@Euromeko: Please, what's ur email add so I can reach you when I land. Or you can email me : usbound911@yahoo.com

My aim is to connect with nairalanders in my area (California) should in case I need anything. Thanks.

EuroMeko:

I'm in California but Los Angeles.

Let me know what you need.

@Saylawchar: You can add me: usbound911@yahoo.com

Also, if you finished your waec a long time ago and you're going for undergraduate, prepare your answer as to what you have been doing since you finished school. Good answers are: Certification (IT etc) with documents to back up (just in case) and working in an area related to your undergraduate (maybe a lab owned by your family member). A student was denied before me because he was going for a second bachelors in thesame field (accounting). He finished about 3 years ago. So, what have you been doing? He said, working with his aunt in her company. In the Accounting dept? He said no. Then, sorry, etc. The point is, you finished a long time ago. You must have some certificates or have been working in an area related to what you are going to study now. Cheers!

@Saylawchar: The consulars in Lagos do not really ask academic questions unlike the ones in Abuja. They are more interested in the reason why you chose your school, your career plans, who is sponsoring, when you finished high school and standardized tests. Just have a general idea of what your course is about, know some courses you will be taking, faculty and your likely area of specialization, just in case. But I doubt you will need those except you meet the lady in counter 1. CHEERS!

@HOUSE: Please, I need to connect with Nairalanders in California (San Francisco)? Who is heading there? Who is there?


Also, does anyone have an idea of where to get cheapest flight? Royal Air Maroc? Do they have an office in Lagos? The cheapest I have found is Emirates. Need some help?

Expecting,

@Morotioluwa: Congrats ooooo. And thank you for sharing your experience. If you have the time, please return and offer your advice and assistance to others on this thread as often as possible. CHEERS!

morotioluwa:

Hey people, I had my interview at the Abuja consulate yesterday and was given my visa. ALL THE PRAISE GOES TO MY GOD.
I've been told to come back on Monday to collect my passport (my I-20 was returned to me, ) Can i go today Friday? Like late in the afternoon.??
I will post my experience soon and some top tips too. We serve a great God.

Congrats Morotioluwa. How did the interview go? Please share. Congrats again.

@wilz: All hope is not lost. Have you re-applied? If no, why not? The first thing they will ask you next time is 'have you been denied before?', you say 'yes', then 'why?', just say 'I was not able to present my case properly' - no need to mention specifics. Then you will have a fresh interview. This time around, the lady in counter one is not allowed to interview you, so you are to face either of the three men including the black guy whom you may get. It should be easy because the men do not conduct the interview like a mini-exam unlike the white lady. Best of luck. Andd keep us posted with your re-application. SUCCESS!

wilzz26:

@ USBound,

@ usbound.

Thats true about lagos consulate. it was the lady in counter 1 that interviewed me i wish it was the black American guy it would have been on a 50 50 chance with him.no documents show just talk and he smiles at you and if you are smart and intelligent you will definitely get the visa from him.

i was prepared for the interview but that lady in counter 1 kept bringing one question after the other and i i was given her the answers correctly when she see say i don too dey get am plus academic questions some asked twice but in adifferent way each time she had no choice Thant to take a pulse for some few seconds checked bank statements,certificates pali to pali with no red flags at all.then she asked have you travelled out before? i said no i havent.she could not tell me am sorry all she did was to pull out a white paper and said you can go through it. the reasons are there.

can you imagine that?[color=#000099][/color]

@Wilzz: I concur with your assessment of the Lagos Consulate.

It was the black american guy in counter two that interviewed me and he was nice, laughing and smiling, and did not ask for documents just bank staty and gmat test result.

The white lady in counter one is interested in intelligent people. I prayed for her not to call me because her interview is a mini-exam. But if you are sure of yourself, then no problem.

The guy in counter three is the nicest of all. He looks like a european, with long hair, but he's american. Everytime he denied someone, especially students, he felt bad and we could see it. He actually wants to give visas to everyone. If you have read this thread on Nairaland and you are prepared with documents, just in case, this guy will certainly give you your visa. He does not want to disappoint your dream of going to the US.

The guy in counter four is very patient, he asks like six questions before deciding whether to give the visa or not. I was sitting, waiting, right in front of his counter so I heard all his interviews, questions and answers. He does not need correct answers to all his six questions. Just answer like four or five correct. If you don't know, say 'I do not know' or 'I am not sure'. This guy values truthfulness so much, more than all I saw that day. If he believes you are truthful, he wil give you.

