Davidkking:
The vo would be the best person to direct this question to

who is a vo?

Suspect33:
who is a vo?

.

Davidkking:

Visa officer

.

Mykaelolalekan:
Good day NL, I need to speak to someone currently studying in the USA. I have booked my visa appointment already but my mind is really troubled as I have to leave my wife and my 2 kids behind.
I just need a personal conversation to enable me move forward with my plans.

cc GboyegaD

toluene1234:
@Brown2Green, @lagosismyhome and others . Please help go through this transcript for corrections and improvements.
Mock transcript with VO

ME: Good morning madam/sir
VO: Good morning to you, pass me your Passport and I-20
ME: Passed the documents as requested
VO: What do you want to do in the US?
ME: I am going to the US to pursue my Master degree in Information Security and Assurance

1)
VO: Why did you choose to study in the US instead of Nigeria?
ME: No Nigerian University offers Master of Science in Cybersecurity or information security and Assurance, most notable members of Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria CSEAN and professionals I know in Nigeria had their educations in the US in addition to that A friend of mine who is a HR consultant told me that foreign certificates especially in America always have an edge over local certificates because of the technical skills and experience they bring to the job market.




VO: Which School?
ME: Johnson and Wales University Providence, Rhode Island

2)
VO: How many Schools did you apply to and mention them?
ME: I applied to 5 Schools, namely Northeastern University Boston, Rochester Institute of Technology New York, University of Houston Victoria Texas and Southern New Hampshire University Manchester.


3)
VO: Why Johnson and Wales University?
ME: I chose JWU because of their timely feedback and responses to all correspondences compared to other schools, JWU course curriculum are exciting and the concept of co-op program is the most attractive part that fascinated my interest to the school, you are not only earning a degree but also a real life experience at the companies. JWU tuition is relatively affordable compared to other schools and also cost of living in providence city . Encouraging testimonies from alumni also contributed immensely to my decision making. The last but not the least JWU provided an opportunity to prepare for various industry security certifications, including the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor) and SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) to set oneself apart from the competition, which is not available in other schools
VO: How do you come across these schools?
ME: I attended an educational fare organized by BCIE British Canadian International Education in Lagos around 2017. There were some of the school representatives that came for the fare. I got to know about the school. I undergone more researches on the school via usanews.com and google.com
VO: Why Information Security and Assurance?
ME: There has been significant increase in data security breaches across organizations and government establishments, many of these perpetrators have gone unnoticed leaving no traces behind. In Nigeria, Government agencies and private institutions are trying hard to combat cybercrimes that is prevalent in our emerging economy. There is a popular one YAHOO YAHOO, they are black hackers that attack organizations and individual accounts to steal vital information to attack and use against them. This will continue as long as our society depends on information system over the networks. There are efforts to combat this menace by Governments security agencies and other companies but limited cyber security professionals to combat this menace. I see a big opportunity in this field to join other security experts to fight cybercrimes. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in every organizational systems, hijack, and steal organizational information assets, on daily basis I see a big opportunity to join fight cybercrimes and ensure maximum security in our cyberspace

4)
VO: What is your plan after graduation/what will this course do for you after graduation?
ME: after taking Digital/Computer Forensics and Investigation, with practical experience, and upon completion of my program, I will return home to work with government agencies and private organizations to help fight cybercrimes and protect information assets. this will boost my chance to work with Government security agencies in Nigeria



VO: What course will you be taking at JWU?
ME: I will be taking 12 courses totaling 36 credit courses, namely, Digital/Computer Forensics and Investigation, securing virtualized and cloud infrastructure, Network security and cryptography, Computer security, Software security, Hacking countermeasures etc
VO: Tell me your study plans?
ME: After resumption , I will register 3 courses for first semester and 3 courses for second semester, upon completion of my first year, I will engage in co-op experience to practice what I learnt in the classroom which reports is expected of us from the school. Before the completion of my second year, I will enroll; write industrial security certification examination to boost my employability in the job market. Upon my graduation I will come home to position myself for job at any organization of my choice


5)
VO: Who will be accompanying you in this journey?
ME: At this time no one will be accompanying me but would want my spouse join me later in my program because I don’t think I would be able to stay that long without her before I return back to Nigeria


6)
VO: When did you graduate?
ME: 2010
VO: What have you been doing?
ME: After graduation I stayed behind in .... City where I taught for a year before embarking on my compulsory NYSC, I finished NYSC in 2012. I started working at .......company since 2012 till date.



