Blackfinegirl:



Nice, Congratulations to your dad. What was the duration between submission of passport and return of passport.

Passport was returned after 4 days of IW submission. Pretty quick turnaround.

I had applied for IW for my dad -- but instead he got his passport back with form 221g. No reason was indicated on the form itself.

I booked his interview appointment which happened Wednesday. I had suspected he was summoned to appear in-person because he had stayed in the U.S for 22 weeks on his last visit. And sure enough, during the interview, he was asked to explain the extended stay. He was there for medicals and it took weeks to run diagnostics and tests -- not to mention, another couple of months to get an appointment for surgery. Of course he was asked to provide documents to support the claims: luckily he brought his medical receipt, showing payment (with zero balance) along with dated transcripts of his hospital visits. This is important.

He was asked a few more questions: like purpose of trip this time, how long he intends to stay, etc. Visa was approved and the process lasted 10 minutes.

Anyway, I haven't been on this forum in a couple of years but just wanted to share the experience in case it might help someone in a similar situation. I just wish they would make the 221g a bit clearer so the candidate can come prepared. I had only second-guessed and fortunately he brought the documents; otherwise, this could have gone either way.

One other thing that stood out to me: he mentioned that the process has changed a bit from the last time he visited the embassy back in 2019. He said, they now scrutinize applicants and some are sent away without an interview during the pre-screening process prior to being allowed in. I thought that was wild considering the time and cost involved in applying only to be told one doesn't qualify for interview.

Can’t remember timelines. I know that they dropped off April 25th and by May 4 exactly it changed to AP. Don’t remember if it went to Application Received on the drop off date. Yeah maybe wait till Friday to change your flight. But I suppose even if you were to get approved tomorrow/Thursday, you likely won’t be able to pick up until Monday so sounds like you might proactively be making a change to your travel plans. Good luck

purplish:


Please how long did it take from AP to issued? Apologies for the many questions. Mine just changed to AP today...I have booked a flight for Saturday and want to know whether to cancel it just yet. Thanks

purplish:


Oh great news! Did it change from "Application Received" to "Issued" or they were on Administrative Processing at any point?

Administrative Processing.

TDH1680:


Lucky you. Congrats, once again. My parents submitted theirs in Lagos, though. Cheers for the update.

My relatives’ application from April 25th just changed to “Issued” about an hour ago.

Did your status change on caec and/or the portal? Still pending two applications from April 25th (Abuja) that are showing “Administrative Processing.” We are patiently waiting but I’m trying to guage how reliable that status is for my relatives.

ozymes:
Just received a text message and email that passport is ready for collection now.[ quote author=shithapuns post=112824155]

Mine showed.
YOUR PASSPORT IS STILL AT THE US EMBASSY.

then today, i checked and its saying, passport ready for pickup

ozymes:
April 24th was on Sunday sir

Sorry that was a typo. April the 25th. Point is we are still waiting too.

I booked dropoff for a relative for same date (April 21) and he picked up his passport (with visa) this past Tuesday. On the other hand I have some relatives who dropped off on April 24th status is still “Administrative Processing.” Patience is the word of the day.

Halytude:
Hello everyone, I’m new on this thread and I have a question. I submitted my B1/B2 visa application (IW) on April 21 and my status on CEAC shows administrative processing till date; case was last updated on April 28. I haven’t been asked to walk in for an interview or submit additional documents. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced a similar wait time? What did you do?

Send your normal account statement. The school should be able to convert to USD @ official exchange rate.

dishydens:
Good day everyone please the school I’m applying to requested I provide financial documents that show readily available funds to cover estimated expense with funds in US dollars.

Does this mean the bank to give a statement of account in the equivalent of dollar or the account must be a dollar account? Cause my sponsor is saying he doesn’t own a dollar account. Please someone clarify

tasho105:
Hello Nairalanders,

For a person with dual citizenship, ...naija and one of the islands in the south pacific that is not visa free to US.
- Is it possible to go for interview in Nigeria and get a 10 year visa on the other passport, instead of the Nigerian pport that they issue 2 years visa....prefers a 10 years visa than the 2 years

Interesting question. I would apply as a Pacific Islander and disclose my Nigerian nationality in the application.

