Shrimp Fried rice

TQing:


Hello!

Please I need your assistance. If you don't mind, I sent you a PM as I’m not sure how this works yet. I have been following this thread as a guest but doesn’t seem to be of help anymore and am looking to start my application for Fall 2025. I would appreciate your kind response.
Thanks for your time.

I have sent you a message!

Nashvin:
Visa approved.
Location: Abuja.

1st attempt: Denied in Lagos, Master’s in Health Services Research..., University of Minnesota, partial funding/GTA 9k, COA: 46K.

2nd attempt:
Program: Master’s in Applied Economics.
School: Illinois State University.
COA: $38k.
Graduate assistantship: $22k.
Deficit: $16k.

First, I want to thank the Almighty God for everything he has done. Special shout out to amazing personalities on this journey, @Fall2021 for helping me go through the DS160 form and for the encouragement on every step despite her tight schedule and @Abacinoo007. God bless you guys real good. They are testament that you cant go wrong with God on your side and having guides like them from my school application to visa approval has been nothing short of grace. Abeg, follow who know road.

And to everyone who has posted transcripts in the past to encourage people going through hard times due to delay(s). Thank you and God bless you all for guiding us with your testimonies.

The VO had denied about 4 persons before me. Heart pounding, confusion almost setting in cos some of those guys had funding with solid sponsors based on the audible conversation with the VO. I just started praying in Tongues. You know the drill for those who have been to the embassy before.

VO: Good morning.
Me: Good morning.
VO: Please pass me your documents.
Me: Here is it, please.
VO: what course are you going to study?
Me: I am going to study for a postgraduate degree in Applied Economics at Illinois State University
VO: Oh great (Looking at my DS160 form), what did you study for your first degree?
Me: Economics.
VO: what year did you finish?
Me: 2011.
VO: Why this course?
Me: The Applied Economics program differs from the traditional Economics which is focused on theory but rather focuses on data analysis, data interpretation, and data optimization which aligns with what I currently do and provides the opportunity for career advancement in attaining a Senior Research Management Position. If you look through my details, you will see that my career growth has been somewhat stagnant hence the need for this course.
VO: where do you work?
Me: I currently work as * * Associate with **** organization on a U.S.-funded project where I handle research and data analysis.
VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes.
VO: You have a child?
Me: Yes, please.
VO: I see you have a total cost of 38k, how do you intend to pay?
Me: Yeah, thank you. Aside from the full tuition waiver and GRA, I will be covering the deficit from my savings and funds in my wife’s account. We have an inherited hotel business, and she also works as a Lead on a U.S.-funded project.
VO: what will you be doing after your study?
Me: I will be returning to seek a Senior Research Management position in my line of work.
VO: Okay. Your application looks good. I will be approving your visa. He then issued me a white paper.
I did not hear anything else.

WHO DID IT? JESUS! Oh my God, Wow!
Please keep faith.

Congratulations dear. So happy for you !!!

Abacino007:
Visa approved
Location: Abuja

my 9th attempts.

THE SIEGE IS OVER

Firstly, I will like to thank God Almighty for answered prayers. I will also like to thank some few people specifically. Thank you @⁨100kobo for your supports so far. You are part of the story, thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. I can’t even thank you enough.
@⁨Fairheart ⁩ can testify also, I met Fairheart 2018 and he really tried for me. @Fall2021, thank you for being a source of inspiration to me. Also want to thank everyone here for their contributions. @Rafman12, my brother from another mother, thank you so much.

1st attempt 2017 Lagos (Wichita state University) no funding
2nd attempts 2017 Lagos (Wichita state University) no funding
3rd attempts 2018 Lagos (Wichita State University) no funding
4th attempts 2018 Abuja (Central Michigan University) 50% funding
5th attempts 2018 Abuja (Central Michigan University) 50%funding
6th attempts 2019 Abuja (Central Michigan University) 50% funding
7th attempts 2019 Lagos (Central Michigan University) 50% funding
8th attempts 2021 (Abuja Illinois State University) full tuition waiver with $13,371
9th attempts 2022 Abuja (Illinois state University) same

As usual, I walked into the interview hall with the hope and believe that God will change my story one day.

