₦airaland Forum

HiredGames:
Your biggest headache should be how to get a new passport and not necessarily the interview.

I agree. This will be the biggest stumbling block. Can you get another passport in good time.

justwise:
That is not exactly what that link says.

It's essentially another interview to be honest. He has to apply for an interview date and appear before a VO in person before he can be issued a replacement visa. Although i would presume that they would take into account the fact that he had been previously approved for a visa.

okonlahwon:
please OOO! i need help i was late to us embassy lagos on 5th Dec,2017 for F1 and i was turn back to re book appointment after 3days..now the latest available time is 25th jan,2018....the school resumes on 8th Jan2018. plesase I DONT KNOW WAT TO DO!

Well what do you want us to do?

Sgttanner:
but sir sorry for questioning you .. but why another interview since I got my visa already ..

You don't have a choice. You must go through another interview to obtain a new visa. The visa in your stolen passport is considered cancelled.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/lost-stolen-visas.html

Note that some of the info there do not apply to you, but it's a similar process...

Contact US embassy to report lost passport/visa
Report lost passport and visa to police and obtain police report
Apply for new passport
apply for new visa.

Sgttanner:
another interview oh no !!!

There are worse things in life... get working on that police report my man!

Sgttanner:
will I have to go for another interview?? Yes I can still find my i20 it's in another envelope

Unfortunately yes. Police report and a new passport are a must. ASAP. I think you should be able to request an emergency interview. Also consider contacting your school and requesting for a delayed start date. It would be hard to make the 5th. You should be able to push back your flight, maybe they'll ask you to pay a small fee.

So sorry man. But stay strong... you can overcome this.

Sgttanner:
Hello house .. please I am in a dilemma .. I got my student visa issued last week and I was robbed today... my house was burgled .. my passport is inside my laptop bag where I dropped it ... I already booked my flight for 30 of this month ... Please what can I do .. my school is resuming on the 5th of Jan ... please I need a quick response so I can act fast ... gurus in the house .. @Twoods @justwise @ladyguinevere @LagosNIV

O dear! this is bad luck of the worst kind. I think you need to apply for another visa asap. But first you need to report the theft to the police, obtain a police report (i think the US consulate will request for this as evidence that your passport was stolen), then you need to apply for a new passport and then apply for a new visa. Hopefully you still have your I-20?

Time2Smile:
This is my last post on this because I can see you are so set in your ways. It seems you have your talking point you always use even when they are tangential to the issue being discussed. You keep bringing them up despite the fact that I never alluded to them and it sounds robotic at times. Here are some them.
1. Stay back in Nigeria, don't come to US
2. Nobody has a right to visa (As if we didn't know before)
3. Issuing visa is at the discretion of the VO (Also, we all know this).
4. Non-immigrant visa is not for IMMIGRATION, so you have to show that you will go back to Nigeria (Also well known, but last time I checked, I am not the one that came on a non-immigrant visa, and then decide not to go back to Nigeria).

So keep hammering home ties as if that is the only question that will come up during the interview(Oh sorry, I forgot it is one of your canonical points) . So when the VO ask the wife - when next she goes for F2 interview - Why are going to the US, She should reply: Because I have home ties and not talk about her family .

That's what started this conversation, I never blamed the VO that denied them or say they've a right to a visa. I was trying to help to address the question of why his family wants to join him now, while he stated during his interview that they won't do so. And that was the reason they were refused, not because of home ties as you have been erroneously insinuating, since you were not present for the interview.

So the question is what has changed? And the Answer I gave is Because the separation is taking an emotional and psychological toll on the family and We realize that being together is what is best for our family at the moment. Then the VO has every right to consider their case on its own merit and based on other conditions being met, decide to issue or deny them a visa.

If you can't understand this, then honestly I give up.

You are going round and round in meaningless circles. The "what has changed" answer you gave makes no sense:

1. Obviously the VO who denied them the first visa is well aware of how much toll a separation takes on a family, yet still denied them.
2. Your recourse to emotional manipulation isn't going to work. The VO has to make the determination based on TIES and TIES only... you can pretend that does not exist but it is a fact. If you are concerned about emotional separation and the toll it is taking on the family, then the reunion does not have to be in the US. You can always return home.
3. This scenario is not new, it is VERY DIFFICULT for spouses of US citizens or permanent residents to get non-immigrant/visiting visas because of this same problem. Your ties are stronger in the US than in Nigeria. Do you think the VOs do not consider spousal separation when making these decisions?

