₦airaland Forum

Dalmakz:
Transcript for my USA Visa interview
Location: Abuja
Date: 25th June, 2019

Profile
B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering
MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
Taken GRE: Yes
Taken TOEFL: Yes
Academic Start Session: Fall 2019
Course of study: PhD Systems Engineering (Option of Mechanical Engineeing)
School: Univeristy of Louisianna lafayette (ULL)
Fully Funded: Yes





I got to the venue by 8:42am for a 9.00am appointnent. I was happy I used taxify as I felt I had eluded the rain, but little did I know that the rain had other plans for me. I actually thought the taxi could go into the premises but the mobile police men no gree o. As the car stopped, hustlers were already everywhere offering me umbrella as it was raining heavily. So I got down and stood with one of them who was a lady under her umbrella (this didn't even prevent the rain from beating me). Luckily for me she was igbo so it was easy to bargain with her how much it would cost to keep my phones in her possession. I was really skeptical about giving her my phone but I no get option so I just gave her everything and took down her details on a paper. She then walked me into the embassy. It was raining heavily... you know that type of rain that comes with the wind. Before i could get to where we would be checked in, I was already was practically soaked from hair to toe. I started feeling cold and feverish but I no send... I told myself, it is either you get this vis today or you die here today...

So after all the check in and biometrics process, I was directed to windows 7 which had a Male VO who was very strict. I was the last in the line so after so time, the usher directed me to go to windows 10 which had a female VO.

Fast forward to my turn...The VO was a white lady. Very friendly. She approved the lady before me. She was not in a haste and was not in a habit of cutting people off as they were talking. And so it got to my turn..

VO Signals me to come) Good morning can I have your I-20 and passport.

Me: Good morning Ma (Passed her my I-20 and pasport)

VO: (Looks at something on my I-20 and starts typing furiously...stops typing after sometime and then looks at my I-20 again and then she says) " wow you have a graduate assistantship, wow, congratulations"

Me: Thank you Ma

VO: Why did you apply to the ULL?

Me: (so I have been rehearsing this reply before my interview date...I basically fabricated it to be said in less than 30secs)
Basically, the ULL is strongly expertised in my area of interested research which happens to be focused on the "processing and enhancement of semiconductor materials for low K dielectrics". My desire to be at the ULL was further intensified after perusing through the faculty directory and discovering that the research direction of Dr. XXXXXXX is well in line with mine. Having communicated with her, she was willing to admit me into her research group as my supervisor. With all these in mind, I tendered in an application, knowing this would be a good fit for my PhD plans
(she was just nodding as she was typing and looking at me...mehn her eyes was not on the computer but was on me...)

VO: Have you finished your master's degree program?

Me: Yes. I concluded my program on the 1st of July at the African University of Science and Technology Abuja.

VO: Have you been employed before?

Me: Yes. After my NYSC, I worked for a period of 8 months as a graduate trainee at the XXXXXXX where they assemble and manufacture cars.

VO: What other schools did you apply to? How many admitted you ?

Me: I also applied to the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) and Michigan Technological University (MTU). MTU rejected me while UNL accepted me.

VO: Did you write TOEFL and GRE

Me: Yes. I told her my scores.

VO: Tell me about your research area for your PhD program in systems engineering?

Me: My primary research would be focused on the deposition and characterisation of low K materials (SiCOH) using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD).

VO: what are low K materials?

Me: (At this point i was determined to explain to her in the best way I could) Low K materials are materials that have a low dielectric constant. They are used to make the components of an integrated circuit. Remember that there was a time that this computer you are using right now was not like this, it was quite bigger and not as swift as it is now (she affirmed yes). So in other to transform it to what it is today, it faced a miniaturaization. The miniaturization of devices have lead to improved performance but however, the set back is the interconnect-induced delay called the RC delay. Low dielectric constant materials as an interconnecting insulator insulator in integrated circuits are essential for resistance-capacitance (RC) time delay.....

VO: What will this degree do for you?
Me: It is my desire to be a top researcher and a lecturer in my field in a Nigerian Institution to help produce intelligent and ambitious minds who would work tirelessly to revolutionalise Nigeria. As such, getting a PhD degree is a pertinent requirement in achieving this.

VO: Did you agree to go to this school because of the funding?

