Update!!!

Thanks to everyone helping out on this forum.

Joined Telegram on the 15th of March.
Submission date- 23rd March
Visa issued April 8th
Pick up- Today 14th.

Appreciate you all.

Thanks for the response

Abokyaly:
NO It can be in black/white

Must the GTBank Visa receipt be a colored printout? Thanks

Dampops:
Your international passport, one passport photo, GTBank visa receipt, interview appointment letter, DS160 confirmation page

Sorry, extra checks.

seyewest:


There's no Preclearance facility in Doha, Qatar.
what you went through is extra checks.
Please check CBP website.

My first travel to the U.S was through Abu Dhabi in 2015. You must be confident of your purpose of traveling as I saw some people in the deportation room. Chai, same for Doha, Qatar there's a pre-clearance facility went through there in 2016 and planning to go through there next month.

seyewest:


Yes, Abu Dhabi is not really good for a first-time traveler to U.S unless you're so sure of yourself, they're very strict.

I don't think you should worry much, I bought a one month ticket though in 2016, Told the CBP officer i was there for childbirth and would probably be there for 3months and he stamped me in for 6months. The most important thing is been truthful to the cbp officer they don't check your tickets anyway. On changing dates i paid $100 ( a business class ticket though) to change cos i ended up spending 4 months, Just make sure to change before the departure date on your ticket to a more probable date. Like I said earlier the truth at POE will set you free, i renewed this year without hassles.

demiiii:
Hello Nairalanders, am planning to go. On another missionary journey.



Kindly advise me on the next step to take as I have read all through but, no one has this same case as mine.

Am not ready to take the risk. Hence, my reason for being here.

Thanks NAIRALANDERS

Grandpa, we no send you message. Go siddon joor

Congratulation ma'am. thank God it ended in praise.

Ebony84:
In the spirit of giving back..I just had my 221G interview today. Just to give a little background information for you to understand my situation.

I got my first visa (B1/B2) in Jan 2014 but never used it. In June 2015 I found out I was pregnant with my first child and would need to travel after my then current visa expires in mid Jan 2016. I wanted to travel late Jan 2016 to maximize my maternity leave. So I applied for a new visa (B1/B2) via dropbox in November 2015, my previous visa was cancelled without prejudice and a new one was issued. Travelled late Jan 2015 and declared my true intentions at POE, went harmed with my hospital correspondence (thanks to information from Nairaland). The 1st CBP officer was not nice at all and threatened to send me back...saying I can’t just come and give birth and get citizenship blah blah (I just started speaking in tongues). She sent me to secondary inspection where the 2nd CBP officer was nicer, went through my hospital correspondence and stamped me in on B2 for 6 months.



I thank God it all ended in praise. Hope my post wasn't too long o..

You are right, I had my LO in 2016 Houston though but rather than do drop box i went straight for interview to avoid stories that touch the heart. Got my visa in less than 5 minutes with the VO.

cindermum:


True story , it's going to b safe to just go for the interview as opposed to Dropbox.

No need to be scared, my bill was $15,063.26 and got a self pay discount of 13,313.26 so paid $2,650. Renewed my visa last month without any hitch. just take the self pay billing list from your hospital and attach it to your invoice. (That was what i did so the first thing the VO saw was the list) . All the best.

jbikes:
Thanks alot

Pipedreams:


You for mention only 7months na. You said 1year 8months

My current job is 5months which I mentioned in my application. I don't know where people get all these ideas from. My 1st visa i was earning 50k monthly and was stated clearly on my form still I got my visa. Been to the UK only once in 2006 and yet I got it.
The OP mentioned 5years and above, was just trying to debunk that assumption.

monchat:
Dear friends my advice to people applying for visiting visa. Ps be very careful on how u fill your form. For family ties USA people take it very serious. Family ties are having kids, spouse, a good job. For the job ps note that VO are very strict about it. For your job make sure u av stayed in the job for years than months. Years can be 5years up ward. That is my advice. I was denial visa yesterday depect my travel history. I have worked in my new office for 9months and got my leave and applied for USA visiting visa, so I was denial beacuse of it.