Vo: good morning
Me : good morning

Me: how are you today
Vo: no reply

Vo: place your fingers for biometric

Vo: I can see you are going to Illinois state University for your master in Quantitative Economics

Me: no, I am going for master in applied economics with concentration in Financial Economics

Vo: okay

Vo: i see you have a GA, who will be paying for the rest

Me: my aunty and I will compliments with my little savings

Vo: what’s your thesis interest

Me: pardon,

Vo then carried a paper and wrote “thesis” then showed me


Me: okay you mean thesis, I will be working with Dr ABC who is a monetary economist at the school, we will be working on a thesis topic : *Nexus between unemployment and inflation* . We will gather data from Nigeria and USA for our analysis. We will be using co integration technique, granger causality test, Ecm etc. We will be using Philip Curve as our literature review.

Vo: where were you working before?

Me: I worked with ABC limited

Vo; a forex company?
Me: yes, we deal with foreign currencies.

Vo: it’s a family business right? (this question made me realize that she was asking me questions based on the answers I have given in this past by this time I realize i need to be consistent)

Me: yes, it is owned my uncle, I worked as an account officer there, I was responsible for their receivables and payables account, and budgeting. Before I left there I was able to recover #77m potential bad debts for the company.

Vo: where do you work now?

Me: I work as a lecturer with ABC where I am responsible for course development, teaching and grading students exams and seminar papers

Vo: what courses do you take

Me; I take micro and macro economics courses

Vo: okay. That’s good

Vo: will you be returning to the institution after your masters

Me: haven gained necessary skill, knowledge, experience and exposure in the course of this study, I will be returning back to my current work place to pick up a role is senior lecturer. I have a study leave approval here with me

Vo: how many siblings do you have

Me: myself, my brother and my sister including my parent.

She typed for a while and reach out to the white paper and said congratulations… who cares about the rest

I am still in shock, God is faithful, never give up on your dreams. I have been on this since 2016 but God did it in 2022. I was divinely favoured all through.. i stammered and stammered but the lady actually was calm with me. I will never be ungrateful to God.

Guys, pls don’t give up on your dreams, my application is another example to us that God will do it at the right time. DON’T GIVE UP

Congratulations

Trevon91:


I am currently at Lapour hotel and their service Water finished while I was bathing today and it wasn't funny, soap foam was over my body ... I called them but they didn't respond until after 20 minutes after I had use cold bottled water to finish my bath ��������. Their WiFi isn't working too and I paid 15k/ night. I came here because of your recommendation.

Aww. So sorry to hear about that. Let's just say I was lucky then

neurosci:


Haha it seems like you moved during the winter to one of the coldest places which is Illinois. I always encourage people to move during the fall so they can slowly assimilate if they’re moving to a cold region.

Walai. I'm struggling to get used to the cold. The cold here na die. Na God's hands I dey like this

Nicklaus619:
Eyahhh, I can imagine, but I rather flex my Christmas in snow, if my heart like make e froze e no concern me, rather than to stay in this Buhari Nigeria .

Be careful what you wish for. I've learnt my lesson the hard way. The cold here is freezing �

Systrom:
How much per night ?

15k

Chairperson:
Quickly, can someone recommend a good hotel near the consulate in Abuja? Thanks

I used Lapour hotel. Excellent customer service.

peptual:


Do you need transcript evaluation to apply to Illinois State University?

