Gracias!

mayford:


You don't have any cause for concern. The 6 months validity beyond intended travel date for Nigeria has been relinquished according to a 2023 Gazette by the State Department.

So long as your interview date is before the expiration of your passport (I mean, your passport is valid beyond your interview date), you're good. You just need to apply for a new passport ASAP! And you're eligible to do so. Passports in Nigeria are renewable if they'll be expiring up to 6 months ahead. So apply for renewal, and simply combine your old and new passports when traveling.

For now, all your applications should be done with your current passport.

idirect:
Hello people,
I wanna ask if it is not screaming desperation if I appear for interview with my work ID? Thank you

Hey 🤠

1. Its not a screaming desperation to attend your visa interview with your work-place or office identification. As a matter of fact, i am used to encouraging VISA applicants to go in donning their work ID cards .

2. I have many past VISA applicants who were working in the vicinity of Walter Carrington (the USA embassy) that took a break from work and attended their VISA interview with good results.

3. A responsible and especially literate individual regardless of nationality , religion or ethnicity should always go all about with a form of identifications. Every consular should see you as a responsible citizen for doing that.


Best Wishes 🙏

Amin.....
Thank you for your response and best wishes.

Adeore15:


Here is my situation, my passport will expire January 2025 and my visa interview is this month (5 months), I already applied for a new passport which obviously will not be out before my interview. What should I do? Will my visa be approved?

You need the new passport. Go and expedite your passport application.

You need atleast 6 months validity on your passport at the time of your visa interview.

The rules might have changed but this has always been most embassy’s general rule

idirect:
Hello people,
I wanna ask if it is not screaming desperation if I appear for interview with my work ID? Thank you

Yes, it shows desperation.

Your ID is for your work place only. Why are you wearing your ID lol? Is your international passport you’re presenting not enough?

This is what agent will prep you to do, but they are well abreast of the game you are trying to play.

Take that stuff off and go show them that you’re a genuine student.

VeeInsider:
Hello, everyone. I'd like to ask. What are the application deadlines at U.S. universities?

Like for example, if I intend applying to schools to resume lectures Spring 2025, when do I start applying and what's the deadline?

go to the schools website, it’s always there

TWoods:


I highlighted your problem in a nutshell. Your bachelor's degree was in History, but you are seeking a master's in Painting? How do those go together? You've essentially abandoned your first degree and only stumbled on your love for painting when you joined an internship. Yeah, you didn't prove that you were a genuine student.

Even me that has little to no knowledge of this F1 visa thingy totally agrees with you...

He said he learnt how to paint in a bleep studio.
That is different from having some years of work experience in painting. However, I feel the VO is just being her usual self... atleast would have allowed him explain further in details.

Even though people have been complaining about that VO, that's enough ground to deny...just work on that and reapply.
God will come through 🙌

Slimszy:


Thank you for your thoughts. Here is my transcript below.

Abuja
May 2024
Full Funding
VO: Window 10 (A pointed nose white lady)
Denied


VO: What school are you going to? I didn't hear her the first two times, and I mentioned she should please repeat herself.

F1: I am going to university of maryland, college park to pursue a Masters in Fine Art, I will be majoring in Painting. - Immediate I mentioned Master in Fine Art, she replied Okay, before I was able to stretch it to my major - Painting.
*I realised she wants direct answers*

VO: Who is covering your deficit? checking through her system.

F1: I don't have a deficit as I have been awarded a full funding - Graduate Assistantship which covers my living expenses and health insurance. *immediately she responded Okay* and checks my I-20.

VO: Have you traveled out of the country before.

F1: Yes, I have. I have been to Bleep for my work program, I have also been to Bleep for work program as well, then she cuts me by her OKAY.

VO: What is your post study plan

F1: Upon the completion of my program to I will be returning to my country to transit into the academia while I take the role of a lecturer in the department of fine Art at Bleep University, where I will be teaching university students art and its contemporary practices.
I will also be coming back to expand my studio practice back home (before I could proceed, she said OKAY)

VO: Tell me about your academic background

F1: I have a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in History, and after my graduation I enrolled for an internship under Bleep art studio where I learnt how to paint and draw because of my passion for Art. (she cuts me Okay). Then you are not qualified for this student visa at this moment.

