Amefrica:

#Gbam# that's encouraging...

I applied for Visa lottery too and still got mine...don't fear bro.

Feexo: House, My aunt is the sponsoring me but she is not going to be around until December. My uncle is willing to give me his statement of account to submit to schools in fulfillment of the basic documentation requirement, since I am submitting my applications in September.I still plan to take my aunt's statement of account to the embassy eventually. Will the VO know that I submitted a different statement of account to the schools?

Feexo! The one wey dey BBA. Lol.
Your I-20 will only state 'family fund' so the VO won't know which account you sent to the school. So no shaking. Hope this helps...

lisadem:

To the best of my knowledge, you will need to fill a form where you provide your sevis id, school code, passport no and so on. Once the payment is confirmed, u can always goto www​.fmjfee.com/ to check your status and print if confirmed. Your sevis receipt is to be sent to the address you provided in the form and it's your choice to opt for air mail or express mail (attract extra cost).
Hope this helps. The gurus in the house will add to this...

Do I take the original reciept or the print out for my interview? I thought I read somewhere on this thread where people pay a few days to their interview. So how then do they get their original Reciept??

lisadem:

Feexo! The one wey dey BBA. Lol.
Your I-20 will only state 'family fund' so the VO won't know which account you sent to the school. So no shaking. Hope this helps...

You need to confirm with the school....if your I-20 carries family funds.....its fine...but if they specify names on your I-20 you will have to show the VO the same statement.
For example my I-20 carries "Sponsor" and beneath were it indicates health insurance; it specifies my sponsors name(my dad).....
Point is b sure.

flynbird:
Do I take the original reciept or the print out for my interview? I thought I read somewhere on this thread where people pay a few days to their interview. So how then do they get their original Reciept??

If u get the original sevis receipt mailed to you before your interview, you take it along otherwise, the online printout will also suffice.
I opted for an expedited delivery and got mine in 3 days. So I went to the embassy with the original.

flynbird: Hi guys. Been away for a while. Bigfrancis, imperioxx and co... My I-20 is on its way. I'll be paying my Visa fee next week. Now my problem is paying my SEVIS fee. I have a cousin in the Uk and one in Malaysia. I'll like to know which of them would be in the best position to help me pay the $200 Sevis fee. I can't stand the stress of going to cotounu. What details would either of them need to pay my service fee. And would they need to send me some sort of receipt through post? Or I just need some online print out to take to the embassy?

Which of your UK/Malaysia cousins will be more willing/kind/disposed to go out of their way to help you pay the SEVIS fee? Its what you should check because that someone is your relative doesn't automatically mean the person is willing to help you out. If both of them are of the same capacity, i'd rather prefer the one in the UK to do it for me anyway, if I were you. Just my preference#

Your cousin abroad has two options to help you pay now - by money order or through western union.

Money Order Payment

First visit here, http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/I-901.pdf to download the I-901.pdf form that you'll need to make the SEVIS payment. Fill it out and email to your cousin abroad (you can fill the form right there on your system using Adobe reader without having to print, fill and scan again. Saves you all that stress. But if you don't know how to use Adobe reader to fill out PDF forms electronically, you can then print, fill and scan the I-901). Your cousin will get a money order or international check of $200 from a bank in the UK and them mail the money order, together with the form I-901 which he/she will print out, to SEVP.
Ensure that:
-The payment is by international money order or a foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. For more details, see the section on payment by check or money order
-Your name and SEVIS ID number are on the check or money order
-The check or money order is addressed to 'I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee' on the recipient section of the money order.
-Write your name and SEVIS ID number on your check or money order
-Attach your check or money order to your paper Form I-901

Ensure your payment envelope has your correct return address. Your return address is where your receipt will be mailed to. Also, be sure the envelope has both your payment and your coupon or Form I-901. Send to:

By Mail

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
United States

By Courier (to expedite delivery to SEVP)

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
1005 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
United States
Phone Number: 1-314-425-1809 (United States Country Code 011)
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq4.htm

Western Union Payment
Western Union collect the I-901 SEVIS fee in local currency and transmits both the payment and the Form I-901, "Fee Remittance for Certain F, J and M Nonimmigrants," data to ICE.

