₦airaland Forum

Dear AbujaNIV,

I just want to say a very big thank you and let you know we appreciate the time spent in addressing our concerns regarding US Visa application. I got my medical visa approved during my interview this morning despite my fears arising from prior declines. I did show our correspondence on nairaland which summarized the issue i had with respect to my change of travel plan . The IO did review my application based on my current circumstances and was able to deduce my honest intentions.

Thanks for your priceless advise and the link containing the requirements for medical visa. Indeed, the Lord has granted me favour.

Hi AbujaNIV,

Thanks for your response. I paid cash for all my medical bills and i have my zero balance statements. During my interview, I was about opening my envelop to show the documents i had with me but the interviewing officer said that might not be necessary. He then asked about my recent travel history which was stated and he seems pleased with. He subsequently turned to type on this computer and said "Oh, you said you were off to Miami for 10 days but went to Texas instead". I am sorry your application is denied this time and i got handed the blue form (214b). I suspect there is a comment on my record regarding the change of travel plans.

Thank you.

The interviewing officer

abujaniv:
Hello Yetunde2507,

You do not need to inform the embassy if you change travel plans after receiving a visa. I would be surprised if the consular officer informed you that THAT was the reason for denying as we don't give specific explanations beyond 214(b).

Before seeking medical care in the United States, you must be able to demonstrate an ability to cover your planned purpose of travel, and have documentation of your communication with an American provider. You can read more about that here: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/nigeria/487468/pdfs/MedicalVisa%20Information_Updated17June2015.pdf

Perhaps the adjudicating officer did not feel you were being transparent in your initial interview, or perhaps you accepted public assistance in covering the cost of the medical bills. Either one can be extremely detrimental to future applications.

You are of course welcome to apply again, and be upfront and honest with the officer at the time of interview.

Regards,
Abuja NIV Team

P.S. @johnwick1, we can handle the questions

Hi VO,

I got a B1/B2 visa in January 2013 with the intention of going on vacation in May 2013. However, i realised shortly afterwards that i was pregnant and decided to combine my vacation with birth tourism in August 2013. I recently applied to renew my visa via dropbox and was called in for an interview wherein i was denied on the basis that i said i was going to maimi for 10 days but went to texas for a longer period.

With respect to strong ties in Nigeria, i can prove that i have one as i earn almost a N1mn monthly and my family are based in Nigeria. All my medical bills were paid for in cash while in USA. My dilemma is that i was not aware of the need to notify the embassy if there was a change of location as i assumed that i could use the visa to travel anywhere within the US. Is there any way to remedy the situation as i am due to attend an interview next week for medical and would like to be assessed based on my current situation.

Many thanks for your anticipated response.

Hi VO,

I got a B1/B2 visa in January 2013 with the intention of going on vacation in May 2013. However, i realised shortly afterwards that i was pregnant and decided to combine my vacation with birth tourism in August 2013. I recently applied to renew my visa via dropbox and was called in for an interview wherein i was denied on the basis that i said i was going to maimi for 10 days but went to texas for a longer period.

With respect to strong ties in Nigeria, i can prove that i have one as i earn almost a N1mn monthly and my family are based in Nigeria. All my medical bills were paid for in cash while in USA. My dilemma is that i was not aware of the need to notify the embassy if there was a change of location as i assumed that i could use the visa to travel anywhere within the US. Is there any way to remedy the situation as i am due to attend an interview next week for medical and would like to be assessed based on my current situation.

Many thanks for your anticipated response.