Notes: She asked a question after the first one which I cannot remember. But I stuttered at first, before gaining my balance. My response was tying what the degree will do for me back home. I remember I talked about taking a lecturing position.

Maybe I was anxious at first, I don't know. But I understand I answered every question.

You enrolled in a bleep studio for an internship where you learnt painting.

She didn't allow you explain your years of work experience. If u have any.

She assumed you just learnt painting and no work experience.

Just try and apply again.
This time focus on your experience and hopefully God will come through 🙌

chidiakwari:
No. you only need at least 6 months validity before your interview.

Oh okay thanks

Good evening guys.
Please, my wife just called me with tears, complaining that her F1 visa interview date initially scheduled for July 16th was suddenly cancelled. Her resumption date is sometime in 3rd week of August.
If you have ever been in this situation, please what did you do to resolve it?
Thanks.

Castro9371:


Even me that has little to no knowledge of this F1 visa thingy totally agrees with you...

He said he learnt how to paint in a bleep studio.
That is different from having some years of work experience in painting. However, I feel the VO is just being her usual self... atleast would have allowed him explain further in details.

Even though people have been complaining about that VO, that's enough ground to deny...just work on that and reapply.
God will come through 🙌

This has nothing to do with God, our people are just never interested in the truth.

mickee2u:
Good evening guys.
Please, my wife just called me with tears, complaining that her F1 visa interview date initially scheduled for July 16th was suddenly cancelled. Her resumption date is sometime in 3rd week of August.
If you have ever been in this situation, please what did you do to resolve it?
Thanks.

Hi,

Many F-1 appointments in July were cancelled, initiated by the Consulate.

She can use any or combination of the following options on her profile:

1. Emergency Request option to get a closer date.

2. Schedule a new date in either Lagos Consulate or Abuja Embassy and continue to monitor the calendar for a closer date so she can easily reschedule using the reschedule option.

August dates were released 2 days ago for Abuja and filled up fast!

mayford:


Hi,

Many F-1 appointments in July were cancelled, initiated by the Consulate.

She can use any or combination of the following options on her profile:

1. Emergency Request option to get a closer date.

2. Schedule a new date in either Lagos Consulate or Abuja Embassy and continue to monitor the calendar for a closer date so she can easily reschedule using the reschedule option.

August dates were released 2 days ago for Abuja and filled up fast!

Thank you so much for your swift response.
Using option 1, It would mean that she has to first choose any other date before then using the emergency request option, yes?

mickee2u:


Thank you so much for your swift response.
Using option 1, It would mean that she has to first choose any other date before then using the emergency request option, yes?

You're welcome.

Yes. She has to first choose a date (the next available date on the calendar) before requesting emergency appointment. Once she submits the emergency request along with a brief explanation on why she needs the request and uploading essential documentation, she can await response within 2 business days.

If approved, then she can cancel the appointment and book a closer date that has been made available to her.

mayford:


You're welcome.

Yes. She has to first choose a date (the next available date on the calendar) before requesting emergency appointment. Once she submits the emergency request along with a brief explanation on why she needs the request and uploading essential documentation, she can await response within 2 business days.

If approved, then she can cancel the appointment and book a closer date that has been made available to her.

Thanks, your responses are really very helpful and I so appreciate it.
If you wouldn't mind please, I'd like to ask one more question, incase you had any idea about this.
Since her initial appointment was scheduled for the Lagos consulate and she filled a DS-160 for that and they have now cancelled the appointment, is it possible/sensible/safe to now pick a new date this time in Abuja, and fill out a new DS-160?
I'm asking because I want to know if it would be a problem to fill out a fresh DS-160 document and schedule in Abuja.
If this is would not be an issue with the embassy or during her interview, then the safest bet would be schedule a new appointment in Abuja.
I'll really appreciate your insights.

mickee2u:


Thanks, your responses are really very helpful and I so appreciate it.
If you wouldn't mind please, I'd like to ask one more question, incase you had any idea about this.
Since her initial appointment was scheduled for the Lagos consulate and she filled a DS-160 for that and they have now cancelled the appointment, is it possible/sensible/safe to now pick a new date this time in Abuja, and fill out a new DS-160?
I'm asking because I want to know if it would be a problem to fill out a fresh DS-160 document and schedule in Abuja.
If this is would not be an issue with the embassy or during her interview, then the safest bet would be schedule a new appointment in Abuja.
I'll really appreciate your insights.