Sammiebabatunde:




Thank you bro. Do you think I'd stand a chance since my interview is in Germany?

If applying to a different Schengen country just don’t mention you are applying because you want to go to Germany. You’ll be flat out denied under Schengen visa rules.

That said, if Germany has an emergency visa application, I’d go that route. Perhaps under compassionate grounds with what’s going on in Ukraine, they might consider. Same with the consulate. Write them, explain the situation and provide ample evidence seeking feedback on whether they might consider you under emergency if you were to transfer the application from Germany. Last resort for me will be to apply to a different Schengen country.

DrStrangelove:
OP, the Redflag here apart from the thing the VO asked for (bill) is ur single (not more than 32yrs) and working brother.

His application would have come up with redflags as immigrant prone. Also the VO would be thinking that since she has a child over there who is sponsoring the treatment, that child would be the one to help her mum out while in the US. If ur brother had good travel history, might have given him an edge. Also, the time quoted for the treatment and recovery (as this is quite a delicate health issue) might be too drawn out for ur brother to leave his job for.

I have seen an old couple between with their twenty something year old single son who wanted to travel to the US, as they claimed, to see their newly born grandson. After the usual family tree questions, the VO turned to the son to ask questions about his circumstances. Age, marriage, work and all and after that denied all three.

If mama can go by herself to the embassy, I LL suggest she does without an accompany. If she can go to the embassy and answer their questions (language interpreters are available) and prove with the correspondence and bill from the American hospital/doctor and also show her proof of funds (presumably from her daughter over there or/and the son that has a good job) and also show evidence of proof of part Payment (though this is optional but will give u a strong edge) with the proof of funds showing strong balance after the treatment costs are deducted. With this, I believe the her visa will be issued.

Mama can travel alone with the help of aids from the airline to the US where her daughter then takes over her affairs. The daughter should be ready to make time out for Mama during her course of stay there.

Hope this helps

Goodluck

Your comment sounds plausible but if he - the single man - was the issue, I see no reason why the mum couldn’t have been issued a visa and the young man denied. That happens.

Anyway good luck to OP. Just provide them with the requested information and you should be good. Speedy recovery to your mom too.

TWoods:


Yes you can be refused for not using your visa. I do suspect they just want to ask why you didn’t use the visa the previous time and you should be good to go.

This is all a myth that seems to be regurgitated over and over. There’s no obligation on the part of an applicant to use their visa. I read a comment on here maybe a few pages back about someone who hadn’t used their last 2 visas and had no problems renewing. I can also say the same thing for my aunt who just renewed recently. Meanwhile folks who have used their visas religiously and staying no more than 2 weeks at a time still get denied. There are all sorts of reasons for denial but being denied for lack of visa use makes little sense. Anyway just my opinion.

DrStrangelove:
Since last 2018, during Trump's era, overstay has been pegged at anything after 6weeks. U must have a very good reason for staying beyond that time. They reason is if ur working in an organization
or u own ur own business, u can't afford to be gone for that long except in extenuating circumstances.

Pls check thru for the length of time to ascertain the time period it is by now. It's highly u will get the same result if they reapply now even with ur visa still active as the VO will still link the denial to the overstay and might be sensing desperation.

So let time do the healing and apply as a full family once it's time. Remember the VO asked u initially why ur not going with ur family during ur last interview. Ponder on that


Goodluck

Where are you getting the “6 week” number from? I’ve had people who visited me for 2 months and never had issues with renewal during the Trump era. Just putting it out there

JohnZak:
Hey guys! I have gotten valuable information from this thread so I figure I will give back. I know some folks had questions about the IW submission process in Abuja. My mum had her IW appointment in Abuja this morning. She submitted her documents at the DHL office and not the Embassy as we initially assumed. She was there for about 90 minutes before she was attended to. They checked her documents and everything was good. I know some on this thread had questions about whether a proxy can submit on behalf of the applicant, especially an older applicant. My mum told me that a woman at DHL this morning asked the same question and the DHL worker said it is not possible. The applicant has to submit in person. I will update when there is more information. Good luck everyone!

Good to know because I also just filled application for my parents @ Abuja and the appointment letter seems to suggest appointment at Embassy; pickup at DHL. Thanks for confirming dropoff location is DHL as well.