You can whine all you want... as i said, feel free to try that line at the next visa interview.

snoopylinus:
Oluwa,alagbara part 13 is here may i join them before part15 to gain my own Visa to the United states,may i join in giving advices on this thread too By part 16.na ike nke chineke kere uwa nile,may i be found worthy of the US visa and be granted...Baba i no dey rush i go take am slowly so that i no go regret chosing united states.olorun eledumare make name for urself...Goodluck to me and all others working earnestly to get the white paper...shalom!

Better planning and less prayer...

Time2Smile:
Oh man, what exactly are you not getting? Who is talking about them having a right to US visa? And where the hell does going to court come into this? You are just jumbling unrelated things. I also quoted my post for your benefit and I have to agree with your earlier assertion that comprehension is important.

If the emotional and the psychological well being of the student and his/her family is not important then why does the F2 visa exist in the first place? The home tie is one of the conditions for the Visa to be issued not reason. It is easy for you to sit behind your keyboard in the US and make highfalutin claims of what VO will do or won't do.

Bottomline, the F2 visa is part of US visa/immigration law, and the spouse and children of a student can apply for it and make their case in front of the VO lawfully, in the best way they deem fit.

I think the problem really is you. You're looking at this issue from an emotional point of view. The US visa is not issued based on a concern for the "emotional and psychological well being of the student". It is based on a frank application of the law - do you have ties to compel you to come back or not. It is just that simple. Do you think the VO that denied his family the F2 visa earlier was not aware of how important it is for a wife and child to be with the husband/father? Yes the F2 visa was created to help families stay together during their time studying in the US. However, it was NOT created as a vehicle to help your entire family emigrate to the US... and THIS is what the VO is going to use to decide whether to issue an F2 visa or not. If he/she is not convinced that you or your family intend to return after your studies, he has the discretion to deny you the visa, which they have already done, independent of anything i have to say.

Here is the bottom line (regardless of what you think)... if family is important to you, that's not a problem. However America is not obligated to keep your family together. You can easily stay back in Nigeria and go to school there. The VO is not compelled by any law to grant any family an F2 visa. It is entirely his discretion. This is as clear as day.

There is a thread where VOs directly answer your non-immigrant visa questions, feel free to send this question there.

aldexrio:
@Twoods can I pm you

No. you can ask your question here. Many may have better insight than me with respect to your question.

Yeanca:
Why is the thread dry?.....any VO in the house

No one is traveling again. There is another thread where the VOs exclusively respond to questions. You should be able to find it in the travel section.

Ijebuboy525:
I am here.
I dedicate this part to oga Twoods, the daddy freeze of the thread, God continue to enrich your medula.

I had a response for you on the last thread... but as we have a new thread, i'll let sleeping dogs lie.

Time2Smile:
Whao new thread, More success stories loading.


I neither hinted nor stated America is obligated to make sure his family is not separated. America does have a law that allows his family to be united and he has every right to make use of the law. It then becomes the discretion of the the VO to issue the visa or not. Likewise, the family also has the right to make the case that one the reasons they are applying is so as not to separate the family, which is the reason for the existence of the visa category in the first place.

America has no such law. They have an F2 visa that allows you to take your family but there is no law that says that you are entitled to the F2 visa. If you went to court based on that, you will lose. As you said, it is the discretion of the VO to issue the visa... he will issue the visa based on how much ties your family has that will compel them to return to the country after your studies, not on how much the separation is hurting them.

Bottomline, a non immigrant has no rights to a US visa. That has been made clear by the courts time and time again.

thefacelessguy:
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.

Yours is one of the best i have read here so far! Yes, you are unlikely to get a GA/TA because most of them would have been given out in the fall, so yes you've got a good chance to get it in the summer. Your GRE was also really good so go for it!

RoninSignals:
good morning guys. great job here. I was denied F1 visa twice, the second time I went the VO told me I needed to start my application over again and I asked her if it's my I20 she said my application she also added if I come with the same application I would be denied . I have effected some changes in my application where I felt error occurred. I am going on Tuesday 12th...what shld I do?

lol you're quite clueless. The VO basically told you that you are being denied because your school is likely on their list of "visa mills" and thus they will simply deny you a visa as long as that is your school of choice... and you're going back next week, WITH THE SAME SCHOOL? Well thanks for the free N64,500.