No need for WES evaluation

Jonjohnson:

Congratulations so happy for you

Please I'm interested in M. Sc Economics also as I graduated from Economics ,can I be able to get funding with my cgpa (3.48/5)

Thank you. Yes you can. Try and ace the GRE. You can apply to Illinois State University,Kent state university, Georgia State University and Bowling greene state university

Visa approved
Location: Abuja

1st attempt:
Program: Master’s in applied economics
School: Illinois State University

School cost: $34k
Graduate assistantship: $21k
Deficit: $13k
Sponsor: Daddy


First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for everything he has done in my life. When I joined Nairaland, my target was Fall 2021. I applied to four schools. Illinois state University, Kent state university, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and University of Alabama. I got two admits and two rejections. I was particular about funding because , I could not afford the school fees. Illinois state and Kent state University got back to me in April with an unsuccessful mails for funding. Omo I cried ehn.

I decided to defer my Illinois state university admission to Spring 2022 and I applied for funding in August. That was how I forgot about USA and started focusing on schools in UK. Illinois state university got back to me on November 22nd, with a full tuition waiver

I want to thank xxxscholar for helping me go through my DS 160 form and also Abacino007 for his encouraging words.

Note: I didn’t have a single mock interview. My workload is overwhelming to say the least. So I want to motivate those that couldn’t prepare for their interview. Just do the little you can and God will finalize the rest.

And to everyone who has posted transcripts in the past to encourage people going through hard times due to delay(s). May we all continue to have reasons to celebrate

VO: Good morning
Me: Hi good morning

VO: Please pass me your documents
Me: You can have it please
VO: Thank you very much

VO: I can see you are going for a masters degree in Econometrics and quantitative economics

Me: No, it’s actually a masters in Applied Economics

Vo: Oh okay great (Looking at my DS160 form)

VO: why applied economics

Me: : I am very particular about a masters in Applied economics because it shifts from the traditional economics framework which is mostly based on theories but rather, it focuses on data analyses, data optimization and data interpretation and how to apply them into real life scenarios

VO: Have you travelled out before
Me: No, I have not had any reason to do so

VO: where do you work

Me: **** Nigeria

VO: what do you do there
Me: I work as a Payables and Treasury analyst.

VO: so what will you do when you return?
Me: Having gained the necessary skillset to building and applying economic models to real life situations, I will come back to Nigeria to attain a higher position in my organization as a senior research associate (NB: This was already stated on my DS-160 form)

VO: I can see you have a GRA of $21k. Who will be paying the deficit

Me: My dad

VO: what does he do

Me: He is into the importation and sales of automobiles. He has four offices Nigeria; Lagos, Warri, Enugu and Anambra

VO: do you have any friend/family in the Us

Me: Not at all

VO: Have you travelled out before (I was already nervous. He has asked me this question before)

Me: No, I haven't

VO: Okay. Your application looks good. I will be approving your visa. He then issued me a white paper

I did not hear anything else. I was just screaming in my mind. Thank you Jesus

NigPatriot:


God answered your prayers. Congratulations.

I know right. I even focused on UK at some point when US didn't work out for fall 2021. I guess God had bigger plans for me. Thank you

Visa approved today at Abuja. Transcript coming up later. Looking for where to eat

ADEX0123:
Pls how do I contact walspring on how to go abt my sevis fee

Send him a mail. He'd respond

Walspring:


I got it and I replied back

Thanks boss. My SEVIS payment has been confirmed. I advise anyone that wants to pay to contact Walspring.

phelixson:
Please how do I pay? Is there anyone that can help?