VO: Who is paying for your education?
ME: My uncle will be sponsoring my graduate education throughout my entire stay in the US
VO: What does he do?
ME: He is a business man, he has a printing press company in Lagos, Ado Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti and Ilorin, he does printing for Governments, Higher Institutions, Educational materials for Secondary and primary schools, events etc
VO: Why will your uncle spend so much on you for your graduate education?
ME: My uncle is more or less like a father, I lived with him, he trained me throughout my secondary and university educations, since my parent retired as a civil servant, he has always promised to sponsor my education outside the country where his own children had their educations whenever I am ready. All his children are married and well placed; I and other cousins are the one benefitting from his wealth. So spending so much on us is nothing to him
VO: Take back your I-20, you will need it at the POE.
ME: Thanks

I will appreciate you guys to scrutinise this transcript and put additional questions you think can be asked.

My interview is in 2weeks

1) I think you'll be selling yourself short starting with 'No Nigerian University offers that. ' it is well known that there are lots of online courses and certification available with Labs too' So start with something better.

You can talk about the real time hands on experience in research and technology which the United States boasts as top in the world and how such is valuable back here.

2-3)How many admits did you get?
You just mentioned some badass schools that ideal for your course of study on your lists. So you have to think it through how your response would be. As much as possible, avoid generic responses especially in questions relating to why this school and why this course?

You should start by stating the opportunities to have certifications in various programs in addition to your degree, and flow to other valid points. Try to start with your right foot cus VO does not have time to wait for you to build your thoughts.


4) seeing you graduated 9 years ago, it is expected you have taken time to build your professional career . This is your strength for home tie so don't play with it.

You can say ' I will be resuming full duties at my place of work and look at working with top government agencies in tackling the issues with vulnerabilities and bla bla bla...
Make sure you grab the gist ..

5) if your program is a maters program, your family has no business with travelling and they are expected to be your home tie. Your response to this question is a no no from my point of view. Kindly let the VO know that all arrangements has been put in place to take care of your family back here and more so, you wouldn't be spending much time before getting back to your family.
Only PhD students can take the courage to state that their family will come later on due to the span of their programs.

6) organize that response.. They can see it on your DS 160 so just give it a perfect summery. . ' I completed my NYSC in 2012 and have been working since then. I am currently bla bla.....'

For your course it is almost impossible to get funding before arrival.
( what's the total expense on the I20?)

All the best bro.

samdgreat2011:


I just sent an email

I replied the moment you sent it

Please, if a company's SOA is submitted for I-20 processing but the sponsor's letter/promissory letter states the name and relationship (uncle) of the sole owner/signatory of the business, what fund provider name is the school likely to write on the I-20? Company's name or account owner's name?
Also, which selection is appropriate in this case while filling the ds-160 under "who is paying for your trip?" Organization or other relative?
Thank you.

Suspect33:
Hello miss, concerning schooling in the states, can one stay back and work after they're done with their masters?

You can work for up to three years after your study....but I think its its only STEM graduates

Davidkking:

They specialize in work placement after masters �

Where did you get this info from

gbeje:
Please, if a company's SOA is submitted for I-20 processing but the sponsor's letter/promissory letter states the name and relationship (uncle) of the sole owner/signatory of the business, what fund provider name is the school likely to write on the I-20? Company's name or account owner's name?
Also, which selection is appropriate in this case while filling the ds-160 under "who is paying for your trip?" Organization or other relative?
Thank you.

Some schools don't state the personal details of the sponsors on I20. So you have to find out if your school does .

You can notify the International office that you did prefer the details lifted from your financial support statement not the SOA.

Kendrix69:

Where did you get this info from

Am joking man

Good day everyone. Please am new. Am yet to finish filling my DS-160 form and what to book visa appointment pending when I finish my DS-160 form.
My question is the number I get when I register for the DS-160 form is it the same as the confirmation page number I will get after submission? I need the number for scheduling interview... Please help a brother with advice. Thanks

PLEASE I need advice seriously.. Am confused.