Not so true at the bolded, I got my first visa with only 1year 8months on the job and single too. Renewed last week thursday not through Dropbox but filled to appear for interview just because I'm now married, relocated and got a new job in November 2017 meaning I've spent just 5months on the job and I got my visa. Just picked up my passport yesterday 3 working days after.

Had my interview today @ 8:00am in Lagos.

Got my first B1/B2 visa in October 2015 for vacation and later used it to birth my baby in August 2016. Entered Texas June 25th, 2016 and spent 4months and 2weeks. No change of intent letter but I declared at the point of entry. Didn't know about zero balance or itemized billing until I read it here. Went into panic mode and started making calls.

Fast forward to my interview
VO: Good morning and please pass your passport.
Me: Good morning (Passes passport)
VO: Where in the US are you going?
Me: Orlando, Florida.
VO: Do you have anybody in Florida.
Me: No, but I have in other states.
VO: That means you're going to Disney.
Me: Yes
VO: Is anyone going with you.
Me:Yes my daughter.
VO: Have you travelled before (he saw my previous visa o)
Me: Yes 2ce to the US
VO: What did you go there for?
Me: 1st for vacation 3weeks and the 2nd time for child birth 4months
VO: Okay, I see you have paid( don't know what he meant), do you have your receipts and can I see them.
Me: Yes I do (Passes everything include expenditure sheet, receipts, zero balance, itemized bill)
VO: flips through not scrutinized though, hands them back. What does your husband do?
Me: he's into farming and blablabla
VO: Does he have a valid US visa
Me: No
VO: Will he be traveling with you.
Me: No
VO: Why is he not going with you.
Me: This is planting season for him so he would not be available for travel.
VO: Why not wait till he's available
Me: My annual leave is during summer so I won't be available when he's ready.
VO: What does your husband do? ( Was surprised since I had stated it earlier.
Me: repeated same thing I said before.
VO: okay, make sure you have your receipts with you when traveling. Pick up your visa at your choosen place . Have a nice day
Me: thank you and have a nice day too.

Here to give back to this wonderful forum. Had my interview today @ 8:00am in Lagos.

Got my first B1/B2 visa in October 2015 for vacation and later used it to birth my baby in August 2016. Entered Texas June 25th, 2016 and spent 4months and 2weeks. No change of intent letter but I declared at the point of entry. Didn't know about zero balance or itemized billing until I read it here. Went into panic mode and started making calls.

Fast forward to my interview
VO: Good morning and please pass your passport.
Me: Good morning (Passes passport)
VO: Where in the US are you going?
Me: Orlando, Florida.
VO: Do you have anybody in Florida.
Me: No, but I have in other states.
VO: That means you're going to Disney.
Me: Yes
VO: Is anyone going with you.
Me:Yes my daughter.
VO: Have you travelled before (he saw my previous visa o)
Me: Yes 2ce to the US
VO: What did you go there for?
Me: 1st for vacation 3weeks and the 2nd time for child birth 4months
VO: Okay, I see you have paid( don't know what he meant), do you have your receipts and can I see them.
Me: Yes I do (Passes everything include expenditure sheet, receipts, zero balance, itemized bill)
VO: flips through not scrutinized though, hands them back. What does your husband do?
Me: he's into farming and blablabla
VO: Does he have a valid US visa
Me: No
VO: Will he be traveling with you.
Me: No
VO: Why is he not going with you.
Me: This is planting season for him so he would not be available for travel.
VO: Why not wait till he's available
Me: My annual leave is during summer so I won't be available when he's ready.
VO: What does your husband do? ( Was surprised since I had stated it earlier.
Me: repeated same thing I said before.
VO: okay, make sure you have your receipts with you when traveling. Pick up your visa at your choosen place . Have a nice day
Me: thank you and have a nice day too.

Thank you all for your guidance.
@chibertha thanks for the help with Quest Diagnostics.

Your Dad is very funny o, congrats to both of them retirees. LMAO

doyinwbaby:
My parents had their interview this morning....9.30am.

Transcript below. Knowing my father na professor of explanation(lol) and go over-talk; i don warn am...Daddy don't talk unless you are asked. And answer only what you are asked. Keep it short and simple. Infact pls ehn, Let mummy do the talking. He agreed.

