₦airaland Forum

You are the only guy saying the truth in this place. I still wonder why people cannot make use of their sense and do things right. No wahala sha. Make dem dey waste money.

SimpleGuy001:
Ignore the advice above. Odds of getting approved is extremely low. I’ll say 99%,,, I wonder why embassy is still collecting people’s money, denying them and giving people rejection with proclamation as basis..

Put yourself in a better position to be approved, than go in when the odds are already skewed against you, chill small and see what plays out until June end. Strategize but not blindly especially when your chances of approval and monetary resources are at risk.

Take this advice seriously if you are a first timer (referring specifically to F1 visas)

Honestly, when I see some comments in this thread I end up laughing. Many people don't pay attention to reasoning until it is too late and they end up crying. I remember telling someone to leave his interview for now because he must[/b]be [b]denied. He ended up quarrelling me, even after I made him understand that under the new law, visa cannot be issued to Nigerians (except in a very rare circumstance). Baba went to the interview, they denied him straight up. They cited the proclamation as the main reason for denial and another section again. And even if he applied again,he will be asked what has changed.

SimpleGuy001:
It seems you guys are expecting magic. Even if approved (highly unlikely). How will border control let you in?

Read to understand. I still stand on what I said. All prospective students who has summited an application to a US university before the visa ban should reach out to them before they contact an applicant themselves. Many applications are being declined due to lack of communication. When this visa issue started, the first thing I did was to contact schools I have not gotten an offer from. I explained to them the current situation (even though I know they are aware) and while some school said they will consider my application, others said they will consider my application for the next semester and I do not need to apply again to them.

Now it will shock you that most of my guys who refused to contact them were sent an email saying due to the visa issues, their application cannot be considered. Communication is key. In situations like this you need to communicate.

Don't go ahead telling people to disregard communicating with their school, you will be doing them more harm than good.

Efetobore1980:
What are you saying If you wait for the school to reach out to you first, they will be reaching out with a letter declining your application due to the ban. You are supposed to reach them first.

😎 Is the above an advice or opinion or leading people astray ? So, someone who have put in the whole troubles for Phd or Msc application should write to the school that" Pls admissions office, kindly deny my admission because i am a Nigerian ?

The moderators of this section should discourage this kind of cajoling. Many inexperienced or fresh graduates reading the above can be led into the pit.

Is Nigeria ban for ever ?

How can you send up to 80 emails and yet only two replied??
I am not saying you are not doing well but, I believe there is something you are doing wrong to get just few replies.

I always tell people when sending cold emails, the subject of your email the timing of when that email is sent is the key factor if that email will be reviewed or not.

Also don't send generic emails, do a good background check on the person you intend to send an email to.

I remember in November I sent some emails to one supervisor in one school, he read the email and contacted me in less than 30 minutes (this is the fastest I have ever gotten). Five days later,we have an interview and I thank God for the rest.

There is something you are doing wrong to get those few replies. You can drop a sample of the email you do send here or email me if you need help. I wish you the best. Don't relent. You will succeed.

Ose2988:
Am also doing same, I have sent up to 80 mails so far, 2 responded that they are not taking students at the moment. Still waiting for the rest

What are you saying If you wait for the school to reach out to you first, they will be reaching out with a letter declining your application due to the ban. You are supposed to reach them first.

yusman14:
I haven't contacted any of the schools I applied to. I want them to reach out first.

They might wanna suggest that they will defer my admission to spring 2027 (Jan).

Do you have a Visa already??
If you don't have one then the ban also affects you.

Emmamay10:
Good day people. Please, I want to know my chances of traveling to the US by next year for a conference. My manuscript has been accepted for presentation in a conference in US. Does this travel restriction affect traveling for conference too? Thank you. The conference is coming up by next May 2026.

The best thing to do now is to defer to fall 2026 or spring 2027.

Deeedeee:
Pls I need y’all opinion. My interview is on 31st of this month. Should I still attend the interview or I should defer
Although I am yet to pay my SEVIS FEE. I am planning to pay by Tuesday .
What do you suggest pls

Please email your schools to protect your remaining application now. All hope is not lost.

Hayormide212:
Thank you Chief Donald Trump..

Dear Prospective Grad Students, Focus on EU and Asia for now.

