My program is actually Hospitality Management and what’s on my I20 is Consumer and Human services so how do I talk about my research interest in international business tourism.

Tayoade19:


I think you should have stuck to what is written on the i20 and then narrow down to your research interest. What was written on my i20 is also different from the name of program and what I filled on the DS 160, however when the VO asked for the name of the program, I said what is on the i20 and talked about my research interest in that program.

My visa was approved today at the Lagos Consulate. Details shortly.

fdecisive:
Long post alert!!!

I'm doing this for the benefit of others not established gurus in the house, who know better than me though. So ogas feel free to correct me where I'm wrong.

Some of the points been posted by some of us are not true, based on my personal research about US immigration law for F-1 visas. That is what the VO applies on you, sentiments apart.

Facts:
- Some people do not just meet the requirement for F-1 visa. Why?
They are not going to the USA to study. Simple.
If you're talking to "a student" you will know. They are mentally agile, their application will demonstrate their academic interest and you will see the enthusiasm.
If you like carry all documents, you may still not be eligible, if you're really not a student.
Do mock Interviews with your school officials, formal folks, or others, and see if you are convincing enough. Research your course of study and understand it. Show your capacity for research - abi you no be student? If you can't convince yourself, you can't convince anyone.

- The visa interview process is not documents based. It is an open conversation where WHAT YOU SAY is really what will be used to judge you. That's why for some they never look at you BS or credentials before approval or denial. They really don't care so much about that.
Who are you? Are you telling the truth? From the way you are speaking and acting (your carriage matters), do you sound like someone who understands the purpose of education or a masters degree? Do you have a clear idea of the impact your study will have and how you will create that impact? Ask yourself.

VOs want to gauge from the totality of your application (DS-190, I-20, etc), if you meet US immigration law requirement for entry under F-1 status. US Immigration Law is clear:
- You are admitted to an approved institution.
- You have the academic and mental abilities to study and graduate.
- You can fund your total living & study expenses.
- You have ties and intent to return. (Even if they know that if you get a job you may not return)

If you're a VO, would you approve a visa for someone who can't articulate confidently why they want to study for a Masters Degree or a PhD? Or why that particular university among the hundreds in the US? You reason am naw?

Look at Nigeria, the problems we have in this country should give anyone enough facts to make strong case to support their application. Do a deep research, find a problematic area that your course of study will tackle. Rationally and logically articulate why it is important for both Nigeria and the USA for you to study for this degree. If it's sensible and well communicated, even the VO will be struck by your reasoning, except they are simply mentally unstable, which they are not.

These are just my thoughts as someone who has successfully attended international educational interviews before.

I'm an applicant. Got full funding. My proposed MA is different from my BA, but I have relevant 3 years experience across 3 African countries. Been doing some late night research about the course, the likely questions, and how to address them succinctly and decisively. Only when preparation has been fully done will I engage God in prayers. God is not mocked whatever you sow, you reap.

At the same time I believe if I answer truthfully and honestly, visa will be approved, cos I'm really going to study, not trying to "japa". If it's not, then it's not an indication of my self worth. Life and the pursuit of purpose goes on.

Tayoade19:
Good morning people. God proved himself great this morning at the US embassy, I appreciate God for His faithfulness. Thanks to everyone on this platform for your numerous and useful contributions. The visa appointment was by 9:45am today.
Status: visa approved.
Full transcript will be sent soon.

Congratulations!!!

fdecisive:
My visa was approved today at the Lagos Consulate. Details shortly.

Congratulations, when I read your previous long post. it was obvious you had a plan. I wish you success in your endeavors.

ItBlessing:
Thank you. Was it the course on your I-20 you input while filling your DS-160? I want to know if it needs to be the same.

No. The course on my admission letter.
But when asked if I am going for XXXX program as stated on the i20. I said yes but quickly mentioned the program on the DS 160 and told the VO, the area of my research interest.

Date: 1st June 2021
Status: Approved
Funding: Full Ride

Since last week, I have been watching boxing legend Mohammed Ali and his fights with Frazier and Foreman. So today when I was inside the consulate, I began to get a bit nervous. So I began to warm up (subtly though) just like Ali does, from left to right... . Watch him on YouTube, you'd love it.

While on the queue, I saw several cases being adjudicated. There was a guy who couldn't string two or three sentences without a serious grammatical mistake, he didn't sound like someone who passed English at all. On top of the fact that he was telling obvious lies. But he was speaking forcefully, and in the end, his visa was approved, to everyone's surprise. There was a guy who was practically fidgeting, didn't know where he had worked just a couple of years ago, couldn't say what the degree will do for him. But his visa was approved. In my mind... See grace. There were others who seemingly said everything right, and were calm and confident too, but were still denied. Fear God.
It got to my turn.

VO(Caucasian): Good afternoon
Me: Good afternoon sir.

VO: So tell me, what are you going to do?
Me: I'm going to the university of xxxx to gain knowledge and conduct a research with Dr xxxx and Prof xxxx, on how government policy on internally displaced persons, refugee, and migrants are formed; this study will lead to a masters degree in International Studies, and prepare me to take up a role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at xxxx, where I currently work. (I stopped, and VO was still typing and looking through my i-20).

VO: (He kept mute for about 20 seconds. He was checking my I-20 all the while I was speaking and kept typing even after I stopped.) Suddenly, he heaved a sigh, opened his mouth, and said... Alright, I will be giving you this document, and approving your visa. We got a lot of folks in queue and I can see you got a full ride, so let's not waste much time.
So here's your i-20, you can pick up your passport from Monday next week at DHL office, VI... Have a wonderful trip to America.

