I have been congratulating people since, and now its my turn to share.

*Your latest visa baby in town*

Appointment was for 6:30am (May 10th)
First attempt
Lagos Consulate
Wharton MBA
COA: $118,568
Scholly: $60,000
Deficit: $58,568 (school put this under personal funds)

I stayed at a hotel in Obalende. It cost 15k, but you can also find hotels for 8-10k close to the Obalende bus park.

On my appointment day, I took bolt straight to the embassy. The trip lasted for 10 minutes, and it cost #1,500.

I got to the embassy at 6am. At this point, I joined the queue, but the security officer said there was no queue until the embassy opens at 6:30am. So, I went straight to the front because I can't dull my family.

Then, the security officer told us to bring out our appointment confirmation, our ds-160, our I-20, our sevis fee receipt, our international passport, and our passport photograph (this wasn't used for anything).

Then, we formed the official queue, and went through 3 rounds of security check. My advice is that you shouldn't take your phones, keys, liquid or anything that is not your documents along. I was proactive about this, and that was why I was the first person to be admitted into the embassy.

After we entered the embassy, another embassy official confirmed the validity of our documents, and asked for when we took our passport photographs (don't say anything more than 6 months from your interview date), and then we were told to go and get our biometrics done.

After I did my biometrics, I waited on the queue for an extra 30 minutes before the VOs opened their windows for the interviews. I think this was around 7:30am, but I am not sure. Anyways, if you feel pressed at this point, you can take excuse from the security officer, and go and use the restroom (don't worry, your spot on the queue would be reserved).

Funny enough, the vo that took my biometrics was the one to interview me (she changed seats). Thankfully, I had already given her my great smile and asked about her day during the biometrics process. She didn't answer sha, she knew the angle I was coming from, and quickly said all she wants to do is take my biometrics.

*Anyways, straight to the part you all have been waiting for*

VO: Pass me your passport, I-20, and Sevis fee receipt.

VO: How old are you? (Maybe mummy thought I was 16, and thus was surprised that my I-20 wasn't signed by my parents).
Me: I am 24 years old (e shock you?)

VO: What do you?
Me: I am a medical doctor who has been working as the Director of xxxxxx, which is a multi-award-winning NGO promoting health equity in Nigeria through community development, research, and advocacy projects in the fields of sexual and reproductive health, and childhood nutrition. Also, I work part-time as a healthcare consultant with several national and international nonprofit and government organisations.

VO: Why do you want to go and study Econo....(stutters)...metrics? (me sef surprise for the major when dey my I-20...I started looking for definition of my major when my school sent it... Anyways, to prevent stories that touch, I reached out to my school to input MBA in the remark section of my I-20, and I put "MBA-Major in Business Economics and Public Policy" in Ds-160).
Me: No, I want to go and pursue my Masters of Business Administration with a major in Business Economics and Public Policy. This is because I realized that the African Union's Youth Office generates an annual revenue of just about $500,000......(cuts me off)

VO: I can see you have a substantial scholarship, but also a huge deficit. How do you plan to fund this?
Me: I have an approved loan of $58,568 from Discover with an interest rate of...... (cuts me off)

Vo: Discover, the credit card company?
Me: No, Discover, the student loan company (they might be the same, but nothing concern me concern credit card company when I never enter Yankee)

Vo: Is the loan company in the US
Me: Yes

Vo: So, what would ensure that you would pay back your loans after you return to Nigeria.
Me: My school is a co-signer of the loan, and would cut me off (I wanted to say "from accessing alumni benefits", but I didn't and I don't know why) if I don't pay......(cuts me off)

Vo: oh, your school is the co-signer of the loan?
Me: Yes, there are.

Vo: how did you get this scholarship?
Me: This scholarship given to one exceptional student per year who has demonstrated enormous impact in the health sector of their country, and who would continue doing so after graduation.
Moreover, the fellowship recipient must have a track record of academic success, and I fit this criteria since I graduated from my medical school as a Primus Honor Student, had a GRE score of 325/340, and have represented my institution in multiple conferences.

Vo: What do you currently earn as a medical doctor in Nigeria
Me: I earn a salary of about 279,000 dollars (I claim it), sorry, naira monthly (I could not talk about my part-time consulting salary because I stopped taking up these jobs because I want to be fully focused on my NGO since I am transitioning out as the Director, and thus need to devote every minute of my time to train my successor).

