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 Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 8:50pm On Feb 15 |
mcjowie: A family member can be used as a sponsor per pursuit of US study visa. Only the US Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria can state the chances/probability/odds of an applicant sponsored by a family member. Again, disregard any assertion/claim/statement by any one else whether written or verbal irrespective of the person's title (e.g. "mock interviewer", "group admin.", "travel agent", "immigration consultant") or location (Nigeria or US) or immigration status (including citizen). For context, consider reading these posts: https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/465#127989343 https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/475#128362179 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 5:57pm On Feb 12 |
Denc: Did you use ChatGPT on your school applications? These words may tip-off Admissions https://www.forbes.com/sites/rashishrivastava/2024/02/05/chatgpt-college-school-applications-admissions-red-flags-ai/
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| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 1:02pm On Feb 12 |
Xpemech: https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/471#128234257 |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 6:25pm On Feb 10 |
NairaLuck: B1/B2 and F1 are all non-immigrant visas. The former is for visit while the latter is for study. The question(s) are already addressed here --> https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/476#128384241 Also, suggest reviewing posts here --> https://www.nairaland.com/denc/posts/1 (from 3 Jan. 2024 to date ... can be read in minutes.) If still not satisfied, then state the outstanding concern(s)/question(s), please. |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 6:15pm On Feb 10 |
Tender344: Then, use the stated means i.e. Western Union (carefully read through the directives on the site, please) |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 2:24pm On Feb 10 |
Honestly, most of the questions being asked have already been answered on this thread. Please, take time to read. https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/469#128130615 |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 2:21pm On Feb 10 |
walexy06: Yes, standardized tests can be waived. Nevertheless, most prefer a candidate submits test scores https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/476#128381016 Concern about applying from another country bothers on home-tie https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/462#127863086 Please, read patiently through this thread to get suggested schools. 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 2:14pm On Feb 10 |
Tender344: This should work, as far one owns the card or is authorized to use the card details by the owner. |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 10:30am On Feb 10 |
On standardized tests: Graduate schools in North America as well as other continents like the GMAT or GRE. Why do admissions committee/staff/team like standardized tests? - the official reason is "standardized test score is a predictor of a candidate's performance in the graduate program ..." - the (additional) unstated reason is that it makes their work easy. Rememba, oyibo no like stress! What is the simplest way for a program that receives thousands of applications - yes thousands - from all over the world to select candidates? Get all the applicants to input a standard metric (e.g. test score) and once they click "Submit", any software including a basic spreadsheet can sort all the applicants in seconds. Note that GMAT/GRE scores are factored into the ranking of the schools and in developed economies, people read i.e. look at rankings and/or reviews to decide which school/program to apply to. As schools are concerned about ranking i.e. perception, they tend to guard their score range for admission. Hence, top schools across the world have average GMAT ~700 while GRE ~330. Please, disregard posts that say standardized tests has little impact on funding. Despite the trend of these tests being optional in recent application cycles of US schools, many still insist that for an applicant to get top dollar i.e. full funding, one must submit competitive tests scores [from (say) ETS for GRE or GMAC for GMAT] Be wise, do not believe everything you read. Do own independent investigation. 3 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 12:05am On Feb 10 |
sheunwizzy01: Feel free to fall in love. Nevertheless, abeg no comot for house (i.e. Naija) if bar or correct plan for bar no set. No rely on magic (abi na "miracle" dem dey call am?) "I no know" no be excuse o, my broda/sista. https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/474#128325110 |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 11:57pm On Feb 09 |
Datst136: Employment-based (EB) immigrant visas are worth pursuing. True, H1B is lottery-based, nevertheless one can get 3-years and be eligible to extend for another 3 years making a total of 6 years. One can pursue both simultaneously if one has the resources e.g. money, effort and time as well as necessary backing e.g. employer sponsorship, reference letters, requisite documentation/evidence et al. as the case may be. Rememba, oyibo no dey do " ... explain explain tire" as we dey do for home (i.e. Naija). For here (i.e. US), as you dey talk/write, u dey show d evidence and make sure say e tight (or else dem go reject/troway am sharp sharp). |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 7:06pm On Feb 09 |