Me: Already smiling. Thank you so much. Have a nice day!
The whole process took just over a minute.

First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for this. I return all the glory to God. I will share part of my story below to motivate and inspire someone out there. You can make it, if you will try!

As of August last year, I had no clue and no plan to study abroad. I had different plans for my career, which included doing a Masters at UNILAG . That same August, a friend of mine John (not his real name) who won a commonwealth scholarship to the UK visited me. He had travelled to Lagos in order to process his tuberculosis tests at Ikeja. He shared his story with me and challenged me to apply for Chevening, Commonwealth, and any other scholarships I could find, adding that I had exceptional experiences that will make me stand out. I was inspired because this was a guy who grew up with me in Warri, walked the same streets with me, attended the same fellowship (FECA), he was even my junior throughout our days at UNIBEN, and here was he going to UK on a fully-funded Scholarship. I believed I could do it too. I decided to give my applications my best shot. As God would have it, we were working remotely at my workplace, so I could devote a lot of attention to research online. I made up my mind to apply for UK Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarship (NOT USA - I did not think I could afford their numerous standardized tests, and other fees, etc). The USA was out of it for me.

From late August to November last year, day after day, night after night, I did meticulous research. I got vital help from John and others too. I tried to string a coherent story from a pretty diverse career story spanning journalism, news broadcasting, community development, refugee support, humanitarian aid, corporate communications, etc. I wanted to develop a solid personal statement from my experiences that will always be convincing.
After sleepless nights, and managing my applications with my full-time job, I got admitted to 6 UK schools (Universities of East Anglia, Leicester, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Westminster, & Cardiff). I applied for the Chevening Scholarship. I got favoured by God, and was shortlisted for an interview. Last April I did my interview at the British Consulate, Lagos. It was successful, as the panellists shared their feedback with me that I I was outstanding. I'm confident I will be shortlisted for the award when names will be released this month.

But this is how my US story began. In early February, another younger one of mine from my NCCF (NYSC), with whom I had chatted around Christmas last year, reached out to me. He told me that he was now in the US studying, and told me I could actually apply to schools for PhD and get funding too. I never knew - ignorance ain't good. I immediately modified my personal statement, adjusted my references, and started conducting another massive research on US schools that had my course, and was going to waive the application fee, GRE, TOEFL, etc. I wasn't into these standardized English tests, as my English was excellent as far as I was concerned. But to get the schools that were waiving these was a real work... Night upon night I searched patiently. I was lucky to stumble upon my current school, and applied. I requested that the application fee should be waived, and they did. In fact, at some point it looked as if they were appealing to me to send in my application, after reading my personal statement. Two weeks after applying, I got admitted with full graduate assistantship, health insurance, return flight ticket, tuition and fees waiver. I couldn't believe it! I danced and danced that night, praising God, and I'm sure others in my flat must have heard my loud screams, and tonguings too .

I share all these to inspire someone. I am not from a privileged background. Life has been hard several times. I fought my way through undergraduate studies Uniben. It was hard, but God helped me.
Pick yourself up! Don't give up on your dreams to be the best you can be. Always demand the best from yourself. Set the bar high, and aim for it. Wipe the sweat off your face, and persevere. People will misunderstand you, underrate you, discourage you, and even frustrate you, but by the help God, be determined to press on. You will prevail.
One day, I know I will do my PhD at a prestigious school as Harvard. I believe it's possible and I'm going to put in the "hard and difficult work" it will take, by the grace of God.

Above all, have a God-given vision to improve human life, your community, and your society. God will always back those who are called according to his purpose. You will never lose energy as your vision will energize you to keep going.

I wish everyone reading this success in their endeavours. God bless you.

fdecisive:
Date: 1st June 2021
Status: Approved
Funding: Full Ride

Since last week, I have been watching boxing legend Mohammed Ali and his fights with Frazier and Foreman. So today when I was inside the consulate, I began to get a bit nervous. So I began to warm up (subtly though) just like Ali does, from left to right... . Watch him on YouTube, you'd love it.

While on the queue, I saw several cases being adjudicated. There was a guy who couldn't string two or three sentences without a serious grammatical mistake, he didn't sound like someone who passed English at all. On top of the fact that he was telling obvious lies. But he was speaking forcefully, and in the end his visa was approved, to everyone's surprise. There was a guy who was practically fidgeting, didn't know where he has worked just a couple of years ago, couldn't say what the degree will do for him. But his visa was approved. In my mind... See grace. There were others who seemingly said everything right, but were still denied. Fear God.
It got to my turn.

VO(Caucasian): Good afternoon
Me: Good afternoon sir.

VO: So tell me, what are you going to do?
Me: I'm going to the university of xxxx to gain knowledge and conduct a research with Dr xxxx and Prof xxxx, on how government policy on internally displaced persons, refugee, and migrants are formed; this study will lead to a masters degree in International Studies, and prepare me to take up a role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at xxxx, where I currently work. (I stopped, and VO was still typing and looking through my i-20).

VO: He kept mute for about 20 seconds. Checks my I-20 all the while I was speaking and kept typing. Opened his mouth suddenly, and said... Alright I will be giving you this document, and approving your visa. We got a lot of folks in queue and I can see you got a full ride, so let's not waste much time.
So here's your i-20, you can pick up your passport from Monday next week at DHL office, VI... Have a wonderful trip to America.

Me: Already smiling. Thank you so much. Have a nice day!
The whole process took just over a minute.

First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for this. I return all the glory to God. I will share part of my story below to motivate and inspire someone out there. You can make it, if you will try!

