Moshkom:


_F1 visa appointment guide_

1. Get to the embassy 1 hour before your appointment...If you can arrive earlier, good.

2. Hold like 5k cash, just in case.

3. Follow the document checklist below and do NOT patronize the guys at the embassy who will tell you to print or photocopy something, take another passport etc.

4. Dress comfortably and eat something light because you will be doing a lot of standing.

5. Certain things are not allowed into the embassy: smart watches, airpods, phones etc. It is best to make arrangements to keep all your belongings and go in with just your clear folder.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa application document checklist_

1. A valid passport.

2. The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160; (Only the Barcode page).

3. The application fee payment receipt.

4. Appointment confirmation.

5. A passport photo (“5cm by 5cm” or “2 inches by 2 inches”).

6. Form 1-20 *SIGNED* .

7. SEVIS payment receipt.

8. Receipts - personal documents needed to prove whatever you say: financial statements, test scores, marriage certificate, funding offer, letter from employer etc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview guidelines_

1. Prepare your answers prior to the interview day. While you do this, remember to not to cram your answers. If you do this, your statements will sound unnatural and will be perceived as contrived.
An example is “…Furthermore, this course will equip me with the scientific…Moreover…” Your prepared answers should only give you AN IDEA, not the exact thing you are going to say.

2. Speak clearly, articulate your words properly and maintain eye contact with the VO.

3. Arrange your documents in a way that you know where everything is.

4. Do not talk to anybody or make friends at the embassy, there are different characters in that place, and they can bring down your confidence.

5. Do not profile a VO, this can give you cold feet. They say correlation is not causation, this means if the VO denies 3 people before you, it might not necessarily mean that the VO is wicked, it can be that the VO just managed to interview 3 people that did not do the right thing in a row.

6. Do not answer a question you were not asked or offer a document that wasn't requested.

7. Have a positive mindset and know that studying in America is not a do-or-die affair.

8. Memorize your DS-160, and do not contradict any information in it during your interview.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview process_

The VO is only interested in 3 things.

Question 1. You are really going there to study, and you are qualified to do so.
Question 2. You will return after your academic program.
Question 3. You can afford the program.
*all questions asked are often linked to the three things outlined above.

*Likely Questions*
1.Why did you choose X university? - This answers question 1.
Keep your answer short and impactful, say something specific about the university (link it to yourself) and be honest. They can also ask this question in the form of "Why are you studying in the US?”.
*Note*: They can also ask specific questions about your school or city, especially if you give the impression that you are familiar with them.

2. How many universities did you apply to? - Be honest here, it also helps to answer question 1. You might also use the answer to this to answer the “Why did you choose X university?” question by saying why you chose X school over the other option(s).

3. Who is sponsoring you? - This answers question 3.
Follow up questions might follow, they will address:
a. Your relationship to the sponsor.
b. Their financial capability (This is often asked in the form of "what does your sponsor do?".
c. The sponsor’s willingness to sponsor you .
Give them any documents requested, you can make your sponsor write a letter to the embassy and take it along.

4. How many siblings do you have? - It answers question 3.
If you have siblings (or if your sponsor has kids), they will consider how much it will take to take care of them while they are evaluating the financial documents. A follow-up question can be "what do your siblings do?".
This can also be a form of home-tie and it answers question 2.

5. Do you have any relatives in the US? - This is for Question 2.
Be truthful! They are likely to have this information in their records. People with close relatives in the US are somewhat likely to stay behind.
However, this is not a criteria and they'll ask something else to investigate further.

6. Why don't you do this course in your country? - This answers number 1 and 2 simultaneously. Coming up with an honest and convincing answer to this should not be hard.

7. What will you do after you complete your program? - This answers question 2.
The VO wants to know if the purpose of your visit is to stay back in the US or study temporarily.
You can also propose how you can use what you learn to benefit yourself (or the society) in Nigeria.
Remember! you are applying for a temporary non-immigrant visa; not a work or "live in America" visa. Do not suggest to the VO that you plan to stay back, it is not a good look.