Thanks

Good Afternoon.
Just a quick advice, for those who applied to school (I mean those who has already completed their application and are awaiting for a decision before the visa ban saga), send an email to the international office of the school you are going to and explain the process to them. In this message, write that you are aware of the visa ban in your country and will want to know what the next step you are to take as you have already completed your application and submitted it. Also ask, if it is possible to defer it to SPRING 2027. DO THIS BEFORE THEY SEND YOU A MESSAGE WITHDRWALING YOUR APPLICATION.

2. Send a mail to your program graduate coordinator asking for the next step to take or if it is possible to defer to SPRING 2027. Also do this before they send you a message.

3. If a supervisor accepted you into a laboratory, explain to him the situation. Most supervisors who are expecting international students from banned countries are now summiting a petition to the graduate school to allow that applicant to be admitted, and differ for spring 2027 and if the ban is lifted before June, then glory be to God.

I just thank God 🙏 for how he has lead me so far and for my graduate coordinator. This is the best thing to do right now.


If you have not yet applied for some schools or completed your application, pause it for now, till the ban is lifted. Work more on developing yourself, gain publications, more experience and make your CV more strong because the competition for SPRING 2027 and FALL 2027 will be record breaking.


I wish everyone the best and while this is very depressing, attach yourself to people who can encourage you.

My brother, if you need someone to talk to,you can email me.

Here is what my supervisor told me, he said I should still submit my application and wait. The school can still give you admission into your program if you qualify but if the visa ban is not lifted, you will need to defer the admission to the next semester.

This means that if the visa ban is not lifted before the semester you intend to study (fall 2026), you are to defer to spring 2027.

Note that most school call only allow differing once.

At this point everyone should just encourage themselves.

yusman14:
All my applications are currently under review before the restriction. I read that it means they won't even bother to go through Nigerians admission documents, it's automatic rejection because of the VISA issue.

The people of like minds that I can talk to are currently processing admission too and we are all worried.

My environment? Those people aren't even approachable, their mentality is somehow. Just an environment full of yahoo boys and runs girls.

Thanks so much sir. I have started 5 Erasmus Mundus Scholarship application already.

But US is my best choice and first option.

A university. They were updating all international students that applied. Even some that has even gotten admission.

danose99:
Please who sent this?

A university. They were updating all international students that applied. Even some that has even gotten admission.

Dear Omede! 





We hope your day is going well.



Less than 24 hours ago, the White House released updated information expanding US travel and visa restrictions to include additional countries, with varying levels of impact across Africa. We understand that immigration-related news can be unsettling, so our goal with this update is to clearly explain what this means for students and outline practical next steps without panic.



What Has Changed 

There are now two key categories affecting African students: 



1. Countries Under Full Travel Ban (Originally Banned earlier this year) 

For some countries newly added to the list (Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen and heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela), this represents a full ban, meaning: 

 • No new US visas are being issued 

 • Entry into the US is not permitted, regardless of purpose (including study) For students from these countries, pursuing US study in the short term is not realistic, and alternative destinations should be prioritised 



2. Countries Under Partial Restrictions 

(Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.) For countries under partial restriction: 

 • US student visas are currently not being issued 

 • Even though this is not labelled a “full ban,” the practical effect is the same for new applicants: no visa issuance at this time 

 • Timelines for resumption are unclear This distinction matters legally, but from a planning perspective, students should assume no near-term access to U.S. student visas. 



3. Recently Banned in the last 24 hours (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria.)




Important Clarifications for African Students: Visa ≠ Entry

Even for students who already hold valid US visas:

• A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States

• Entry is always determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the airport. 


Holiday Travel Advisory

For students currently enrolled in US institutions who are outside the US for the holidays:

• We strongly advise returning to the US before January 1st

• Re-entry after this date may be complicated or denied, depending on implementation




What We Advise Students to Do Now


1. Do Not Panic, But Do Not Commit Financially

At this stage: Avoid paying non-refundable tuition deposits, avoid housing deposits or long-term financial commitments tied solely to US study, and If you have already been admitted, pause major payments until visa clarity improves


2. Ask Universities for Flexibility

Students should proactively: Request admission deferrals, ask for deposit extensions, and inquire about holding offers without penalty. Many universities are already aware of these developments and are preparing contingency options.


3. Reassess US Study Plans for This Cycle

Even if restrictions are eventually lifted, visa backlogs are likely to be significant, interview availability will not normalize immediately, and processing delays could push timelines well beyond intended start dates.


Practically speaking, pursuing US study this year should not be the primary plan for affected students.