As at August last year, I had no clue and no plan to study abroad. I had different plans for my career, which included doing a Masters at UNILAG . That same August, a friend of mine John (not his real name) who won a commonwealth scholarship to the UK visited me. He had travelled to Lagos in order to process his tuberculosis tests at Ikeja. He share his story with me and challenged me to apply for Chevening, Commonwealth, and any other scholarships I could find, adding that I had exceptional experiences that will make me stand out anywhere in the world. I was inspired because this was a guy who grew up with me in Warri, walked this same area with me, attended the same fellowship (FECA), he was even my junior throughout our days at UNIBEN, and here was he going to UK on a fully-funded Scholardhip. I believed I could do it too. I decided to give my applications my best shot. As God would have it, we were working remotely at my workplace, so I could devote a lot of attention to research online. I made up my mind to apply for UK Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarship (NOT USA - I did not think I could afford their numerous standardized tests, and other fees, etc). USA was out of it for me.

From late August to November last year, day after day, night after night, I did meticulous research. I got vital help from John and others too. I tried to string a coherent story from a pretty diverse career story spanning journalism, news broadcasting, community development, refugee support, humanitarian aid, corporate communications, etc. I wanted to develop a solid personal statement from my experiences that will always be convincing.
After sleepless nights, and managing my applications with my full time job, I got admitted to 6 UK schools (Universities of East Anglia, Leicester, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Westminster, & Cardiff). I applied for the Chevening Scholarship. I got favoured by God, and was shortlisted for interview. Last April I did my interview at the British Consulate, Lagos. It was successful, as the panelists shared their feedback with me that I I was outstanding. I'm confident I will be shortlisted for the award when names will be released from this month.

But this is how my US story began. In early February, another younger one of mine from my NCCF (NYSC), with whom I had chatted with around Christmas last year, reached out to me. He told me that he was now in the US studying, and told me I could actually apply to schools for PhD and get funding too. I never knew - ignorance ain't good. I immediately modified my personal statement, adjusted my references, and started conducting another massive research on US schools that had my course, and was going to waive application fee, GRE, TOEFL, etc. I wasn't into these standardized English tests, as my English was excellent as far as I was concerned. But to get the schools that were waiving these was a real work... Night upon night I searched patiently. I was lucky to stumble upon my current school, and applied. I requested that application fee should be waived, and they did. In fact at some point it looked as if they were appealing to me to send in my application, after reading my personal statement. Two weeks after applying, I got admitted with full graduate assistantship, health insurance, return flight ticket, tuition and fees waiver. I couldn't believe it! I danced and danced that night, praising God, and I'm sure others in my flat must have heard my loud screams, and tonguings too .

I share all these to inspire someone. I am not from a privileged background. Life has been hard several times. I fought my way through undergraduate studies Uniben. It was hard, but God helped me.
Pick yourself up! Don't give up on your dreams to be the best you can be. Always demand the best from yourself. Set the bar high, and aim for it. Wipe the sweat off your face, and persevere. People will misunderstand you, underrate you, discourage you, and even frustrate you, but by the help God, be determined to press on. You will prevail.
One day, I know I will do my PhD at a prestigious school as Harvard. I believe it's possible and I'm going to put in the "hard and difficult work" it will take, by the grace of God.

Above all, have a God-given vision to improve human life, your community, and your society. God will always back those who are called according to his purpose. You will never loose energy as your vision will energize you to keep going.

I wish everyone reading this success in their endeavours. God bless you.

Congratulations
I really took my time to read through very inspiring. So happy for you, could you please list USA universities that yiu applied too

Congratulations!!! .Go and Excel. P.S: You just made my day.

fdecisive:
Date: 1st June 2021
Status: Approved
Funding: Full Ride

Since last week, I have been watching boxing legend Mohammed Ali and his fights with Frazier and Foreman. So today when I was inside the consulate, I began to get a bit nervous. So I began to warm up (subtly though) just like Ali does, from left to right... . Watch him on YouTube, you'd love it.

While on the queue, I saw several cases being adjudicated. There was a guy who couldn't string two or three sentences without a serious grammatical mistake, he didn't sound like someone who passed English at all. On top of the fact that he was telling obvious lies. But he was speaking forcefully, and in the end his visa was approved, to everyone's surprise. There was a guy who was practically fidgeting, didn't know where he has worked just a couple of years ago, couldn't say what the degree will do for him. But his visa was approved. In my mind... See grace. There were others who seemingly said everything right, but were still denied. Fear God.
It got to my turn.

VO(Caucasian): Good afternoon
Me: Good afternoon sir.

VO: So tell me, what are you going to do?
Me: I'm going to the university of xxxx to gain knowledge and conduct a research with Dr xxxx and Prof xxxx, on how government policy on internally displaced persons, refugee, and migrants are formed; this study will lead to a masters degree in International Studies, and prepare me to take up a role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at xxxx, where I currently work. (I stopped, and VO was still typing and looking through my i-20).

VO: He kept mute for about 20 seconds. He was checking my I-20 all the while I was speaking and kept typing even after I stopped. Suddenly, he heaved a sigh, opened his mouth, and said... Alright I will be giving you this document, and approving your visa. We got a lot of folks in queue and I can see you got a full ride, so let's not waste much time.
So here's your i-20, you can pick up your passport from Monday next week at DHL office, VI... Have a wonderful trip to America.

Me: Already smiling. Thank you so much. Have a nice day!
The whole process took just over a minute.

First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for this. I return all the glory to God. I will share part of my story below to motivate and inspire someone out there. You can make it, if you will try!

