Maryam3:
VISA ISSUED :27th of August,2019
Interview date : 23rd of August,2019

BSc Chemistry
SECOND DEGREE
School: Coppin State University Baltimore Maryland
INTERVIEW LOCATION: LAGOS
Window 2

My interview was short. I didn't go with my ds-160, appointment letter and GTB visa RECEIPT (please don't make this mistake. I was charged ₦2000 per page to print those documents).

Apart from the usual goosebumps I get whenever I read Nairaland gist, I was worried with 2 things. The mistake on my i-20 and reason why I'm going for second degree. I finally figured out how to go about the i-20 issue but that other part won't just leave my head.

I Sha prepared transcript like 5/6 times .My appointment was 6:45am but I was interviewed 10:15am. Venue was Lagos. I didn't go with ds-160, appointment letter and GTB visa RECEIPT so I had to print them at the embassy. A copy was ₦2000. Everything was 8k but I gave the guy 6k (after interview�of course). I took another passport photo there ₦1500/6 copies (I'm still asking myself why because they didn't collect even 1 copy). I was the ONLY ADULT with hijab then 2 small kids. I did my biometric then went to the interview hall. I was directed to window 10 to scan my passport and the lady there was like I should go and snap a passport photo showing my ears,whole face and neck. I told her it wasn't necessary since the picture on my international passport is with full hijab and I was able to upload similar photo too while filling my ds160. Then she said I should go to window 12. still a woman, Nigerian. She said the same thing and I repeated my words again then she called the attention of an old white man and explained to him. He said no problem that she should go on with it (I was just smiling like a kid they gave chocolate�). I was then directed to window 7 for finger print. After that I joined the interview queue. Everyone was just suprise cus I was the only one that dressed in a different way (what's my own there I was just reciting اللهم لا سهل إلا ما جعلته سهلا وأنت تجعل الحزن إذا شءت سهلا).

The VO was a young guy 20+. He refused the family before me. Then it was my turn. That was how my legs refused to move...then this big smile just came and he was like I should move forward. The VO was really blushing �


VO: hey! Good morning come come (with a biggggggg smile)
Me: Good morning sir

VO: pass your passport and i-20
Me: passed it

VO: so where are you going in the USA?
Me: I'm going to the USA specifically Coppin State University Baltimore for a degree in chemistry

VO: okay okay good. Do you have a scholarship?
Me: yes I do but it doesn't reflect on the i-20 because I will need to complete my application before it can be effective. Reason why I presented my dad's statement of account when applying cus it was part of the documents I sent to the school.

VO (really nodding hard) what does your dad do?
Me: he's the Director of Crown oil . Crown oil deals with production and sales of engine oil for machine part. He's also the one in charge of the family land and properties. This is the certificate of occupancy for one of his houses in Lagos.

VO: can I see it?
Me: yes sure (passed)

While he was going through I quickly said.
Me: he's also one of the high Chiefs in Ikoyi (point at the Chief infront of his name) that's the reason for that Chief infront of his name there.

VO: (typed for a while) so you worked at University of Lagos with Dr...
Me (immediately) yes! Dr Adeyemo (he nods) we worked on a project which was published last year. Antioxidants Capacity of lemongrass and organic compound present.(this was my project topic)

VO: wow!!!! Tell me more about it (already going for the white paper)
Me: I got 5 different samples from different forest in Nigeria then I planted in the school garden. After it matured, I ploughed and did extraction after which I carried out analysis using dpph assay then I used a spectrometer to find out the organic compound present (my voice was shaking here because I wanted to explain all what I did for project)

VO: that's really good. I'll be approving your Visa. On this paper is where you will get your passport back within 3/4 working days. congratulations and enjoy your stay in the USA.
ME: Yeah thank you so much sir
(Collected my documents with AlhamdulliLlah and walked out)


It was as if everyone was just waiting for my session. Everywhere was quite. I was scared on my way out because it was just shocking. All the questions I've prepared!. I wanted to ditch the interview a week to my appointment. I can only say AlhamdulliLlah it was Allah all the way�. When I came out smiling everyone infront of the gate couldn't believe it. They were just looking at me chai!. AlhamdulliLlah sha


I really want to appreciate everyone. All the transcripts was very helpful. Walepepe,time2win,lagosIsmyhome ,Everyone. I wish everyone that's expecting good news and those of us already approved and issued won't face any problem beyond us. Best of luck!!!?!

Eeeh! This alhaja vibe different o. Kikiki "Alhamdulilaih SHA" E shock me. Limao

Wao, good to see this lovely transcript, a very big Congratulations to you
More of this to come soonest. I don miss reading transcripts back to back.

I must say this opposite gender interaction work o, I've seen people talk about it, but really this alhaja go fine o, she killed the VO with smile ni sha. Ishokay! Alhamdulilaih SHA

Although what I could deduce from some transcripts is most of GRACE of God. Preparations is vital but Grace of God is importanter. I urge everyone to put God first. He only can prove the difference. #God first.

Congratulations once again

waynee2baba:


Lmao if only you had Googled those hex codes, you would have decoded. Sometimes, one doesn't need to say certain things in black and white for you to grab.