* The VO might also try to gist with you and ask for other details. Gist back and smile with them, be comfortable, tell a joke (if you can) and flow well.


The interview moves very fast, and it is a short process. No shaking!
Good luck!

THANks!

Please is there anyone attending the university of Pittsburgh here?

Please, if you got mpower loan kindly quote me. I need to clarify some things please.

Just got information from a trusted source at the embassy

Sadly, No more visa interview dates this 2021

Earliest date is January 2022

Those of you going for Fall 2021Defer your admissions now, before it’s too late!!

Spring 2022 is your surest bet now

@ https://www.nairaland.com/melaningemstone
Please how sure are you about this thus my EA haven’t been approved since 3 weeks now and my school resume August 9. They haven’t respond to my EA still. I chose Lagos

Hallelujahvoice:
Good afternoon fam, hope all's going well?
Please, a quick question...

For those that have arrived the US for Fall '21 session and those that arrived earlier (say this year), how did you handle PTA at the bank (not Form A for school fees payment)?

Getting dollars at the black market is a killer.


Kindly share your experience so everyone else can learn and follow.
Thank you.

iretex1:


You can go through the transcripts here - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vv0a0sfgaysztiq/AADbiS4UG7q57b0qcFPjaPkna?dl=0,
Best of luck!!!

Bookmarked

Very insightful, thanks for this.

Moshkom:


_F1 visa appointment guide_

1. Get to the embassy 1 hour before your appointment...If you can arrive earlier, good.

2. Hold like 5k cash, just in case.

3. Follow the document checklist below and do NOT patronize the guys at the embassy who will tell you to print or photocopy something, take another passport etc.

4. Dress comfortably and eat something light because you will be doing a lot of standing.

5. Certain things are not allowed into the embassy: smart watches, airpods, phones etc. It is best to make arrangements to keep all your belongings and go in with just your clear folder.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa application document checklist_

1. A valid passport.

2. The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160; (Only the Barcode page).

3. The application fee payment receipt.

4. Appointment confirmation.

5. A passport photo (“5cm by 5cm” or “2 inches by 2 inches”).

6. Form 1-20 *SIGNED* .

7. SEVIS payment receipt.

8. Receipts - personal documents needed to prove whatever you say: financial statements, test scores, marriage certificate, funding offer, letter from employer etc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview guidelines_

1. Prepare your answers prior to the interview day. While you do this, remember to not to cram your answers. If you do this, your statements will sound unnatural and will be perceived as contrived.
An example is “…Furthermore, this course will equip me with the scientific…Moreover…” Your prepared answers should only give you AN IDEA, not the exact thing you are going to say.

2. Speak clearly, articulate your words properly and maintain eye contact with the VO.

3. Arrange your documents in a way that you know where everything is.

4. Do not talk to anybody or make friends at the embassy, there are different characters in that place, and they can bring down your confidence.

5. Do not profile a VO, this can give you cold feet. They say correlation is not causation, this means if the VO denies 3 people before you, it might not necessarily mean that the VO is wicked, it can be that the VO just managed to interview 3 people that did not do the right thing in a row.

6. Do not answer a question you were not asked or offer a document that wasn't requested.

7. Have a positive mindset and know that studying in America is not a do-or-die affair.

8. Memorize your DS-160, and do not contradict any information in it during your interview.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_F-1 visa interview process_

The VO is only interested in 3 things.

Question 1. You are really going there to study, and you are qualified to do so.
Question 2. You will return after your academic program.
Question 3. You can afford the program.
*all questions asked are often linked to the three things outlined above.

*Likely Questions*
1.Why did you choose X university? - This answers question 1.
Keep your answer short and impactful, say something specific about the university (link it to yourself) and be honest. They can also ask this question in the form of "Why are you studying in the US?”.
*Note*: They can also ask specific questions about your school or city, especially if you give the impression that you are familiar with them.

2. How many universities did you apply to? - Be honest here, it also helps to answer question 1. You might also use the answer to this to answer the “Why did you choose X university?” question by saying why you chose X school over the other option(s).