As at August last year, I had no clue and no plan to study abroad. I had different plans for my career, which included doing a Masters at UNILAG . That same August, a friend of mine John (not his real name) who won a commonwealth scholarship to the UK visited me. He had travelled to Lagos in order to process his tuberculosis tests at Ikeja. He shared his story with me and challenged me to apply for Chevening, Commonwealth, and any other scholarships I could find, adding that I had exceptional experiences that will make me stand out. I was inspired because this was a guy who grew up with me in Warri, walked this same area with me, attended the same fellowship (FECA), he was even my junior throughout our days at UNIBEN, and here was he going to UK on a fully-funded Scholardhip. I believed I could do it too. I decided to give my applications my best shot. As God would have it, we were working remotely at my workplace, so I could devote a lot of attention to research online. I made up my mind to apply for UK Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarship (NOT USA - I did not think I could afford their numerous standardized tests, and other fees, etc). USA was out of it for me.

From late August to November last year, day after day, night after night, I did meticulous research. I got vital help from John and others too. I tried to string a coherent story from a pretty diverse career story spanning journalism, news broadcasting, community development, refugee support, humanitarian aid, corporate communications, etc. I wanted to develop a solid personal statement from my experiences that will always be convincing.
After sleepless nights, and managing my applications with my full time job, I got admitted to 6 UK schools (Universities of East Anglia, Leicester, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Westminster, & Cardiff). I applied for the Chevening Scholarship. I got favoured by God, and was shortlisted for interview. Last April I did my interview at the British Consulate, Lagos. It was successful, as the panelists shared their feedback with me that I I was outstanding. I'm confident I will be shortlisted for the award when names will be released from this month.

But this is how my US story began. In early February, another younger one of mine from my NCCF (NYSC), with whom I had chatted with around Christmas last year, reached out to me. He told me that he was now in the US studying, and told me I could actually apply to schools for PhD and get funding too. I never knew - ignorance ain't good. I immediately modified my personal statement, adjusted my references, and started conducting another massive research on US schools that had my course, and was going to waive application fee, GRE, TOEFL, etc. I wasn't into these standardized English tests, as my English was excellent as far as I was concerned. But to get the schools that were waiving these was a real work... Night upon night I searched patiently. I was lucky to stumble upon my current school, and applied. I requested that application fee should be waived, and they did. In fact at some point it looked as if they were appealing to me to send in my application, after reading my personal statement. Two weeks after applying, I got admitted with full graduate assistantship, health insurance, return flight ticket, tuition and fees waiver. I couldn't believe it! I danced and danced that night, praising God, and I'm sure others in my flat must have heard my loud screams, and tonguings too .

I share all these to inspire someone. I am not from a privileged background. Life has been hard several times. I fought my way through undergraduate studies Uniben. It was hard, but God helped me.
Pick yourself up! Don't give up on your dreams to be the best you can be. Always demand the best from yourself. Set the bar high, and aim for it. Wipe the sweat off your face, and persevere. People will misunderstand you, underrate you, discourage you, and even frustrate you, but by the help God, be determined to press on. You will prevail.
One day, I know I will do my PhD at a prestigious school as Harvard. I believe it's possible and I'm going to put in the "hard and difficult work" it will take, by the grace of God.

Above all, have a God-given vision to improve human life, your community, and your society. God will always back those who are called according to his purpose. You will never loose energy as your vision will energize you to keep going.

I wish everyone reading this success in their endeavours. God bless you.

Moshkom:


Omo! Nobody ask you for all these Shalaye oh. is HOW MANY SCHOOLS DID YOU APPLIED TO not straightforward as a question to you enough?? Ah! Haba, na! Go straight to the the 1 or 2 answer and leave talk for Matthias.

Luck!!

Thank you for your response. I added all those ones because of d 4, 5 schools I usually see in transcripts

Congrats, I pray such grace will speak for me also. we have similar background, will come here to give my testimony also.

Want to also appreciate walspring for the swift payment of my SEVIS Fee. sincere helpful and very fast. Go to him he won't disappoint.

fdecisive:
Date: 1st June 2021
Status: Approved
Funding: Full Ride

Since last week, I have been watching boxing legend Mohammed Ali and his fights with Frazier and Foreman. So today when I was inside the consulate, I began to get a bit nervous. So I began to warm up (subtly though) just like Ali does, from left to right... . Watch him on YouTube, you'd love it.

While on the queue, I saw several cases being adjudicated. There was a guy who couldn't string two or three sentences without a serious grammatical mistake, he didn't sound like someone who passed English at all. On top of the fact that he was telling obvious lies. But he was speaking forcefully, and in the end, his visa was approved, to everyone's surprise. There was a guy who was practically fidgeting, didn't know where he had worked just a couple of years ago, couldn't say what the degree will do for him. But his visa was approved. In my mind... See grace. There were others who seemingly said everything right, and were calm and confident too, but were still denied. Fear God.
It got to my turn.

VO(Caucasian): Good afternoon
Me: Good afternoon sir.

VO: So tell me, what are you going to do?
Me: I'm going to the university of xxxx to gain knowledge and conduct a research with Dr xxxx and Prof xxxx, on how government policy on internally displaced persons, refugee, and migrants are formed; this study will lead to a masters degree in International Studies, and prepare me to take up a role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at xxxx, where I currently work. (I stopped, and VO was still typing and looking through my i-20).

VO: (He kept mute for about 20 seconds. He was checking my I-20 all the while I was speaking and kept typing even after I stopped.) Suddenly, he heaved a sigh, opened his mouth, and said... Alright, I will be giving you this document, and approving your visa. We got a lot of folks in queue and I can see you got a full ride, so let's not waste much time.
So here's your i-20, you can pick up your passport from Monday next week at DHL office, VI... Have a wonderful trip to America.

Me: Already smiling. Thank you so much. Have a nice day!
The whole process took just over a minute.