The thing about the Lagos Consulate is you can't decide which counter you will eventually go to. So, please put it in the hand of God. And do your best. SUCCESS!!!

wilzz26:

@ House.

for thoes considering the lagos consulate for student visa interview.

counter 1 is a bit feir but she will keep looking for ways to bounce you.if you are smart and inteligent you should be able to scale through and tofel and travelling experience matters.whan i say travelling i dont mean travelling to south africa nor dubi oo. european contries and asia will do for her.
she will note every thing you say down and ask you same question in a twisted way twice.but like i said if you are smart and inteligent with her one question brings another until the final one have you travelled before after asking have you been to the usa before.

pls note my point on this lady on counter 1 @ the lagos consulate.



counter 2(balck american) is really good as in that one dey always smile and issue visas well but one thing about him is that he does not really check documents at all.what he needs to see are your SAT score cert and he will ask what was the most difficult question you faced when writing the exam.what are your future plans, your waec result in case of undergraduate progarame how you came across the school etc.
but he is not difficult at all.if you can talk and give short detail explanations and answers with documents to back up calims if he asks or request any.but i bet you this one no get time for all that.


counter 4. that one no get time for story at all first he wants to see your waec followede by yourother documents and verry short questions folllow if you miss any or cannot answer well he will just say am sorry i cannot issue you visa at this time.he is not ready for stories at all.

@HOUSE: Thank you all for your 'congratulations' and 'congratulations'. I am happy. I am really grateful to all of you on this thread. Because, frankly, without this thread, I do not think I could have made it. Thanks.

@Shewhy: Thanks, I will go on Friday for the pick-up.

@Imperiouxx: Yours is sure. There is no one who contributed to the success of others on this thread that did not end up successful. I remember Naggy, dizifrenzy, Ojap, Nethacker, Femilangy and co. Just continue.

@Djdammy: Thank you so much for the prayers. They really worked. @HOUSE: please pray for one another. Who knows? Maybe through this thread, you will meet lifelong friends, business partners, life partners and brothers without boundaries. Djdammy, thanks again.

@myforumid3: It was good to talk to you on phone. Will keep in touch.

@WARYZ, Emmysaint, Chi-Dalu: GOOD LUCK and SUCCESS Next Week.

@HOUSE: I will be posting some visa tips I gained from my personal experience at the lagos consulate SOON. Cheers!

@Djdammy21: Thanks for informing the House. But seriously, how did you know? Can you tell me?

Djdammy21:

@USBOND, Congratulations!!. Have A Safe Trip To The US

Cheers!

@Adolite: I think generally, we feel morning is better than afternoon. But today, at least 60% of 10 am student visa applicants got it. I was there when the interviews started and the visa approval rate was good. When I arrived 10 am sharp (I did not go earlier because of the experience of folks on nairaland who went early and had to wait and wait), infact I was among the last ten people to arrive, I felt I should have come for 7 am. But in the end, 10 am is as good as 7 am, I think.

Adolite:

@USbound, Are you saying is better most morning than afternoon? pls be clear, just want to know how it all goes

Adolite:

House, This days it seems there are some advantages on afternoon interview, most of my guys gone for afternoon and they gave them all with no much questions, You can see USBOUND too, We should look into it

@Adolite @ HOUSE: Honestly, there are some views we hold about this visa thing that are not really accurate. For instance, I was counselled by a friend to get a 7 am appointment. That by afternoon, the V.O.s will be tired and frustrated. My experience ( I arrived exactly 10 am and got the visa by 2.15 pm) is that the V.O.s were all sweet and focused, whether afternoon or no afternoon. Infact, I was among the last ten people to arrive, we went in last. And God was still merciful. Please, if you can't get 7 am, try and relax. God's time is the best. Cheers!

@HOUSE: I was asked to come on Friday for the passport. But I've read of folks here picking theirs the next day. Can I go tomorrow? WIll it be ready then?

Also, my I-20 was retained. Am I getting it in the pick-up envelope?

@HOUSE: MAKE UNA HELP ME REJOICE OOOOO! I got the greeen ticket today.

Thanks to Djdammy for informing the House earlier. Would have posted since but I was really tired. Actually did not sleep all through the night. Not that I was tensed or anything. I was just excited at the TURNING POINT waiting in the day.

