ifax:
Gtb monthly limit now $2k

Praise God!!!

I only wish that the exchange rate will drop with the upward revision...
Still the same ngn300/$1, innit?

Please can someone help me Biko


Good Day House.,@LadyG please I would like to ask about this statement of consent for the process of baby's passport. As hubby is in Nigeria please how can we go about it. Help pls....

happytbaby:
@ Jadesola15,

I am happy you have taken it in your stride. All the best and safe delivery for Madam.

Sometimes, I even think of this whole issue and cannot blame the VOs, they have seen all sorts. Was it Nef that was talking about the babe that didn't plan to come back? I met a 23yr old Yoruba babe in Phoenix on the bus to the hospital, she regaled my Mum of all the story of how she was on a study visa with arrange school that she wasnt attending. She was pregnant, went over when she was about 8weeks gone, she was at MIHS on an aid program, she wasnt going to pay any fees, she was squatting with some strangers in a trailer house and wasnt working.

She seemed so happy with herself, I was just wondering how she would cope when the baby came, she said she was going to get some form of child support.

These days I see a number of people staying over and working on tourist visas. For a lot of people, serving in heaven is better than reigning in hell. We cannot blame them either, would we have taken different decisions if we had been in their shoes? I pray we never know.

My sentiments Exactly at the bold portion

It's my first time posting on NL, not sure if I'm doing that correctly but hopefully so. In the spirit of giving back , here's my story:

I first want to thank everyone for the info here, it's helped me since I started following in Feb although as a guest. I had a regular B1/B2 visa, needed to renew in March via dropbox as I was preggy, so I chose medical after reading some stories here, i did not want to misrepresent at all . By God's favour it was ready in 4 days, no interview required.

Started my hospital search earlier so had doctor and hospital info, but they won't accept wire transfer or even give an estimated bill we can process form A with, frustrated with that at the moment....
Booked my ticket with Air france to Newark, New Jersey, and armed with 'burden of proof' as I have read here, I asked God for favour. I arrived Newark on April 28th and was waiting on the regular queue when the last few passengers were moved to the other side where US nationals are. I had approximately 8k cash as I got 4k PTA from UBA and some other cash in lieu of mom's PTA when she's coming. Also had money on my card and had my brother's BOA card with about $3k
Here's what transpired when I was called:

Me: Hello
Cbp: Hello how are you doing?
Me: good
Cbp: (takes passport and asks me to put my 4 fingers) what are you here for
Me: to have my baby
Cbp laughs and asks me to take look in the camera), how long are you here for?
Me: can i smile at the camera? 11 weeks
Cbp: ( laughs)if you want to , oh then after birth, you're staying back how long
Me: that's included in the 11 weeks as I have to resume back to work, and I have just 3 months mat leave
Cbp: Ok, let me just confirm from secondary inspection if they need you to sign anything, (tries to get their ext from colleagues but noone had it so he leaves his cubicle), comes back in abt 2 mins and rings them up.
At this point when I heard secondary inspection I'm like oh no! but because i also had the 'burden of proof', I wasn't so bothered about it. I'm like whatever!
Cbp: (while on the phone with secondary inspection) are you paying?
Me: Yes
Cbp: ( still on the phone) do you have anything to prove this
Me: Yes
Cbp: (drops the phone) ok let me see the proof
Me: (started to bring out the documents and the first I saw was the anesthesia details as sent to me by the doctors office, and hand it over to him), that's from the doctors office
Cbp: is that from the doctor here
Me:yes, (and I was about to show other documents from the doctor, although really I did not have any proof asides the cash with me, since I had not made any payment)
Cbp: not to worry, this is fine, enjoy your stay
Stamps me in for 6 months
Me :thank you!

Off to agriculture, I declared I had food, so was asked what I had, told them noodles, lentils, he asks what type of noodles, is it Maggi said I'm not sure, (really don't know what I bought and dint want to look like I lied if that's what they meant, ) but they can check it. He said what of ogbonna, egusi, gala, suya, I just burst into laughter, and he was laughing too, I said how did you know naija food, he said that's what people bring in, I'm like I don't eat them so dint bring them, I love fruits and veg and you have them in abundance here so no need!
He's like ok let's see your noodles, which of the bags, said im not sure which of them, and he said we'll pass the bags through the machine, and they did, nothing was seized.
It wasn't until I got home I remembered I even had Maggi for my hosts ooo.

nupital:
Hello everyone..

