imperiouxx:


Let's be reasonable, if you can't afford about $600 for both tests how would you afford about $18000/year for school fee? You can ask for toefl waiver from any schools through emails and/or calls but saying you don't do one because you can't afford it worries me.

Thanks for being reasonable but my post was in response to someone who says he knows schools that don't require TOEFL.I might still end up writing the exam but must I limit the wealth of information I can get here.

By the way,we never stop learning.

Gratefulaheart:
Hello all, pls can a person with a f1 visa come to the US with her kid? And how convenient is it for a mum to study in the US with a toddler?
@imperiouxx @gboyegadd and all

It is NOT convenient.
No schools / universities are set up with child care.
You will have to pay for private child care or schooling depending on the child's age for all the time that you are studying.

folkvangr:



Truth they say is bitter, if you can't afford simple stuffs are standardized exams WTF are you doing here, would you rather waste the little money you have on a wild goose chase? And why in God's name should I or anyone help you, this is a faceless forum , you are nothing to anyone.... Think deeply

Okay mr nothing to anyone
Thanks

Gratefulaheart:
Hello all, pls can a person with a f1 visa come to the US with her kid? And how convenient is it for a mum to study in the US with a toddler?

@imperiouxx @gboyegadd and all

Very difficult because most programs are demanding with attending classes and assignment and you can never LEAVE THE CHILD ALONE at home even if it to quickly pop to go buy bread. if the child is sick then nursery wont accept so u too have to stay home .... . It wont be easy but if you are going to a town where you have friends who can act as your support system that would help as they can babysit sometimes then it gets easier or if you travel with a grandparent to help.

Also you need to factor in the cost of childcare when you are in school because at toddler age the school not free yet .......Older kids are easier and cheaper because at least school fees will be free .

In summary some mothers have done it and managed so it possible but be prepared that it will get overwhelming , childcare cost will rack up and difficult at times so you need a support system where you are going .

worry359:


It is NOT convenient.
No schools / universities are set up with child care.
You will have to pay for private child care or schooling depending on the child's age for all the time that you are studying.

Ok. About schooling, is it a bit affordable? I mean are preshools cheap to enrol in?

Gratefulaheart:
Hello all, pls can a person with a f1 visa come to the US with her kid? And how convenient is it for a mum to study in the US with a toddler?

@imperiouxx @gboyegadd and all

yes. As long as u apply for a seperate visa for the kid. In the case u dont have ur f1 yet inform the school to add the child to ur dependents category. F2.

Gratefulaheart:
Hello all, pls can a person with a f1 visa come to the US with her kid? And how convenient is it for a mum to study in the US with a toddler?

@imperiouxx @gboyegadd and all

He or she can file an F2 visa for the toddler to accompany her to the states. The toddler in F2 status may attend a public school in the US. Don't know how old is the kid in question but they need to be in a day care or public school for the duration of the mom's study.

LagosismyHome:


Very difficult because most programs are demanding with attending classes and assignment and you can never LEAVE THE CHILD ALONE at home even if it to quickly pop to go buy bread. if the child is sick then nursery wont accept so u too have to stay home .... . It wont be easy but if you are going to a town where you have friends who can act as your support system that would help as they can babysit sometimes then it gets easier or if you travel with a grandparent to help.

Also you need to factor in the cost of childcare when you are in school because at toddler age the school not free yet .......Older kids are easier and cheaper because at least school fees will be free .

In summary some mothers have done it and managed so it possible but be prepared that it will get overwhelming and difficult at times so you need a support system where you are going .

Hmmmmmm About bringing a grandparent, what kind of visa will she be on? Is it the regular b1/b2?

I am just so worried cos i can't imagine leaving my cutie alone in Nigeria and at the same time i want to pursue my dreams

Gratefulaheart:
Hmmmmmm About bringing a grandparent, what kind of visa will she be on? Is it the regular b1/b2?

I am just so worried cos i can't imagine leaving my cutie alone in Nigeria and at the same time i want to pursue my dreams

yes b1/b2 and you could have even all gone together for interview and say grandma coming to help . Grandma ticket if she can stay like 5.5 months will save you much more than daycare cost and you will be more relax to study as Mama go take care of them pickin. ...... If not its hard especially if the child falls ill , you just be miserable and overwhelmed dealing with it all alone and school will suffer. .....OYIBO education system can give assignment for Africa

dickoflife:
yes. As long as u apply for a seperate visa for the kid. In the case u dont have ur f1 yet inform the school to add the child to ur dependents category. F2.

Angelapinkytoes:
He or she can file an F2 visa for the toddler to accompany her to the states. The toddler in F2 status may attend a public school in the US. Don't know how old is the kid in question but they need to be in a day care or public school for the duration of the mom's study.