There are five steps that you should follow:
-Step One: Do not file the Form I-901 online.
-Step Two: Print a copy of these instructions(print this page: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm), a copy of the Western Union form example (print here: http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/wu_fm_inter.pdf) and a photocopy of your Form I-20. Take a copy of each of these three documents with you when you visit your local Western Union Quick Pay location.
-Step Three: Go to a local Western Union agent location and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee in the local currency.
-Step Four: Review the Western Union form to make sure that the Western Union agent uses your name, your SEVIS ID number and your date of birth (not the information that appears on the Western Union form example).
Find the nearest Western Union location or call the telephone number of the Western Union Commercial Services Network Agent in your country as listed in your phone book
-Step Five: After three business days, check on FMJfee.com to view your payment status. Once you see confirmation of payment on FMJfee.com, print out the confirmation page. The confirmation page is proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee, and you can use it for a visa interview at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy and for admission at a U.S. port of entry.

If you are paying on behalf of an F or M student or J exchange visitor, Western Union may require you to use your own name and address. If this happens please make sure that you are entering the F or M student or J exchange visitor’s SEVIS ID. After submitting the payment, please send an e-mail or have the student send an e-mail to fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov with INFO CHANGE in the subject line. Include the SEVIS ID for which the payment was made and any information requiring an update
Remember: It takes two or three business days to process your I-901 SEVIS fee payment.

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/

After 3 days, visit www.fmjfee.com to print your payment confirmation page. You can take this receipt for your interview. You won't have to wait for the one from SEVP to arrive. You must not go with the receipt SEVP will mail to you. Afterall, the purpose of the receipt/payment confirmation is to show that you've paid the SEVIS fee - the payment the VO himself/herself will quickly confirm online during your interview. The confirmation is more important than the receipt. Once you pay through any of these means and are able to print your receipt online, you're good to go.


Oh, I just read now on www.fmjfee.com that starting from July/August this year, SEVP will no longer mail receipts physically. Receipts will now be printed online.

Cant one use debit card (mastetcard /visa) to pay for sevis? i saw it on their website that one can use it, i just want to comfirm here.

Oluwawapelumee:

You need to confirm with the school....if your I-20 carries family funds.....its fine...but if they specify names on your I-20 you will have to show the VO the same statement.
For example my I-20 carries "Sponsor" and beneath were it indicates health insurance; it specifies my sponsors name(my dad).....
Point is b sure.

@Lisadem and @Pelumee, Thanks a lot fam! I got the point and I do appreciate. I guess I need to feel a sponsor's name in the proof of financial sustainability form by schools?

Wow!

oyetpel: Cant one use debit card (mastetcard /visa) to pay for sevis? i saw it on their website that one can use it, i just want to comfirm here.

Yes some can but as a nigerian NO you can't. Follow the detailed explanation made by Bigfrancis just now

congratssss to all yall who have gotten ur visa already, i wish and pray for those going for their interviews. GOD will surelly see u guys through. what is the total cost for ones trip to the u.s as a student,cost or preferable flight? Any one pls help cos i need to no as soon as possible

bigfrancis021:

If you are paying on behalf of an F or M student or J exchange visitor, Western Union may require you to use your own name and address. If this happens please make sure that you are entering the F or M student or J exchange visitor’s SEVIS ID. After submitting the payment, please send an e-mail or have the student send an e-mail to fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov with INFO CHANGE in the subject line. Include the SEVIS ID for which the payment was made and any information requiring an update.

Well this sucks! wonder why they can't just give us the payment process online..... That M.O thing is out of it.(Long process).... I'll stick to the Western union alternative. But wait my cousin will have to use his name when making payments and then email them for a change of details? Now that really sucks!!!!

Feexo:


@Lisadem and @Pelumee, Thanks a lot fam! I got the point and I do appreciate. I guess I need to feel a sponsor's name in the proof of financial sustainability form by schools?

Yes Sir....u do need to fill a name.

flynbird:

Well this sucks! wonder why they can't just give us the payment process online..... That M.O thing is out of it.(Long process).... I'll stick to the Western union alternative. But wait my cousin will have to use his name when making payments and then email them for a change of details? Now that really sucks!!!!

The statement says 'may', not necessarily. Lolz. You've come this far, you can't give up now.

bigfrancis21:

The statement says 'may', not necessarily. Lolz. You've come this far, you can't give up now.

Ok thanks..... I've never seen a western union senders form but is this how all senders form look like ? I mean do they all look like the copy of the Western Union form example http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/wu_fm_inter.pdf). ?? Is it this way in all western union agents location or they have special forms for SEVIS payments?

bigfrancis021:

Find the nearest Western Union location or call the telephone number of the Western Union Commercial Services Network Agent in your country as listed in your phone book

Will he have to call western union again after making the payment?