Not at all.

You're free to schedule your interview wherever you decide. It's your preference.

So if she tries to book a new date and sees Abuja is available for August before her resumption, of course she can go ahead and fill a new DS-160 and simply update her profile with the new DS-160 confirmation number at least 3 working days before her interview.

TWoods:


I highlighted your problem in a nutshell. Your bachelor's degree was in History, but you are seeking a master's in Painting? How do those go together? You've essentially abandoned your first degree and only stumbled on your love for painting when you joined an internship. Yeah, you didn't prove that you were a genuine student.

This thing is dicey. I know two people recently approved the masters has nothing to do with their undergraduate degree, the second person told the v.o with his masters is unrelated from the beginning of the interview. I think it depends on who you meet.

mayford:


Not at all.

You're free to schedule your interview wherever you decide. It's your preference.

So if she tries to book a new date and sees Abuja is available for August before her resumption, of course she can go ahead and fill a new DS-160 and simply update her profile with the new DS-160 confirmation number at least 3 working days before her interview.

I appreciate your time and responses chief, thank you so so much.

Wow

Hello scholars, can I defer my admission to fall of 2025 and still travel with the same F1 visa issued this year?

Please help me out, I have another interview in same Abuja early August. I don’t want to mess up like this again. Please your input here will help me greatly.
June 11th
Abuja:
Visa Denied
2nd Attempt
MPH
Louisiana State University Shreveport.
COA: 31,831
Funding: 12,497
Deficit: 19,334

Me: good morning
VO: good morning, hand me your documents
Me: here they are..

VO: who’s funding your deficit
Me: my elder brother, he’s the owner of XYZ block industry and he runs hotel business in my state. He has promised to pay about 12k annually and I am paying the rest.

VO: why this school?
Me: I applied and got other school but I chose this one because of the scholarship.

VO: where do you work?
Me: I work at XYX as a public health officer. It is a non governmental organization locate in xyz state and have their head quarters here in Abuja.

VO: where is your office located:
Me: my office is located at xyz and have their head quarters in Abuja here.

VO: is your wife not traveling with you?
Me: no she’s not, she has a pharmacy shop and needs to take care of our daughter while I am away.

VO: where is your office address
Me: valley xyz, I forgot to mention the number before the address.

VO: Have you been to the US before?
Me: No. I had no reason to travel before.


VO: Do you have anyone in the US?
ME:no

VO: I am sorry I won’t be approving your visa at this time, try again later.

XSpectacle76:

Visa Approved !
First Attempt
Lagos Consulate
Window 5 : (White Lady)
June 24th, 2024
Time : 8:15 a.m
Brown University, RI
Program: MFA
COA: $42, 688
Funding : $32,000
Deficit : $10,688


CO: Did not greet me after i was summoned but was busy tidying up her desk.

ME: Iniated the greetings wih a smile ' Good morning.

CO: Morning and at the same time requested for my document via finger gesture.

CO: Pls come for your biometrics .

ME: Obeyed.

CO: Where are you going ?

ME: I am going to Brown University as an int-student for my graduate degree in literary writing.

CO: Do you have any affiliate to Brown University?

ME: No. But Brown University's entrance fundings for MFA int students attracted me.

CO: How many schools did you apply to ?

ME: 5 schools.

CO: How will you cover your deficit ?

Me: As contained in this Training Bond (i pointed to my documents folder) my employer a film production and radio company have legally agreed to cover up my deficit and other future expenses while studying at Brown University.

CO: Pls let me see the agreement.

ME: Handed the training bond to her.

CO: Handed back the bond and started typing and then ask another question " Are you a famous actor ?

ME: Not really but i am a famous screenwriter who create complete stories for major movie directors so i work with popular actors.

CO: How many countries has your job taken you ?

ME: 4 countries.

CO: Picked up my passport and started typing on the computer (i got tensed naturally but composed myself) and without looking at me she said " I am approving your VISA, enjoy your stay in the US. All the Best

ME: Thanks soo much and walked out with the success white paper.


Special thanks to these personalities : @chibertha, @CreativeWeb, @Peroo4040, @Twoods, @Debbieeeeeeee, and @OyotunjiUSA.