4. Actively Explore Alternative Destinations

This is the most important step right now.

Given the current uncertainty, we strongly encourage you to keep your options open by actively exploring strong study destinations outside the U.S., including Canada, the UK, Europe, and selected African and global pathway programs. For now, US study is best viewed as a longer-term option rather than an immediate plan. Diversifying your choices helps reduce both emotional and financial risk.



Some alternatives that may be a good fit include Vlerick Business School (Belgium), BI Business School (Norway), and Lancaster University Ghana (for undergradua

There is now travel ban.


🇺🇸 December 16, 2025: New Travel Proclamation

• Partial entry suspension was introduced for Nigerian nationals, affecting both immigrant visas (Green Cards) and major non‑immigrant categories: B-1, B-2, B-1/B‑2 (business/tourism), F (students), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas.

• This action adds Nigeria to a list of 15 countries facing similar measures, aimed at countries with vetting/documentation and security-sharing deficiencies.

• Reasons cited include:
• High overstay rates in U.S.—5.56% for B‑1/B‑2 visas; 11.9% for F/M/J visas
• Security concerns related to Boko Haram and ISIS activity.

• Exceptions exist for U.S. lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, athletes, etc., with waivers considered case‑by‑case.

• The proclamation is data-driven and intended as an incentive for Nigeria to improve vetting cooperation. Reviews are planned.

Note this is effective from January 1, 2026

When a school offers you conditional offer,it means you need to do something in order to get a full unconditional admission. In your case you are expected to submit your transcript which have been evaluated by wes in a 4.0 scale. If you have the money to do it, do the evaluation and send to them and you are very much likely to be offered a full admission.


Depending on the degree you are going for, if it is an undergraduate degree, scholarships are slim, but if your record is good you may apply for some international student scholarship offered by the school.

If you are a postgraduate student, most schools in the US offer assistantship for graduate students and this comes with tuition waiver (this depends on the course you are going for).

My advice is, after submitting your evaluated transcript, email the admission officer (for undergraduate) or graduate codinator (for postgraduate) for graduate assistantship.

All the best.

denero1:
This forum has been so educative and informative. So currently I have a conditional offer from Wayne State University, Detroit for Spring/Summer session. I need to submit my academic evaluation by Wes before I can receive an unconditional offer. My question is, at what point should I apply for educational aid or tuition fee waiver.
Please note this is my first time applying to any school in the US.

christabeli:
Hello. Congratulations on your scholarship and Visa. Please I am on the verge of submitting my applications for PhD. I have written my Personal statement and Statement of Purpose for one of the schools and I will need your help reviewing them. That is if you don't mind. Can I email you?

you can send a message to venetafranklin@gmail.com

My professor told me one thing that attracted him to my mail was my email heading (title of email)

What heading do you use?
Do you send your CV while sending your CV?
Is your email too bulky?

kes4glory:
I studied Microbiology and have a cgpa of 3.89/5.0 and converted it is 3.25/4.0

Good Day Bro
We have the same aim. All schools I am applying for don't require Wes evaluation, make use of unofficial transcript (when you are admitted, you will need to submit your official transcript), recognize nigeria as an English speaking country and don't require proof of funds before you can apply. In terms of GRE, most of the schools I have seen will say the department may require it or not. I am going for BIOLOGY (masters) and many of them don't require it, while some will say it is optional.
Have you checked out University of notre dame in indiana state. They meet all these criteria and you will not need to pay an application fee.
Most schools I will be applying for I won't be paying an application fee.
What course are you going for??
You said you are in the north, where? I am also in the north.
Success Brotherly

Poormanpikin:
I'm grateful for the information. In my case, funding is automatically included with the admission offer. If I meet the admission requirements, I'm eligible for funding. Funding is automatic, it's the basic part of the offer of admission. If you don't meet requirement for funding, it means you didn't meet the requirements for admission. There can be no offer of admission without funding, it's guaranteed for all admitted students. The admission requirements are straightforward: a high cumulative GPA, an excellent personal statement, and good recommendations are essential. Additionally, test scoresl(not required), publications, and leadership positions are optional but highly valued. The only thing I don't is the test score (which is not required), but I've been in touch with several schools, and over eight have responded positively. Thank you for your support.

What program did you apply for?

Haxpromer:
The program I applied to there don't conduct interviews. Learnt their decision will come out mid-March, fingers crossed.