Abeg o, say persin dey - post wit English or - write plenty grammar or - say e dey US (abi abroad) no mean say e dey talk true or wan help persin o. Pipu eye dey chuk ... red eye, red eye everywhere, so shine your eye o. Dat ya budget (whether ₦1,000,000 or ₦5,000,000 or ₦15,000,000 or ₦30,000,000 etc...), e get "mock interviewer" abi "group admin" abi "travel agent" or na "consultant" wey dey think how e wan take get e cut for inside ... weda e beta for u or not, e no concern am. No loose guard  4 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 6:00pm On Feb 09 |
Datst136: An agency sponsoring H1-B  Thus, there are 4 parties: [1] USCIS [2] applicant/candidate [3] agent/agency, and [4] (actual) employer? Though US immigration laws seem convoluted [hence there are (professional) immigration lawyers in the US], oyibo dem self no like stress including the case officer or visa officer (any name wey u call am). Once e begin see several parties, which fit mean say the matter go long, my broda/sista, oyibo fit push persin application go one side i.e. d application dey on a looonnng tin. Suggestion: either one self-petitions for a work visa (there are different types, H1-B is one) or an employer does so on behalf of the employee. Having requisite certification/qualifications to work in the US is good. The US wants talent to join their workforce and keep their economy #1 (i.e. it is in their national interest) Yes, it seems sticking to one path at time i.e. - work visa pursuit or - study visa pursuit (not both together) sounds logical. Hope the above response abates the dilemma... |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 5:40pm On Feb 09 |
sheunwizzy01: Please, try and get funding with that competitive score of 330. Your profile and/or circumstances sound plausible (barring the the financing criteria - see suggestion in line above) for non-immigrant (F1) visa issuance. It is really shocking that some of us have such commendable standardized test score and are still talking about taking a loan  which [1] may inhibit visa issuance, [2] creates future financial burden and risk(s) viz principal and interest payments, risk of shooting down credit score (in the US) et al. What did the said consultant recommend per financing the program beyond just it's quality... (remember, money talks!) Your Nairaland profile/posts history looks clean (no foul/offensive/provocative terms seen), so let me know if you need further help. https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/475#128370405 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 3:29pm On Feb 09 |
sheunwizzy01: https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/462#127882851 |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 3:26pm On Feb 09 |
Please, disregard any post stating probability of securing visa approval unless the source is an authorised official of the US Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria (and shows evidence to support the stated odds/probabilities/statistics). Suggestion: - think through the pertinent questions posed per the respective visa issuance criteria vis-a-vis own profile - make own decision as to the best way forward (as only the candidate knows him/herself best) 3 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 6:10am On Feb 09 |
Denc: Unsurprisingly, the US consular exchange rate has been adjusted to ₦1,500 per $. https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/en/step-3/ This is my standard reference for dollar/naira translation per moving to US from Nigeria. Supporting references include: - FMDQ: https://fmdqgroup.com/exchange/ - GTBank internet banking (FxRates): https://ibank.gtbank.com/ibank3/main.aspx? |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 5:51am On Feb 09 |
horcart: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or US Foreign Mission/Service does allow dual-intent in some visa categories. Nevertheless, they want compliance with stated visa terms and conditions. The concern here is: "Given the candidate's background/circumstances/profile, will he/she compile with the provisions of a non-immigrant (F1) visa if such is issued to him/her?" As noted in the inquiry, a US-based sponsor (viz parent) is not a home-tie. Besides, one needs to clarify the status of the sponsor(s), for example: - how was the US immigration status (e.g. permanent residence, citizenship et al.) achieved? - if even the sponsor is willing to support the candidate (per maternal/paternal responsibility), does the proposed sponsor have the financial capacity to do so? How was this capacity attained in the US? Is this capacity sustainable? (i.e. how does the said sponsor make money and what is his/her discretionary/disposal income?). These questions are best addressed by the candidate and the proposed sponsor(s). Anyone else can only provide generic guidance/suggestions. Again, way(s) to demonstrate home-tie: https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/465#127994191 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 11:20am On Feb 08 |