First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for this. I return all the glory to God. I will share part of my story below to motivate and inspire someone out there. You can make it, if you will try!

As of August last year, I had no clue and no plan to study abroad. I had different plans for my career, which included doing a Masters at UNILAG . That same August, a friend of mine John (not his real name) who won a commonwealth scholarship to the UK visited me. He had travelled to Lagos in order to process his tuberculosis tests at Ikeja. He shared his story with me and challenged me to apply for Chevening, Commonwealth, and any other scholarships I could find, adding that I had exceptional experiences that will make me stand out. I was inspired because this was a guy who grew up with me in Warri, walked the same streets with me, attended the same fellowship (FECA), he was even my junior throughout our days at UNIBEN, and here was he going to UK on a fully-funded Scholarship. I believed I could do it too. I decided to give my applications my best shot. As God would have it, we were working remotely at my workplace, so I could devote a lot of attention to research online. I made up my mind to apply for UK Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarship (NOT USA - I did not think I could afford their numerous standardized tests, and other fees, etc). The USA was out of it for me.

From late August to November last year, day after day, night after night, I did meticulous research. I got vital help from John and others too. I tried to string a coherent story from a pretty diverse career story spanning journalism, news broadcasting, community development, refugee support, humanitarian aid, corporate communications, etc. I wanted to develop a solid personal statement from my experiences that will always be convincing.
After sleepless nights, and managing my applications with my full-time job, I got admitted to 6 UK schools (Universities of East Anglia, Leicester, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Westminster, & Cardiff). I applied for the Chevening Scholarship. I got favoured by God, and was shortlisted for an interview. Last April I did my interview at the British Consulate, Lagos. It was successful, as the panellists shared their feedback with me that I I was outstanding. I'm confident I will be shortlisted for the award when names will be released this month.

But this is how my US story began. In early February, another younger one of mine from my NCCF (NYSC), with whom I had chatted around Christmas last year, reached out to me. He told me that he was now in the US studying, and told me I could actually apply to schools for PhD and get funding too. I never knew - ignorance ain't good. I immediately modified my personal statement, adjusted my references, and started conducting another massive research on US schools that had my course, and was going to waive the application fee, GRE, TOEFL, etc. I wasn't into these standardized English tests, as my English was excellent as far as I was concerned. But to get the schools that were waiving these was a real work... Night upon night I searched patiently. I was lucky to stumble upon my current school, and applied. I requested that the application fee should be waived, and they did. In fact, at some point it looked as if they were appealing to me to send in my application, after reading my personal statement. Two weeks after applying, I got admitted with full graduate assistantship, health insurance, return flight ticket, tuition and fees waiver. I couldn't believe it! I danced and danced that night, praising God, and I'm sure others in my flat must have heard my loud screams, and tonguings too .

I share all these to inspire someone. I am not from a privileged background. Life has been hard several times. I fought my way through undergraduate studies Uniben. It was hard, but God helped me.
Pick yourself up! Don't give up on your dreams to be the best you can be. Always demand the best from yourself. Set the bar high, and aim for it. Wipe the sweat off your face, and persevere. People will misunderstand you, underrate you, discourage you, and even frustrate you, but by the help God, be determined to press on. You will prevail.
One day, I know I will do my PhD at a prestigious school as Harvard. I believe it's possible and I'm going to put in the "hard and difficult work" it will take, by the grace of God.

Above all, have a God-given vision to improve human life, your community, and your society. God will always back those who are called according to his purpose. You will never lose energy as your vision will energize you to keep going.

I wish everyone reading this success in their endeavours. God bless you.

Laworldz:
congratulations!
Mine was not not approved and I am going for PHD with funding and $2500 deficit.
I’m still surprised but the only thing the consular was asking about is why the course on my I20 is different from what I said I’m going for and I explained that it’s the Umbrella/ Sevis code for courses related to mine.
I already sent an email to my school explaining cuz I’m not sure I understand why he was just focused on that

This issue was raised in a group I belong to and it was concluded that even the VOs are aware of the reason for this disparity, that it is not a problem.

I now see that it is a problem

Tayoade19:


I think you should have stuck to what is written on the i20 and then narrow down to your research interest. What was written on my i20 is also different from the name of program and what I filled on the DS 160, however when the VO asked for the name of the program, I said what is on the i20 and talked about my research interest in that program.

If I understand you well, you filled the correct name of the program on DS160 but mentioned the one on I20 during interview. Right?

If yes, could the disparity between DS160 and I20 not have caused problem too? Or VOs don't really check the course on DS form?

ItBlessing:
And when asked what course I'm going for, it has to be what is written on my I-20 right even with the fact that there's a letter backing it up from the school.

Maybe Laworldz showing the admission letter would have worked

Please how long does it take to reapply for another Visa after the first denial??

Congratulations. You just made my day. I want to go for a PhD. Is there a whatsapp group I can join? Thank you

Visa approved this morning at Lagos Consulate. Thanks to this wonderful family, I am forever grateful. Transcript to come soon

Please, I have interest to do a PhD program in The USA. I do not know what to do first. Please, is there a whatsapp group I can join? If any, please, I will like to be added up.
Thank you

maximilano:

I can assist you

Oh that's great.... How do we start?

Can someone respond to my question please!
How long does it take to reapply for another Visa after the first denial?

Hi

Laworldz:
My program is actually Hospitality Management and what’s on my I20 is Consumer and Human services so how do I talk about my research interest in international business tourism.

I have already completed the DS 160 and I didn't see were I was asked to fill my course of study ooo... Please is there something I didn't do right?

opeyemioguns:


If I understand you well, you filled the correct name of the program on DS160 but mentioned the one on I20 during interview. Right?

