There's Sappers lodge inside Bonny camp for 7k. It's 15 mins walk to the embassy. You can try checking for cheaper ones on booking.com.
Good luck!

banji001:
Please is there anyone in the house that have idea of any close hotels around Walter carrigton or near there, I need the cheap once that I could just spend a night pleSe

Sappers lodge, inside the Bonny Army cantonment. It has a seaside lounge/restaurant but the room is very very basic, its okay if you're just spending the night. Its 15 mins walk to the embassy.

mzomaks:



CONGRATS!!! pls what is the name of the hotel you lodged in?

lol! I went with my standardised test scores report and sponsor's statement of account, but he didn't ask for any of that.

Predstan:


Maybe the sponsor is from Ambode's Family. They can't even ask for statement

wow! That's an interesting point, I didn't even think of it that way. We learn everyday.
Thanks!

imperiouxx:


Yes, this is the real deal. Stating what you studied and going to study give confidence to those in the same shoe who are preparing for their interviews. There was a time some people thought it's only chemistry or science folks here that get visa most. You see why your course is a vital part of your interview transcript that we are all looking forward to see.

Cheers!

winterstorm:



Congrats!!

Thank you.�

[quote author=tolatof post=69302067]

You are real G, we spoke and you listened to our criticsisms.
God Bless you.
Thanks for this...
Congrats Man, More wins to come.[/quotequote is]

Thank you and God bless you even more.

So all those guys bashing my previous transcript. By the time I'm done with this one, I'm sure you will be calm.

So my interview was for 6:45, I got into Lagos the previous day and lodged a trekkable distance to the embassy. So I got there really early. Then.. the whole queue and biometrics things.
When I was in the interview line, there were two men and like 5 or so women VOs. I wanted the elderly man in Windows 2 to interview me because I saw him approve a visa. I kept praying but when it was getting to my turn I felt I might be assigned to the notorious Windows 7 so I quickly ran to the restroom. Lol!
I came back and joined the windows 2 myself and the uniformed orderly saw me and called me out, I just kept smiling. I was later pointed to the guy in Windows 5 who turned to be the best.
Me: Goodmorning as I pass him my i20 and sevis

VO: Goodmorning.

Me: I started explaining without being asked ' my course is International Development Studies' it's written differently on my document.

Vo: (nods) where are you going (or something like that I'm not sure.)

Me: I'm going for my masters in IDS at the Elliott school of international affairs, George Washington University ( he actually didnot let me finish)

VO: oh that's a good school.

Me: thank you

Vo: what's your academic background

Me: I have BSc in Political science and administration, graduated 2015 and afterwards I did some volunteering job before proceeding to work as a legislative aide to the honourable member representing my constituency.

Vo: so why are you going for this course

Me: I chose this because I want a career in development and policy research (spoke slowly and dimmed my eyes while shaking my head to show how passionate I am) I believe the most effective tools of development are Good policies and research. (To this he nods his head very well and types) I'll be specializing in International Development management, because I'll love to work with development organizations and in the long run hopefully AU.

VO: how many schools did you apply?

Me: 4 ; UMASS, Uni. Of Kansas, St Joseph uni and GWU.

Vo: how many admitted you
Me: all

Vo: so why did you choose this one

Me: it's one of the best schools of international affairs in the world. (He nods) I did my research using my field of study as focus and it's top ten in US and top 30 in the world. I chose it specifically because of the way the courses are tailored, we get to study in cohorts, there's this capstone... (he cuts in)

Vo: yea yea I know about that.
Vo: who is your sponsor
Me: family

Vo: I'll be approving your visa, I also didn't hear anything else, I was listening but I didn't hear. He didn't circle my white paper either.

It seemed like a long interview now but it was not up to 2 minutes and it seemed so easy because of his body language, he was practically nodding at everything I said, it is GRACE. However I comported myself well, smiled a bit and spoke my phonee too, I kind of noticed they like that, but what do I know! A relaxed body language and eye contact helps a lot. I was looking at him even when he wasn't looking at me. I'm super grateful for this platform and I hope my transcript helps someone too.
All the best!!!

thebee001:
Visa Approved on 5th of July.