Me: No ma. Basically, almost all PhD programs are fully funded. I went for the ULL because of...

VO: (She cuts me) I will be approving your Visa. Once again congratulations on your graduate assistantship. Its indeed a great one. You will be needing your I-20 at the point of entry. She then gave me a white paper...

Me: I was just looking at her eye balls... I was so overwhelmed. I told her thank you...

While I was leaving the building I kept a straight and hard face like i was rejected so that those police officers would not task me... Gave the lady that kept my phones for me 1500 for me and that was it...

Thanks to everyone who has ever posted on this thread....
Pardon my typo error if any...

Congratulations, welcome to the city of crawfish! Go Cajuns!

Dalmakz:
Please i would like to keep in touch with you. Are you at University of Louisiana Lafayette??

Yes bro

Predstan:
Could you please look into my proposed transcript that I dropped last night as advised by someone

I think it’s solid but

1. Your answer to the reason for denial is too elaborate, you’re already giving the new vo ideas. Don’t forget that the initial vo already left comments on your profile. I will advise you just say the truth” I wasn’t told the reason, I was advised to reapply later and was given the generic blue paper”

2. There is a disconnect between your true intent and your dad’s coy. How does solar panel improve your dad’s electrical fitting company. It is impossible for your dad’s company solar panel to directly contribute to Nigeria’s power sector as you claimed.

Here, just look for a captivating problem that you’re passionate about that your degree can solve in Nigeria, just improving your Dad’s business cannot justify taking millions of Naira in loans.

The Vos usually looks for disconnects in your discussion, trying to trap you in a lie.

Be proactive to the questions and not reactive

Also, look at:

What will this degree do for you?

Why don’t you study this msc in Nigeria where it is cheaper and would save you a lot of money?

Which other countries have you considered and why?

Refire bro, it’s worth it at the end

Enasdan:
I was denied in Abuja July and I'm preparing to reapply for spring by December but I'm choosing Lagos this time for my next interview will that be an issue at moment.during my interview thanks for your suggestions.

I don’t think it’s an issue, you may still have to answer the same question.

Predstan:
Do you advise that I go to Abuja for my next interview?. I see you were approved at Abuja embassy after your previous denial.

Yes, that’s a wise step but there is a pitfall you have to be careful of. The almighty question “Why did you come to Abuja after been denied in Lagos”?. Answering this wrongly is an automatic denial!

Predstan:
No documents were requested from me. The bank statement is just 7.5million naira and the loan covers 80% of the total cost of attendance.

Ok, the reason why I asked is because your SOA should also cover your tuition and living expense even if you have funding from school without breaking the back of your sponsor. They know it’s possible to lose your funding or have a medical attention which can be very expensive in the US. Sometimes the vo may need assurance that in the event something like that happens, you will still be fine.

But since you have a loan, it doesn’t apply to you.

I’ll advise you refire and ask God for help

Predstan:
So I will be paying for another appointment tomorrow. I really need your advice. What do I need to do apart from being relaxed when I'm being interviewed. Is there any of my response that knocked me off or any of which I need to work on. Please I need some encouragement to ease my apprehension... Lol

Hi, I’ve perused your transcript and I can’t see anything wrong other than your one word answers. Kindly share the details of your funding, prodigy loan and available balance of the bank statement

Chidon360:
Am filling my DS 160 now for the spring semester but got to the point where they said " HAVE YOU EVER BEEN REFUSED VISA BEFORE? EXPLAIN. at this juncture I have to stop and think on what to talk. I was refused an F1 visa last August but the main reason of my refusal wasn't stated, still their normal & general refusal language.

Now am seeking for an advice on possible explaination or answer regarding that question.
Pls my good ppl in the house, if u have been previously denied visa & later applied for another appointment.
WHAT DID YOU FILL IN THAT BOX? I need suggestion please

I filled in yes.

Reason: the reason for denial was not stated.

the vo asked me later to expatiate during the interview, I explained that i was not told the reason but I was advised to reapply later.

shikena.

Uzzy785:
Hi. I am going for a masters in health services administration at Tulane University SPHTM. This place is truly a gold mine and I learnt so much here. I got approved on 27th of sept in abj. Just picked up my passport today. I felt I should give back to the community. There is a lot of background story to this interview but for the sake of brevity i will just go straight to my interview. This was my 2nd attempt.