First, folks, honestly it was not me or anything I said, my documents or my package. IT WAS GOD. Full stop. I went with several envelopes but the guy requested for just bank statement and my GMAT result. That's all. Interview was about 2 and a half minutes in length and here it goes:

V.O: Good afternoon sir. How are you sir? (The V.O. is the black guy in lagos consulate, he just denied a girl before me, she was going for undergraduate, did not however hear their conversation)

ME: Fine sir. (Was about greeting him too but quickly he asks for my documents; I also forgot to smile)

I passed him the documents as arranged.

At this point, someone inside with the consular made a statement that made him laugh and laugh. This was when I knew I was going to get the Visa as the guy was in a good mood. His laughter really relaxed me.

V.O: So, why do u wanna go to the U.S?

ME: To study for my Masters.

V.O: a Masters in what?

ME: I told him.

V.O: In which school?

ME: in Bleep school.

V.O: Where is that?

ME: San Francisco.

V.O: Okay, so when did you finish your bachelors?

ME: This year. (I was praying he should not ask me the course because it does not directly relate to my masters)

V.O: What was your bachelors in?

ME: I told him (and then he looked confused, there was no obvious relationship, so I quickly added) My bachelors is a blend of Management, IT and Library Science. (He nodded his head)

NOTE: All this while, the V.O. was just noting my responses on paper. He had not looked at me at all.

V.O: Did you apply to any other school:

ME: Yes, I tried applying to Harvard (at the mention of Harvard, the guy looked up at me as in, like, seriously?) Yes, I applied but the deadline was past.

V.O: Okay, any other school?

ME: Yes, I also applied to Bleep school in Canada.

V.O: And you got into that one?

ME: I said yes (I was reaching to bring out the offer letter but he waved his hand, still looking down)

V.O: So, why did you choose this school? (At this point, he looked me in the eyes)

ME: The traditional masters is two years but the duration of the masters in this school is one year which suits me. I considered the duration because I want to quickly come back to Nigeria to work,

V.O: (Cuts in) Okay. (but I was not satisfied, I had more points ready, so I continued)

ME: I want to come back, get a good job, work, start a family and continue my life here.

V.OLaughed and laughed, then smiled) Okay, okay, I have heard, you’re coming back.

-I’m like, why is this guy just laughing, this is a serious interview-

V.O: Did you write the GRE?

ME: No, I wrote the GMAT.(passed it across, he noted some point and passed it back almost at once)

V.O: So, who is paying? (still smiling, )

ME: My father, through his company.

V.O: Financial documents? (passed the bank statement., he checked the closing balance) Does he have the permission of his company to use their bank statement?
ME: No, It’s his personal company. He owns it.

V.O: There seems to be a huge volume of money moved into this account recently. Why?

ME: (I had no answer, so he tried to help me with one…)

V.O: Does he use this account to pay salaries of his workers? Is that why he moved so much money in recently?

ME: Maybe. Actually, I don’t know. (This was a bad response, should have said yes, but God dey)

V.O: Okay.

THEN…

V.O: Alright sir, I’m gonna issue you the VISA…(honestly, this is the last thing I heard)

ME: Thank you sir. (Picked the green ticket, pick-up form and returned to my seat)

My neighbours, where I sat, were surprised. They were like, ‘what happened?, so fast?’ because I returned in about two minutes, they thought I was rejected. I showed them the green ticket and they were like ‘congratulations, congratulations.’

So, HOUSE, I’m happy and thank you all for your support.

Femilangy, Nethacker, djunit1, abbats4naija, ayanfe22, gbaski2010, bomly, nairaspace, Ojap, dizifrenzy and everyone, I thank you all.

I pray God grants the rest of us still going for interviews really good and cheap success. CHEERS!

@Ayanfe22, Gbaski2010 and Nairaspace: Thank you. I lay it all in the arms of God. Will be prudent as far as that goes.

@HOUSE: And yes, I also have receipt for School Fees payment, First Instalment. Am I to give to him/her this when asked for bank statement or financial documents?

I am going to Lagos. Anyone there lately? WHAT IS IT LIKE? Expecting,

@Bomly: Thanks, I have got my I-20. As for NYSC, I have not served and am not because am above the age.

@Gbaski: I don't have payslip or tax clearance. Only a letter of sponsorship from my father showing I work in his company.

@HOUSE: I need your prayers ooo! More Comments?