ApachaiHopachai:
I applied for Visa lottery too and still got mine...don't fear bro.

wow, ive seen like 3-4 people, who applied for lottery n got der student visa.. Definitely, imma get mine too.. Amen

quote author=bigfrancis21]
You'll need to get to the first and report to your first school before you can start your transfer proce
I think its possible you get to the US early enough before your first school resumes so as to officially report to them and initiate the transfer process immediately, and complete it before both schools resume for the semester. That way you won't get to lose any semester in your second school. [/quote]

[quote author=bigfrancis21]
Thanks boss. I think I'll like the option of getting there early and initiating the transfer process. I just pray its possible that way

Amefrica:

wow, ive seen like 3-4 people, who applied for lottery n got der student visa.. Definitely, imma get mine too.. Amen

pls can u connect me wit d person dt register your toefl

Is it true that you have actually never applied into the diversity visa lottery before

Smalltownboy: Hey House, Been following this thread since last year and the suggestions and contributions have been really helpful.

I had my interview today and thought I share the experience with the house.

V.O: Have you ever been out of Nigeria

Me: No, but I have a UK visa

V.O: The question was have you ever been out of Nigeria

Me: No (I'm already sensing the guy has an attitude)

V.O: What you going to study?

Me: I'm going to do a graduate programme in ****

V.O: Why did you choose this School?

I begin to blab on how I'm a professional and in my area of practice I have come across several people who studied there and all

V.O: So you chose the school because you have friends there?

Me: No

V.O: So the school was recommended to you by professional colleagues.

Me: Yes

V.O: Did you apply to other schools

Me: Yes, I applied to several other schools and I begin to name them( The truth is I applied to only this school)

V.O: So what happened?

Me: I got accepted in this school

V.O: Can I see your transcripts

Me: I don't have my transcripts because they are sent directly to the school.

V.O: I have been in this job for a while and interview students and they have transcripts. They usually request for a personal copy

Me: Well, I didn't apply for a personal copy.

V.O: Did you write any standardise test?

Me: No, because it wasn't a requirement for the programme I want to attend.

V.O: What exactly do you do in Nigeria?

Me: Well, I'm a legal practitioner and I provide legal advisory services to clients on a wide range of issues. I even have a letter of introduction from my office and my a copy of my profile on the firm's website

(Note, he doesn't take this documents from me or even looks at them)

V.O: That appears really vague. What exactly do you do there?

Me: (At this point, I'm feeling I won't get the visa because I have really messed up, but I brace up and give it one last shot) I'm currently advising a Foreign IOC on the divestment of its interest in Nigeria. I have also advised a number of indigenous oil companies on acquisition of marginal oil fields as well as OMLs in Nigeria. An OML is an Oil Mining Lease.

V.O: Ok, so who will be sponsoring your studies?

Me: My Dad has been gracious enough to say he will sponsor me.

V.O: What does he do?

Me: He is into private business now since he retired from Government.

V.O: What did he use to do?

Me: (I tell him)

V:O: (Now seems interested), what state was he in?

Me: (I tell him)

V.O: (Completely out of the blues) You applied for a Diversity Visa earlier this year?

Me: Excuse me?

V.O: I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. I can see your picture here

Me: (Now losing my cool and raising my voice) I DID not apply for a Diversity visa and I have never done that. I have never even applied for a US Visitor's visa. I have a good job in Nigeria that pays my bills...

V.O Interrupts me) That will be all. You can pick up your passport with your visa on Tuesday.

Please note that the V:O didn't check my account statement or letter of introduction from the office and the several other documents I had with me.

I left the Embassy with mixed emotions and I still get upset whenever I think of the Interview. All in All, I give God the glory.

jonnyp: pls can u connect me wit d person dt register your toefl

of course yes.. PM me

Hey fam, if anybody is interested in registering for GRE, TOEFL and SAT. Kindly contact me or PM me . U wont regret it. Thanks

hey bud hw do i do dt

Amefrica: Hey fam, if anybody is interested in registering for GRE, TOEFL and SAT. Kindly contact me or PM me . U wont regret it. Thanks

can u txt me your number 08030744465

flynbird:

Ok thanks..... I've never seen a western union senders form but is this how all senders form look like ? I mean do they all look like the copy of the Western Union form example http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/wu_fm_inter.pdf). ?? Is it this way in all western union agents location or they have special forms for SEVIS payments?

Yes, I guess so. The PDF shows two images of the WU form and a sample of an I-20. The reason they want you to go along with that WU pdf form example is to be able to know how to correctly fill your own form at the WU you'll go to when filling your own form. The pdf sample you'll print online will serve to guide you when filling. The sample also shows those information you'll need to obtain from the I-20 and where you'll write them on the WU form.

flynbird:
Will he have to call western union again after making the payment?