3. Who is sponsoring you? - This answers question 3.
Follow up questions might follow, they will address:
a. Your relationship to the sponsor.
b. Their financial capability (This is often asked in the form of "what does your sponsor do?".
c. The sponsor’s willingness to sponsor you .
Give them any documents requested, you can make your sponsor write a letter to the embassy and take it along.

4. How many siblings do you have? - It answers question 3.
If you have siblings (or if your sponsor has kids), they will consider how much it will take to take care of them while they are evaluating the financial documents. A follow-up question can be "what do your siblings do?".
This can also be a form of home-tie and it answers question 2.

5. Do you have any relatives in the US? - This is for Question 2.
Be truthful! They are likely to have this information in their records. People with close relatives in the US are somewhat likely to stay behind.
However, this is not a criteria and they'll ask something else to investigate further.

6. Why don't you do this course in your country? - This answers number 1 and 2 simultaneously. Coming up with an honest and convincing answer to this should not be hard.

7. What will you do after you complete your program? - This answers question 2.
The VO wants to know if the purpose of your visit is to stay back in the US or study temporarily.
You can also propose how you can use what you learn to benefit yourself (or the society) in Nigeria.
Remember! you are applying for a temporary non-immigrant visa; not a work or "live in America" visa. Do not suggest to the VO that you plan to stay back, it is not a good look.

* The VO might also try to gist with you and ask for other details. Gist back and smile with them, be comfortable, tell a joke (if you can) and flow well.


The interview moves very fast, and it is a short process. No shaking!
Good luck!

MelaninGemstone:
Just got information from a trusted source at the embassy

Sadly, No more visa interview dates this 2021

Earliest date is January 2022

Those of you going for Fall 2021Defer your admissions now, before it’s too late!!

Spring 2022 is your surest bet now

stop spreading rumours! I know someone who got August 26 today. Stop it people

@chibethar,
Good evening everyone. please l have few questions.
I want to go for study visa interview with my two years old child because I intend to travel with him what should be my strong reason.

My sponsor is my brother with different surname with mine, is it ok for my brother to be my sponsor when am married? he owns a pharmacy shop will it a good answer to what he's doing?

I already have a masters in environmental engineering and am going for another masters but in safety. This masters am going for is job related Good answer to give?
Please l will need reply.
Thanks

Vahn:
stop spreading rumours! I know someone who got August 26 today. Stop it people

Please Lagos or Abuja
And was it EA?
Plus when is their school start date

Ok sir.

Damite2ky:


PM me

Sorry sir am new here how do I pm you.

Damite2ky:


PM me

Good day lovely People.

Is there anyone heading to or already in Texas tech lubbock. And would love to connect?

Yes I am going to texas tech Lubbuck

frankyj1:
Good day lovely People.

Is there anyone heading to or already in Texas tech lubbock. And would love to connect?

Have u gotten your visa yet.

Janet200:


It’s very possible, the person should search for schools mostly historical black colleges and back it up with a good cgpa

After all, everything is possible.

No one is saying it is not possible. Just that it is highly unlikely. Less than 5% chance you'll get full funding with that score at any school in the US. You might get partial scholarships, with some having you pay $10k, but rarely full.

Who knows about this website ?

Chiezzh:
Who knows about this website ?

You use it if you are traveling to Nigeria, to fulfill NCDC rules

Chiezzh:
Who knows about this website ?

It is dedicated to handle the whole covid tracing for those entering/leaving the country (Nigeria). it is a legit site

Uncle
I think you should have said your uncle had a domiciliary account.
That’s a dollar account and it gives them assurance that the money is readily available.
My opinion oo

Tyleet:
Visa denied this morning at Lagos embassy. Gurus please help me take a look and suggest ways to improve. I got no funding from the university so my COA was $40K.


