a lot, and I was able to get the most crucial info by following since around March. However, some people may not be that sharp. Please consider this in good faith. Thanks.

Question: I wasn't given back my i-20, please tell me this is standard procedure and it will come with my passport

I wasn't given my I-20 too. I guess we should get it when we pick the Visa.

My Interview was just about 3 minutes. Nice and jovial looking VO. She doesn't really type anything on her system, probably cos have been there before.It went like this...

VO: Morning. How are you.
Me: Am great. Thank you.
VO: So you will be going to IIT right ?
Me: Yes
VO: So who is sponsoring you.
Me: My Dad
VO: What does he do?
Me: He retired from civil service some years ago. He works as a consultant now based on his past work experience and he is into real estate. He has properties in Lagos worth millions of naira
Vo: Do you have any proof he can take care of your expenses ?
Me: Sure. I pass my financial statements.
VO: She checks them in 10secs and passes it back.

She then passes me a paper that I should pick up my Visa on Friday.

I would confess I prayed and fasted on this matter and God favoured me. Prayers indeed work.

A student guy also did just before me and he got his Visa also.

I see a lot of peeps getting their Visas this week. Amen

I thank God for his Favour. My visa was approved today at the Lagos Embassy. 2mins Interview and just 3 questions.

I will post the details soon.

Thanks to everyone that contributed to my earlier questions.. bigfrancis and all..

QingQamal: why not post ur own score and let others take it from dia?

Mouthed guy.....

I got 69 from Kwara State.

You dan pass b dat

hope4me2012: pls house,
How many passport photographs do we need. Some say 2, others say 1.
Thanks.

You just need 2 on your DS-160 form.

Just carry all you have. Cheers

Hello Peeps!!

Any scores from Kwara State.....

pawn89: am so happy, finally my interview is for tomorrow. My prayer for as many of us whose interview is this week is that God almighty will grant each and every one of us our heart desire.
Amen

Share your testimony tomorrow with us

My ogas, am here again.

I have renewed my passport, created another ds-160 with the new passport details and updated my appointment page.

My MRV visa receipt page still bears my old passport number. I believe I can still use it right ??

My interview is this week. I plan to call their hotline tomorrow. Does anyone have experience with this? Or can the passport number on the receipt be changed at GTB.

Advice please.....thanks

tonymeskere: In this Month of July the Lord Jesus says...
I will shield you from your enemies. (Gen. 15:1)
I will deliver you from your enemies. I will give you revelation knowledge. I will give you the Kingdom. (Ex. 6:5-
I will give you My righteousness. I will give you mercy. I will forgive your sins. (Ex. 24:
I will Sabbath with you continually. (Ex. 31:16)
I will give you prosperity and abundance. I will give you favor. (Lev. 26:9, 10)
I will remember you and your nation. (Lev. 26:42)
I will forgive you if you backslide. (Lev. 26:44, 45)
I will love you forever. (Deut. 7:9)
I will bless you and your children. (Nu. 18:19)
I will give you peace (peace within and without) (Nu. 25:12)
I will never abandon you. I will never cause you to be destroyed. (Deut. 4:31)
I give you the Mount Horeb experience (Baptism by the fire of the Spirit). (Deut. 5:23)
I give you faithful and eternal love. (Deut. 7:9)
I will give you wealth. (Deut. 8:18)
I will make you to prosper in al
l that you do. (Deut. 29:9)
I will be your inheritance. (Deut. 8:9)
I will seal you with My Spirit. (Deut. 29:12,13)
I will go on ahead of you. I will carry you when the flow is against you.
(Josh. :11-17)
I will cause your enemies to fall. (Josh. 6:1-20)
I will wash away your sin once and for all time, and once and for all men and once and for all sin. (Matt. 26:28)
I will rescue you. (Luke 1:72)
I will make your offspring a blessing to others. (Acts 3:25)
I will covenant with you through bread and wine. (1 Cor. 11:25,26)
I will give you life through my Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:6)
I will lift the veil from your eyes. I will cause you to see things as My Spirit sees them.
I will cause you to experience My glory. I will transform you into My likeness. (2 Cor. 3:6-18)
I will give you the covenant promises of Abraham and his seed. I will give you

Salvation. I will make you sons of God and Abraham’s seed. I will make you heirs of the Kingdom. (Gal. 3:15-22,24;26-29)
So shall it be now and forever more. If you agree with the Lord type 'Amen"

Amen!! Thanks for the inspirational word

Congrats everyone.

For those still waiting for theirs, we shall all tell similar stories by the grace of God

Ope-Thanks:
AMEN.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peeps needing dates... Dates are open now (10th and 11th of July)

Kunsoft: My brother its a long story. Insufficient funds. That was what she told me boldly.

It is well Kunsoft.

You will get it the 2nd time by the grace of God.....

Congrats to our new americanas.

Wish everyone well in their interviews. Mine is coming up early next month.

Cheers!!

De Tus: @topzy2000, your friend is very funny. He doesn't seem to understand English.