If yes, could the disparity between DS160 and I20 not have caused problem too? Or VOs don't really check the course on DS form?

Massive congratulations

patomaniac:
Congrats, I pray such grace will speak for me also. we have similar background, will come here to give my testimony also.

Want to also appreciate walspring for the swift payment of my SEVIS Fee. sincere helpful and very fast. Go to him he won't disappoint.

opeyemioguns:


Thank you for your response. I added all those ones because of d 4, 5 schools I usually see in transcripts

Lol. You see yourself?? You’re using other story to makeup yours. Bad!

Boss! Your own; na your own. Forget others!!

Bigsecret:
Visa approved this morning at Lagos Consulate. Thanks to this wonderful family, I am forever grateful. Transcript to come soon

I read your diary here on Nairaland. You're one of a kind. Congratulations.

fdecisive:
Date: 1st June 2021
Status: Approved
Funding: Full Ride

Since last week, I have been watching boxing legend Mohammed Ali and his fights with Frazier and Foreman. So today when I was inside the consulate, I began to get a bit nervous. So I began to warm up (subtly though) just like Ali does, from left to right... . Watch him on YouTube, you'd love it.

While on the queue, I saw several cases being adjudicated. There was a guy who couldn't string two or three sentences without a serious grammatical mistake, he didn't sound like someone who passed English at all. On top of the fact that he was telling obvious lies. But he was speaking forcefully, and in the end, his visa was approved, to everyone's surprise. There was a guy who was practically fidgeting, didn't know where he had worked just a couple of years ago, couldn't say what the degree will do for him. But his visa was approved. In my mind... See grace. There were others who seemingly said everything right, and were calm and confident too, but were still denied. Fear God.
It got to my turn.

VO(Caucasian): Good afternoon
Me: Good afternoon sir.

VO: So tell me, what are you going to do?
Me: I'm going to the university of xxxx to gain knowledge and conduct a research with Dr xxxx and Prof xxxx, on how government policy on internally displaced persons, refugee, and migrants are formed; this study will lead to a masters degree in International Studies, and prepare me to take up a role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at xxxx, where I currently work. (I stopped, and VO was still typing and looking through my i-20).

VO: (He kept mute for about 20 seconds. He was checking my I-20 all the while I was speaking and kept typing even after I stopped.) Suddenly, he heaved a sigh, opened his mouth, and said... Alright, I will be giving you this document, and approving your visa. We got a lot of folks in queue and I can see you got a full ride, so let's not waste much time.
So here's your i-20, you can pick up your passport from Monday next week at DHL office, VI... Have a wonderful trip to America.

Me: Already smiling. Thank you so much. Have a nice day!
The whole process took just over a minute.

First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for this. I return all the glory to God. I will share part of my story below to motivate and inspire someone out there. You can make it, if you will try!

As of August last year, I had no clue and no plan to study abroad. I had different plans for my career, which included doing a Masters at UNILAG . That same August, a friend of mine John (not his real name) who won a commonwealth scholarship to the UK visited me. He had travelled to Lagos in order to process his tuberculosis tests at Ikeja. He shared his story with me and challenged me to apply for Chevening, Commonwealth, and any other scholarships I could find, adding that I had exceptional experiences that will make me stand out. I was inspired because this was a guy who grew up with me in Warri, walked the same streets with me, attended the same fellowship (FECA), he was even my junior throughout our days at UNIBEN, and here was he going to UK on a fully-funded Scholarship. I believed I could do it too. I decided to give my applications my best shot. As God would have it, we were working remotely at my workplace, so I could devote a lot of attention to research online. I made up my mind to apply for UK Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarship (NOT USA - I did not think I could afford their numerous standardized tests, and other fees, etc). The USA was out of it for me.

From late August to November last year, day after day, night after night, I did meticulous research. I got vital help from John and others too. I tried to string a coherent story from a pretty diverse career story spanning journalism, news broadcasting, community development, refugee support, humanitarian aid, corporate communications, etc. I wanted to develop a solid personal statement from my experiences that will always be convincing.
After sleepless nights, and managing my applications with my full-time job, I got admitted to 6 UK schools (Universities of East Anglia, Leicester, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Westminster, & Cardiff). I applied for the Chevening Scholarship. I got favoured by God, and was shortlisted for an interview. Last April I did my interview at the British Consulate, Lagos. It was successful, as the panellists shared their feedback with me that I I was outstanding. I'm confident I will be shortlisted for the award when names will be released this month.

But this is how my US story began. In early February, another younger one of mine from my NCCF (NYSC), with whom I had chatted around Christmas last year, reached out to me. He told me that he was now in the US studying, and told me I could actually apply to schools for PhD and get funding too. I never knew - ignorance ain't good. I immediately modified my personal statement, adjusted my references, and started conducting another massive research on US schools that had my course, and was going to waive the application fee, GRE, TOEFL, etc. I wasn't into these standardized English tests, as my English was excellent as far as I was concerned. But to get the schools that were waiving these was a real work... Night upon night I searched patiently. I was lucky to stumble upon my current school, and applied. I requested that the application fee should be waived, and they did. In fact, at some point it looked as if they were appealing to me to send in my application, after reading my personal statement. Two weeks after applying, I got admitted with full graduate assistantship, health insurance, return flight ticket, tuition and fees waiver. I couldn't believe it! I danced and danced that night, praising God, and I'm sure others in my flat must have heard my loud screams, and tonguings too .