VO: Give me your passports
(Mum hands over their passports)
VO: YOU married?
Dad: Ahan, old people like us wont be married? Of cos married!
(Mum pinched dad)
VO: Whats your purpose in the US
Mum: Visit and Vacation
VO: Are you staying in hotel?
Mum: NO, we are staying with my husband's cousin in maryland
VO: (Opens my mum's passport) You go to UK ALOT!
Mum: Yes, my firstborn lives there so i visit alot
VO: (Turns to Dad) What do you do sir?
Dad: Hahahahahahahahaha!! Old papa like ME? i'm a retiree naaa. HAHAHAHAHa at 70 years old? Hahahahahaa!
(Mum sighs, she didn't find it funny. lol)
VO: (Turns to mom) And you ma'am?
Mum: Also retired
VO: How many kids do you have?
Mum: SIX children
VO: (typing) All in nigeria?
Mum: Yes except the firstborn in UK
VO: (Turns to dad) How many grandkids do you have?
Dad: AHHH many many many (BABA could not remember the exact number lol)
Mum helped him out and answered.
VO: starts laughing...brings white paper, circles collection center. pick up visa in 2days.
Dad: You gave us just one paper, we are two now!!
VO: You are together so you need just one paper.
Dad: How about our passports? (This time, my mom was already at the inner door signalling my father to leave, he no answer)
VO: (patiently explains) we would need to stamp your passports but you will receive a text when its ready for collection.
Dad: (he leaves grumbling that they didn't even ask for all the documents he took the pains of printing and packing there) All the way from *** state, we will come back again in 2days.
VO calls him back and explains he can do collection by proxy.
Dad: FANTASTIC! Thank you!
Mum said she was feeling bad for the people he was delaying, cos they had like three people on the queue already for the same VO. LMAO.

It was an eventful morning!! Thanks everyone! This thread has been very helpful.

I didn't use the one in San Antonio, used the one in Kingsville, Texas. So sorry can't help. Read through this forum you might find info on San Antonio hospitals

feminineA:

Wow.

Thanks. Please which is cheap then

Hi FeminineA, Replied your mail. Let me give you heads up.
Chris Health isn't cheap o. Maybe the hospital bill ($2650) but others doctor, paediatric fees and all others things are not.

feminineA:


PLease Revontuli can yu refer me to a Hospital and doctor in San antonio? especially Christus Health please I beg you

ayenikunle:


it would be nice if we can have for Non-immigrants too

Yes sir,
This is the link
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/nonimmigrant-visa-statistics.html

This is issuances- February 2018 by Nationality
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/FEBRUARY%202018%20-%20NIV%20Issuances%20by%20Nationality%20and%20Visa%20Class.pdf

BabaRamota1980:
Good evening again my prople. I followed a link that bridged me across to the true VO thread. I read posts there at random. I returned here and read posts here at random. I then went to a site called ustraveldocs.com to see the steps. I was shocked when I got to the visa fees, couldn't believe my eyes at what I saw. A foreign entity that provide consular service in my country uses its own independent exchange rate outside the official bank rates. This is absurd! Will the US allow Nigerian Embassy in their country use an arbitrary conversion rate outside the limits set by their central bank? Jeezus!

The thing don vex me well well. I no wan apply again sef. I don tell my friend to wait after divorce finalize next month to use the money she budget for my travels and come to Nigeria. If the mountain won't come to Muhammed, Muhammed will go to the mountain.

Meanwhile, I thank you all very much for opening my eyes to what i didnt know before. I learnt lesson here. I cant beleieve that we dont even protest the insult, instead we are lining up and eager to pay more sef just so we can speak to the vo and submit our fate to him to decide. I wonder if they post a report showing rates of approval.

Does anyone know, for every 100 applicant how many are approved? Please dont give me some bullshyyte about "ties" when you respond to this question.

God Bless you all!

Hey LadyG you wasted my time making me think you are a vo. I even thought you didnt work on weekend
You be yeye person. Are you single?

Saw an answer to the bolded queston?

In FY2017, a total of 332,003 US immigrant visas were refused; 218,470 of refusals (not necessarily the same ones - some might have been refusals from the prior years) were overcome in some way, usually by completing or updating the original application, and the visas were issued.

source: Quora forum by a former consular officer.