Vo: But that is enough to pay back your loans (Ma, why do you think doctors are japaing everyday, do you think its because we like cold?)
Me: I would not be working as a medical doctor when I return to Nigeria. I would be working with the African Union, and my estimated salary is about $100,000 (I wanted to say annually, but she cut me off....its like she doesn't earn up to that)

VO: What organisation is this? Is it in Nigeria? (ah ah, shey you dey whine the African Union ni?)
Me: The African Union. It is a multinational government organisation that pays in dollars.

Vo: Okay, that's a great dream, but why do you think they would employ you.
Me: Because I have worked with them in the past. For example, I was the African Union Youth Ambassador to the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, sorry, Tokyo (I was confusing this because I have been to both cities). Due to the success of this project, I was also selected as the African Union Youth Ambassador to Bayer’s Youth Ag Summit in Brazil.

Vo: List all the countries you have been to
Me: Japan (twice), Brazil, Thailand, Israel, Kenya, Uganda, and Benin Republic.....(I forgot some).

Vo: When did you go to Japan?
Me: I went for the first time in May, 2019, and the second time last year.

Vo: What about Thailand?
Me: Last year

Vo: Do you have any immediate family in the US?
Me: No

Vo: I can see that you have been denied a US visa before. What were you going for then?
Me: I was selected for the Dalai Lama Fellowship at the Contemplative Science Center at the University of Virginia. So, I was going to attend the annual Dalai Lama Fellows' assembly. But I was denied, and I applied again and also got denied.

Vo: okay (she was separating my passport from my I-20, and I knew the good news was coming, she then pointed to my old passport which I had initially submitted to her but she didn't pick up). What's that?
Me: That's my other passport.

Vo: I don't need that. All I need is your new passport. Congrats, I am approving your visa. Take this paper, it would explain how to get back your passport when your visa is ready, and you should take your I-20 with you when travelling because you would be asked at the airport. Also, you can't enter the US until July 7th, 30 days before your resumption. Congrats once again (e shock you say I was composed enough to hear and remember everything she said?😂...It comes with medical training).

*Key takeaways*
1. Early interview is great because the vo would be ready to listen, and lots of people would not have annoyed them.
2. Early interview is bad because the Vo has your time, and would question everything including your grand father in the grave.
3. Dressing doesn't really suit matter. Just look OK. I wore a three quarter jeans, and a big polo, and Pam slippers (I can't kill myself because visa issue is not a do or die affair, plus my feet hurts from wearing heels all week).
4. I am not good with summative writing (If you got here, go and relax with a glass of juice because it would be your turn soon).

Hello, please I have a question. When applying for a UK student visa, does one have to go for a visa interview like that of the US?

I can't respond to your mail because your email address is not valid. Write me directly with another email at estherajari@gmail.com

jammyunn:
please Esther, check your email, i want to ask you a few questions on japan visa.

Mod, please push this to front-page. This is something very relevant that is affecting all our lives.

Thanks a lot, VO. If I go for my interview on May 20th and I am to travel by May 23rd to Japan, if approved, can I ask the consular to hold off on stamping my passport so I can resubmit it back for the stamp when I come back from Japan?

USMissionNGRA:
Hello estijaz,

These are great questions.

1. Yes, you [b]can [/b]schedule a visa interview at US Embassy Tokyo, but it's not necessarily advisable. We generally ask people to apply for visas in their countries of normal residence. This is because applicants need to demonstrate strong ties outside of the United States, and it might be more difficult for a consular officer outside of Nigeria to determine that you have strong ties to Nigeria.

2. Unfortunately, you would need to pay the fee again and use a new MRV number to apply anywhere outside of Nigeria.

3. No, you cannot use the same DS-160. You will need to fill out a new application.

4. Long story short, it might. The answer to question 1 should help to explain why.

Thanks and God bless

sugah:


If after your interview you are approved, tell them you'd rather keep your passport with you for your trip and submit it to them for the Visa stamping when you return from Japan.