V.O, good morning

Me, good morning

V.O, where are you going to

Me, Tulane university in new orleans for a masters in health services administration otherwise known as health care management

V.O, how did you hear about the school

Me, when i first made up my mind that i wanted a masters, i went to google and searched for top 20 schools of public health in USA, then i bagan checking each school on their official website. Tulane ranked 12th on the US news and world reports and also My supervisor mentioned the school as one at the forefront on research on tropical diseases which is important to Nigeria...V.O, i will stop you right there.

V.O, why now when you do not have enough medical experience

Me, Not at all, I have been a medical doctor for over 3 yrs now (told her all i have done since graduation till now, all the things on my DS160). V.O, I will stop you right there, so why now?

Me, Based on this experience, i have witnessed a lot of heart shattering things such as people not being able to afford drugs, doctors and healthworkers going on strike, people dying of preventable diseases. Most burdersome is how crippled the country is when we have epidemics. We have manpower and appreciable material resources, what we lack is good administration, planning and execution on how to generate an output that covers the health issues of all Nigerians. This is why i am going to the US to gain such transferable skills. I also have plans of owning my own hospital in Nigeria in the next 6yrs and I need this training to be able to run it efficiently and effectively with aims of giving affordable and accessible health care to my people...VO...i will stop you right there.

V.O, who is sponsoring this

Me, My uncle and i mentioned his name

V.O, can i see a statement

Me, yes, here you go

VO, what does he do

Me, told her

V.O, why is he doing this.

Me, he has always been supportive of my academic pursuits and wants me to be an instrument of positive change in the healthsector of this country

V.O looks at me seriously then says...do you agree to take full responsibility of this document if its found to be fake, this will cost you a 10yrs ban

Me, Yes, its authentic.

V.O, Ok, you have been approved...then the famous temporary deafness started....you will need this i20 at the port of entry...
Me, come again...repeats herself. Your passport will be available so so date, Me, pls come again....VO repeats herself....VO, you wont be able to enter the US 30 days before start of school so the earliest date for you to enter the US is so so date...Me, pls come again...VO, repeats herself. Are you clear with all i have said?
Me, yes

V.O, picks up the white paper and hands it over to me, do have a nice day.
Me, and you too.

Few tips that i can give based on my experience.

1st believe in yourself, sounds cliche right but its tested and trusted. My 1st interview, i met the infamous african american woman and honestly it was not pleasant atall. So if you know within you that you did the whole process yourself, had all your documents intact like i did and the only issue was the interview, do try again.

I am single, in my twenties and have not travelled before. So do not let that bother you so much.

Avoid agents pls. Avoid agents pls. They can be soo wicked. Do everything yourself. Come here for information

Pls be confident, its necessary...there was this guy shouting ontop of his voice thinking it was projecting confidence but we listening could hear the anxiety in every syllable what more the V.O. He was denied. Pls practice well before hand.

I have always been confident about my abilities. GPA 3.6/4 (Wes evaluated). GRE total 310. Applied kindda late to 8 schools was admitted into 7. Two gave me partial scholarships. So i was pretty confident. After the 1st denial, i was truly humbled but i am a resilient fellow. I hardly give up. I found God again...lol, sounds funny but its true. I prayed harder than I did before the 1st interview. I had to trust God this time and it worked.

Listen to motivationals, they helped me alot. I went on youtube, saw a lot. I discovered TD Jakes. What a gifted speaker. It will help you get over the few days depression and push you on.

I had to also contact ppl here to help me. Some answered, some didnt and i understand. People are busy with school, work and all but for a shy guy like me who likes to keep my business my business, i dreaded putting up my enquiries so i contacted the ones i noticed gave enlightening responses with a touch of humanity and who were willing to help others. Few answered, most didnt. So go with the ones that replied you.