I was directed to a cool guy at window 5. I was listening to the conversation with others before me and I was able to get an idea of his question type. He was also standing throughout his interviews

Vo: Good morning with a big smile, and motioned for me to pass my documents.
Me: Good morning

Vo: *asked a question, can't really remember* but it was similar to why I am going to the usa?
Me : I am going for my masters Industrial Relations and Human Resources (was supposes to be the other way around but I just flowed) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Vo: why HRIR?
Me: because I studied HR in my undergrad it helped me understand the importance of HR in every org. HR is the arm of business that manages the people in the organization and Industrial Relations refers to the institutions that are put in place to manage the people. The people are an organization's greatest asset so as an HR you are managing the greatest asset in an organization and studying this course is in line with my career goals

Vo:How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 6, Cornell Uni, U of M, Penn State, U of Denver Colorado, U of Texas Arlington and West Virginia

Vo: Mouthed 6, nodded his head, seeming impressed and said "how many admits?
Me: 4, mentioned U of M, Penn state ( this was a mistake, their decision was still pending), U of Colorado, U of Texas. (Didn't mention WVU as the 4th admit)

Vo: So why this school?
Me : Of the schools that accepted me, U of M is ranked higher. It is a prestigious school sometimes called a public ivy league. The business school is ranked 16th by usnews.com (at this point was nodding in approval to what I was saying) and HRIR program is one of the best internationally. I also spoke with the current students and alumni, and they confirmed the benefits of the program structure and curriculum. (At this point he was looking at his computer doing some stuffs, not sure he was typing) I just had the inkling to continue talking) I would also have the opportunity to participate in the Carlson intl HR case competition which is hosted by the CSOM with all schools in the US that has the HR program in participation, even schools outside the US ( he looked up and continued to listen to me). It's a great competition which will allow students give real solution to live business cases. (He nodded)

Vo: looking at his computer,when did you graduate?
Me: Jan 2016

Vo: still looking at his computer, When did you finish your NYSC?
Me: (it now occurred to me he was trying to confirm my Answers with what's on my ds160) Last year. 2017. May

VO: what have you been doing since then?
Me: I worked (corrected myself) I am working as an Executive Assistant to the CEO At... And I mentioned my duties. (He nodded in confirmation)

V.o : I Can see you are covered with tuition waiver (looking at my I-20) , so who's responsible for the deficit?
Me: my Dad
Asked me what My dad does and I told him. I was about saying I have his bank statement here but he was already nodding, seeming impressed
Then he started doing stuff on his computer for a long while. I just started praying for favour but somehow with his demeanor, I had a feeling I got it already.

V.o - noticed something on his computer and asked have you Paid for your sevis,
(I replied yes and he seemed unsatisfied so I told him the receipt was with him with other documents then he nodded again, asked when I paid and I said 3 days ago. He seemed satisfied after crosschecking)

Vo: have you applied for visa before
Me: no

V.o : are you single
He looked up and smiled when I was saying yes and chorused it with me.
He then returned my sevis and I-20 saying I have been approved and collect my passport etc...

( it was more like a conversation and I demonstrated using my hands. I didnt use all my rehearsed words. No documents asked. It was just God's favour)

Thanks to the nairaland family, started this journey July last year here on NL. grateful to femi321 who was the first to answer my naive questions then, profOjah for putting me through, Chidinho, ponpon and others I failed to mention. Thank you!

Congrats too!
That guy at window 5 is a real Gee.

dilodavid:
This is the kind of person who will never allow his best friend to copy from him in the examination hall. Grow up fellow. You must have gained a lot from here and now you are forming boss. You shouldn't have bothered sharing your encrypted transcript.