I share all these to inspire someone. I am not from a privileged background. Life has been hard several times. I fought my way through undergraduate studies Uniben. It was hard, but God helped me.
Pick yourself up! Don't give up on your dreams to be the best you can be. Always demand the best from yourself. Set the bar high, and aim for it. Wipe the sweat off your face, and persevere. People will misunderstand you, underrate you, discourage you, and even frustrate you, but by the help God, be determined to press on. You will prevail.
One day, I know I will do my PhD at a prestigious school as Harvard. I believe it's possible and I'm going to put in the "hard and difficult work" it will take, by the grace of God.

Above all, have a God-given vision to improve human life, your community, and your society. God will always back those who are called according to his purpose. You will never lose energy as your vision will energize you to keep going.

I wish everyone reading this success in their endeavours. God bless you.

This is inspiring. Feel free to make more indelible marks by stating the name of the university. That could inspire more!

Samuel5555:
Can someone respond to my question please!
How long does it take to reapply for another Visa after the first denial?

Anytime. You can get a reject today and schedule another interview today for another date. However, it is not really about scheduling Interview but more about fixing what went wrong in your previous Interview. When you fix this you can then schedule another interview. You should take a deep reflection!

Congratulations to all those whose visas are approved. That will be my testimony too by God's grace.

Congratulations

fdecisive:
Date: 1st June 2021
Status: Approved
Funding: Full Ride

Since last week, I have been watching boxing legend Mohammed Ali and his fights with Frazier and Foreman. So today when I was inside the consulate, I began to get a bit nervous. So I began to warm up (subtly though) just like Ali does, from left to right... . Watch him on YouTube, you'd love it.

While on the queue, I saw several cases being adjudicated. There was a guy who couldn't string two or three sentences without a serious grammatical mistake, he didn't sound like someone who passed English at all. On top of the fact that he was telling obvious lies. But he was speaking forcefully, and in the end, his visa was approved, to everyone's surprise. There was a guy who was practically fidgeting, didn't know where he had worked just a couple of years ago, couldn't say what the degree will do for him. But his visa was approved. In my mind... See grace. There were others who seemingly said everything right, and were calm and confident too, but were still denied. Fear God.
It got to my turn.

VO(Caucasian): Good afternoon
Me: Good afternoon sir.

VO: So tell me, what are you going to do?
Me: I'm going to the university of xxxx to gain knowledge and conduct a research with Dr xxxx and Prof xxxx, on how government policy on internally displaced persons, refugee, and migrants are formed; this study will lead to a masters degree in International Studies, and prepare me to take up a role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at xxxx, where I currently work. (I stopped, and VO was still typing and looking through my i-20).

VO: (He kept mute for about 20 seconds. He was checking my I-20 all the while I was speaking and kept typing even after I stopped.) Suddenly, he heaved a sigh, opened his mouth, and said... Alright, I will be giving you this document, and approving your visa. We got a lot of folks in queue and I can see you got a full ride, so let's not waste much time.
So here's your i-20, you can pick up your passport from Monday next week at DHL office, VI... Have a wonderful trip to America.

Me: Already smiling. Thank you so much. Have a nice day!
The whole process took just over a minute.

First of all, I want to appreciate the Almighty God for this. I return all the glory to God. I will share part of my story below to motivate and inspire someone out there. You can make it, if you will try!

As of August last year, I had no clue and no plan to study abroad. I had different plans for my career, which included doing a Masters at UNILAG . That same August, a friend of mine John (not his real name) who won a commonwealth scholarship to the UK visited me. He had travelled to Lagos in order to process his tuberculosis tests at Ikeja. He shared his story with me and challenged me to apply for Chevening, Commonwealth, and any other scholarships I could find, adding that I had exceptional experiences that will make me stand out. I was inspired because this was a guy who grew up with me in Warri, walked the same streets with me, attended the same fellowship (FECA), he was even my junior throughout our days at UNIBEN, and here was he going to UK on a fully-funded Scholarship. I believed I could do it too. I decided to give my applications my best shot. As God would have it, we were working remotely at my workplace, so I could devote a lot of attention to research online. I made up my mind to apply for UK Chevening and Swedish Institute Scholarship (NOT USA - I did not think I could afford their numerous standardized tests, and other fees, etc). The USA was out of it for me.

From late August to November last year, day after day, night after night, I did meticulous research. I got vital help from John and others too. I tried to string a coherent story from a pretty diverse career story spanning journalism, news broadcasting, community development, refugee support, humanitarian aid, corporate communications, etc. I wanted to develop a solid personal statement from my experiences that will always be convincing.
After sleepless nights, and managing my applications with my full-time job, I got admitted to 6 UK schools (Universities of East Anglia, Leicester, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Westminster, & Cardiff). I applied for the Chevening Scholarship. I got favoured by God, and was shortlisted for an interview. Last April I did my interview at the British Consulate, Lagos. It was successful, as the panellists shared their feedback with me that I I was outstanding. I'm confident I will be shortlisted for the award when names will be released this month.

But this is how my US story began. In early February, another younger one of mine from my NCCF (NYSC), with whom I had chatted around Christmas last year, reached out to me. He told me that he was now in the US studying, and told me I could actually apply to schools for PhD and get funding too. I never knew - ignorance ain't good. I immediately modified my personal statement, adjusted my references, and started conducting another massive research on US schools that had my course, and was going to waive the application fee, GRE, TOEFL, etc. I wasn't into these standardized English tests, as my English was excellent as far as I was concerned. But to get the schools that were waiving these was a real work... Night upon night I searched patiently. I was lucky to stumble upon my current school, and applied. I requested that the application fee should be waived, and they did. In fact, at some point it looked as if they were appealing to me to send in my application, after reading my personal statement. Two weeks after applying, I got admitted with full graduate assistantship, health insurance, return flight ticket, tuition and fees waiver. I couldn't believe it! I danced and danced that night, praising God, and I'm sure others in my flat must have heard my loud screams, and tonguings too .