As to the other part of the question about proxy - I think it depends. If two or more family members are applying/traveling together - one of the applicants can drop off. It is clearly stated on the appointment letter.

seyewest:


If your ticket is a one way ticket from Lagos and you're on tourist visa, no airline will allow you boarding to U.S, I'm very sorry but this lie will not work oooo, do you know what they called APIS? APIS is Advanced Passenger Information System used by CBP to identify travelers to U.S and to fish out likely drug mule, terrorist etc.
3 months is U.S is a no no.... eat your L and look for another country.

I take it that what OP is implying is that the agent booked a roundtrip ticket but the return date was wrong -- and he was fighting to fix it with the agent.

@OP sorry this happened to you; unfortunately your situation (true or otherwise) is the sort of trigger for visa denials. Granted the V.O cut you off before you could explain, it seems they had decided to deny you because you overstayed. Take that as a lesson, spend your money at other countries -- and come back when your circumstance has improved.

Not quite accurate: basically the last step in the process is for the employer to secure the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: Form I-129. The applicant will then have to use the approved petition to apply for a H1B visa -- and will go through the visa process like any other applicant. The employer doesn't have a say on visa outcome.

cretin:


ANY AMERICAN FIRM THAT GIVES YOU EMPLOYMENT LETTER, while you are still in nigeria, will help you process your work visa as well. shine your eyes dude

Without knowing your profile, any advise responding to your post may not be applicable to you. A lot has already been covered on this forum on these types of questions so it should be fairly easy to find an answer from earlier posts. That said, pa the bolded section of your post: honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake turning into a failure. Soliciting for what to “add” is akin to probing for some non-existent magic recipe to getting a visa. Every applicant’s situation is unique; just make your case as-is and everything else should fall in place. All the best with your interview.

Qlibra:
hi everyone..I'm new here and could also use some help too. i'm trying to apply for US visitor visa to see my uncle..I really don't know how to go about it..Some said i really have to be convincing else I'd i might be denied the visa..iI haven't started the process yet, i just need help please. Aside me telling them I'm going to see my uncle and spend a month or 2 with him and his family, is there any other thing i need to add to be more convincing?

Could you please tell us what would have made OP’s story “hang” in a way that going on vacation and visiting a landmark in an extremely cold state couldn’t have? Perhaps if he had family in MN or if he was visiting NJ instead? Is that sort of the idea here or I’m I misunderstanding you?

Mancala:


Not sure how and why the obvious is not coming through. It's common knowledge what certain states in the US are known for. If your reasons for visit seem unusual, there may be doubt. This is not unique to MN. It applies to all states. A tourist may want to go skiing in Hawaii. This is possible, and I have done it. But highly unusual/out of the normal for that destination. If that is the stated reason for visit, it may raise doubt in the mind of the VO. Just saying, a story that doesnt hang through could contribute to doubt and even be a reason for denial.

You’re completely going on a tangent here. As someone pointed out earlier, I have no idea where folks come with certain theories: bell curve, sanctuary city, etc. California—and a host of other states—is also a sanctuary city welcoming to illegal immigrants. Not unique to MN. I am not questioning the specifics but then again you are reading WAY too much into this. Might as well ask OP to have applied to a different state with a higher likelihood of securing a visa. That’s sort of the crust of your argument — a better part of it was spent educating us about MN. So best to avoid applying for visa to MN moving forward.

Edit: the so-called “statistical bell curve” with all the unique info for every city/state, I would want to assume VO pulls this up every time a candidate shows up at the window. Let me see: this is probably one of the many things they might be looking up behind the computer screen during a 2-minute interview?

Mancala:

Your assertions are based on picking a single point in the array of evidence. Look at the complete picture. I am not saying destination is the only consideration. Question is what are you planning to do at the destination and does it sound reasonable. If you cannot be convincing enough on that simple point, how are they to believe you on your finances, assets, other ties to home country for which no evidence is being considered?
MN vs NJ is in relation to Nickelodeon universe. There is a bigger and better one in NJ. If your intent is to visit as a Nickelodeon fan, NJ is it. MN pales in comparison. I believe VO asked for additional itinerary for a reason.... what else are you coming for as your stated reason falls outside the bell curve? I read between the lines and thought the real question is ...do you have family here you intend visiting (y'all dont look like the winter activities crowd)? Why are you concealing that information from me if so? Those are logical next questions based on the situation.