Judgina! You know me so well. Don't worry, I'm posting a better one in a bit. I actually thought this was detailed and I can't really remember what questions came in what order. I will edit and refire.

tolatof:


Congrats..
But this transcript is not useful to anyone ******. I am even ***** you posted this kind of *********.

Congrats again

���lol!
I'll calm down and rewrite when I get back to work. I'm trying to even remember everything! The people that post comprehensive interviews here should be applauded seriously!

Tunmise100:


Congratulations oooo. When GRACE speaks it becomes easy.

Yes oo
Thank you!

Nahum777:
I am sorry, but this transcript is useless to people who might want to learn from it. Why post at all if you wanted to censor the useful parts? ******** I bet you wouldn't have learned from the transcripts of others if they were like yours. Like I said, I am sorry, but we have to say it like it is.

I think I put everything up there except my personal information. But if more than one person subscribes to your opinion, I'll definitely edit. The only thing I left out is my course and career and I don't see how that helps anyone. I'm sure before we get to this stage, we all have in mind what we want to study.

My visa was approved last week and I picked up my passport yesterday.
I learnt from the transcripts here and I'm here to post mine.

Me: Goodmorning (passes him my passport and i20.)

VO: Goodmorning, looks at my I20 while asking where I'm going. '

me: ESIA. GWU for my masters in ** he didnt even let me finish.

VO: oh thats a good school.

me: thank you! my course i written differently in my document my masters is in ***.

VO: (nods)whats your academic background?

me: I have a B.sc in **** and afterwards I started working in *** ( he was just nodding)

VO: How many schools did you apply to?

me : 4. I went on to mention them, and also that I got accepted in all.

vo: so why did you choose this one?

me: Its one of the best schools for my field of study in the world.. I did my research using my field of study as focus.. I also chose it specifically because of the way the courses are tailored, we get to study in *** (nodding and cuts me in)

VO: yes yes I know about that.
VO: So why did you choose this course?

me: I chose it because I want a career in ******* more than I want anything else. I'll be specializing in **** and afterwards I hope to work with so so so and so places.

VO: He just kept nodding and approved my visa.

It was a super easy interview and I smiled a lot and spoke phonetics. lol! I was anxious but I did my best not to show that. I prayed and kept praying even on the queue. It is and can only be GOD!

Hi everyone,
My visa was approved this morning, I'm so grateful to God! I learned a lot on this platform and I pray for the Grace of God for those yet to interview.
I'll post my transcript soon. Cheers!

Wow! We are going to the same school! I sent you a mail.
When is your interview date? I'm also going to GWU in the fall although to their Elliot school of international affairs.
I'll like us to be in contact okay? God's Grace!

Amme018:
I wish I knew about this thread earlier.

I was referred here by a friend in May, I have been a guest reader not until now. I read from page 1 of Part 12 to this page of Part 13, and I have learnt so much. You guys have been so wonderful, you have assisted and put so many people through the process of getting their Visa approved, and I am hopeful that you all will help analyse my case.

I was at the Lagos consulate twice in December last year for Spring 2018 entry and my visa was not approved on the two occasions. I am making another attempt next month. I have some modifications in my profile. I would like to share my proposed interview transcript for you all to help me analyse it. I AM OPEN FOR YOUR CORRECTION, OPINION AND ADVICE. Before I share my proposed transcript, here are the transcript from the previous interviews