Miracle112: ₦30,000,000 is ~$30,000 (at current US consular exchange rate of $1 to ₦1,000. This budget is the cost of attendance i.e. includes living expenses for duration of program, transport to & fro between US and Nigeria, other ancillary expenses? Nevertheless, ₦30,000,000 is a lot of money in Nigeria. Thus, the underlying questions are: [1] given one's circumstances, is spending that considerable amount of money on foreign education one's best option now? [2] what is/are the benefit(s) (or return) on this expense (or investment)? Remember, a US study visa is a non-immigrant visa. |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 10:33am On Feb 08 |
ARISTOCRATDAMMY1: Current (US) consular exchange rate - https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/en/step-3/ However, the real concern is whether the money actually available and/or if one has a feasible/realistic financing plan https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/474#128325110 |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 2:33pm On Feb 07 |
TenaciousOrphan: Yes, the probability is higher for doctoral programs compared to masters the reason being likelihood of funding. (As for exact numbers/odds/stats., only the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria knows) My people, e no easy anywhere o ... whether home or abroad, Nigeria or the US. No free dollars and bills must be paid or one is cut-off. That's how the system works. Please, plan finances well before going abroad especially if going with family. Finance is an easy trigger for divorce/separation apart from other concerns. Yes, the US is a prosperous country - the world's #1 economy - and there is the American dream(?) but still one's success here boils down to (informed/realistic) planning. 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 4:03am On Feb 07 |
UdumaXYZ: Way(s) to demonstrate home-tie: https://www.nairaland.com/7194807/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part/465#127994191 2 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 3:54am On Feb 07 |
On Proof of Funds (PoF): If one has the money and feels a suitable expense is education in a foreign country, go ahead and apply for the non-immigrant visa. If one does not have the money but hopes to arrange documentation, somehow nick the visa interview and somehow manage in the US ... please, note that unlike in our home country where things happen "magically" (not "miraculously" as we claim), developed economies rely on established processes and systems. Thus, events/prospects are predictable (including possible outcomes post-study). Notice a lot of immigration/travel agents/consultants do not tell our compatriots the reality about moving abroad (because they are interested in collecting fees to aid such movement and most of us are desperate to leave our home country). One such reality is: there is no communal life-style abroad (e.g. the US). One is on his or her own. So one needs to make sure that fundamental concerns (e.g. financing) are feasibly/realistically mapped-out before leaving one's home-country. 3 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 3:54pm On Feb 06 |
On sharing "hacks": This is a public forum though contributors are (initially) anonymous. Thus, anyone including designated persons from Consulates, Embassies and/or Foreign Missions can view this thread. Suggest that advice/suggestions provided here should be restricted to those within (or around) the recommendations of programs/schools and/or the guidelines of Foreign Missions (e.g. that of US in Nigeria). Feel free to escalate concerns around getting requisite documentation (e.g. reference letters) to the program contact. They could provide alternatives such as waiver(s) or extend the deadline on a case-by-case basis. 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 12:42pm On Feb 03 |
Denc: |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 8:28pm On Feb 02 |
On strength of local currency: One's nationality i.e. country of birth impacts one's prospects both at home and abroad. The first few questions I was asked upon arriving the US were: - "Tell me about Nigeria" - "What is your local currency?" - "How much is it versus the US dollar?" - "What airline did you board from Nigeria to the US?" Needless to say, it was not fun responding to the above years ago (none the less now). Even if one secures a US passport, one would still be required to state one's country of birth on critical applications/documentation in the US (there is no running from one's identity i.e. Nigerian). Suggestion: - speak/wish well for your home country irrespective of your location/status/age/tribe/political affiliation/religious beliefs, - more importantly, do what you can (no matter how little/small) to make your home country better (everyone can do something. Start from your family, business/work place, community etc.) 7 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 1:14pm On Feb 01 |