"Destination-based visa for whatever reason seems laughable at the very least." This assertion is inaccurate in almost its entirety. At a visa interview, you will certainly be evaluated based on the law of averages concerning your destination. What does the average tourist go to do in MN? When do they go? If you fall outside the statistical bell curve, it makes sense to probe further for more details (what is your additional itinerary) ? If your response is not convincing or inconclusive, it is enough to create doubt in the mind of the interviewer.

"VO doesn’t get to decide how an applicant intends to “vacation.”... Yes, but visa officer makes a determination on immigration intent partially based on your stated vacation plans/how you said you want to vacation. If it doesnt hang together, there will be doubt. MN is known as a comparatively immigrant friendly state (even for illegals). Benefits are relatively easier to get and some jurisdictions disallow local law enforcement from asking for immigration status or holding suspects for ICE. You may not known these facts, but they may have been a possibe logical consideration for the VO based on intial doubts.

Well I don’t agree with the argument about destination either: Minnesota vs New Jersey in your submission. That has already been heavily debated here. In fact someone was told on this same forum that their visa was denied because they were going to New Jersey. Again, those are baseless arguments but I’d rather not wake up sleeping dogs over this topic. Destination-based visa for whatever reason seems laughable at the very least. OP wasn’t *just* visiting Mall of America /Nickeloden Universe; he also said he was going on vacation (which I’m sure includes a good amount of indoor time given the season.) VO doesn’t get to decide how an applicant intends to “vacation.”

Mancala:


The operative word here is conjunction! My supposition was not based solely on weather. It was in conjuction with the stated purpose of visit to the Mall of America /Nickeloden Universe. Visiting family ,as I mentioned, is one of the top reasons to visit the state, especially in the winter. Being familiar with that part of the country, I think it unusual (not implausible) to fly thousands of miles to Minnesota in the winter for a purpose that falls outside of the usual big winter attractions especially when there is a bigger, better and cheaper option in NJ.

Mancala:
The weather may really have been a point of consideration. Minnesota is so darn cold right now, and I'm not talking about U.K. type of cold/winter. This is in a different category entirely. Oftentimes, it's colder in Minneapolis than in Alaska. Tourists to the state at this time of the year are usually outdoorsy types that are looking to ski, snow shoe, hike, ice fish, hunt and all the other winter type activities the state is famous for. Or they are visiting family. It's kind of unusual to want to visit at this time of year with the sole purpose of going to Nickelodeon universe. The Mall of America itself that houses it is a much bigger tourist attraction. Nickeloden universe in Minnesota is honestly a lame attraction. I'm guessing this is why the VO asked you for your itinerary. Probably was not convinced that you would visit Minnesota for that attraction when there is an awesome 9 acre Nickelodeon universe in New Jersey that outshines the Minnesota version by light years. It's the largest indoor theme park in the U.S.

My cousins got a visa last week @ Lagos to visit their sister for the holidays in Minnesota. What do you have to say to that? I have never heard of visa decisions predicated on weather. The embassy might as well deny visa applications in the winter depending on destination; after all, Minnesota doesn't have monopoly over freezing weather -- from New England/Connecticut/Massachusetts to Chicago, the story is the same. So I'm assuming if we are to go by your logic: people traveling to these parts of the U.S this time of the year automatically get denied because of inclement weather? C'mon.

OP, your experience is quite unfortunate. It's expected that individuals with budding careers are likely to find gainful employment with relative ease on the other side. More so, a couple with such prospective traveling together with child leaves no claim to home ties. It's highly likely you were denied as a potential migrant -- even though that might not have been your intent. I think you should re-apply again but it's best if you each applied separately. Doesn't guarantee you'll secure a visa but helps eliminate some legitimate concerns that might impede your chances. All the best.

Dondadahakeem:
I apply for a b1/b2. And was refused officer says I'm not qualify. I don't know what went wrong but this is what happen. I am Human Resource Manager in audit and Tax firm in Lagos and my wife also HR manager of an investment and asset management company a known organisation.