Pls during the interview, learn to talk,express yourself. Do not be rigid. A lady i observed who was laughing with the consular officer and smiling through out got hers. I had to learn to smile like those beauty pagent models. My first interview was corrupted with the mantra of dont talk if not spoken to, do not answer what you were not asked...so i was a one word answering machine..yes, no...i did not even expatiate on questions and there was this long period when she was just typing on end, i was expecting more questions but none came afterwords because i read here how brief one had to be, anyways the point is pls by all means express yourself fully. When you notice them typing for long, present your case again, talk about the school, ask for opinion on the city you intend to go to school, say your future plans for Nigeria. Dont just keep mute. Let the V.O be the one to say 'stop'

I want to thank Promise, God bless you. Also Ubah, thank you...your candid advice helped.
Lastly to everyone who posted here, thanks. I started from group 9 to this current group. Its long, I am sorry but I hope this helps someone who genuinely wants to better himself or herself positively. Like i said, i am not inclined to put up things here but if you have questions, feel free to reach out and i will try and answer your emails. Pls be patient with me as i am a doctor with really busy hrs. Never, ever give up. God bless you all.

Congrats and Welcome to Louisiana, Im at Uni of Louisiana.

AmaSophy:
I need urgent help from an experienced person.

My parents had their Interview in the US embassy on Thursday for visiting visa and it was approved. My worry now is that the passport/visa was erroneously sent to a wrong location (Abuja) which is too too far from our location.

How do I get it sent back to PH. I have made several calls without any result. Everyone kept redirecting me till I even got to call a US number which is the help line yet it ended up that they should go themselves to Abuja to pickup. That is a heavy problem.on me now because they are old and the stress of going and returning same day would be too hectic coupled with been fragile. How do I help my aged parents get their passports from the Abuja embassy (fraudulent people stay off this message please)

Thank you

they can sign off the white paper in your name and you can go pick up.

i did same too

Ubah1:
Yes, Some school do give.

I got one when I was coming.

pips on AP,

please, ensure you contact the bank through the branch where the statement was printed.

politely ask, if they have gotten the mail for confirmation from the embassy.

this will give you an idea of where the delay is coming from and where to fire your prayers.

cheers!

OpeTestimony:
Most stories claimed it might be due to some system glitch, for some the status changed back to AP, for some it changed to issued.

But it's definitely an uncertain situation.

I have sent a mail to the Embassy, but there's no response yet.

HI Ope, you should also contact the bank whose statement you submitted,

ask if they have confirmed the statement at all. one way to do this is to go to the branch where the statement was printed out and demand for this information.

let them know the possible implication of this. it is also possible that the bank never responded to the consulate.

cheers

Hi everyone, I want to encourage you not to give up, it may seem as if you fail but hey! Refire as many time as you can. Don't give up but ensure you're a genuine student

My visa was approved on the 6th appointment

Profile:

GRE:314
TOEFL:99
Application: 4 schools
Admitted : all
Funding: 2 schools(fellowship, 15k each)

Visa approved on AP: 26/07
Visa issued. : 08/08
Passport collected. : 09/08
Departure. : 11/08
Program start date. : 10/08
PoE. : Newark, New Jersey
School: : Louisiana


I intentionally wrote out the above details, I'm sure it will answer some questions in some pips mind, I had those questions too.

Below is my final transcript (Abuja)

Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning
Vo: can I have your i20 and passport
Me: passed it
Vo: I can see that you're going to UL
Me: yes please
Vo: when did you graduate first degree
Me: year 2011
Vo:what have you been doing since then
Me: I went for the compulsory NYSC from nov 2011 to oct 2012, I Stated working with abc bank from apr 2013 to Jan 2018, then I joined bdc bank in feb 2018 till now
Vo: so what will you do after this degree
Me: I intend to come back to nigeria to work for 2 years after which I will start my own ict consulting company, did you know that online transactions in nigeria actually hit 86 trillion naira last year? Yes, it did and Q1 2018 is already at 36 trillion naira. This is a good sphere to play in and there are more challenges that needs solutions ( I mumbled jumbled a bit here)
Vo: how much do you earn?
Me: about 314k monthly
Vo: how did you choose this school
Me: it was recommended by a colleague of mine who also did his masters there, I researched the school for areas of interest and I matched with Dr. MT, I mailed him and he requested for my cv and test scores, he was impressed and recommended me to the grad cord Dr. AM who then advised me to apply. I did and I was granted the admission
Vo: you said you wrote GRE
Me:yes, I did
Vo: what's your score
Me:314
Vo: what of TOEFL
Me:99
Vo: how do you intend to fund this degree
Me: I was granted a fellowship of 14k+ and I have been saving for 5 years and I have 11k making a total of 25k both of them covers for my tuition while my uncle who is also my mentor will cover for the monthly expenses
Vo: do you have documents to that effect
Me: (passed fellowship offer letter and both banks statements mine and uncle,fixed deposit and treasury bill certificate of my uncle) I explained further while she was checking it: my uncle actually placed the money in fixed deposit until I'm ready so as to generate more interest, my investment is on call deposit which I liquidated before coming here(the money came in 2 days ago and I know she will definitely notice, it was a genuine call deposit investment)