I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone on this thread.

Particularly @Firsttymum @Favoredgal @ladyguinivere @Omodadi @nobody @Vamum @evemama @kemmytinio @happytbaby @vcole @twingirls .You guys have been tremendously helpful. My wife and her mom attended their visa interviews together yesterday at the Lagos embassy and were successful.

(The queue at the embassy was extremely long....seems everyone wants to leave the country...we were there at 7.30 am even though their time wasn't till 9am so we had to wait for a while) (their entire interview was for about 4 mins...VO spent a lot of time typing)

In the spirit of giving back, here's the transcript below:


DW: pointing to mom and saying "we are together "
VO: how are you related?
DW: she is my mom
VO: please pass your passports.... (while receiving the passports) how old are you (VO asked DW)
DW: xx years
VO: Where in the US would you be travelling to?
DW: Houston, Texas
VO: what is the purpose of your travelling?
DW: to have my baby and vacation
VO: (to mum) ma'am what do you do?
MUM: I am into trading..(states what she trades in)
VO: (to DW) where do you work?
DW: I work at xxxxx
VO: How much are you budgeting for the trip?
DW: Between 12k to 15k USD depending on whether it is VD or CS
VO: have you made any deposits?
DW: No we haven't. Doctor said there is no need to until we arrive for our appointment
VO: how do you intend paying for your bills?
DW: my mom and I intend to source for PTA, would use Form A where we can and then source the rest from the parallel market if need be
VO: have you travelled outside Nigeria before?
DW: Tanzania for honeymoon with hubby last year and neighbouring rep of Benin and Ghana.
VO: (Types...................types....) okay, at this point your visa has been approved.

Issues the almighty white paper and circles the address for pick up....gives advice on how we need to get enough funds to prove at the US border that we can sufficiently pay the bills........etc etc.....advises that we also keep all receipt of payments well.... (at that point DW mind don dey board plane and was dancing around in her head)

VO: so you both have a good day and they replied with all gladness

P.S - The particular VO that interviewed them got annoyed and was screaming at a lady before they called them to the VO's cubicle. But we thank the Lord that he touched her heart.


Nupital

I tap from this blessing o .. Thanks for sharing your Transcript

Hi pregos. Just dey hail ooo, hw the journey. Am just passing by so I decide to say hello. Congratulations for visa success, poe success and save deliveries.

Hello house,

So I used rose medical center in Denver, Colorado and ve paid so far;

Doc - $2500
Swap test - $90
Hospital two days stay plus epidural - $4185

Was told dats all as it covers baby's bill but keeping my fingers crossed till I receive the zero balance mail from them as promised.

Doctors office is doing circumcision for $150. Had the best care with doctor and the nurses. Great team!

kaykourage:
Dear All,

Please i need your advise.

Wifey and I just recently got our visas renewed via dropbox however due to recent discovery, we are changing our stated destination from Milwaukee Wisconsin to Houston Texas.....and the clarification i seek goes thus:-

(1) Is there any issue that can arise at the POE owing to this?
(2) What is the best way to avoid any drama, can we explore the option of contacting the embassy and seek for assistance?
(3) Has anybody here experience this and how was it sorted?

regards.

1.People change destination always.
2.I sent a mail to the embassy and printed response about my change of destination just to avoid stories at poe.
3.Yes, @no 2

Hey guys...been busy with my new born and my 18 month old...all I can say is e no easy! Second missionary journey is almost a wrap, heading home next week by God's grace. Please for people who applied for Naija passport from Washington DC embassy, was hoping to go there on Friday but on the website I saw "Friday is pick up day". Does it mean I won't be attended to if I went there on Friday to process my baby's passport? Did anyone go on a Friday & still succeed in getting their passport? Any info is appreciated.

merrymum:


I used the passport agency at Commerce street downtown Dallas. But I suggest you check the website travel.us.gov for the agency closest to you (assuming you not in Dallas).