Good job sir, didn't bite you though.

ayenikunle:


I posted stuffs here arguing the visa fee some days ago and some people were almost biting me here... that's about 7k reduction!!!

Saw this question on Quora to which a former consular office said you can travel with the valid but keep in mind that CBP officers will see the denial on their system and question you about it.
It's up to you and the CBP.

darellone:
I applied for a US B1/B2 visa renewal but was denied. I still have a current valid B1/B2 visa that expires next month and it wasn’t cancelled, can I still travel with it?

[quote author=MadameU post=66074160][/quote]

Maybe it's an oversight on the VOs part. Most hospitals always have self pay patients and it's cheaper too. Had my baby in 2016 and I got the below pricelist 2 months before I had my LO. Infact I kept asking if it wasn't Medicaid and they said NO. They even highlighted it before sending it.

Not quoting the 110k, not everyone looks at the date below the exchange rate box to know if there will be a review that's why they keep coming here to ask if its true. But in all honesty do you see the fee coming down?

giftdavid112:

Madam abeg. Where did you see the 110k on the website? Its not today they started reviewing exchange rates periodically. Visa has been $160 and naira hasn't fallen.

I only meant the increment will come. Wasn't saying its 110k. But to be honest i don't see it going down sir.

ayenikunle:


Aunty, the review is done weekly and has been there for ages...! If they review it to #110, how much will the consular exchange rate be? Standing @ #400 to $1 (hope you read that part?) makes it #64k for now... we should hope for downward review and stop broadcasting this unfounded rumour abeg!

You are the one not reading/understanding.

You better face your front. No put mouth where E no concern you. World powers be playing, local power wan appear.

It's true, I guess people just don't read and understand.
Below the box where you have the exchange rate, you will see till March 24th 2018. Itunmo ( meaning) there will be a price review. And we know whatever goes up in naija hardly comes down.

ozycy:

If it's true, it should be on their website. They can't just start charging new visa fee without prior notice. I wonder who started this rumour.

charaph:
Please house, which of these two options is advisable for payment of USA visa fee

1.Using a GTB application
2.Going to bank

You can use anyone, better if you do online banking.

Tee015:
Good morning house, Is the MVR receipts transferable to another person?

MRV fees are not refundable nor transferrable after they are assigned to a particular applicant.

Its on the booking site.

Well someone who seems to know much about denials gave me this reply yesterday on another group I belong.
Saw some truth in this but then what do they really want? This might apply to those who seek medical visa for child birth but look at it on the whole. This is how they view us.

Nigerian GDP per capita is a little above $2K in today’s standards. So, the wealthy in Nigerian standards might not mean much to a US consular officer. For instance, I am pretty sure, one who is making 10 or more times as much as the average person, is considered wealthy. Yet, this person, most probably will not be able to go under a burden of $30K and pay for it, if the child birth is complicated. Think about it, the wealthy Nigerian is making US$ 30K per year. Say he is 40 years old and he has been working at this capacity for the last 10 years. If he is lucky, with a wife and keeping up appearances of his successful life, he has a savings about $10K and I am being overly optimistic here, myself being from a 3rd world country myself. How can he expect to pay $30K for birth of his child in the US ? People who can pull this off are independently wealthy, like oil barons, real estate moguls etc in their own countries. Not someone working for wages or running a small scale business which is considered successful. US consular officer looks at this person’s condition and guesses if the mom will be a public charge in case something goes wrong or will she and her hubby be able to pay for the whole thing. And they will err on the side of caution every time.

giftdavid112:
Each time I come here, I just end up being sad and depressed. When I see old people with long employment histories, properties and all that being rejected I begin to wonder if there is any hope for a young person with few years of experience, money in the account (fixed deposit) and no travel history.

I just want to swear for all those people that spoilt our name. Taking nonimmigrant visa to migrate.

My chest o, this Shehu Sani is rowing the boat o. My guy forget entering Government House because I can assure you, you are swimming against the current.

Lol, true that. But that was the way they wanted it. E ma binu(I'm Sorry) like Yoruba people will say na im go follow last last

Culin:


You'll get so many enemies then. All your neighbors, former school mates, village people, uncles and aunties, well and evil wishers who were not invited will make a big deal out of it.