On the 10/12/2019 was my interview 6:45am

VO:Good morning
ME:Good morning how are you doing today?
VO:Can I have your passport
ME: I gave the passport to him well arranged since we are three my wife and I and my four year old son
VO: why do you want to travel to the US
ME:We are going on family vacation to Minnesota to visit mall of America at Bloomington in Minnesota,because my son is a lover of nickelodeon characters and we want to also as family have a good holiday time together.
VO: what do you do.
ME: I'm human Resources manager with xxxx and I manage overall aspect of admin and HR related matter of the firm I work for
VO:ok
VO:Have you traveled before
ME:Yes, I have been to United Kingdom to study University of Aberdeen Scotland precisely and I also met my darling wife while studying as well at Robert Gordon university same in Aberdeen and we even had our marriage in England afterwards when we finished our study while working with post study visa permit. Showed him our UK marriage certificate.
VO: Great
VO:Have you made any itinerary plan?
ME: No;but over the weekend we saw an affordable flight ticket which we pre-booked (showed him the paper)and waiting for the outcome of our interview to know if we can proceed with payment.
we have also made bookings with hotel in Bloomington for eight nights with confirmation letter as mentioned in our Ds160 form
VO: madam what do you do
My wife: I am Human Resources manager of xxxxxx in Lagos and I oversee all the HR operations of the company
VO:Is this your only child
ME and WIFE: Yes
VO: Ok
VO: Saying hello to my son
MY SON : Hello .......the young boy said please I want to go to adventure bay to see paw patrol
VO: Ok
VO: Has he traveled before
ME and MY wife : No, we waited this long for him to have a good memories of the family holiday

He kept typing for over 2minutes Next he said you are not eligible for US visa this time with a yellow paper and roughly pushed our passports to me and I said thank have nice day,but I was sad.

The next was my son knew the sadness on our faces and started crying till Opic begger from the embassy

skdfu747:


You are right the V.O must have put the weather into consideration.

This has got to be the funniest comment I’ve read all day. Visa denials based on weather consideration. Now that’s hilarious.

mynameisnoname:
Hi everyone, i filled on my mum's i20 that she will only be using 2 weeks in united states. She is suppose to leave USA on 14th of December but I really want her to stay more than 2 weeks, is this going to be a problem in the future?

The U.S visa itself is just a request for permission to enter into the United States. Upon arrival, the customs officer should stamp a “duration of status” at the port of entry which represents the allowed length of stay. As long as your mum does not overstay her “welcome” that should be no problem. However if she stays for considerably longer than indicated, she may have to defend that at a future interview. I wouldn’t worry if she’s spending an extra week or two.

brownpurple:
Fun,whatever i can see & experience etc! What state would you say is the Lagos of the U.S?

You’re not making any sense here: there are things to “see and experience” in every state. So perhaps like Akeem in the movie “Coming to America” you can point on the map and flip a coin — literally speaking. To answer your question: New York City is considered the glorified version of Lagos. It’s by far the most touristy city in the U.S.

brownpurple:
Hello! So im planning on applying for the b1/b2 visa! Don’t have a date/month in mind for now and don’t know what city or state to visit! But i want to go to the most INTERESTING place where i can get atleast 50-60% of what America is all about!

Profile - Engaged,have a son,In my very early 30’s,i own a business and i can afford the vacation,traveled to Singapore few times for vacay! Travel history on old passport! I’ve a fresh passport now,i can go with both for the interview! I don’t have or know anyone in the US at the moment! Just doing this on my own!

My questions - Where should i visit? What documents will i need to upload prior to the interview while filling the DS160 form? What documents will i need to go to the embassy with? (My 2 passports and statement of acct will do?) Anyone have an idea on available dates for interview in lagos?

You guys should pls advice! Not one person! I need different perspective/opinion (Pls skip the part about US embassy not issuing Visas to Nigerians like that anymore,im aware! Pls advice on the above! Thanks alooooooooot!!!

Regarding your questions about needed documents: all that information is on the consulate website. What exactly do you mean by “50 - 60% of what America is all about”? Every city here in the States is quite different — culturally and historically — offering their own unique set of experiences. To bring it home: I don’t think that a tourist visiting Lagos, Nigeria can claim to have experienced “50 -60% of what Nigeria is all about” just by visiting that one city. So unless you mean to say you’re visiting 50 - 60% of the U.S your question makes no sense. The real question is: what do want to get out of the trip?