Hi merrymum,
Pls when u went to the dallas passport agency did u have to show your baby's ticket to nigeria or your own

Hi all,
Pls for people who got their baby's US passport at a passport agency did u have to show your baby's ticket or your own ticket as proof of travel?

Hi newmomma2be

Bin getting ur pms and I kip replying. Are u getting mine? You can ask me here if sending or replying pms from ur end or mine is becoming cumbersome.

Cheers

Congrats MommaT.... May the rest of your journey be smooth as dis too.

MommaT:
It's my first time posting on NL, not sure if I'm doing that correctly but hopefully so. In the spirit of giving back , here's my story:

I first want to thank everyone for the info here, it's helped me since I started following in Feb although as a guest. I had a regular B1/B2 visa, needed to renew in March via dropbox as I was preggy, so I chose medical after reading some stories here, i did not want to misrepresent at all . By God's favour it was ready in 4 days, no interview required.

Started my hospital search earlier so had doctor and hospital info, but they won't accept wire transfer or even give an estimated bill we can process form A with, frustrated with that at the moment....
Booked my ticket with Air france to Newark, New Jersey, and armed with 'burden of proof' as I have read here, I asked God for favour. I arrived Newark on April 28th and was waiting on the regular queue when the last few passengers were moved to the other side where US nationals are. I had approximately 8k cash as I got 4k PTA from UBA and some other cash in lieu of mom's PTA when she's coming. Also had money on my card and had my brother's BOA card with about $3k
Here's what transpired when I was called:

Me: Hello
Cbp: Hello how are you doing?
Me: good
Cbp: (takes passport and asks me to put my 4 fingers) what are you here for
Me: to have my baby
Cbp laughs and asks me to take look in the camera), how long are you here for?
Me: can i smile at the camera? 11 weeks
Cbp: ( laughs)if you want to , oh then after birth, you're staying back how long
Me: that's included in the 11 weeks as I have to resume back to work, and I have just 3 months mat leave
Cbp: Ok, let me just confirm from secondary inspection if they need you to sign anything, (tries to get their ext from colleagues but noone had it so he leaves his cubicle), comes back in abt 2 mins and rings them up.
At this point when I heard secondary inspection I'm like oh no! but because i also had the 'burden of proof', I wasn't so bothered about it. I'm like whatever!
Cbp: (while on the phone with secondary inspection) are you paying?
Me: Yes
Cbp: ( still on the phone) do you have anything to prove this
Me: Yes
Cbp: (drops the phone) ok let me see the proof
Me: (started to bring out the documents and the first I saw was the anesthesia details as sent to me by the doctors office, and hand it over to him), that's from the doctors office
Cbp: is that from the doctor here
Me:yes, (and I was about to show other documents from the doctor, although really I did not have any proof asides the cash with me, since I had not made any payment)
Cbp: not to worry, this is fine, enjoy your stay
Stamps me in for 6 months
Me :thank you!

Off to agriculture, I declared I had food, so was asked what I had, told them noodles, lentils, he asks what type of noodles, is it Maggi said I'm not sure, (really don't know what I bought and dint want to look like I lied if that's what they meant, ) but they can check it. He said what of ogbonna, egusi, gala, suya, I just burst into laughter, and he was laughing too, I said how did you know naija food, he said that's what people bring in, I'm like I don't eat them so dint bring them, I love fruits and veg and you have them in abundance here so no need!
He's like ok let's see your noodles, which of the bags, said im not sure which of them, and he said we'll pass the bags through the machine, and they did, nothing was seized.
It wasn't until I got home I remembered I even had Maggi for my hosts ooo.

swappylove:
Hi all,
Pls for people who got their baby's US passport at a passport agency did u have to show your baby's ticket or your own ticket as proof of travel?

For expedited passport service absolutely yes. I believe travel must be within 14 days or so.

IjayMama:
Hey guys...been busy with my new born and my 18 month old...all I can say is e no easy! Second missionary journey is almost a wrap, heading home next week by God's grace. Please for people who applied for Naija passport from Washington DC embassy, was hoping to go there on Friday but on the website I saw "Friday is pick up day". Does it mean I won't be attended to if I went there on Friday to process my baby's passport? Did anyone go on a Friday & still succeed in getting their passport? Any info is appreciated.