Thank you for this piece of information.

seyewest:


This happened to my dad friend and what they (American Embassy) did was that, they told him to go ahead with his journey and when he returns he should submit his passport with a form that was given to him at the embassy. (They won't issue the visa until you return to Nigeria)

Even the supposed May 20 date will not work for me because I just found out that I have a rescheduled exam for that date and my medical school do not allow absence during exams. The only choice is to get a date, atleast on or before May 17, 2019. I feel so sad right now. Nothing is in my favour!

cinammon:


Except of course she doesn’t mind paying to move her Japan flight 2-3 days ahead.

To get your passport back, they will tell you 3-5 business days. If it comes earlier than 5 days they will send you a message from DHL. So the safest is 6 business days from your US interview since your Japan trip is for vacation (I suppose).

This is quite an unfair and sad choice to make as both are very important to me. I am going to Japan for a conference and then a tourism trip. I am going to the US for the sequelae to the first conference at the USA. I really am lost for words and choice at this point. Any one with an earlier date should please exchange with me. I feel like crying now.

jazzy:


There s no absolute way to determine, if you will get it back. IMO, please dont risk it. It seems you may need to choose between going to Japan and going to the US now..

I mean I already fully arranged for my Japan trip scheduled for May 23 and my US trip is scheduled for June 16

Beautyaddy:


This statement is contradicting.

Pls, what is the full meaning of P's and Q's? I really have no other option at this point than to risk it

Chips101:


I would reinforce to the VO that you need your passport by the 22nd using your p's and q's. Joke about cutting it super close or something. Be pleasant and communicate your urgency. If you've been approved, they can sometimes be accommodating.

I already bought my flight ticket since last month after getting my Japan visa. The US trip just came up last week. Do you think it's possible to get an earlier interview date. If you have any experience in the area, pls tell me how?

Beautyaddy:


Wait till you get the visa on hand stamped in your passport before buying any ticket to travel.

Unless you don't mind paying the fees for changes to your already bought flight ticket.

Please, what do you suggest I do considering that this is the best offer I for compared to my original August 19 appointment

Beautyaddy:


Very unlikely but not impossible.

This season is the peak season for most applicants travelling.

Please, I found an interview date for May, 20, 2019 but I am travelling to Japan on May 23, 2019. Please what I want to know is if my visa is approved, can I collect my passpprt back on or before the morning of May 23rd (my Japan flight is scheduled for 1:45pm)

Please, just in case someone wants to make a last minute cancellation of a booked US visa appointment date for May, let me know. I have to be at an important conference in June. Thanks!

Please, what do you suggest I do then to get a visa appointment date in May. I tried Abuja too but the dates are in July.

Chips101:


1) No. You are not resident in Japan and so have no ties to the country in which you would interviewed in. The American Embassy in Japan has no way to assess your ties to Nigeria. They are not omniscient.

2 & 3) Since you're ineligible to apply, these don't apply

4) If you are being interviewed in Nigeria, yes, in as much as it gives you travel experience

Hi,
My issue is quite complex. I have an important conference to attend at the University of Virginia, USA from June 17-21, 2019. However the nearest available interview appointment time in Nigeria is August 22, 2019. I requested for an expedited interview process and was denied. However, I will be travelling to Japan on a tourist visa from May 23-June 7, 2019:

1) Can I schedule my visa interview at the US Embassy in Tokyo instead (their nearest available date is April 18, 2019)?

2) Can I cancel my previous appointment (the one I created just so I can activate the Request an Expedited interview button) on my US Embassy in Nigeria portal and use the same MRV receipt number to schedule an interview in Tokyo during my visit dates (I have to create a new account on the Embassy in Japan's website)?

3) Can I use thesame Ds-160 form that I previously used to apply for a US visa in Nigeria to schedule my new interview date in Tokyo?

4) Does my visiting Japan on a tourist visa affect my interview decision?


Thanks in advance!

Hi,
My issue is quite complex. I have an important conference to attend at the University of Virginia, USA from June 17-21, 2019. However the nearest available interview appointment time in Nigeria is August 22, 2019. I requested for an expedited interview process and was denied. However, I will be travelling to Japan on a tourist visa from May 23-June 7, 2019:

1) Can I schedule my visa interview at the US Embassy in Tokyo instead (their nearest available date is April 18, 2019)?