Seniors in the house please assist evaluate this transcript
Interview Transcript USA

Me: Good morning Sir
VO: Can I have your i20, International passport, sevis fee receipt, visa booking receipt
Me: Presented it to the VO
VO: How did you hear about this school
Me: I used Google.com to search for schools that match my profile, usnews.com to check the ranking, 4icu.org, studentreview.com, graduate.com

VO: What did you study in your Bachelor's degree
Me: I studied Chemical Engineering
VO: Why the school
Me: This school has a well structured currilculum that is practical oriented , it is one of the few schools which all student regardless of their major belong to a supportive intellectual and social community group that builds foundation for success. The school has a faculty to student ratio of 16:1. It is one of the school with highest African American graduates
VO: What do you know about the state where your school is located
Me: It is a State in Southern USA bordered in the south by Georgia, Tennessee to the west Virginia to the North and Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is the th most populous state in the US
VO: what will this degree do for you
Me: it will equip me with the technical know how which is needed to excel in my field which will inturn use for the economic and industrial development of my country as well as turn around the fortune of my company which will equate to higher salary
VO: Why USA
Me: US education provides the best, it is the centre of excellence in Research, most of industry big players are located in the US where one can intern and bring the experience to develop my country Nigeria. US is a place where the best
students around the globe converge

VO: How will you pay your fees
Me: My cousin will be responsible for payment of my fees he works with Total Exploration & Production Company an oil and gas multinational in Nigeria
VO: Can I see the statement
Me: Here, please have it
VO: Are you married ?
Me: Am married with two kids
VO: Will your wife and kids be applying for f2 visa
Me: Yes may be in the future, currently my wife just got promoted to a new position in the office hence very busy with official assignment, the kids are also busy in school at the moment.
VO: When will they be applying for their f2 visa
Me: Most likely when my wife is àbout to go on annual leave and kids are on holiday they can come for their visa interview so they can spend sometime with me while they are on holiday.
VO: I will be approving your visa . Pick your passport up in three days time
Me: Thank you

funding isn't really a problem although anything above 20k a year would be bothersome, I would like some recommendations if you can.

to also explain properly, I am into web development, and the reason I was considering doing data science is because of the machine learning, web scraping, etc. program and not because of data science itself.

bracelum:


These pointers would be helpful;

1. Get a job or internships for at least 1 year in data science/analytics: Everyone tells you that data science is hot but no one tells you that the hotness is only at the topmost level of the industry (Senior - Director roles). There is an oversupply of manpower for entry-level roles and the best way you can help yourself is by getting prior work experience before coming to the US. I personally will recommend two or three years of experience in analytics. That is how most of the Indians do it.

If you come without analytics experience, you will face stiff competition for the jobs with candidates that are more qualified. If you're not lucky, you may settle for something else. A lot of Software Engineers and Postdocs are moving to data science. It is not easy getting that first job without experience. So, try and get work experience before coming. This is the most important step for you. When I say experience, I mean real analytics experience, not sales or marketing experience . A lot of startups in Lagos can give you such experience.

2. Funding or no funding: If funding is a priority for you, take an MS or a PhD in Statistics. PhD in Stats is preferred. There are just a few MS in Analytics programs that provide full financial aid. The other day, one fella here boasted of knowing schools that provide full aid here and he couldn't provide the names of the schools. So, the truth is, you may get partial aid for an MS in Analytics. Some few schools give full aid but you need to do a deeper research. But if funding is important to you, do an MS in Stat or a PhD in Stat (PhD preferred).

3. Program duration to select: I would recommend a 2 year program (for MS) because you need enough time to learn the tools for data science. A one year program may not be the best for you. Indians select one year programs because they already have experience in the field. They just need an OPT to get jobs in the US.

4. Select a balanced program: Select a program that has a good balance of teaching. Data science is not computer science and that is why your Python or Javascript skills alone does not make you a data scientist. You need to have a very strong background of statistics and a very good business intuition (if you want to work in business-like setting). So, choose a program that can give you both.

Your ability to do machine learning models is just 20% of the job. Having that strong business acumen and that statistics knowledge takes up 65% of the job. So, you need to revise your linear algebra, probability, econometrics etc.

5. The tools are not important, but the insights you generate are very important: This is why I said data science is not software engineering. No one gives a f*ck about the tools you have in your skillset. Whether it is Python, SAS, Scala, R or whatever! No one cares! What they all care about is the amount of insights you can get from your analysis. I have met Data Scientists from Apple that do not know how to code on Python. I have met Data Scientists from Intel that only use Excel (yeah, Excel). But one quality they all share is very solid statistical and business acumen. The Intel guy can build a market acquisition model from scratch using logit or probit models.