Hey mum,how are u coping with both of them or do u u v a helping hand over there? Just wanna know cuz I'm going with a toddler too. Cheers

swappylove:
Hi all,
Pls for people who got their baby's US passport at a passport agency did u have to show your baby's ticket or your own ticket as proof of travel?

Your own ticket will do.

biollar1:

Try Stanbic and it takes less than or 24hrs but 48 hrs max.

Thanks a lot

Amother4life:


For expedited passport service absolutely yes. I believe travel must be within 14 days or so.

Thanks mother4life.i realise that a ticket is necessary but I want to know if mine will do or I have to have booked the baby's ticket.
Which is it pls

Pls mamas, when going back to Nigeria, how do you package the extra things you get... Do u ship as cargo or do the extra luggage. I really need answers Cos I need to buy formulae n other baby things.so looking for advice.
Pls help a mama in need.....

bubelahot:
Pls mamas, when going back to Nigeria, how do you package the extra things you get... Do u ship as cargo or do the extra luggage. I really need answers Cos I need to buy formulae n other baby things.so looking for advice.
Pls help a mama in need.....

Depends on how much stuff you're bringing.
Compare the costs of paying for extra luggage on your flight with the freight costs for both air and sea.

We used both. Air freight for stuff we needed immediately, sea cargo for stuff we wouldn't need until much later (larger sized diapers and wipes) and also we carried a lot of stuff with us when coming back.

You should also consider if you can get the items in Nigeria. It may be cheaper for you to buy the items in Nigeria when you factor in all the costs of shipping and clearing.

Hope this helps you make your decision

Hi all
To God be the glory, had my baby girl on Tuesday @ doctors hospital Dallas . Baby and mama are doing ok. Waiting to be discharged today. Very friendly and courteous staff, had a wonderful Doctor too. Thanks to all who contribute daily to this thread, may God bless you . Also my travel date back to Nigeria is in 3weeks, pls I will appreciate anyone who can help me with etc agent number for Dallas, as I've searched the thread, but can't locate the number. Thanks in advance

LadyGuinivere:

See? That's the ish. I'm trying very hard and vaguely remember your transcript. If the details in your previous and recent ds 160 differ then the vo obviously will distrust all your info.
You are expecting twins. Your wife truly and actually needs help. That's a valid reason for both of you to apply together.
On the other hand, you have the baggage of your past added to her.
Now, without knowing what your ties are, I can't really weigh which is better now. To apply alone or together (so as to use each other as ties)
With the limited info I have, I'm of the opinion both of you should aPply together. But you have to come clean and acknowlegde your misrepresentation. There's a column that asks if you have ever tried to enter into the us via misrepresentation or fraud. U should tick yes.and explain.
My opinion is based upon the fact that you guys need to tackle this together and now cos if peraventure madm gets , it will be harder for you to get.
Do you have other kids that u can use as a home tie?

@ LadyG, pls don't stop the good work you have started already with me. Pls respond to my Q
@ All, all I need is helpppppppppp

No we don't have other kids. This is our first fruits. My wife has a studio of her own and I have a small Ltd company of mine with 2 branches in major cities in west. Also, I'm currently a 400 student of NOUN. My wife is renewing her P anytime this month so as to kick start asap.
Pls ma, pls all, What's your take on this abeg oooo
Thanks

I made the trip with my mum but my toddler sticks to me like glue and my new born seems to do same. So most times it feels like I'm alone but the extra hand sure helps.
Just to shed a lil light on circumcision, Dr E referred me to Dr Amaro in WHMC who performed the procedure on my baby boy at around 8 days old. Paid $200. Was gonna do it when we get back to Naija but changed my mind & decided to do it here. He did a great job!

Dabira19:


Hey mum,how are u coping with both of them or do u u v a helping hand over there? Just wanna know cuz I'm going with a toddler too. Cheers

I just got this email from the abuja consulate. I sent in my letter of intent on Tuesday.