Note. I kept my answers short and straight to the point and expected the consular to ask further question before i responded. I have an expired and unused Canada visit visa in my passport and i have been to South Africa and 3 schengen countries.

Congratulations dear.
Please can I contact you for advice?

…..

Docjay042:
Please help me out, I have another interview in same Abuja early August. I don’t want to mess up like this again. Please your input here will help me greatly.
June 11th
Abuja:
Visa Denied
2nd Attempt
MPH
Louisiana State University Shreveport.
COA: 31,831
Funding: 12,497
Deficit: 19,334

Me: good morning
VO: good morning, hand me your documents
Me: here they are..

VO: who’s funding your deficit
Me: my elder brother, he’s the owner of XYZ block industry and he runs hotel business in my state. He has promised to pay about 12k annually and I am paying the rest.

VO: why this school?
Me: I applied and got other school but I chose this one because of the scholarship.

VO: where do you work?
Me: I work at XYX as a public health officer. It is a non governmental organization locate in xyz state and have their head quarters here in Abuja.

VO: where is your office located:
Me: my office is located at xyz and have their head quarters in Abuja here.

VO: is your wife not traveling with you?
Me: no she’s not, she has a pharmacy shop and needs to take care of our daughter while I am away.

VO: where is your office address
Me: valley xyz, I forgot to mention the number before the address.

VO: Have you been to the US before?
Me: No. I had no reason to travel before.


VO: Do you have anyone in the US?
ME:no

VO: I am sorry I won’t be approving your visa at this time, try again later.

The VO started with funding question because of your deficit and I am not sure you answered it well. Block industry is not really what Americans know, they will think you are talking of Ice block expect the ones that are OG in Nigeria. And also you did not clarify how much your brother makes with his business just an amount he has put down. Something like " My brother will be covering my deficit, he makes an annual income of 100million from his building construction company and xyz business with five branches in Lagos, Abuja and kano. Having a staff strength of 50 personnel. He has put down a $12k deposit for my first year and willing to do the same for the duration of my program. * if VO does not cut you off continue with*.. My elder brother has been the one taking care of my education ever since we lost our parents ( God forbid if they are alive) and highly committed to seeing me through my graduate studies".

Also reason why you choose the school is a red flag. It means you are only taking them because of their monetary offer in scholarship not because they have a better program, more research facilities or academic module. Which means you are more worried about cost

Scholar212:

The VO started with funding question because of your deficit and I am not sure you answered it well. Block industry is not really what Americans know, they will think you are talking of Ice block expect the ones that are OG in Nigeria. And also you did not clarify how much your brother makes with his business just an amount he has put down. Something like " My brother will be covering my deficit, he makes an annual income of 100million from his building construction company and xyz business with five branches in Lagos, Abuja and kano. Having a staff strength of 50 personnel. He has put down a $12k deposit for my first year and willing to do the same for the duration of my program. * if VO does not cut you off continue with*.. My elder brother has been the one taking care of my education ever since we lost our parents ( God forbid if they are alive) and highly committed to seeing me through my graduate studies".

Also reason why you choose the school is a red flag. It means you are only taking them because of their monetary offer in scholarship not because they have a better program, more research facilities or academic module. Which means you are more worried about cost

Thank you very much for this, I know I messed up.
I started following this trend recently and have been going through the past corrections, and they have been helpful. May God bless you.
I hope to do better.
Please are there people that can help with mock interview to brush me up with my confidence.
I am going for my 3rd attempt and I really want to make it this time.

This window 10 has a higher rate of refusals than other windows, please try to avoid this window.

Slimszy:


Thank you for your thoughts. Here is my transcript below.

Abuja
May 2024
Full Funding
VO: Window 10 (A pointed nose white lady)
Denied


VO: What school are you going to? I didn't hear her the first two times, and I mentioned she should please repeat herself.

F1: I am going to university of maryland, college park to pursue a Masters in Fine Art, I will be majoring in Painting. - Immediate I mentioned Master in Fine Art, she replied Okay, before I was able to stretch it to my major - Painting.
*I realised she wants direct answers*

VO: Who is covering your deficit? checking through her system.

F1: I don't have a deficit as I have been awarded a full funding - Graduate Assistantship which covers my living expenses and health insurance. *immediately she responded Okay* and checks my I-20.