1st Interview
V.O - Good morning, pass your passport and i20
Me: good morning, I passed what he requested
VO- Where are you going in the US?
Me- I'm going to Muncie Indiana for my MPA program at Ball State University
VO- how did you hear about the school?
Me- it was recommended for me by my undergraduate prof who is also my mentor, and I researched about the school and other schools using US news world report.
VO- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2 schools, University of Missouri Kansas City and Ball State University.
VO- how many admits
Me- the two schools
VO- why Ball State?
Me- the MPA curriculum at BSU is such that is designed to equip students with the theoretical understanding of public policies and of the principles of management and administration of the public sector; this is quite in-line with my career plans. More so, Dr Brandon Waite will be having a research on A Policy Perspective of the Development of Indiana Counties. This research matches my area of interest.
VO: Why MPA?
Me: I want to study this course in order to acquire the knowledge of the modern principles and practice of public policy formulation, implementation and administration of the public sector which will broaden my knowledge with the modern strategies for developing communities and ensuring social equality with global best practices that can be modeled for use in Nigeria.
VO: What's your highest degree and when?
Me: BSc Secretarial Administration, 2013
VO: What have you been doing since you graduated?
Me: I completed the compulsory 1 year NYSC program in May 2014 and started work as an Administrative Officer at XYZ Local Government Council in June 2014
V:O: What do you do where you work?
Me: I am responsible for coordinating the implementation of the council's decisions and circulating the reports to those who are affected by it. I am a key coordinator of program of activities within the local government area (he cuts in)
VO: Did you write any test?
Me: No. The GRE was not required for applicant with an undergraduate CGPA of 3.5 and above.
VO: Who is your sponsor and what does he/she do?
Me: My mom, (told him what she does)
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have a child?
Me: No
VO: Sorry, (then gave me a blue paper)

2nd Interview
Me: Good morning
VO: Pass me your passport. ( I passed passport with i20)
VO: What are you going to do in the US?
Me: I am going to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Administration with concentration in Community and Economic Development at Ball State University, Muncie Indiana.
VO: How will this degree benefit you?
Me: This degree will adequately prepare me for a senior role at my current place of work where I will be able to determine the best and most effective strategies and processes for sustainable development. Also it will equip me with the valuable skills and knowledge to establish a consulting firm where I will be consulting for government at all levels and other organizations in the areas of public policy analysis, and the design, monitoring and evaluation of developmental programs
VO: how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2 schools, University of Missouri Kansas City and Ball State University.
VO- how did you hear about the school?
Me- my undergraduate prof who is also my mentor told mW about the school, I also researched about the school and other schools using US news world report.
VO- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2
VO- Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have a child?
Me: No
VO: Sorry, I can't approve your visa, you may apply later. Gave the blue paper.

Now, what has change in me profile:
New School- George Washington University (currently ranked 56 in National University by USnews, MPA program is ranked 13th in US)
GRE: I wrote the GRE ( I had 282, very poor score. I barely had time to prepare because of work schedule).
I have $20,000 fellowship award.

Proposed transcript:

VO: Where/Why are you going in (to) the USA?
Me: I’m going to Washington DC for my MPA program with concentration in Politics, Policy and Administration at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, of the George Washington University.

VO: I can see you were here last year, what has changed in your application?
Me: I didn’t have a standardized test in my previous application but now I have the GRE, and my application is now for another school; George Washington University.

VO: How did you hear about this School?
Me: The George Washington University is one of the three (3) schools recommended for me by my undergraduate Professor after my last application. I used US News, Times Higher Education, Webometrics and the website of Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Public Administration (NASPAA) research about the schools and other schools.

VO: How many schools did you applied to?
Me: I applied to three (3) Schools: University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, University of Georgia Athens, and The George Washington University

VO: How many admits?
Me: Two (2) Universities: University of Pittsburgh and the George Washington University offered me admission, while University of Georgia’s decision has not come through

VO: Why George Washington University?
Me: The MPA program of The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration of George Washington University is well ranked (13th) in the US. It has a small class size and the curriculum is in line with my career goals. Also, I am fascinated by Prof Elizabeth Rigby's research on the Interplay of Politics, Policy, and Social Inequality; her research matches my area of interest. I was also offered tuition fellowship award of $20,000 which is renewable for one (1) additional year.

VO: Tell me how you got the tuition fellowship award?
Me: I wrote an essay describing how this program will help achieve my career goals. This essay and the quality of my application profile got me this tuition fellowship award.