I fear sef. Na so I wan clarify as I neva hear am b4

My Chairmen,

Pls is there a difference between denied a visa or refused a visa ? Someone was just telling me there is but I don't think so.

omonaijar: Cool. When you were scheduling did it give you a place to put your middle name? My confirmation does not have my middle name.

Mine doesn't too. It does not matter, so far it carries your name.

omonaijar: Those looking for appointment

I just got a date around 1pm. July 9, 10, 11 available when I checked some minutes ago. Hurry!

Me sef jus see am o. I have already scheduled. Guys check quickly before it vanishes.

ibkgbocco: Visa approved...a minute interview...No big deal..Na God oooooooooooooooooo

Congrats!!! Can you share with us the details.

bigfrancis021: What you've filled on your DS-160 form has to tally with what you present at the embassy. De Tus just got denied because of inconsistency in his sponsor. His I-20 read family funds as sponsor but he presented a company bank statement. The VO saw this and used it to deny him.

About the fixed deposit thing, I clearly remember reading on my school's Certificate of Finances Form (which I still have a copy) that they don't accept fixed deposit statements and loan statements. Which leads me to believe that the embassy might also be extending the same laws to their end. Remember you said the VO didn't look at your fixed deposit statement at all but instead went straight to the bank statement. And even when you pointed to her that you had a fixed deposit statement of N7M, she just nodded and still did not look at it. That should tell you something. Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I won't be repeating the same mistake. You either choose to use yourself as sponsor or your dad, or both of you.

If the fixed deposit of your dad is actually true, I remember advising you to go with your dad to meet his bank officer in the bank (there must be somebody in the bank your dad relates with very well. Or better still, go to the fixed deposit section of the bank and talk with the official in charge there. I myself have been running a fixed deposit since January last year. I know what i'm talking about) and asking him to drop some or all of the money into his current/savings account so that a fresh account statement of your dad's will be printed bearing the required sum the embassy wants to see, after which the money will quickly be taken out and returned to the fixed deposit investment. This whole process shouldn't last more than 30mins. I remember someone objecting to my suggestion, to which I replied that if your dad's current/savings account has deposits or balances of 3m, 4m, 5m etc in its history, then having 5m suddenly or 6m suddenly (out of his fixed deposit) won't raise a red flag. My aunt i'm staying with currently works in a bank and she did the same thing for a customer of hers who has 8m in fixed deposit. This her customer, Uju* also runs a savings account in the same bank. Uju was going to the UK to study and needed a bank statement of 7m for the embassy. She approached my aunt, my aunt dropped it into her account, printed her fresh bank statement and Uju took it for her interview. In this case, Uju was going to the UK embassy where they actually verify bank statements and balance, so my aunt had to allow the money run in Uju's account for the few number of days while she was on her interview. On Uju's return, my aunt took the money back to Uju's fixed deposit investment. But here, we're talking about the US embassy that doesn't usually verify bank statements. Which means that your dad's fixed deposit money doesn't have to be physically present in his current/savings account while you go for your interview. All you need is his bank statement reflecting the required sum.

Or better still, if your dad's account history is not in the tune of millions, he can have part of the fixed deposit(say N1.5m) transferred to his account then to yours, to make up the required 7m in your account. You can then say you're sponsoring yourself.

Yes, there's still the God's favour part but you still need to be ready on your own part. God can take it from there.

Thanks a lot for the lengthy and detailed explanation. It opens up a lot of possibilities.

Am thinking of going with the option of co-sponsoring myself with my dad. I can raise my account to 6Mil + which is more than enough for my 1st year expenses and I believe I shouldn't have any problem cos I have been working for 5 years.

On the DS-160 form, there's no place for sponsorship, the only thing that looks close to it is "Person/Entity paying for Trip" which I can put as myself.

On my I-20, the source of Funds written is "Funds from another source" and what is filled is Family in Nigeria. The part for "Students personal funds is zero. This means I should get another I-20 from the school right reflecting my bank statement or what do you think?

Sorry say I just they ask plenty questions. This 2nd time has to be on point. I am resuming this Fall by the Special Grace of God...

bigfrancis21: From your full interview, I strongly feel that your main problem was the financial statement part. Honestly, you really did well. As you've planned, going back with a personal statement reflecting at least N5.8m will be ok.

Then another less-known factor about this whole interview thing is the likeness factor. Always pray that the VO who interviews you once he/she sees you will have some likeness for you because it really helps at times in making them grant you visa. I somehow believe that some people who got their visas, especially those who their interviews were very short that did not last up to a minute, were gainers of this likeness issue, also called favour.

Life's a funny place indeed. The VO sees a certain candidate and likes him/her immediately and immediately decides to grant him/her visa under less than a minute even without asking for GRE/bank statement, etc. And the VO will see another person and immediately decide in his mind to deny him/her under the same less than a minute. God's favour is really important. Its always good we pray for it.

Pls a quick question.