VO: Have you traveled out of the country before.

F1: Yes, I have. I have been to Bleep for my work program, I have also been to Bleep for work program as well, then she cuts me by her OKAY.

VO: What is your post study plan

F1: Upon the completion of my program to I will be returning to my country to transit into the academia while I take the role of a lecturer in the department of fine Art at Bleep University, where I will be teaching university students art and its contemporary practices.
I will also be coming back to expand my studio practice back home (before I could proceed, she said OKAY)

VO: Tell me about your academic background

F1: I have a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in History, and after my graduation I enrolled for an internship under Bleep art studio where I learnt how to paint and draw because of my passion for Art. (she cuts me Okay). Then you are not qualified for this student visa at this moment.

Notes: She asked a question after the first one which I cannot remember. But I stuttered at first, before gaining my balance. My response was tying what the degree will do for me back home. I remember I talked about taking a lecturing position.

Maybe I was anxious at first, I don't know. But I understand I answered every question.

Docjay042:
Please help me out, I have another interview in same Abuja early August. I don’t want to mess up like this again. Please your input here will help me greatly.
June 11th
Abuja:
Visa Denied
2nd Attempt
MPH
Louisiana State University Shreveport.
COA: 31,831
Funding: 12,497
Deficit: 19,334

Me: good morning
VO: good morning, hand me your documents
Me: here they are..

VO: who’s funding your deficit
Me: my elder brother, he’s the owner of XYZ block industry and he runs hotel business in my state. He has promised to pay about 12k annually and I am paying the rest.

VO: why this school?
Me: I applied and got other school but I chose this one because of the scholarship.

VO: where do you work?
Me: I work at XYX as a public health officer. It is a non governmental organization locate in xyz state and have their head quarters here in Abuja.

VO: where is your office located:
Me: my office is located at xyz and have their head quarters in Abuja here.

VO: is your wife not traveling with you?
Me: no she’s not, she has a pharmacy shop and needs to take care of our daughter while I am away.

VO: where is your office address
Me: valley xyz, I forgot to mention the number before the address.

VO: Have you been to the US before?
Me: No. I had no reason to travel before.


VO: Do you have anyone in the US?
ME:no

VO: I am sorry I won’t be approving your visa at this time, try again later.

Hey 🤠

1. You failed and complicated the first question for yourself. Consular officers does not rely on siblings as funders (for you as a married-adult applicant) because your brother can disappoint you except if the whole money is deposited into your account in which he only gave you verbal promise to dole out 12k to you annually which the consular saw as a feeble promise. You complicated it when you said you would pay the rest " How will you pay ? By 20hrs a week job while in the USA ? So you do not have a funder.

2. You also failed the second question because you said you chosed the school because of the scholarship so" What scholarship did you secure? you did not secure a scholarship if it is not full or 100% " what you got is called entrance- scholarship" which is being used to attract foreign students.

3. You failed the 3rd question because the consular was unable to verify your employer or probably your employer are not well registered as an NGO. That was why the consular asked you 3-times in your conversation and therefore, concluded that your employer is non existent.

** You do not have any stronger Ties to Nigeria & You do not have the financial capacity to maintain your studentship in the USA even if the consular grant you the VISA.


Best Wishes 🙏

Guys I have paid for the MVR and was told that approval for interview would be communicating cared via my email.

Na so them dey do am now?


Pls how long does it take them to send feed back in this?

ultim:
Guys I have paid for the MVR and was told that approval for interview would be communicating cared via my email.

Na so them dey do am now?

You’ll have to wait till you’re approved to be able to book an appointment. That’s the normal routine now.

Look out for the mail

Cheundaisi:
Good morning House. Thank you very much for your previous help and supports. Please. MPower loan was approved last week Friday, and the start date is Spring, 2025.. What will be the best time to put in for the visa application. Please I learnt that the visa interview using MPower financing if tougher. Please can any wonderful person in the house help with useful suggestions and advice on how to emerge successful in the interview.

I'm not sure why it will be tougher since many come to school on student loans. Just be yourself and have good reasons why you should be given a F-1 visa.

.

chidiakwari:
You’ll have to wait till you’re approved to be able to book an appointment. That’s the normal routine now.

Look out for the mail

Na WA oh. It wasn't like this before

No wahala sha