anchex101: As other contributors have added, explore emergency/expedited appointment (which makes the late arrival letter imperative). All the information you need is on this thread, no use for separate (search) groups/platforms. (Someone already shared the appointment availability excerpt.) The answers/suggestions/support are on this thread, just patiently read and decipher the facts from the noise. Moreover, the "intel" provided are based on experience, not ChatGPT, Google search or hear-say. 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 9:32pm On Jan 31 |
anchex101: First, is this full funding? If "No", consider deferring again given the limited time before program start. If "Yes", then consider the following suggestions: [1] ask the International Office or equivalent at school for a letter that allows the candidate resume late (i.e. the letter should state the latest date by which the candidate can report at the school and still be allowed to proceed with the program; letter should be addressed to the "US Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria" ) [2] ask on this thread for people searching for date availability at the US Consulate, Lagos and/or the US Embassy, Abuja (if dates are not readily displayed on the appointment portal) [3] generally, do not panic, be flexible. Keep in touch with program contact, be honest with them as regards your plans including visa pursuit. 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 1:13pm On Jan 31 |
joshuaolusayo: Explore University of Connecticut (UConn). As mentioned, the application timing is not ideal for one seeking funding, so one has to pick what is left. Generally, to resume in a program in the US during the largest intake (which has the most funding opportunities) i.e. summer/fall intake, an international candidate should start the process one (1) year in advance. (Some programs start orientation or experiential learning events in the summer though actual classes start late August/early September). Suggestion: - research the school mentioned above (and any others that maybe suggested on this thread), - apply to them (explore means of getting application waiver e.g. by attending admissions events) - wait till the admission and funding decisions for all the submitted applications are released before making a decision as to whether to proceed to visa pursuit or wait till 1 June 2024 to start the 2025 admissions pursuit. 3 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 5:15am On Jan 31 |
On dress code: Rely on the information/suggestion provided by the US Consulate/Embassy. I wore ankara for my visa interview at the US Embassy in Abuja per an advanced degree pursuit. There was a male in suit who was refused visa amongst others. It seems the visa officers decipher the reality of the applicant's profile by focusing on - body language, - comportment, - facial expression and - verbal responses (and comparing them to written responses in the submitted form and/or documentation brought to the interview) than being distracted by the dress sense of the applicant. 4 Likes |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 7:55am On Jan 30 |
SMBH: One word answer: "Yes" Empathetic answer: "It depends (on how the family member is featured in the non-immigrant visa application)." Purpose "Why this program (computer science) at this institution?" "Why the US?" Financing "Why is that family member sponsoring the applicant?" "Does the sponsor actually have the capacity to shoulder such financial burden?" "What is/are the benefit(s) (think dollars and/or naira) of the proposed sponsorship to the sponsor?" Home-tie "Why would the visa applicant return to the home-country upon completion of study in the US?" |
| Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 17 by Denc: 11:41pm On Jan 29 |
Bbqekpa: Purpose Per - https://fisher.osu.edu/graduate/ftmba - https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/ohio-state-university-columbus-01174 Fisher MBA is a ranked program in the US. Applicant has a STEM undergrad. (pharmacy) and is sticking to that in-demand path via business school. Thus, this criterium should not be a concern. Financing Deficit of ~$21,000 is ~₦21,000,000 (at current consular exchange rate of $1 to ₦1,000 | https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/en/step-3/ Questioning would hinge on how (why) this significant deficit would (should) be funded bearing in mind that MBAs (including indigenes) from better ranked schools are struggling to get desired jobs/means of income post-study. Tip: has the offer been accepted? - If "No", good. Devise bargaining chips and ask Fisher for more funding. - If "Yes" (and the deposit has been paid where applicable), it maybe too late to use this tactic. Home-tie The young one is a reason both parents should be together as this MBA is a full-time program. However, it raises concerns as to how established the spouse is (in the home-country) that he can (readily?) move to a foreign country to (technically) baby-sit? The spouse to an MBA candidate on F1 visa would be on an F2 [i.e. cannot work thus would likely have zero (0) income]. Usually, a spouse with child/ren staying back in the home country is one of the typical items cited as home-ties per application for a non-immigrant visa. There is no right or wrong answer here; the decision as to how best to move has to be made by the couple so that they can equally shoulder the consequences of their decision. 1 Like |
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