₦airaland Forum

deouf25:
Thank you for sharing. I have been at my preapproval stage for since November 6, is therẹ anything you did to get the approval. I'm a J1 visa applicant too.

kamsy101:
vicky

congratulations

what is your funding??

is it scholarship?
or
self sponsor??


share your transcript nah abeg…!

deouf25:
Congratulations
If I may ask, what are the questions asked?

DFocus:
For me, I applied via interview waiver for VISA renewal and was issued my J1 VISA some days ago. But I am grateful for the community here and people taking their time to share tips and thoughts et cetera!

JohnZak:
I second everything that DFocus has shared.

I was previously on a J1 a while ago so I will add that, during the interview, ensure that you are able to distinguish between your program sponsor and your place of primary of activity. Depending on why you are on the J1 (au pair, exchange student, student, residency, clinical fellow, or postdoc), the location of your program sponsor and place of primary may be the same or different locations. Some VOs may not know this difference. Additionally, if your program is a government-sponsored program, your SEVIS fee may be waived. If this applies to you, ensure that you are able to explain this to the VO. J1 applicants are not as many as F1 and some VOs may not be aware of some these differences. Be able to confidently speak to your program choice and how this program ties into your previous work and your future career.

Lastly, check to see if you are subject to the 2 year home residency rule. If you are, weave this into your interview as an additional home tie. This can improve your approval chances since your visa "demands" that you come back home for at least 2 years.

Good luck!!

Vicky21003:
Thanks so much! Yes my program is fully funded and aligns with my career. Did you go through the Lagos consulate for your J1 interview

00uwa:
I was just approved today Lagos embassy. My ds160 was abuja. Will share details soon. Thanks to everyone that responded to my enquires.

DFocus:
I am not sure what percentage of (successful) US VISA applicants from Nigeria are represented by those posting on nairaland (or online in general) so it may not be a good idea to use that as a statistics, in my opinion. I have visited the U.S twice on a J1 VISA and I don't think I came visiting nairaland concerning my VISA application process when applying for the VISA those times (if I recall correctly).

- My advise is to ensure to demonstrate good ties showing you would be back to the country (just like other non-immigrant US VISA categories I believe). I think it would also be nice if you are being funded by the program or in the position you will be undertaking while in the U.S to an extent that will be beyond doubt capable of covering necessary associated expenses.

- Try to be able to clearly explain what you will be doing (and it's importance to your career, Nigeria or something) in the U.S during your visit (ensuring your explanation aligns with what is in your DS-2019, including the dates of participation).

- If it's not your first time visiting on a J1, I would suggest keeping a reasonable explanation handy to distinguish the current program/position from the former you travelled for (why you are going for the current one and perhaps how it all connects with your aspiration).

*Please, treat as just my suggestions. I am not an agent or some kind of expert. I am just also an applicant sharing from my experiences.

Wishing you the best.

Valmary:
Please @Vicky21003 can I get a screenshot of the email you sent?
Maybe I am the one not sending the right email o because nothing yet and I’m getting tired

Please

Valmary:
I have sent an email like for times for Lagos but no single response from them.

Please if you get a reply, kindly let me know

Thanks.

curiouscaramel:
Honestly? I paid again and chose Abuja, which was approved in 2 days. You can select lagos or abuja after you pass the pre approval stage. Did you try sending the emails that are mentioned in the links from the thread?

Lagos - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMSMzJmoYVaxf-obif6_AaMIT4fbxpIvLEkPW84ISGSwSkIg/viewform
Abuja - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1wt8xb3LubFFSlvlLUNi3HOnIcZxquaZyClg3Y3HxlSWbXQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

For disclosure, I did not need to use them to get pre-approved.


Okay thanks. I’ve sent an email

curiouscaramel:
Is anyone applying for Lagos seeing anything open before May 2025? Also, does anyone know if, with this new system, it is possible to see an earlier date and scheduling? Has that happened to anyone?

It looks like if you apply for an expedited appointment and it's rejected, it blocks you from even accessing/looking at any earlier months.

curiouscaramel:
Did you pay with a card. and are you seeing preapproval processing? if your answers to the above are both yes, you may be stuck in that stage like a couple of us have. You may be better off paying a new fee and starting all over again like some have mentioned. Check the thread

DFocus:
Hi. I am applying for a J1 VISA and already gotten to the stage of preapproval being processed (picked Lagos) but I have been seing issues with Lagos approvals. Since I have not submitted my DS-160, is it advisable to wait for me to wait and see what happens first so I can easily change to Abuja and pick that location if I have the chance next time?

Vicky21003:
Hello, I’m a J1 visa applicant (Aupair cultural exchange program)who paid for MRV fee on Friday 18th October, for Lagos. I’ve been stuck in the Pre approval processing stage. What do you suggest I do?