All *university of notre dame* applicants share your interview story.
I am yet to see a school that interviews like university of notre dame. Their admission committee no dey play. Thank God for the progress so far🙏🙏

What school were you admitted into?

Konselegance:
Hi everyone
I just got admission for spring 2025. Classes start 13 January 2025 and the only visa appointment date I could get before the portal glitch is 16 January 2025 please any advice and I want someone to help me with the interview question and answer, I think my answers are not convincing enough. Thank you

There are many schools that accepts HND in the US. Some requires wes evaluation, gre, IELET, e.t.c. depending on your program of choice. Below are a list of schools I was able to compile.


1. Wichita State University
2. University of South Carolina
3. University of North Carolina, Charlotte
4. Texas A&M University — Commerce
5. University of Minnesota, Duluth.
6. Western Illinois University
7. University of Central Missouri
8. University of Missouri, St Louis.
9. Georgia State University.
10. University of Massachusetts.
11. Dartmouth
12. Auburn University of Montgomery.
13. University of Memphis (Computer Department).
14. University of South Dakota.
15. East Tennessee State University.
16. North Dakota State University.
17. University of Vermont.
18. Cleveland State University.
19. Western Washington University
20. University of Central Florida.
21. Bowling green state University.
22. Old Dominion University.
23. University of Houston, clear lake.
24. Central Michigan University.
25. University of Hawaii, manoa.
26. Jacksonville State University.
27. Southern Illinois University.
28. University of Detroit, Mercy.
29. Western Oregon University.
30. California State University, Sacramento.
31. California State University, Fresno.
32. California State University, Ponoma.
33. University of California, Merced.
34. Clark University.
35. Western Kentucky University.
36. Louisiana Tech University.
37. University of Northern Colorado.
38. Utah valley university.
39. University of Minnesota, Twin cities.
40. Illinois State University.
41. University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
42. Arkansas state university.
43. Southern A & M University.
44. Eastern Illinois University.
45. Indiana State University.
46. Savanna State University.
47. Youngstown State University.
48. Montana State University.
49. Marshall University
50. Humboldt State University.
51. Georgia Southern University.
52. Augusta University
53. Concordia University at St Paul

The list not exhaustive. Keep making research.

Rach86:
Good evening everyone, I'm new on this platform. I have ND in Science Technology and HND in Science Technology (Biochemistry Option). I wish to enrol to schools in the US. Please where do I start from and how. Where do I start the college or university course searching from. What are steps to take to search for schools and is HND accepted for masters or which course. Thanks in advance

I understand, situations can make us do things we don't want to do.

Gretmang:
My wife read that chat and was suprised how can someone be doing all that for just 10k. She chastise me and was wondering why I had to be consulting people online for something I’ve done myself three different times in the past without getting denied. I blamed myself but then, I was just tensed and I wanted to hear a different perspective from someone else

Funny enough if you are trying to correct him, he will be saying rubbish. I don post evidence give am.

Gretmang:
You just need to shut up. Lemme ask you first. Why did you advise someone to do MSc first before applying to US PhD ? Is this how deficient you are when it comes to information? The same way you argue here that almost all persons who do a PhD is meant to be in the academia as a lecturer..lol..why’ll I waste 5years, do a PhD and then resort to academia when I don’t even have interest in such? Most people who do a PhD in the US end up in the industry.

But why only 10k. That's too cheap na😂😂. Your apprentice will take 5 and you will take 5😂😂. In your write-up you just admitted you are a scammer.a cheap scammer.

Even my dogs eats more than 10k daily😂

OyoTunjiUSA:
🤠

* Shut up ! You started with , I reach out to him. Why did you reach out to him outside nairaland ? You are a crazy dude , nailing yourself . My first response to emails is; if you contact me outside nairaland you will abide by my policy because I see 80% of those who contact me outside nairaland as travel agents.

Fools. I redirected most of you to my apprentice.

* Okay, assuming your claim is true, you want Oyotunji to use his personal resources to sort out your visa problems after contacting me outside of Nairaland?

* I thought you even wanted to show my picture at the police post 😄

You did nothing wrong bro. It is better to expose him and let others learn.

My advice to everyone is not to give money to anybody in this thread.

Gretmang:
everyone @Highzhikk, yall should note that I didn’t want to do this. Im a Muslim and my religion doesn’t allow us to reveal the fault of others …so I’ll never post this in the first place had it been Mr OyoTunjiUSA isn’t going about calling people a scam and sharing wrong info. And he also ask me to post this.