@ HOUSE:

As for ACCOMMODATION (thanks to Ayanfe's post), I have an email from the School, a Housing Guide from the City. The email indicates my room-mate and school's recommended Hostel (off campus)

PLEASE COMMENT O?

@HOUSE:

Am set for my interview with the following documents:

International Passport
Sevis Receipt
DS 160
Visa Fee Receipt
Appointment Confirmation
Bank Statement and Sponsorship Letter
University Transcript
WAEC Statement of Result, and Scratch Card (Misplaced Certificate)
GMAT Result
Evidence of Working Experience

PLEASE WHAT ELSE DO I NEED ? INTERVIEW IS TOMORROW. REPLY URGENTLY

HisLove247:

@ USBound
I suggest you print the Bank statement up till the end of June.

@HisLove: The Bank report is printed to the end of June. What I mean is half of the balance was moved in inside the month of June. Nairaspace and Bomly has confirmed that it is no issue. Except you have anything more to add?

@HOUSE: My bank statement shows a sudden movement of funds into the account in the last month. Please, what convincing reasons can I give the V.O. for this?

@aroy1, djunit1, OJap: Please keep this thread on the right track, it helped you all, it is helping others today. Pls.

I have a concern with bank statement which I have posted. Please, I need your advice

aroy1:

OjaP

From memory, you were unsuccessful to get your visa at the 1st attempt because of lies! That's innate in you and you just never can change. That is why you see everybody else as you, which is really pathetic and unfortunate. Anyway, you were fortunate to meet some honest people here, Superbrain et al., who taught you not to lie at your 2nd interview. You were wise to follow their advice and we all know the rest.

If you say you won't change, continue being who you are, OjaP. I am glad you are now in the US. Afterall, Californian/US jails are far much better than any in Nigeria!

@aroy1, djunit1, OJap: Please keep this thread on the right track, it helped you all, it is helping others today. Pls.

I have a concern with bank statement which I have posted. Please, I need your advice.

@Babatulla: I believe the V.O was tired, but your last response was also damning. When they ask "so what will this degree do for you?", they don't want to hear technical things about the discipline. They want to know what you hope to gain by spending so much money on education in their country instead of here. They want to hear that it will boost your employability potential here in Nigeria, fetch you a lucrative job in your career and enable you discharge your family and financial responsibilities here. If it is a research degree, you can say 'it will get me a comfortable academic job in Bleep university and guarantee me a great academic career' etc. This is what i think. DON'T GIVE UP.

babatulla:

Went for my interview in lagos yesterday and it was quite a painful experience for me,

Couldn't print my sevis receipt online before my interview, but payment was already made.

My appointment was for 7a.m got to the consulate around 6:15 / 6:20 a.m. Was called in for the regualar checks and all, behold, my visa application receipt wasn't with me, was given 90 Mins to go get it. Dashed home like a mad dog, had to even take a bike back to the consulate to avoid running out of 90 Mins. I understand they do interview just one set on Fridays, nothing like 10a.m apptment. Made it there before the 90Mins elapsed. Was part of the last 10 to be interviewed.My tally number was 127 that last person's number was 134.

My interview went lyk this
V.O : Hello
Me: Good Morning

VO: pass me your documents
Me: passed him my i20 and docs,
V.O: where r u going to ?
Me: Bleep state univ.

VO: and u r going for masters in ?
Me : masters in computer and information system.
V.O : highest educational qualification attained so far ?
Me : bsc. Systems engineering, university of Lagos

Who is sponsoring u ?
Me : my father
V.O: what does he do ?
Me : told him

V.O: bank statement pls.
Me: gave him, closing balance of 19M.
When did u graduate ?
Me : 2008
V.O: what have you been doing since then ?
Me : went for the 1yr nysc scheme,and then I got a job as an I.T support assistant.
V.O : how long have you been working for them ?
Me : 8 months now.

Me: what will this do for degree do for you.
Me : as a graduate of Systems engineering, I have foundational knowledge in technological and managerial issues and how highly sophisticated systems are interconnected and made to function well.mcis will further equip me with relevant skills in business and computing.I'll be able to function well in any varying business environment.
V.O: any travelling experience ?
Me : yes, been to joburg SA and Dubai UAE.
V.O : I'm sorry I cannot issue you a visa today. Reasons written on the form given to u,

Abeg wetin I do wrong ?, the guy no check transcript, e no check anything, he just dey deny ppl, he just came there to assist other V.Os ni, how I wish I was interviewed by the lovely ladies in window 1 and 2. Comments pls.