Going back to the embassy with my personal savings account worth 5.8Mil, hope it wont affect anything cos on my DS-160 form the sponsor is my Dad and I have his Fixed Deposit worth 7 Mil.

So if they ask me for my account statements, I should pass them both ? Hope they wont say the raw cash is in my name and I should be the sponsor not my dad.

Most importantly, I think its God's Favour o.... Was just thinking

teejay_GO01: Guys u won't believe! I called the us embassy and they scheduled an appointment for me she even gave me options of many dates avaialble for me to pick! I can't remeber the persons handle that gave me the advice to call but I just wanna say thank you!
To those that hvnt booked and wanna book pls call them on 09-4601748
@ topzy2000 and others

O boi. Didnt see this till now. Called them and they said no dates.

Abeg remember the person that advised you to call make him give me advise na.

House,

Please how do I deal with this ustraveldocs website thing.

Refreshing their appointment calendar page after 4 attempts says "You have exceeded the limit for viewing this page and your limit will be reset as of tomorrow."

Is this how it works or am I getting something wrong? Or if there are dates I would still c.

Help please!!!!!!!!

De Tus: I didn't get my visa approved today. Not my fault and not VO's fault either. I am only blaming those Americans who invited me to study in the US without taking proper care of my I20's source of funds for my studies. I am totally downhearted rightnow but life continues. Will post my brilliant interview soon.

Sorry bro. Just apply again and make sure the school sends a correct and updated I-20. Ì believe u wud b fine afterwards.

Was denied myself earlier but would definitely get it at 2nd attempt. We would all be there by the grace of God

Cheers.

teejay_GO01: @ Topsy 2000 when u see a date pls Pm me I think its because we were denied b4 that's y its difficult

Mr Teejay, I don't think so. The appointment thing doesnt have anything to do with denials. Its too be checking 24/7 online for a date. I saw July 2nd yesterday but the thing disappeared like lightning in a couple of seconds.

Na to dey pray dey check patiently online unless you want to pay all this guys that do such things.

@ house: what is the maximum no of times someone can refresh that calendar page ? After I refresh like 5 times it tells me

"You have exceeded the limit for viewing this page and your limit will be reset as of tomorrow."

This doesnt make sense if we can only refresh a few times. [color=#990000][/color]

bigfrancis21: From your full interview, I strongly feel that your main problem was the financial statement part. Honestly, you really did well. As you've planned, going back with a personal statement reflecting at least N5.8m will be ok.

Then another less-known factor about this whole interview thing is the likeness factor. Always pray that the VO who interviews you once he/she sees you will have some likeness for you because it really helps at times in making them grant you visa. I somehow believe that some people who got their visas, especially those who their interviews were very short that did not last up to a minute, were gainers of this likeness issue, also called favour.

Life's a funny place indeed. The VO sees a certain candidate and likes him/her immediately and immediately decides to grant him/her visa under less than a minute even without asking for GRE/bank statement, etc. And the VO will see another person and immediately decide in his mind to deny him/her under the same less than a minute. God's favour is really important. Its always good we pray for it.

Thanks for the advice. My total trust is on God now.

iamchux: That's wat baffles me wit most of them, like they wer trained to imitate Agama Lizards

I tire for dem o

Kunsoft: ȋ̝̊̅ think the VO is not intrested in your Fixed deposit. According to her question she asked for statement. ȋ̝̊̅ will advice you present statement with reasonable amount. They(VO) don't believe in Fixed deposit, they (VO)believes in now(present) what you have in cash.
Thanks.

Thanks. I felt that. So having a statement of 6 Million alongside should be okay I guess.

charleeez: Yeah..on your issue. when is the resumption date of your school on the I-20 form? That may be a possible reason for your denial.If your visa application/interview is more than 90 days, it is enough reason for a straight denial without an explanation from them.
The embassy is like a money generating business set up by the US government. And they expect to generate revenue.. most denials are just for profit making reasons and if you fall into a careless trap like the 90 days rule out of ignorance.
They ll probably want you to remain in the dark and keep repeating the same mistake.
Also do well to generate the interview sequence here,, as it helps everybody learn and help you too.
All the best and make your calculations before applying.

The resumption is on 20th Aug. Its more than 90 but not up to 120. There was a guy that was interviewed before me. His resumption was in Sept but he still got the visa. The VO was about to deny him based on that reason and told him that does he know of the 120 day rule. He was just very lucky.

rockyeweka: I don't feel that is going to be the best option, something like dis happened to a friend of mine when he was denied this year at the lagos consulate, your dad transferring an amount like 7m to his savings/current from his fixed dep may raise a red flag by the vo ,due to the lump sum that just got t/f to ur account all of a sudden, when d initial balance was reading 1m. Cos wen t/f money from fix dep to an account, it doesn't show in the statement particulars the full details of the transaction

I agree.
The account is different from the one I used for the interview. There are not so much transactions in the account so transferring the lump sum could be a red flag.

But I thought Fixed Deposit is allowed or isn't it ?