Only 12k😂😂😂 are you that cheap😂😂😂

OyoTunjiUSA:
🤠

1.. Mr man post the evidences of our chats . Hundreds of you have approached me behind nairaland. So that will not move me. Go ahead . You don't need to ask.

@oyotunjiUSA You are the one to shut up! Your ignorance reeks. If you don't know something, use same goggle you are advising him to use and stop displaying immense stupidity.

It is very very much possible to apply for graduate programs while you are still an undergraduate. It depends on the school you choose as some requires you to complete while for others you can apply with your 300 level transcript. Once you are accepted into the program, you are required to summit your official transcript.

I know many people that did this.

When I told you, you will have to respond, because a slave obeys his mater, your brain did not trigger the meaning.

Keep that shoulder pads down, stop behaving like a girl that just saw her mesnses for the first time.

Learn from others.

OyoTunjiUSA:
🤠

* Shut up ! Another troll spotted. You cannot apply to school while waiting for your final year result, if you do that's a fast-track approach, and your admission or acceptance will be put on hold. When you entered University in Nigeria, you wrote JAMB/UTME with awaiting results, but did you do your University registration with awaiting results ?

* So, where is the misinformation?

* All my answers regarding US admissions , usually ends with " there are more than 4,000 Universities in the USA, so use Google. Your click are the ones trying to pull stunts or overturn law of nature. I don't preach fast & fall lifestyle.

God bless you. You will live long.

Charlex23:
You may face challenges getting into top-tier US universities , but don’t lose hope. There’s always a way out. I strongly recommend you write Gre exams and here are some universities with flexible GPA requirements

New Mexico State University (NMSU) - Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0 (some departments consider lower GPAs)
2.⁠ ⁠University of North Texas (UNT) - Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0 (conditional admission possible)
3.⁠ ⁠University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) - Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0 (some departments consider lower GPAs)
4.⁠ ⁠Wichita State University (WSU) - Minimum GPA: 2.25/4.0
5.⁠ ⁠Old Dominion University (ODU) - Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0

Pertaining to universities with free tuition waiver, I only know of
1.University of Wyoming (UW) - No application fee
2. South Dakota State University (SDSU) - Waives application fee for international students


Additional suggestions:

1.⁠ ⁠Consider community colleges or online programs for a semester or two to improve your GPA.
2.⁠ ⁠Highlight your strengths: research experience, projects, certifications, or relevant work experience.
3.⁠ ⁠Prepare a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation.
4.⁠ ⁠Research assistantships or scholarships to fund your studies.
Hope this helps.

Guy if you like rant from now till 600 years, that's your business. Ranting is allowed. I will ask another question and you will answer. You have no choice😂😂😂. I won't call you my slave but when your master is speaking you keep shut and obey him😂😂. You don't know how to back your points with evidence and calling me part of the gang that can't stand stupidity is cool💃💃😂.

You were part of those that said I should not go for a PhD, I should do a master's first. No one is saying you sometimes don't think reasonably, all we are saying is you don't know all and you should also learn from others. You are quick to attack which makes you cheap.



That guy you are are arguing with has opened my eyes to so many things.

He has posted it. Post yours. I love people who are transparent. If you can't do that, then there is something you are hiding.

Are you a scammer?

You are always fast to call others a scammer.

Highzhikk:
I promise you. You will be the scapegoat here. And people will actually see you for who you are. Here is my identity again on X https://x.com/HighZhikk/status/1844134443726086623 and here is my linkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/opeyemi-ibitoye-804aab112/.

If you are very sure of yourself that you are not a scammer, lets go.

But @OyotunjiUSA For him to expose his identify simply means he being open. Why can't you do same?? Or is there something that you are not telling us?

Don't be fast to call people scammers, that's where you always get it wrong.

And no one knows everything, you need to learn from others too and stop insulting.

Highzhikk:
Funnily, I don't know the guy, and he is not my gang. He just replied what he believes in. If you really want to face my gangs. Here is the link to the battleground https://x.com/HighZhikk/status/1844134443726086623 . Shebi you believe I am a scammer and an impersantor? I have revealed my identity to you now. Please join me, I promise you won't survive it. Stop asking people for money and stop misinforming people.

PS: I promise to uncover your unfortunate identity, people that you asked for money on this thread are already reaching out.