@imperiouxx, djunit, nairaspace, shewhy: Thank you for your responses.


@ HOUSE: Abeg I need your input on my bank statement: I am being sponsored by my father, through his company. The company bank statement closes with #22m in June. But May closing balance is about #10m. I actually need #10m for my program. The previous months are between 9 and #10m. My question is the difference between the closing balance and May Balance, #13m; Is this a Red Flag? If it is, give me ideas on how to defend myself? Abeg.

shewhy:


Since your interview is 10 am, I dont see any point in you getting there as early as 7 am. You will have to hang somewhere till 9:50 am when they start calling 10 am applicant so its advisable to get there around 9:30. And also, I'm not sure if you could avoid consulars in the Lagos consulate. You will be given a ticket with a number at the interview center entrance. The computer will call your ticket number when it get to your turn, to go to the next available consular for your interview. Your ticket number will appear on a screen at the consular post already so i dont think you will be able to avoid it. If you dont stand up when they call your ticket number, they make skip you and you may not have the chance to get interviewed again. Just pray for the best result from any consular u are directed to. Good luck buddy.

@HOUSE: My interview is for 10 am. Should I get there by 7 am or just chill till 9 am? Please those who went to LAGOS for interviews recently, pls reply.

@HOUSE: Recent applicants to the LAGOS EMBASSY, please identify who the consulars are and if there's anyone like the chinko woman in ABUJA to avoid?

@ djunit1 @nairaspace: Thanks a million for your advice. I will take the statement of result and scratch card along.

@Adolite: Please don't advise anyone to take fake waec result o. djunit and nairaspace are correct - 10 years ban or life.

@HOUSE: Abeg make una try help me Seedord247 o. Abeg.

@HOUSE: am going for a Masters, 30 years. I am thinking of how to show ties to nigeria. aBEG, i need suggestions. I don't currently work but I can claim to work and take along some ID Card. Will this help?


Also, I did my WAEC since 1998. Will this not generate questions? I misplaced the WAEC Certificate, but it can be confirmed by SCRATCH CARD. So, I am taking along a Scratch Card. Is this okay? Abeg, reply quickly.

@Shewhy: Congrats. Kindly post your interview. And, what is the arrangement of consulars in the consulate? Who is to be avoided? I am going very soon.


@ALL: What is this thing about changing embassy from lagos to abj or vice-versa after being denied once. Shewhy changed his consulate and still got it. What is missing?

shewhy:

Hello y'all. Just to tell you i got my visa today at the Lagos consulate. Even though i have been bounced twice at Abj in Jan and Feb this year respectively but i never give up. I thank everyone for there posts and comment here. It really helps. Keep the nairaland spirit going and hope to see y'all in the Nairaland party in the U.S, lol. One love

Regards,
Shewhy

l

lilchukky:

pls how long does it take for the embassy to reply an expedited mail?

@lilchukky: It depends on your concern. What kind of mail? But generally, a day to a week.

@drid: If you have the money, I advise you head to seme border tomorrow morning and pay it, $200 plus bank charges. Just take enough money along. By wednesday, the receipt should be out on their website. You can print it out and take along.

drid:

Hello house!please I need an urgent assistance.My Interview is coming up on friday this week and the person I asked to help me pay my Sevis fee has not done so as I speak to you. Rescheduling the Interview is out of question.PLEASE IS THERE A WAY I CAN PAY THE SEVIS FEE ON MONDAY AND THE RECEIPT COMES OUT BY THURSDAY.So as to enable me use it for my interview in Friday.your suggestions would be appreciated.THANKS.

@Abats4naija: Thanks. As for my degree, it will be somewhat difficult for me to get a statement of result from my school because I just finished last month. Infact, the result for my final semester is not yet out. The school admitted me this way because I am on a first class. What do you think?

Also, what do you think about wearing a Suit? I am going for a Masters in a business course. Actually, I am thinking of wearing something 'Native'. Abeg just counsel, say your mind.

Abats4naija:

i think you should be ok with your NYSC just make sure you r resolute when defending your case

as for your degree, i don't think your transcript would be enough to defend the fact that you have an undergraduate degree. you could get a statement of result from your institution indicating your year of graduation and your grade i.e. 2nd class e.t.c. .This is a tenable document anywhere in the world.

Just get a signed letter and a statement of account from your sponsor, in your case your dads company and you'll be fine.

Again presentation is key. just make sure you defend your documents very well.