Dear Madam,

Before you travel to the United States for medical treatment, including childbirth, you should make the appropriate preparations, including an appointment with a healthcare provider, detailed information about where you will receive your medical services, and an estimate of the financial costs. Immigration officials may ask for this information upon your arrival. Healthcare in the United States is expensive. Costs associated with childbirth are high and can escalate quickly if there are complications. You are expected to pay all costs associated with the medical services received including housing, transportation and meals. Retain an itemized statement of account from your healthcare provider that outlines all of the charges from your care and receipt of your payment.

Best Regards,
Consular Section



This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

swappylove:
Hi all,
Pls for people who got their baby's US passport at a passport agency did u have to show your baby's ticket or your own ticket as proof of travel?

your own

Hahahaha I remember.
But it was the Miami- ATL leg that was the most stress for me. The narrow body plane, plus the seating wore me out. Tho the previous legs must have contributed to it to. But I will 'waka-pass' if I ever do this missionary journey again ooo. Lol

Nnystc:


@Passionantchica
Welcome Chica!

Hmmmm.... remember my joke about waka-ing pass Qatar because of looooooooooong journey?
But the bottomline is that you did it nah... And here you are in Yankee without a scratch
Abeg rest well and give your testimony. So that babes can know whether to reconsider.

Chop knuckle jor... Nothing do you!

@firstymum welcome back!
@nupital congrats!
@mulberry and all new moms, congrats
To all expectant moms, may you be delivered of your LOs safely at term.
Can't believe pt 4 is already over 70 pages gone, took a while to catch up.

@Ye2ndearisto pls would like to know more cos I intend using the same doctor,sent you an email nw wld appreciate your response.

Here is my breakdown of all bills issued and and paid so far.

I used oak bend , dr Fagbohun .

Dr fees and test- 2020
Hospital fees -2300.
Nic -$416
I cancelled hearing test .
Brown and associates gave me two bills . $93 and $24.
Then a mama we stayed together discovered a clinic beside us for PD visit. First visit $30 and hearing test was also done . Second visit $30. The clinic is hope clinic they are in bellaire Blvd and they also give correspondence.( hope am not breaking rules.).

Then for those using west Houston , oakbend , Methodist . The accomodation am using , a room will be vacant from 29th of May . Good and strategically located on cook road by bellaire.[/quote]

feddy27:


I didn't call them o, just filled and took it to DHL. 3days after, they returned the passport with visa. Maybe you can try the dropbox and then if they call you, you go for interview. Think about it.

Hi sir they approved the expedited interview ....so I have to choose a new and closer date ... Thanks so much

Hi everyone. The last time i posted on here was when i did renewal via dropbox but was called for interview and denied a visa.
I reapplied and was interviewed a month later. And to the glory of God i was granted the visa. I was already heavily pregnant so i had to travel immediately. I didn't get PTA in Abuja. I travelled at 34 weeks 6days via airfrance. At d airport, i had to do another fit to fly at port health.
Requested wheelchair so journey was easy.
Got into the USA via Houston POE. wheelchair service took me to d front. Was immediately sent for secondary inspection. I had just 2000usd on me. I had paid hospital and doctor's fees before i got in so i just showed them my receipts. They were nice and friendly. Two of them interviewed me at d same time. It was fun for me. I invited them to Nigeria so i could give one of them a Nigerian wife. Lol. Got stamped in for 6months. He however told me to come with my receipts every time i travel coz they will always ask me. And that they know about nairaland. That Nigeria is d only country that has such a forum. I laughed and said sharing information is free and legal. He said well that's true. That we should just tell our pple to pay their bills.

biollar1:
Hi newmomma2be

Bin getting ur pms and I kip replying. Are u getting mine? You can ask me here if sending or replying pms from ur end or mine is becoming cumbersome.

Cheers

Hi Biollar1,

I wanted to ask you about Form A @ Stanbic. I was there yesterday and was asked for 'admission letter' and invoice from the hospital. The staff explained that the admission letter indicates that the hospital has booked you.

I don't have such letter, I only have a price estimate (invoice) from them (North side hospital, Atlanta). Do you have such letter from your hospital or do you think Doctor's appointment letter will suffice?

And no, I didn't get any of your PMs.

Thank you

Mumtwins2:

Hi sir they approved the expedited interview ....so I have to choose a new and closer date ... Thanks so much

Great! All the best dear

NB: I'm a babe o