So, brush up on your statistics and wear your business cap always! That is what makes you a good data scientist.

Finally, you will have to tell me if funding is a priority for you so that I can suggest some good programs.

.

adurajoseph:
funding isn't really a problem although anything above 20k a year would be bothersome, I would like some recommendations if you can.

to also explain properly, I am into web development, and the reason I was considering doing data science is because of the machine learning, web scraping, etc. program and not because of data science itself.

.

adurajoseph:
funding isn't really a problem although anything above 20k a year would be bothersome, I would like some recommendations if you can.

to also explain properly, I am into web development, and the reason I was considering doing data science is because of the machine learning, web scraping, etc. program and not because of data science itself.

If you had an undergrad in Computer Science, I would have encouraged you to do an MS in CS. An MS in CS is more flexible because you can take up jobs in Software Engineering, Web development, Data Science etc. You can still do it with your BS in Econ but you will have to take multiple prerequisites and it depends on your motivation.

A good option for you would be MIS (MS in Management Information Systems). MIS is not as quantitative as an analytics master's but you can still use it to enter the analytics industry (but it will be more difficult). The reason I suggested MIS is because your reason for doing data science is not very strong and I want to suggest a degree that has many career options for you incase you get disappointed with data science. A degree in MIS can make you a web developer, a software engineer, a data person or an IT Business Analyst depending on how you want to customize your degree.

You have to be a lover of statistics for you to find joy in data science. And you may be disappointed that a lot of your projects in data science may not require complex machine learning techniques due to problems with interpretation.

Based on your explanation, I would suggest MIS and the following schools might make sense. Based on your budget, I would suggest choosing 2 ambitious, 1 moderate and 2 safe options from this list. I see no need having 5 funded admissions from safe schools when you could have just risked 1 or 2 of those spots for more ambitious targets.

AMBITIOUS SCHOOLS - their alumni base is massive and this will help you land good jobs via networking
1. MS in MIS at Texas A & M University: You will need a 315+ GRE and some prerequisites in Java and SQL (I think). With assistantship, this degree will not cost you up to $30K in 2 years and their job placement rate is ~100% after 3 or 6 months.

2. MS in MIS at University of Arizona: Another good option with opportunities for landing assistantships that reduce your cost of education.

3. MS in IS at Indiana University

MODERATE SCHOOLS - Please search for more schools and let me tell you if they fit into moderate bracket
1. MS in Biz Analytics or Information Systems at Oklahoma State

SAFE SCHOOLS - Search for more options
1. MS in MIS at Northern Illinois University
2.

Suspect33:
Hello miss, concerning schooling in the states, can one stay back and work after they're done with their masters?

yes many people have been able to do this..... pick the right course /career path and right school will be a good foundation to aid this plan

danfad:
Good afternoon, pls I just got admitted for a PhD in geology into the University of North Dakota but the department didn't offer me any form of funding but I was told to contact my supervisor who facilitated my admission. I will like to know what are my chances without funding. I have contacted the supervisor but no response yet. I can get a statement of account from a family friend and also raise small cash for visa application, what are my chances.

Continue keep looking.... that why its never a good idea to apply to only one school. Don't stop till you get that phd admission with funding

Ogoo91:
Good morning y'all. I want to go for an associate degree in nursing and later transfer to a university to get my BSN. I have a degree, PGDE, and masters. My uncle who is a med doc wants to sponsor me so I can work in his hospital when am done. I am 28years. Do you think my visa will be approved?

Not recommended at all.....from masters to associate is like moving behind instead of forward. What your masters in ?

Phrance:
Well I actually apply to other school university of Texas.
Infact I don't know I didn't go with SOA
The interview session went well until he ask for SOA
what is d way forward now pls

.

Going well with VIU. .. i doubt that . Truth be today you can never know or say an interview was going well or predict the outcome. Only the VO knows what in his or her head but it helps by picking the right school

I personally will not recommend anybody going for interview with that school

JohnnyAmhan:
I need help real bad..
I felt I wouldn't need to do this, but time is running out.

I got an undergraduate Full Tuition and fees scholarship and the school refused to give me the i-20 unless I pay the room and board fees which is 8k ( I have 3k, but I need 5k through loan, and I don't have a cosigner)..