Nelson2k:



Okay, thank you for your response. I will receive my invitation letter from The Host ( Conference ) do I still need an invitation letter from my sister?

I will be applying from Korea.

To reiterate: there is no requirement from either of your host(s), like sending you invite letter. You won't be asked to tender invitation letter(s) during your interview. It's not necessary and frankly anyone can come up with an invitation letter.

Nelson2k:
Please, I have an urgent question and I need an advice. I have a blood sister who Is married in US.

I initially wanted to travel for conference next year April/May from Korea. Discussed that with my sister but she wants to invite me over


Conference Or through her, which one is the best option? If through her, what are the requirements from her apart from Invitation letter please.

Are you applying from Korea? Purpose of your trip doesn't have to be one or the other, it can be both: to visit your sister and attend a conference. There are no requirements from your host; however, you will be asked questions about your host/sister.

Ferdinand234:
Dude, I used the visa for what i applied for. I visited the relative I wanted to.You dont seem to understand what I am saying.I visited my relative.My rotations only came up nine months after that, since I already had a valid visa which is required for my rotations,why would I have applied for another one.You are making assumptions now.

I think what people have been saying here is that while your intent may have been to visit your sister/family, the VO is inclined to believe that you used that as a pretext for studies -- regardless of whether it happened right after or months later. VO was clear about that in your previous interview. Technically you didn't "abuse" the terms of your visa (in the sense of the word.) From the perspective of the consular officer it simply boils down to misrepresenting the intent of your original visa. This is why it's being suggested here that you abused your visa -- depending on how you look at it. The terminology shouldn't matter as much as the logic being applied.

skdfu747:


This quote has nothing to do with background check. This is just mainly data storage.
Which can include photograph, biographic data, bio metric data and all 10 finger prints.

Have you bothered to read the entire report? I suspect you have a misunderstanding of the term "background check" so let's return the same report:

"For some years, consular officers have been required to check the background of all aliens in the “lookout” databases, specifically the Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS) database, which contained over 42.5 million records in 2012. Consular officers use name searching algorithms to ensure matches between names of visa applicants and any derogatory information contained in CLASS. DOS reports that about 70% of the records in CLASS come from other agencies, including DHS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DOS also employs an automated CLASS search algorithm that runs the names of all visa applicants against the CCD to check for any prior visa applications, refusals, or issuance."

Anyway, I rest my case here -- this entire cycle is tangential to the scope of this forum so best this topic be directed at the appropriate quarters.

fkj950ax:
Checks are carried out on the info on your DS160. That's why they ask you to fill and fill and fill.

The checks give a summary of your visa eligibility before you appear for interview.

Checks are automated. Certain parameters and queries pick keywords and flag them. Eg Agents using a particular US Home address for 200 applicants. Or a fresh graduate going for a seminar designed for experienced engineers. The checks also cross reference with previous applications, denials, abuse, interpol, crime, Canada, fbi and your hate speech on social media or the soft spot for religious extremism, etc.

These checks are automated. The DS160 portal runs this for the consulate and VOs use.

All the typing they do while you are there is a transcript of your application either in support of your DS160 or highlighting the conflicts between the DS160 info and what your answers to the questions are.

This is my understanding of it.

It seems this matter is not being put to rest so I'm going to quote the following from the doc I linked in my post from the previous page:

"Consular officers use the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD), a biometric and biographic database, to screen all visa applicants. Over 143 million records of visa applications are now automated in the CCD, with some records dating back to the mid-1990s. Since February 2001, the CCD has stored photographs of all visa applicants in electronic form; since 2007, the CCD has begun storing 10-finger scans. The number of visa cases in the CCD surpassed 100 million in 2009, including 75 million photographs."

"In addition to indicating the outcome of any prior visa application of the alien in the CCD and comments by consular officers, the system links with other databases to flag problems that may have an impact on the issuance of the visa. These databases linked with the CCD include DHS’s Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) results, and supporting documents."

Hope this topic can be finally put to rest and people can move on.