Time2Smile:
So he should go back and complete his PhD in Nigeria? OKooooo kwantinuee. The exact reason why the F2 visa category exists is so that family can be united during the period of study. The major thing working against them right now is the answer he gave during his F1 interview. Showing some form of home ties would also help their case.

By the way, the interviews are not always as short as usually portrayed on this thread, especially denials. So she can say as much. However, those are just talking points and doesn't have to be followed to the letter.

While that is true, you also have the law working against you - which is that the VO has to view you/family as intending immigrants until you can prove otherwise.

I have not told him to go back to Nigeria to complete his studies (comprehension is important). Just saying that his arguments really do not hold up. America is not obligated to make sure that his family is not separated.

Who needs 3 reasons when there is just 1 major reason? Nigeria is a complete zoo and only a fool will stay in it when other opportunities are available.

ekiee:
@Twood, come oo, is it wrong. To apply to only one school and get admitted, what is the in the position I am today, stop been to pedantic please. Abi na you holy pass?

It is not wrong to apply to only one school... as long as you're applying in your country. Application to more than 1 school is a common question to gauge your genuine interest in studying in the US and you would have figured that out if you took out time to plan. Even JAMB has always requested that you apply to at least 2 universities. You're in the position you're in by choice... no one held your hand.

And can you please stop with the nauseating "na you holy pass"?

Time2Smile:
I really empathize with what you are going through because I am in a similar situation, although my wife is not applying anytime soon and I was not asked about my family during my interview. You have probably painted a mental image of how you will meet them at the airport.

I agree with Lagosismyhome that you should give it some time before they reapply. You should wait until maybe Fall, 2018. When they do finally reapply, your wife should make a passionate case of how it has been extremely difficult living apart. That you are making good progress in your PhD but the separation of the family is taking a mental toll on you. Also, you don't want your daughter to grow up in the absence of his father and how you are missing out on watching your daughter grow too. How she is always asking about Daddy (which am sure she does if she is old enough).

So you have to be patient for a little while because I don't think B1 visa is a good option. All the best.

This is not a winning argument. A VO could simply ask why you haven't considered going back to complete your degree in your home country if separation is such an issue? There is no reason why your family must be united in America, especially since your wife would be unable to do much of anything on an F2. The interview is less than 3 minutes, you won't have enough time to state everything listed up there anyway.

My advice, do as madam lagosismyhome has suggested. Wait a bit then have your wife reapply again. You never know, she might just run into a nice VO!

oluwadamilare26:
Be diplomatic sometimes... Tell them Two universities and you got admitted to both, look for a university that is closer to FIU, and tell them why you prefer FIU to that...


My advice tho.

Diplomatic (adjective) - having or showing an ability to deal with people in a sensitive and effective way.
"that was a very diplomatic way of putting it"
synonyms: tactful, sensitive, subtle, delicate, polite, discreet, thoughtful, careful, judicious, nonconfrontational, prudent, politic, clever, skillful

Which of the synonyms above is remotely close to what you are suggesting - i.e. fraud? Tomorrow you'll be blaming your leaders for the swamp that Nigeria has become... you are part of the problem.

abeeolars:
Be diplomatic Bro. Its safe to sag two schools but get enough information on the other school also be readh to defend then why are you not eventually going to the other school, try to give sound reasons. If asked if you got admit to both schools just say yes. All the best

There is nothing "diplomatic" about a clear lie. That is an abuse of that word. It's silly to encourage him to lie... if he is found out, which would be quite easy to do, he'll be lucky to ever get any US visa again. Perhaps if he had planned better, he would not be in this position today.

ekiee:
Please help with this questions, I applied to. Only Florida international university and got admitted, my interview is on Tuesday, is it wise to be truthful, or should I add some colleges and dead schools just to complete the statement

Why do we find it so so easy to resort to lying at the slightest case? It's very distressing. It is ALWAYS wise to be truthful. If we were ALL truthful, this thread would not exist at all! How is that so hard to understand? For every stupid lie you go tell, they bring out new rules to make things harder for the innocent ones coming behind you. In my view, lying is the most selfish act anyone can ever commit. Spare a thought for others paying the price for your lack of character.