Haq haq haq... you duno, you don't know what is going on... Limao
waynee2baba he whom his typical replies I look forward to

If only you had added this piece, it would have been easier. Sometimes the 1+1 information is only what we need not extra palava.

Ofc he was racially profiled. Would they do this to an #ffffff[/b]student coming in to study? Upon their policies, kids still shoot up their schools and go crazy. Australia does this too... once they see you're [b]#000000 or #654321, they'd condescend so low as to going through your WhatsApp conversations. Smh

Imagine I can't even get any useful info or tip from this write-up. A whole me, like I don't even understand English again. Oga o.

SpaceAdenle:
Guys, my interview is on Thursday and am so tensed. Kindly advise me on preparation based on the latest interviews. I am going to the consulate in Lagos. Time is 6:45am and the VO is 8. Am going to Michigan Technological University to gain masters in Applied Physics. No scholarship by the school but possible scholarship by the supervisor who has already shown serious interest.
Thanks as I await ample and candid advise.

Can you post your proposed transcript here for evaluation, I think that's the best thing to do.

That's a lie. I check via my profile just now, there is even dates available in September.

Nigerians flood the schedule almost every second and dates get filled up. But perhaps someone somewhere cancel His/her own appointment, that will create another space and you will see another appointment date available.

Availability of appointment date is not fixed.

Brown2Green:
Ok as classes starts up this week, I'm gonna be off this thread for some time.

But I'm going to drop a few I believe will be beneficial to the future candidates.

Preparation

You should be very engaged in searching and researching about your prospective schools and programs. I did categorically say there is a school in the US that fits perfectly with your program and tatse. But most times you have to do the hard work in finding it. The Education USA says and I quote "look for schools that meets your requirements and not schools that you meet their requirements"
Prepare and sit for the GRE at least. Take TOEFL/IELTS if you can(more advantageous)

NEVER go to the embassy without taking at least one standardized test. Saying "it wasn't a requirement for my program" is one of the most lazy response I have heard. Contact as many schools via the Graduate Coordinator to inquire about funding opportunities for your program and the window for application as information is very viatal in this jorney. By all means, endeavor to get some form of funding from your school. Seeing funding on your I20 makes it easy for the VO to get impressed.


The Visa

This is one of the toughest part.
I have not been to the embassy before giving advice to hundreds of people on how to ace their interview. As an analyst, I had taken time to analyse over 700 transcripts from all over the place and noted some key indicators for positive or nagative Interview outcome. So it didn't come as a surprise to me when a lot of people got their Visa approval from my advice.

One thing I learnt during my cybersecurity certification classes is, "if you want to beat a hacker, think like one"

So I say this.. "If you want to impress the VO, think like the VO"

All the questions the VO asks is to verify the following..
1) is this person truly interested in studies?
2) does this person have the money to cover his expenses in the US?
3) does this person have a career plan?
4) does this person have plans of returning after studies?

I noticed that the response you give in "why this school?" And "why this course" played a major role in your final decision.

In your interview you have to engage with the following...

Maintain eye contact always
Anticipate the next question
Be spontaneous
Gesticulate
Be Succinct

The VO has barely 2 minutes to decide if you're getting the Visa or not.


To close I did say..
Write all your exams on time
Get your admits on time
Get your funding on time
Go for your interview on time ( so you can have enough time to reapply if denied or have enough time to wait if placed on AP)

See you in the US.


Peace.

Bless up bro. We really do appreciate you for your contributions and your unselfishness, they are so invaluable. #Thrive

flukaa:
Good morning all, visa approved on 21st Aug. Transcript is coming soon.
Status changed to issued on 22nd. My school is resuming on 26th and I was told by the VO to request for extension letter if I cant get hold of my passport by Friday. I have contacted my department and my email was forwarded to the director of the international programs for the letter, but she insisted the head of my department issue it, stating that its an academic matter. The department's Graduate coordinator has issued the letter. 1.I want to know if there won't be a problem at the port of entry going with the letter from the department. 2/Who is actually responsible for the issuance of the letter.? Pls I need contributions from the experience ones here .

Congratulations

Wommack007:
Hello everyone.

I have been silently following this thread for a while and I went for my visa interview on Monday.

I was denied

I've been really distraught since Monday.

I need to reapply quickly because my school resumes in September.

I'm trying to gather my thoughts again to get input on my questions, as well as how I should re-apply soonest

I'm so sorry. I'm very sure it's an opportunity to learn something new and better. God works in a wonderful way. Success next appointment, by the grace of God #Thrive

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Abegi House, seeing this "I have been following the thread silently, Visa denied in Abuja, window 2, 6:45am" touches the heart o.

I think it's safer to be unsilent follower o. packaging cannot come and kobami.

Had my admission deffered to spring 2020, received the I-20 very late. Couldn't book an interview then. Undergraduate o.

My question is: How long does it take to receive another I-20 after the admission was defferd. Wonna start the processing as soon as possible. I Appreciate y'all. Thank you God bless you.