VO: What will this degree do for you?
Me: This MPA will give me the theoretical and practical knowledge of the intersection of Politics, Policy and Administration which will adequately prepare me for a senior role at one of the Federal Ministries here, where the analytical skills, administrative/leadership skills would be of great use in addressing policy management issues. Also this MPA will set my feet on the road to achieving my long term goal of holding a high political office in Nigeria.

VO: Why USA?
Me: The United State is well known for her tremendous academic structure. Studying in the US particularly in a prestigious university in the US capital would give me the much need international exposure and acquaintance to the modern principles and practices of politics and policy management, which will make me stand out when I return.

VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This MPA focuses on the intersection of politics, policy and administration. It is a 40 credit hour program comprising of 25 core credits, 12 credit hour of concentration courses and 3 credit hour of elective courses, which I am meant to complete in 24 months and maintain a CGPA of not lesser than 3.00 through the 4 semester duration.

VO: Tell me some of the courses you would be taking?
Me: I would take courses like Economics for public decision making, Leadership in public Administration and public policy, Policy Analysis, Public and Nonprofit program evaluation, Policy formulation and administration, Federal government regulation of society, political data analytics, current topics in public policy, Introduction to public service and administration, Perspective on public value, Introduction to project management, Law and public administrator, Public budgeting, revenue and expenditure analysis, Financial management in public sector and a Capstone Seminar in the final semester.

VO: What’s your highest qualification and what year?
Me: I have BSc. Secretarial Administration, 2013

VO: What have you been doing since you graduated? I completed my NYSC program in June 2014 and I have been working as an Administrative Officer at XYZ local government council, ABC state since that time

VO: Have you traveled out of the country before?
Me: No
VO: Are you married? No
Me: Do you have a child? No
VO: Who is your sponsor? Me: My Mom
VO: What does she do? She deals in sales of imported building materials and she is a major distributor of Dangote Cement in Osogbo, Akure and Ibadan

I beg you all to help me analyse and critique my case and my proposed transcript. Thank you in anticipation.

Cc:
@LagosismyHome
@theamerican
@Childinho10
@Walspring
@Femi312
@bigfrancis21
@folmus
@OluDare01
@imperiouxx
@Twoods
@Ijebuboy525

Hello congratulations!
Please what was the reason for the refusal and how did you address it? I was refused this morning.

kprake9:
Hello house,

I just received by passport With 6 months Visa issued.
I had to reapply after my first refusal 3 weeks ago.

I appreciate all input from this house.

Thanks!

Gurus kindly advise! Is there anything I can do differently?

enthusiasm:
Gurus come and advice me oh, I just picked up my passport and my visa was refused. The reason just didn't make sense to me.
I applied for a visit visa, I work in a company where I'm also a co owner. So I submitted CAC documents, tax clearance, letterso of introduction on company letter heads, my account statement, company account statement. Among other things. I'll be going for myou masters in the USA in the fall so I also attached my admission packet and appointment withis the US embassy.
Gurus in the house kindly advice if I should reapply.
Cc@ justwise, epkotek kindly weigh in

Yes I submitted on the 25th. I collected my passport this morning. I called them yesterday and they told me decision had been made, afterwards I got my notice to pick up mail.

PrechyJoe:
Anyone here who applied on the 25th of May?

Hi..
I included my travel itinerary and activities.
I had sufficient funds in my personal account you can see that in the letter.
The nature of business involves cash so sometimes we pay salary in cash. The reason I included company account is because I'm also a co- owner and that suddenly turned to work against me.
What would have been the reason for denial if I hadn't included company account??
I just don't get it!

opomulero:
My interpretations:

1. The ECO did could only see 2 salary payments from the company account into your salary account. Maybe u should explain why 2 salary corresponds while d remaining 4 months salary did not

2. The ECO did not see your travel plan/itinery: how u wan waka for d 11 days.

I think they dont count money in your business account as income for u, oyinbi na oyinbo, dem no dey join business money with pleasure money, they are very strict on that.

So i think all your income dt u wish to use in travelling should be accrued in ur salary account and backed up with documnents or explanations.