The child doesn't exactly need a visa. I am particularly concerned about the affordability of schooling over there and if it will be convenient for me and how easy it is to have a grandparent come in with me

LagosismyHome:


yes b1/b2 and you could have even all gone together for interview and say grandma coming to help . Grandma ticket if she can stay like 5.5 months will save you much more than daycare cost and you will be more relax to study as Mama go take care of them pickin. ...... If not its hard especially if the child falls ill , you just be miserable and overwhelmed dealing with it all alone and school will suffer. .....OYIBO system can give assignment for Africa

Ok sis. I think we've a reasonable plan then. She stays for 5.5months then leave and come back again. But hope there wouldn't be problem with immigration at poe when she is entering back?

carik:


Thanks for being reasonable but my post was in response to someone who says he knows schools that don't require TOEFL.I might still end up writing the exam but must I limit the wealth of information I can get here.

By the way,we never stop learning.

Good Morning Carik,

Hope this message finds you well. Almost all schools require TOEFL. However, they will be willing to waive it for you if your previous course of study was taught in English. My wife got accepted to University of Denver and it stipulated on their site that TOEFL is required but I picked up the phone and called them and we were able to get a waiver.

My advise for you is to contact the schools you have in mind via phone or email to see if they can waive the TOEFL for you. Regarding the issue of not been able to afford the test, in Igbo we say, when right hand wash left hand, left hand will in turn wash right hand. What I am trying to say is, contact the school and if you are not able to secure a waiver, touch base with me and I will be more than happy to swipe my card online for you to pay for the GRE (guess its about 300 bucks or so).

No disrespect for offering to pay for the test for you. I know that you are capable but I was offended when someone said "Abroad is not for everyone"

Do have a wonderful day.

Gratefulaheart:


Ok sis. I think we've a reasonable plan then. She stays for 5.5months then leave and come back again. But hope there wouldn't be problem with immigration at poe when she is entering back?

She can come back but within reason ....She allowed 6months max at a time and then when she in naija you look for a backup maybe daycare . She stays in naija for some months and then come back .

So yes if she goes to naija and come back a week time POE no go like am but if she back in say 4months and say the reason for return is to help my daughter who schooling . They will pull ur records and if in status hopefully let her in . Nobody can predict the POE head but usually after some months in naija they usually let you in . .....On her day of entry have your phone close by and if they call you , makesure you tell them how you are almost running depressed by yourself. They wont like that word depressed

Gratefulaheart:



The child doesn't exactly need a visa. I am particularly concerned about the affordability of schooling over there and if it will be convenient for me and how easy it is to have a grandparent come in with me

to my knowledge the child needs an F2 visa as dickoflife stated above the child needs to be added as a dependent by your school but will not pay the sevis fee. As for your grandma she can file for the B2 visa category,if you're admitted for a two year period,your grandma can stay for the during of your study but is not allowed to work. F2 is available for your spouse or kid who is below 21 and mind your they are not allowed to work too.

DaniLeo83:
Many thanks purplesummer!

Remain blessed.

Been doing great. $$ hunting and general preparations!! Its MN actually. I decided not to accept Cali

purplesummer:

Hi dear. Yea, pretty long time. I've been just fine. Hope you are good. You are headed for Cali right?

Angelapinkytoes:
to my knowledge the child needs an F2 visa as dickoflife stated above the child needs to be added as a dependent by your school but will not pay the sevis fee. As for your grandma she can file for the B2 visa category,if you're admitted for a two year period, [s] your grandma can stay for the during of your study but is not allowed to work. [/s] F2 is available for your spouse or kid who is below 21 and mind your they are not allowed to work too.

Incorrect on duration of study - The maximum duration of stay on a B1/B2 visa is 6 months at a time. cc Gratefulaheart

God bless you mevisbleek! Rare act of kindness on a "faceless forum" as someone said. Big ups to you sir

All glory to God, I got my US visa today at Lagos. . Even though almost about 90% of the people I saw were rejected. Transcript loading soon.

pgiddy:
All glory to God, I got my US visa today at Lagos. . Even though almost about 90% of the people I saw were rejected. Transcript loading soon.

With GA it was sure coming , although na still God but most likely Baba God go complete what he has started (said in my naija voice) .
Congrats and all the best in your new journey

Angelapinkytoes:
to my knowledge the child needs an F2 visa as dickoflife stated above the child needs to be added as a dependent by your school but will not pay the sevis fee. As for your grandma she can file for the B2 visa category,if you're admitted for a two year period,your grandma can stay for the during of your study but is not allowed to work. F2 is available for your spouse or kid who is below 21 and mind your they are not allowed to work too.

The child has a blue passport. Only myself and grandma needs an F1/F2 visa respectively. But from your advice, i think everything will be fine. I will start planning for grandma too.

I was looking at the schooling option before but i can't add the cost of her schooling to the already huge tuition i am paying for myself.

I guess the overall best option now is to have grandma around. Cos even if we enrol in a preschool, i still need someone to be with the baby after school hour.

mevisbleek:

He who is a blessing to others will receive back in a million fold. May God continue to bless you and your household. Amen

Since its just 1 kid you should be able to pull through. Alot of folks carry kids on Canada thread and they are coping. Last time i checked, masters is not everyday classes and before you register for classes you speak to your academic advisor to create a convenient timetable for you. Grad students(intl), the minimum is 6credits so u can work with that so you can balance both your studies and kid's affairs. Besides for affordability of sch, it depends on the state you are heading to plus city. Taking your grandma along wont be bad but pls don't listen to all this scare-mongering comments that most people here spit out. Just do your research and plan effectively. By the way you notify on your i-20 that you are carrying dependents, so visa for the kid shouldn't be a hassle

Gratefulaheart:
Ok. About schooling, is it a bit affordable? I mean are preshools cheap to enrol in?