Me: Good morning madam
VO: no answer
VO: Pass me your passport and i20
Me: I did
VO: starts typing then asks where are you going?
Me: I am going to pursue a masters degree in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska Lincoln
VO: what are you doing presently?
Me: I'm a poultry farmer
VO: So what will this degree do for you?
Me: My goal is to pursue both my masters and PhD at the same time in the same unl which I have discussed with my supervisor. After my PhD, I intend to return to Nigeria to take up a lecturing job at my alma mater. I have always been interested in teaching agriculture to students and I love to give back to my alma mater where I earned my 1st, degree. A PhD in animal science will position me as a great candidate for the job.
VO: points to i20 and asked who is paying this $40000?
Me: my uncle
VO: what does he do?
Me: he is a real estate investor, who manages my late grandfather's real estate properties in Lagos and Abeokuta. He was the one who sponsored my high school and college education and I lived with him all through my time in college.
VO: How is he going to pay?
Me: I have his bank statement with me as well as my late grandfathers will wherein he stated that proceeds from the real estate industry can be used for the educational programs of his children. At this time I wanted to pass the bank statement to her but she said no.
VO: what type of account does he have?
Me: savings
VO: Does he have a US account?
ME: NO. I will be the one to open the account when I get there and he will send the money into my account and then I will pay it to the school.
Me: Passes the financial statements to her again
VO: (She collects it and cross-check. The statement has a balance of about #30000000)
VO: Okay but I'm sorry you did not qualify at this time. You can reapply.

Twoods, Fairheart, lagosismyhome, other gurus, pls kindly contribute your thoughts

Morning guys....i want to know what my chances are

Applied for graduate degree program(msc) in Georgia State University in March/April. GRE waived n all that, I got worried that no admission decision was made even till the end of may cos time was running out i mailed them twice to know why n finally Admission decision was made in June, precisely 10 of june n i was admitted for the fall of 2021 only. Submitted the requested document to complete the admission process. Wrote to them about funding of which they sent a form to fill if I'm interested in Graduate teaching assistant, was given n got a tuition waiver plus a stipend of about $51k. I was sent my i-20 last Friday. Resumption is 23 August of with an online orientation on the 13.
I have not paid for SEVIS cos i don't knw how to go about it and no appointment for visa yet (jst want to fill my DS-160 form).

Pls guys what are my chances of traveling before 23? Should i defer till spring 2022( if possible)?
Can i write to the school to inform them of My challenges n request for an extension in my resumption date?

Chyjoey:
Guys I need a bank statement from my sponsor but they stay in Australia. They tried mailing the original to me but it must have been lost in the mail. Can a scan of the bank statement suffice?

They can simply send the official bank statement to you via email as a PDF document. Then you can go ahead and print it out as colored copy.

Vahn:
stop spreading rumours! I know someone who got August 26 today. Stop it people

Can you kindly connect me with your friend, I need help with a closer date as well

Hello guys.
Pls which bank is the best bank to open a domiciliary account with here in Nigeria.
And how useful can this domiciliary account be while in the US.
Thanks

kaey10:
Morning guys....i want to know what my chances are

Applied for graduate degree program(msc) in Georgia State University in March/April. GRE waived n all that, I got worried that no admission decision was made even till the end of may cos time was running out i mailed them twice to know why n finally Admission decision was made in June, precisely 10 of june n i was admitted for the fall of 2021 only. Submitted the requested document to complete the admission process. Wrote to them about funding of which they sent a form to fill if I'm interested in Graduate teaching assistant, was given n got a tuition waiver plus a stipend of about $51k. I was sent my i-20 last Friday. Resumption is 23 August of with an online orientation on the 13.
I have not paid for SEVIS cos i don't knw how to go about it and no appointment for visa yet (jst want to fill my D-2019 form ).

Pls guys what are my chances of traveling before 23? Should i defer till spring 2022( if possible)?
Can i write to the school to inform them of My challenges n request for an extension in my resumption date?

Congrats on your admission and grad assistantship.

1. First, you need to pay for your SEVIS fee as soon as possible. Check the thread on how to do that since this payment can't be done in Nigeria. You can also ask someone in the US to make the payment for you.