I rest my case....over to da expertz in da house

please guys kindly advice.

enthusiasm:
Gurus come and advice me oh, I just picked up my passport and my visa was refused. The reason just didn't make sense to me.
I applied for a visit visa, I work in a company where I'm also a co owner. So I submitted CAC documents, tax clearance, letterso of introduction on company letter heads, my account statement, company account statement. Among other things. I'll be going for myou masters in the USA in the fall so I also attached my admission packet and appointment withis the US embassy.
Gurus in the house kindly advice if I should reapply.
Cc@ justwise, epkotek kindly weigh in

Gurus come and advice me oh, I just picked up my passport and my visa was refused. The reason just didn't make sense to me.
I applied for a visit visa, I work in a company where I'm also a co owner. So I submitted CAC documents, tax clearance, letterso of introduction on company letter heads, my account statement, company account statement. Among other things. I'll be going for myou masters in the USA in the fall so I also attached my admission packet and appointment withis the US embassy.
Gurus in the house kindly advice if I should reapply.
Cc@ justwise, epkotek kindly weigh in

Hello, please what's UKVI number?

PrechyJoe:


My mums application hasn't even clicked the Decision button yet, and she made her application on 22nd of May.

We called UKVI and they confirmed that a decision has been made.

I think TSL needs to do better in their services.

I wish you all the best too.

Congratulations! You must have used priority.

BabaOman:
Many thanks to @justwise and ekpotek. I submitted my application on 31st May and got notification of my processed application on June 6. I used courier option; I got it today with my visa. I included I was denied visa by the US as advised by Justwise.

Good luck to others.

Just login to TLC website, you will see the accurate status of your application. If UKVI has received it, it will be ticked there. No need to overthink this one.
Cheers

wuspapi:



Thanks for your response...below is the message I received from TLS in my email the second day I submitted:

Dear Applicant,

Your visa application has been sent to the Decision Making Centre for processing. You can track the status of your application anytime.

Just wondering if it’s important that I receive another email that the application has been received in Sheffield or just the one I got from TLS consult.

I will appreciate any information on this...thanks

We learn everyday, kindly enlighten me brof.
The business is about 10 months but active. He paid company and edu tax but not yet qualified for certificate. But we have all other documents. It is worth giving a shot yeah?

OmoBendel24:


Of course you know something. Saw that too.... Three, 3, 3, 3, 3 is a number in Shina Peters voice jare!

Yes the company is new, not up to a year. But there is fund. What do you think?

ekpotek:


Why not wait for the TCC to be out, unless the trip is urgent. The ECO will not accept mere evidence of payment unless your company is just new

Please can someone advice on this? @epkotek @just wise @other gurus.

enthusiasm:
Please for a business man with sufficient balance and documents as well as properties. His tax clearance certificate is pending due to redtapism. Can he attach the bank payment slip to FIRS account and explain that the certificate is in view? Application is for visitors visa. Cc @justwise @ekptek and our gurus kindly advice.

Please for a business man with sufficient balance and documents as well as properties. His tax clearance certificate is pending due to redtapism. Can he attach the bank payment slip to FIRS account and explain that the certificate is in view? Application is for visitors visa. Cc @justwise @ekptek and our gurus kindly advice.

Hi epkotek, please is it advisable to state you've been denied US visa before? Kindly respond.

ekpotek:


Congratulations!! You’re welcome. Enjoy your trip.

HEY, Please whats wrong with stating you have been refused US visa?

iapt:


Thanks alot for your response, I haven't done my biometrics yet...but i just want to be sure if they verify usa previous denial...but i think i will cancel it and have it done all over...Thanks

Just make clear coloured copies of the previous passport and visas. They will scan all them.

BabaOman:



Does this apply to previous passport because I want to use my new passport. The checklists says I should come with previous passport.

You guys know you don't have to submit hard copies of documents anymore. Now they scan everything and give you back your documents immediately. I didn't know that initially.