2) Can I cancel my previous appointment (the one I created just so I can activate the Request an Expedited interview button) on my US Embassy in Nigeria portal and use the same MRV receipt number to schedule an interview in Tokyo during my visit dates (I have to create a new account on the Embassy in Japan's website)?

3) Can I use thesame Ds-160 form that I previously used to apply for a US visa in Nigeria to schedule my new interview date in Tokyo?

4) Does my visiting Japan on a tourist visa affect my interview decision?


Thanks in advance!

TroubleMaker47:

Actually people having public sex is condemnabale to both straight n queers because ur right a human ends where anoda man's right begins and by having public sex or even masturbating is an infringement of my right.



Actually I'm against bestiality cuz technically it's rape. Animals have no choice/will power.



Same as infringement of right.



I never said "physically only" psychological and emotional hurt is still hurt.



Morality is relative, do u knw females wearing bum shorts and trousers is considered immoral to some people? What about tatoos?
Humanity well i guess we can as well condemn priest and nums, infact monastries should be closed down because it's a threat to humanity and human existence, hey what about contraceptive pills? Evil companies right?
Religion. hmm.. this is a dicey one, well since we are all living by every tenets of the holy book, do u knw what punishment awaits a lady raped at home? Or a guy who draws tatoos, (read up liventicus 19;28). How about fornication, adultrey, slave trade? Oh well what do i know!


When u share this same hate for priests and nuns, then I'd take u really serious.


Thank you too

Omg! You are smart!

Decypher:
Shut the Bleep up! Eriga's song contains foul words which can Neva be played on air!
Dude should work on his lyrics, it's too vulgar!

so Olamide and Lil Kesh nor dey use vulgar words abi?

Please add me to the group
08140462666

Luvdbyursista:
pls what is 'award no' and how do i get it?

It is your number on the list

Peteragan:
hmmmmn they sent a general list meant for the whole university to a single faculty first before the entire university system will see it.I suspect a fowl play here becoz its suppose to be the other way round.Well lets keep our finger crossed

The list was photocopied for different faculties and your award letters are with your faculties. There is no foul play whatsoever. They can't possibly tamper with the award list. I suggest you chill

Livebygrace:

Does that mean only medical students were shortlisted?
Why are they hiding the list? Did they call u from DSA for ur award letter?

Nope. Other students were awarded too. Just chill till tomorrow or next please

olamidearege:
Am at UCH now, can I have your number? @Estijaz

I can't put my number on this public forum. Apologies!

Livebygrace:

Does that mean only medical students were shortlisted?
Why are they hiding the list? Did they call u from DSA for ur award letter?

Nop, they did not. I was informed by my class rep. He copied out the list of people that won it in my class and sent it to our watsapp group. I guess the reason it's at UCH is because they want our HOD's signature on it. I guess they sent the award letter to all the respective departments. They will send it back to UI tomorrow for general collection. So chill till tomorrow or next

Peteragan:
pls those at the UCH college building help us snap and upload i dont know why they pasted it there alone without us at the main campus.May be its only medical students that where given.

No, other students were awarded as well. You guys should storm student affairs building o

Livebygrace:

Pls, help us snap it. How many awardees were on the list both UG and PG?

The thing is that the stuff wasn't pasted on the notice board, I wonder why. I saw it in our Dean's office. His secretary did not allow snapping of the list. All I know is that UG list is longer than PG list. I have collected my award letter. It's just the filling and submitting I haven't done

Peteragan:
pls those at the UCH college building help us snap and upload i dont know why they pasted it there alone without us at the main campus.May be its only medical students that where given.

The thing is that the stuff wasn't pasted on the notice board, I wonder why. I saw it in our Dean's office. His secretary did not allow snapping of the list. All I know is that UG list is longer than PG list. I have collected my award letter. It's just the filling and submitting I haven't done

be4dem:
Its not true that UI has received the list. Just left the student affairs building. Please stop sharing false information

The list is at the college building, UCH
I saw it myself

lckintl:
Seplat has started shortlisting. check your mail.

please when is the exam date, thanks
Also, what department and school are you in

Easymicky:
Yes, I just received a mail from dem. I wonder aw the test go luk like.

please when is the exam date, thanks
Also, what department and school are you in