After perusing the documents and typing

Vo: I will hold on to this document for confirmation, if found false you and your uncle would be banned for 10 years, do you still want to submit it
Me: yes definitely
( she returned my i20 and folded banks details into my passport and placed it aside)
(Me don dey korinsinu--oluwa ese, na so devil rear head)
Vo: wait, you've been denied in Lagos before?
Me: yes, I was denied last year
Vo: what was the reason
Me:I wasn't given a reason but I was actually advised to reapply.(I had already started stammering. I wanted to say because I didn't give enough reason for ties but smth just gum my mouth)
Vo: typed very fast and gave me white copy and said the remaining pick up stuffs
Me: thank you so much.

Well, above is actually my sixth attempt, 5 in Lagos denied 1 in Abuja approved.

Don't give up, give it one more push. God is never late, if you know you know

My sneakers had no lace, forgot it in Lagos

Wore only a round neck and chinos

My hair and mustache was unkempt, didn't bother to cut it

Forgot my shakomended glasses in Lagos

My point: by all standard it was just God

Gurus in the house,

My program start date is 10th

My AP status changed to issued today 8th

Could it be ready by Friday 10th, so I can book flight for Saturday 11th, arrive 12th and resume 13th

Kindly advise o

I got extension letter from the school to resume on Monday 13th

Abuja embassy

Guys on AP,

Once it more than 5 working days and your case hasn't been updated, I'll advise you contact your bank immediately.

I contacted my bank on the 6th working day for inquiry only to find out that the confirmation mail has been sent to them 3 days earlier and no one attended to it

They replied on Friday - Aug 3 and my status changed to issued today

Judgepelumi:
How long has yours been? Lag/abj?

Abuja

26th July

Guys on AP,

Any update?

Hello great people,

I will be going to New Orleans, Louisiana but my ticket has a 15hr layover at Newark, New Jersey before connecting with united airline to New Orleans

1. Will I have to Pass through immigration at Newark before connecting with united?

2. Where will I spend the 15hrs?

3. Where will be my POE?

Thanks for your nice anticipated responses

Dear all,

Next available date is 11 Jan,

Someone please confirm if the 2 weeks entry rule after start of class is still in effect

Many thanks for your response(s)

@Walspring: sent you a PM, kindly respond.

thank you

xdamson:
Hi Walspring,

Can I also make use of the offer, I want to write GRE.

regards.

Hi Walspring,

Can I also make use of the offer, I want to write GRE.

regards.

Walspring:
Yes it's still available

Hi bro,

have you received a decision now?

i am also going to TSU for Fall 2017.

otubujohn:
Please guys, over 2weeks, I have not received admission response from my department at Tennessee State University. Going for msc fall "17. Please what do I do

Hi Oludare,

I need to know how to go about submission of my GA form.

i have searched the school website tru n tru but no tangible information

OluDare01:
What do you need? I don't think I know anyone here in TN state

some one, please helpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp.

xdamson:
Dear all,

thank you for making this thread alive and active.

I salute you all.

I have been accepted for Fall 2017 at tennessee State University. please, is there anyone here who is currently at TSU or someone you know that could help put me through/answer some few questions I have.

God's blessing be on us all now and forever and I expect your urgent response.

Amen

Dear all,

thank you for making this thread alive and active.

I salute you all.

I have been accepted for Fall 2017 at tennessee State University. please, is there anyone here who is currently at TSU or someone you know that could help put me through/answer some few questions I have.

God's blessing be on us all now and forever and I expect your urgent response.

Amen

Hello all,

I will really appreciate if someone can give some advise on application to lambton college, I have heard stories of the college being a scam and not anything you would have thought in reality.

kindly help a brother.

many thanks in anticipation.

Follow this link

https://www.nairaland.com/3004682/world-bank-currently-recruiting-young/3#3004682.96

Follow this link

Anyone here?

tunziepro:
anyone in the house

someone here