Also, can I apply for surge while I am yet to pay SEVIS but with the hope of paying before new interview date?

contact Walspring

juliuscapps:


Na wa o, you got full funding, yet denied again. What could be the reason? Me I'm afraid o

Right now, I think it's a game of luck because i don't understand these rejections

Chiremi:
VISA Approved today in Abuja 12pm

Course of Study: Mechanical Engineering
School: University of Colorado, Boulder
Fee: 52k
Funding: 14k
Balance: 38k

VO: Good afternoon, pass me your I20 and passport
Me: Good afternoon sir
VO: Have you ever traveled out of the country before?
Me: No, I have not had any reason to.
VO: What are you going to the US for
ME: I am going for my masters research program in the University of Colorado Boulder. I will be working with Dr. blablabla on Renewable Energy integration.
VO: How did you find out about your program
Me: I presented a paper during a conference hosted at CU Boulder, then during the breakout session I was able to connect with Dr. blablabla and I spoke about my interest in renewable energy grid integration. She was fascinated to hear about it and she told me she’s also working on a similar project funded by the department of energy. She suggested I join her research team and she put in a word for me to the department head about my research interest and the prospect of joining the department as a grad student.
VO: you mean you went to CU Boulder for a conference?
Me: no, I attended the conference virtually. I presented online.
VO: Oh okay. That’s nice.
VO: How do you plan on paying for your program
Me: well as you can see on my I20, my I have a scholarship of 14k, the balance will be paid by my father.
VO: what does your father do?
ME: He is a politician and a businessman. He owns a saw milling factory, palm oil plantation, palm oil processing factory etc
VO: He’s a politician? What kind of politician?
ME: I explained to him
VO: Okay your application looks good, I’ll be approving your visa…

I tried to listen to the rest of what he was saying after those golden words but I can remember anything.

I didn’t see the Korean VO that’s talked about. Just one bald white male attended to most of us.

I am grateful for the community here. The information posted here and the transcripts helped me to prepare well. I feel getting the visa is easy if one is confident and have a good application. Tbh when I listening to some other interviews before my turn I could tell the outcome from the conversation. Most people don’t prepare well for the interviews and it sometimes obvious from their answers, so can’t really blame the VOs for refusing.

Thank you all.

Congratulations

fairheart:


The reason for refusal was not your travel experience. I think the VO was looking at your profile...years in the job, and why you are just going for the Master's. I know the angle I am looking at your case may look weird to you, but as "Head" of that position, 10 years in the job, you are mostly at the steep of your career--in that position. Why now? MBA is a degree people get to get to that steep you are currently occupying.

Secondly, you are 36 and your Dad is the sponsor. As "Head" in your current position, the VO probably thought you should have your own money too. That is why I always tell applicants from here that if you have personal funds and you have a sponsor at the same time, state who is sponsoring you and ship in: " I have also saved about $10, 000 over the years and I will use this toward my living expenses."

I was not at the interview with you, but I am not convinced you utilize the time you had to give detailed answer to the VO questions. I would be expecting more answers to his questions. You can reapply, but craft strong answers to the potential questions you'd be asked.

All the best!

Hi Fairheart, Thank you for all your immense contributions on this platform. I have a question. I received a full tuition waiver, however, I still need to show POF for living expenses. I have a statement that covers this. However, everyone keeps saying personal funds is a red flag. Kindly advise as the school would issue my I20 tomorrow. Thank you.

Walspring:


$350 and also comes with charges when paying.

Hi Walspring. I need help paying for SEVIS fee. I sent you a mail

collykay:


Hi. Can I send you an email? Applied to same school

Yes please

Denuga91:
VISA APPROVED. Lagos. May 6, 2021
Here is my transcript

School: Illinois State University

No funding whatsoever
COA: $33894

For those who didn't put their other names while applying while setting their visa application profile, there is no cause for alarm. I made the same mistake and I was allowed to proceed with my interview.
After the biometrics we proceed into the main hall for the interview proper.

V.O: Where are you going to?

ME: I'm going to Illinois State University for my Masters degree in Hydrogeology ( My I-20 says Geological and EarthSciences but my program is Hydrogeology
While asking me this question, dude was busy typing but I made sure I fixate my eyes on him.
V.O: Why this program? (trying to read my major in my I-20) I quickly told him that's my major but my concentration is hydrogeology.