No. he won't have to. They mentioned to call if you don't know any nearest WU agent to you. As it works abroad, if he has a phone book he could quickly look up the phone number of WU, call them and ask them for direction to the nearest WU center. Hope its clear?

bigfrancis21:

Yea my dear, you can change your sponsor if you want. But remember, you still cannot dodge the 'relative in the US' part because when filling out your next DS-160 form, you'll have to fill out that part that asks if you have a relative in the US.

...And it must concur with the 'yes' on your first DS-160.

@BigFrancis, Xup bro, I have a quick question to ask you regarding this Relative in US issue because I'm learning alot here so I want to learn somethings before I fill my DS 160 online apllication.

I have relatives in US, they are US citizens, they happen to be my uncle's children and my cousins.

The Issue here is that we are not even in close contact. They don't even know where we live, and they don't care to know. We are not close like that.
We are not close with them like that. We hardly talk to them. I hope u undastand my point here. And we share the same Surname.

So when filling the Online DS 160 form, if asked if I have any relatives in US, what should be my response bro?

Thnks, waitin for ur anticipated response.

Gdday house I need a reply abt wat I asked b4....pls

Smalltownboy: @ All: Thanks a lot . I agree it was God's favour at the end of the day.

However, I have never applied for a DV visa, so guess that's what got me really upset. As my people will say, "We can't call cow Bros because we want to eat meat"

As for the Standardized tests, There are really no tests for Lawyers. An LSAT is for a J.D programme, while I'm doing a Masters in Law. So should I formulate or just write any exam just to please a V.O; I don't think so. As for applying to only one school, there are very few schools that do full Masters in Energy Law programme in the USA and I applied to the best out of them all.

All in All, I think it was God's favour and not based on my own abilities yesterday.

I see. Law is one of those real courses non-americans come to study here. Law in each state has restriction that you would have to study and pass a few test when moving to another state for you to practice. Congrats once more.


@Visa lottery,

I didn't apply for the visa lottery 2 years before my interview but on the first interview day, I saw where a boy was kicked by VO because he applied for the dv 2012. I've also seen where people applied for it here and still got the visa.

bigfrancis021:
Yes, I guess so. The PDF shows two images of the WU form and a sample of an I-20. The reason they want you to go along with that WU pdf form example is to be able to know how to correctly fill your own form at the WU you'll go to when filling your own form. The pdf sample you'll print online will serve to guide you when filling. The sample also shows those information you'll need to obtain from the I-20 and where you'll write them on the WU form.

Thanks dear! So he'll fill out his own First name, Last name, Address and Phone number on the form. Then after he's done I'll send an e-mail to fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov with subject INFO CHANGE in the subject line and Include the SEVIS ID and my own details right? I hope its this way. Just want it done right without mistakes. Thanks

flynbird: Hi guys. Been away for a while. Bigfrancis, imperioxx and co... My I-20 is on its way. I'll be paying my Visa fee next week. Now my problem is paying my SEVIS fee. I have a cousin in the Uk and one in Malaysia. I'll like to know which of them would be in the best position to help me pay the $200 Sevis fee. I can't stand the stress of going to cotounu. What details would either of them need to pay my service fee. And would they need to send me some sort of receipt through post? Or I just need some online print out to take to the embassy?

They should be able to pay it for you and send the receipt to you in Nigerian address (by your payer). You can print the online one for interview purpose while still waiting for the actual one.

flynbird:

Thanks dear! So he'll fill out his own First name, Last name, Address and Phone number on the form. Then after he's done I'll send an e-mail to fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov with subject INFO CHANGE in the subject line and Include the SEVIS ID and my own details right? I hope its this way. Just want it done right without mistakes. Thanks

NEVER!

He'll fill your names and everything about you (detail) but the address Western Union will accept is the one from where the money is paid (i.e his address). So, he will be getting the receipt in his house and send it to you in Nigeria. I paid this 2 times last year and 1 this year.

riverboy: Gdday house I need a reply abt wat I asked b4....pls

Sorry riverboy I have no concise answer to your question but if you take your time to read from page 90 to date on this thread, am pretty sure, you will find an answer to your question as there has been discussions on flight recently. All da best...

imperiouxx:

NEVER!

He'll fill your names and everything about you (detail) but the address Western Union will accept is the one from where the money is paid (i.e his address). So, he will be getting the receipt in his house and send it to you in Nigeria. I paid this 2 times last year and 1 this year.

Oh! ok.... Thanks. So I don't have to email them any longer after he has made the payment right? But wouldn't Western Union ask for his ID before he could send money or is it just for receivers only