2. You have to fill out the DS-160 form and make visa fee payment at GT bank. Book appointment for visa and take the earliest date available. Also keep checking the website daily you might find an early date. You can request for expedited interview stating your urgency.

3. No one can predict the chances of traveling before August 23 but you might want to give it a shot. Look through the thread and you can see loads of students still waiting to hear back on the status of their expedited interview request. Who knows? Yours might just be different.

4. Best bet is to inform the school and request for extension in resumption date and if granted you can use that as proof during your interview. If no earlier date the defer the admission to Spring 2022. Make sure to confirm that your assistantship won't be affected by deferring to next semester. Whatever you do, ensure your school is aware of the situation you are facing by communicating with them.

Good luck!

Please, can anyone assist me with the mail to book an emergency appointment with for Abuja..

Very urgent

Hello everyone,

I just cancelled my appointment for Lagos and chose Abuja after waiting for 3 weeks.

The option to make another MRV payment did not come up…Is the old MRV still valid even after canceling Lagos?

flozysolomon:
@chibethar,
Good evening everyone. please l have few questions.
I want to go for study visa interview with my two years old child because I intend to travel with him what should be my strong reason.

My sponsor is my brother with different surname with mine, is it ok for my brother to be my sponsor when am married? he owns a pharmacy shop will it a good answer to what he's doing?

I already have a masters in environmental engineering and am going for another masters but in safety. This masters am going for is job related Good answer to give?
Please l will need reply.
Thanks

Sister, think this over and put yourself in the shoes of the visa officer. Why not your husband sponsoring you? If you include your brother as the sponsor, it says a lot about your husband’s inability to sponsor. You want to include your kid?

My ten cent: I think it won’t be easy to convince V.O.

tstaiwo:
Hello guys.
Pls which bank is the best bank to open a domiciliary account with here in Nigeria.
And how useful can this domiciliary account be while in the US.
Thanks

Open with GTbank and get a “hard” token. You will need this hard token for online fix transfer

Tyleet:
Visa denied this morning at Lagos embassy. Gurus please help me take a look and suggest ways to improve. I got no funding from the university so my COA was $40K.


Me: Good morning madam
VO: no answer
VO: Pass me your passport and i20
Me: I did
VO: starts typing then asks where are you going?
Me: I am going to pursue a masters degree in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska Lincoln
VO: what are you doing presently?
Me: I'm a poultry farmer
VO: So what will this degree do for you?
Me: My goal is to pursue both my masters and PhD at the same time in the same unl which I have discussed with my supervisor. After my PhD, I intend to return to Nigeria to take up a lecturing job at my alma mater. I have always been interested in teaching agriculture to students and I love to give back to my alma mater where I earned my 1st, degree. A PhD in animal science will position me as a great candidate for the job.
VO: points to i20 and asked who is paying this $40000?
Me: my uncle
VO: what does he do?
Me: he is a real estate investor, who manages my late grandfather's real estate properties in Lagos and Abeokuta. He was the one who sponsored my high school and college education and I lived with him all through my time in college.
VO: How is he going to pay?
Me: I have his bank statement with me as well as my late grandfathers will wherein he stated that proceeds from the real estate industry can be used for the educational programs of his children. At this time I wanted to pass the bank statement to her but she said no.
VO: what type of account does he have?
Me: savings
VO: Does he have a US account?
ME: NO. I will be the one to open the account when I get there and he will send the money into my account and then I will pay it to the school.
Me: Passes the financial statements to her again
VO: (She collects it and cross-check. The statement has a balance of about #30000000)
VO: Okay but I'm sorry you did not qualify at this time. You can reapply.

Twoods, Fairheart, lagosismyhome, other gurus, pls kindly contribute your thoughts

Bro, read your transcript and reflect over it. You’d see that only luck and grace would make V.O. grant in this condition.

Poultry farmer going for a $40,000- masters and PhD (that’s more than 3years), sponsored by an uncle with a savings of just $59,000. How can this fly? Reason am!