ME: My life experience influenced my decision to study Hydrogeology I lost my dad when I was 9 to cholera (Na so VO stop typing and looked straight into my eyes, in my mind I was like I don catch you�) I continued, ever since then I've always wanted to have a groundwater treatment plant so as to make clean water accessible and affordable to every average Nigerian.
VO: How many schools did you I apply to?
ME: I applied to 3 schools namely: Illinois state university, Ashland University at Ohio and University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
VO: Why Illinois state University?
ME: There are three reasons for this.
Firstly, the research work of Dr Peterson impressed me, he just finish working on radon concentration in groundwater and I strongly believe working with him would help me address the issue of groundwater contaminant ( I asked him "Do you know what radon is all about? He simply nodded.)
VO: Is your sponsor gonna pay for all your expenses?

ME: Yes

V.O: How much ?
ME: I was like you no see am for my I-20 ni) I replied $33,800+ (At this point I was expecting him to ask for his bank statement but dude just moved on to the next question. All these happened while he was typing).

VO: What will this course do for you
ME: (Wa gbayi omo iya mi). I want to have my own groundwater treatment plant where I can partner with botling company, I'm looking at partnering with Nigerian breweries and Coca-cola Nigeria as a consultant to help purify their water from radioactive contaminants.
I also want to partner with NGOs like the Safe Nigeria Group to sensitize the public about the dangers associated with ingesting Radon with groundwater, right now that's one of the leading causes of lung cancer and kidney failure in Nigeria
He typed for like 30 secs and said the golden words. He asked me to go to room 8 that a colleague of him will address me.
Na this EducationUSA people.

*Tips*
-Be confident
*Don't cram your answers*, just have a mental outline of what you're gonna say.
Success to everyone!

Hi Denuga, good morning. Can I connect with you? Just got a full tuition waiver for spring 2022 at Illinois State University.

Okay, greet him for us

RichEstate:
My spouse got unconditional offer today from Bradford, we are making deposit of 2k tomorrow at uba.

To be honest, pof is yet to be counting, and there's no where on the offer letter requesting 28days pof,

Do u think we have chance to make 17th January resumption.

Please assist

Same thing I thought. I had even gone to GTB to pay the 30% deposit. I had to contact the school and they said they must receive matured POF before Nov 23rd. I had to run to GTB to refund my money. Thank God for their slow service. They haven't treated the form A yet so I cancelled it. Please apply to other schools abeg.

Oluwatosinliz:
make your findings very well bcoz 98% of students going to university of Bradford are aware of the deadline. Am scaring you but that is the fact. You can send msg to ese or Sheillah.

You are right. I just confirmed it. Thank you

Oluwatosinliz:
don’t talk about what you are not sure of. Go and verify so that the school will not move you to the next intake, Sept., 2022. Good luck

Well, I just got admission on November 1st and I have paid the initial deposit. However, my POF will mature beginning of December. I haven't received any mail from the school saying November 23rd for document submission.

Oluwatosinliz:
do you think you will meet up with 23rd Nov deadline? That is the date for the final submission of the mature financial statement to the school

I don't think so. Nov 23rd is the deadline to pay the 2,000pounds deposit. It's not the deadline for the 28days POF.

It really breaks my heart when I hear that people actually earn N30k per month with the high cost of living. This country is a disaster

LagosismyHome:


Offcourse you need to go to school or call or do anything to get your transcript....

it would not be funny to lose this opportunity due to Nig transcript. Better find who has the VC contact and call, lol

Exactly my thoughts too. If I were in his shoes, I’m traveling immediately to my school. I will sleep there till they send the transcript.

Oluromantic:
You don't know how to make a good video. All you know is to carry expensive phone with nice camera that you don't know how to use, with that your loud voice sounding like drum.

The lady was trying to communicate with you, it was at that point you took the camera off site. She was saying something you should have listened to, yet you didn't pay attention. The video is not worth uploading online abeg.

Its the loud voice sounding like drum for me