Mekurexx:
Since its just 1 kid you should be able to pull through. Alot of folks carry kids on Canada thread and they are coping. Last time i checked, masters is not everyday classes and before you register for classes you speak to your academic advisor to create a convenient timetable for you. [s]Grad students(intl), the minimum is 6credits [/s]so u can work with that so you can balance both your studies and kid's affairs. Besides for affordability of sch, it depends on the state you are heading to plus city. Taking your grandma along wont be bad but pls don't listen to all this scare-mongering comments that most people here spit out. Just do your research and plan effectively. By the way you notify on your i-20 that you are carrying dependents, so visa for the kid shouldn't be a hassle

9 is the minimum credit hour requirements for Graduate F-1 students to maintain full time registration . 12 for undergrad

mevisbleek
Thumbs up for the kind gesture.

Gratefulaheart:


The child has a blue passport. Only myself and grandma needs an F1/F2 visa respectively. But from your advice, i think everything will be fine. I will start planning for grandma too.

I was looking at the schooling option before but i can't add the cost of her schooling to the already huge tuition i am paying for myself.

I guess the overall best option now is to have grandma around. Cos even if we enrol in a preschool, i still need someone to be with the baby after school hour.

my bad,you never stated the kid had a blue passport. It's expensive paying a babysitter here. So,you can as well try to bring in your grandma,Goodluck.

Mekurexx:
Since its just 1 kid you should be able to pull through. Alot of folks carry kids on Canada thread and they are coping. Last time i checked, masters is not everyday classes and before you register for classes you speak to your academic advisor to create a convenient timetable for you. Grad students(intl), the minimum is 6credits so u can work with that so you can balance both your studies and kid's affairs. Besides for affordability of sch, it depends on the state you are heading to plus city. Taking your grandma along wont be bad but pls don't listen to all this scare-mongering comments that most people here spit out. Just do your research and plan effectively. By the way you notify on your i-20 that you are carrying dependents, so visa for the kid shouldn't be a hassle

Ok. Thanks. About the bolded,
Is the notification necessary if the child doesn't need a visa?

God bless you Mevisbleek.

mevisbleek:



Good Morning Carik,

Hope this message finds you well. Almost all schools require TOEFL. However, they will be willing to waive it for you if your previous course of study was taught in English. My wife got accepted to University of Denver and it stipulated on their site that TOEFL is required but I picked up the phone and called them and we were able to get a waiver.

My advise for you is to contact the schools you have in mind via phone or email to see if they can waive the TOEFL for you. Regarding the issue of not been able to afford the test, in Igbo we say, when right hand wash left hand, left hand will in turn wash right hand. What I am trying to say is, contact the school and if you are not able to secure a waiver, touch base with me and I will be more than happy to swipe my card online for you to pay for the GRE (guess its about 300 bucks or so).

No disrespect for offering to pay for the test for you. I know that you are capable but I was offended when someone said "Abroad is not for everyone"

Do have a wonderful day.

This moved me almost to tears. Carik,you're sure destined for greatness.

Angelapinkytoes:
my bad,you never stated the kid had a blue passport. It's expensive paying a babysitter here. So,you can as well try to bring in your grandma,Goodluck.

Thanks sis, i appreciate
Will start having grandma in the plans. What must be done must be done #NothingWillStopOurDreamsByTheGraceOfGod

LagosismyHome:


She can come back but within reason ....She allowed 6months max at a time and then when she in naija you look for a backup maybe daycare . She stays in naija for some months and then come back .

So yes if she goes to naija and come back a week time POE no go like am but if she back in say 4months and say the reason for return is to help my daughter who schooling . They will pull ur records and if in status hopefully let her in . Nobody can predict the POE head but usually after some months in naija they usually let you in . .....On her day of entry have your phone close by and if they call you , makesure you tell them how you are almost running depressed by yourself. They wont like that word depressed

To the best of my knowledge, Grandma does not need to exit and waste ticket money after 5.5month.
All she need to do is apply for an extention of stay which can be done by contacting DHS. I have done this for someone before and it works perfectly fine. Since she is in status and can get a letter of support from her Intl office and present all required doc as required by dhs, she is good to go.


Note: there are lot of mom's over here looking for whom to leave their kids with so that they can go to work, sch etc. So grandma can make some cash for herself taking in more kids to look after with yours. I know peeps who also allow their grandma to do this as well. So just be prepared and u r good to go.

Gratefulaheart:


Thanks sis, i appreciate
Will start having grandma in the plans. What must be done must be done #NothingWillStopOurDreamsByTheGraceOfGod

You welcome,anytime.