Another option is if there is a relative in Little Rock, Arkansas who can attest that I will be living with them..(I don't have any relative there, so I forged one with a letter of attestation, but the office said they need to just talk with the person on campus..)
Please I need to please help me out with any relative in Little Rock, Arkansas or help me go the campus and talk with them concerning my accommodation...
If possible I will fund the transportation cost as it's the option I may have...

I don't know if anyone here can help out with any of the options. Because my scholarship will be taken away if I can't provide these alternatives in due time.

Thank you fam...
God bless y'all...
cc @sheke01, @bracelum, @BigFrancis21, @shayhune, @lagosismyhome, @fairheart

Firstly i dont know anyone in Little Rock so cant really help there

The bold part was a terrible idea.... forging doesnt help anything but creates more problem. Let say you had scaled through and even got your visa. Then what ?, you are left stranded in america with no resources to pay that fee . Been stranded in the US is no joke .

What you need to do is have a plan on how you intend to fund this waka.

Davidkking:

The vo would be the best person to direct this question to

What kind of reply is this? Why would you tell him to ask the VO this kind of question??

Baba and you don tay for this forum gan,this your reply no tight at all.

Suspect33:
Hello miss, concerning schooling in the states, can one stay back and work after they're done with their masters?

Oga Suspect!!

Lagosismyhome,Fairheart,Time2Time and dem others go fit answer this ya question wella;no go reason VO o.

I am taking a prodigy loan letter covering 84% i20 amount, one statement of account from an uncle (same surname) in the US, another statement from a guardian here, CofO of dad's house.
Questions
1)Is this a gd combination?
2)Are affidavit of supports necessary from any of my sponsors? Can i do without it for any or all of them?
3)Will they 'send' me and the CofO if i present it?

Pls gurus wey don enter yanky and know every, assist answer

amb001:
I am taking a prodigy loan letter covering 84% i20 amount, one statement of account from an uncle (same surname) in the US, another statement from a guardian here, CofO of dad's house.
Questions
1)Is this a gd combination?
2)Are affidavit of supports necessary from any of my sponsors? Can i do without it for any or all of them?
3)Will they 'send' me and the CofO if i present it?

Pls gurus wey don enter yanky and know every, assist answer

C of O is not necessary. And having multiple bank accounts is also a red flag. Your loan letter (if provided) and one bank statement should be fine.

What school and what program is that?

Good morning house please can a person of 21 years of age apply for a community college ?

bracelum:


C of O is not necessary. And having multiple bank accounts is also a red flag. Your loan letter (if provided) and one bank statement should be fine.

What school and what program is that?

Clemson University Industrial Engineering...MS

One of the statements won't reach the amount i presented for the i20. Is an account from a US resident/citizen not a minus for me?

Renzel1:
Good morning house please can a person of 21 years of age apply for a community college ?

Why community college?

LagosismyHome:


Firstly i dont know anyone in Little Rock so cant really help there

The bold part was a terrible idea.... forging doesnt help anything but creates more problem. Let say you had scaled through and even got your visa. Then what ?, you are left stranded in america with no resources to pay that fee . Been stranded in the US is no joke .

What you need to do is have a plan on how you intend to fund this waka.

I understand very much ma.
But I can pay for monthly rent while in college, but the fact is the school is saying they will withdraw the scholarship from the i-20 if I stay off campus alone.
So now it's just to get the i-20 with a relative or I pay the 8k for room and board which came quite too sudden ma...

Notwithstanding ma, the Athletics coach has promised to offer to complete it to full ride by spring semester as I came late for fall, but the admissions office will withdraw the full tuition I have now by that time if I don't enrol in fall, and it was competitive to get it.

So now I just want to get the i-20 with my scholarship on it...

I hope you understand ma.

Not enough funding to pursue a bachelors degree for now

solihp:


Why community college?

JohnnyAmhan:



I understand very much ma.
But I can pay for monthly rent while in college, but the fact is the school is saying they will withdraw the scholarship from the i-20 if I stay off campus alone.
So now it's just to get the i-20 with a relative or I pay the 8k for room and board which came quite too sudden ma...

So now I just want to get the i-20 with my scholarship on it...

I hope you understand ma

I understand you clearly but you still have no plans or stated them so the discussion only goes around in circles . Even monthly how do you intend to pay this ?. Not all school would you find jobs on campus for freshman

Also In a lot of school , all freshmen will be required to live on campus, even students whose family house is close to the school so i am not surprise at this.

For me there nothing i can help with, the school rules is their rule