I share all these to inspire someone. I am not from a privileged background. Life has been hard several times. I fought my way through undergraduate studies Uniben. It was hard, but God helped me.
Pick yourself up! Don't give up on your dreams to be the best you can be. Always demand the best from yourself. Set the bar high, and aim for it. Wipe the sweat off your face, and persevere. People will misunderstand you, underrate you, discourage you, and even frustrate you, but by the help God, be determined to press on. You will prevail.
One day, I know I will do my PhD at a prestigious school as Harvard. I believe it's possible and I'm going to put in the "hard and difficult work" it will take, by the grace of God.

Above all, have a God-given vision to improve human life, your community, and your society. God will always back those who are called according to his purpose. You will never lose energy as your vision will energize you to keep going.

I wish everyone reading this success in their endeavours. God bless you.

University of Wyoming, l think.

American University, Washington
Brandeis University, Massachusetts
University of Denver is also good.

But every individual is unique. What worked for A may not work for B. Your own personal research is necessary. Good luck.

moyin29:


Congratulations
I really took my time to read through very inspiring. So happy for you, could you please list USA universities that yiu applied too

Hello everyone.
Soo, i got my visa approved today at the Lagos consulate. 9.45am
COA: $58k
Funding: $13k
Deficit: $45k

Ps. This interview was just like a conversation with a "senior colleague" lol.

VO: Good morning! How are you doing?
Me: I'm great, thank you...how are you?
VO: I'm fine (he kept typing seriously)

VO: I can see you are going for your masters in healthcare.
Me: Noo, so, I'm actually going for a masters in public health with a concentration in health policy and management, but the SEVIS code just puts it as health care.
VO: (nodding) okay...please can you repeat the masters degree name again.
Me: I repeated everything.

VO: So, do you have a degree in public health previously?
Me: No, but I'm a physician with a bachelors in Microbiology, so public health has always been something i wanted to do.
VO: (nodding) and typing seriously

Me: Then i added, so i got my bachelors degree in 2010 from Covenant University. Then i went to ukraine for 6 years for my doctor of medicine degree. I came back to Nigeria in 2018 and I've been here since.
V.O: You work at ***** hospital?
Me: yeah, where i work in the ***** unit
V.O: Where's it located?
Me: They have 4 branches, lagos island, VI etc (V.O just kept nodding)

V.O: So you schooled in Lagos?
Me: Yeah, Covenant University which is an elite private university near lagos.
V.O Then you went to ukraine, now US. Why are you jumping around?
Me: ( i laugheddd), then said I'm not jumping around, it's just my quest in the pursuit of knowledge.
V.O: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 4 schools
V.O: list them
Me: Oxford, Johns hopkins, drexel and georgia southerrn.
V.O: How many gave you admission?
Me: Well, oxford and Johns Hopkins didn't admit me. So, just drexel and georgia southern.
V.O: So why drexel?
Me: Drexel is the only school which gives me the opportunity of having a minor in health economics which will be written on my certificate. Because health economics is a very important aspect, it deals with the equitable distribution and access of healthcare. E.g the covid vaccine, it isn't enough to just create a vaccine, but effective distribution also matters.
Secondly, If you noticed with the schools i applied to, they are top schools...so, i was quite obsessed with going to a top school and drexel's school of public health ranks as number 19 in US.

V. O: (Still typing seriously, paused at my 45k deficit lol) What is your financial plan?
Me: My financial plan?
V.O: nodding
Me: My aunty would be sponsoring me.
V.O: What does she do?
Me: She's a bank manager and is also into real estate, developing and selling properties. Then she has a farm where she does rice production, poultry and fish farming on a large scale.
V.O: nodding (typing again)
Me: Since my dad walked out on my mum and I, my aunt has been responsible for my education. She sponsored me throughout Covenant University, then 6 years in Ukraine. So this won't be different.
V.O: So will you pay your aunty back?
Me: ( I laughed again) and was like nahhh...can't possibly pay her back.
V.O: (jokingly) you should pay her back
Me: Just smiling and praying in my mind.
V.O: How old are you?
Me: I'm 29
V.O: When you return to Nigeria, what's your plan?
Me: I will take up a job with the ministry of health in my state, I'm in communication with one of he directors there. But then that is my short term plan, for the long term i intend expanding the reach of my NGO which i founded last year. It's focused on hypertension and diabetes which are silent killers, since majority of the attention is on HIV, TB, covid et al.
V.O: (Nodding), then typed briefly. Excused himself for about 30seconds while he conferred with the V.O at the next window.
Me: I was just praying in my head, those were the longest 30 seconds of my life. Then he came back and continued typing.
V.O: Have you been to the US before?
Me: No, i havent.
V.O: Okay, so I'll be issuing a visa to continue your studies in the US.
Me: Thank you very much.
V.O: Ensure you do all the things you said you'll do and goodluck.
Me: Thank you...I will
V.O: Here's your I-20, ensure you keep it very well...You'd need it at the port of entry. Have a nice day.
Me: Okay I will, thank you...have a nice day too

Pss. I wasn't asked for account statement, though i carried one with me.

Thank you everyone who shared resources here that have been useful.
Best wishes to people still awaiting their visas.

I'm not helping others if I say it here, sincerely. Besides, you won't be able to defend it effectively at your visa interview.
Someone who good at online research, can get the university by searching for the course at 4icu.org. . That's all I can say.

Pefuele:


This is inspiring. Feel free to make more indelible marks by stating the name of the university. That could inspire more!