BlowJobs:
Your post is making me laugh.. ..
When are you back home bro

PS: after a while in yankee, after all those sky scrapers, tarred roads, fine fine girls and "god bless America" wear off your face, you will miss "home". Me, i miss the Caribbean. The best "enjoyment" i ever experienced was in the caribbean.

I've been here 12 years, i find the longer i stay, the farther away Nigeria recedes from memory. I still remember a lot about growing up in Nigeria but going back there is like going back to live among aliens. I can't relate to a laissez faire attitude anymore, "Nigerian time" has become a foreign concept to me, lawlessness gives me heart burn and the thought of having to use a generator to see at night... God forbid.

I wish Nigerians back home all the luck they can get.

BlowJobs:
The big difference I have seen here in the US concerning justice is that Whites are always given the benefits of doubts when a crime is committed. It is as if people just automatically assume that White people don’t do crime. People and the justice systems make excuses for whites committing crimes. I have seen it several times happening.
So, black and white people don’t really get the same justice. Working with guy M, I have had stories upon stories from them (guy M and R) how they use to party while younger, do drugs (cocaine, heroin etc) over and over and over. Now in their 50’s they have been sober for a long time, clean up and own their business and doing well for themselves. I have been told the same stories about people close to them. Majority got clean and are well to do now.
The thing is when it come to AA, no one give second chances. You don’t get that second option of going to rehab or getting clean. You get jail time. Go to jail for some years, you come out, it stays on your record, you can’t get a job or carry out some certain functions. You kinda end up in the cycle.
I am not making excuses for anyone doing crime. I am just saying that When it comes to Whites and Blacks, People want white teens/young adults to just be kids and make excuses for their irresponsible ways by saying “kids will be kids” but when it comes to the same black kids, they get to face the full wrath of the justice system.

While this is true, there is some nuance too. If you are black, but rich, you also get the benefit of the doubt. You will never find the children of Michael Jordan, Barrack Obama, LeBron James etc. doing jail time for drug offences either.

sunshineluv5:
wow thanks bro pls a quick one...........can I present two sponsors SOA my mums brother and my mum.My uncle is the major sponsor but my mum is just going to support me on little things her current SOA is about 2m.My fear now is won't I be refused visa bcuz my uncle n I ain't bearing same surname?

As long as you can explain the relationship, you should be ok.

awe2015:
This is for those already in the US, I know a lot of people are looking for a good online store to purchase quality clothing, unlike the high cost in most US shops, I was able to get one good online store that is selling with an average cost FREE Shipping included to both US and International! You can always visit them anytime https://purefashiongallery.com...PEACE!

Good pointer! Also look out for outlet stores in your area. You can find brand name clothes and shoes for $10 or less.

sunshineluv5:
hi guys i just joined nairaland pls whats the total cost of living for one year as stated in the us embassy law?

No such thing exists. Estimating cost of living depends on where you choose to live. One way to do this would be to add these up:

1. Tuition + school fees/expenses
2. Depending on where you live, housing can range from $500 - $1500/month
3. Gas/electric/cable/internet/cell phone - assume at least $500/month (it may be less)
4. Auto insurance - $200/month
5. Auto maintenance - $500/year (if you have a reliable car and all you need is an oil change every 4 months. If it's an older car, budget more.
6. Food/house supplies - $200/month

Add pocket/spending money.

What you'll need at the embassy should be at least enough to cover your first year of study.

Note these are just rough estimates. Use but modify to your own specific situation. For example, those who live on-campus won't need to worry about items 2, 3 and maybe 6 (except the cell phone).

Yeanca:
. I don't know where to click to check via his case number pls....can u pls put me thru...

Use this website - https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

Hopeful17:
Please is there no way I can ask u questions privately... If there is let me knw

My interview is in January and I'll need someone who I can interact with, by asking qns and I sending the answers so the person can correct me.

Also I applied to just a school and have found out that they always ask how many schools one applied to, is it safe to say I applied to just the school I got admission into...thanks

This thread works great actually. You may get responses from folks who have more recent experience or have a different perspective. So i'll encourage you to ask your questions here.

Yes, they do ask how many schools you applied to. It's simply a way to determine if you're a genuine student or not. Even JAMB asks you to pick more than one university on your application so why will you simply put all your eggs in one basket. At this point it is not a matter of being safe or not, you should simply tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may. Lying, only for them to find out later, has far more repercussions than simply being denied a visa.