[quote author=tmangrenadier post=41552456][/quote]

Dear VO,

I am in the United states currently finishing my bachelors program in chemistry. I have not renewed my F-1 visa since I came. However, I have been pursuing my studies full time. I graduate in may 2016 and I plan to go unto graduate studies in chemistry (pHd) in the fall of 2016. I plan to return home because I have missed my family so much before I can leave for graduate school. I have a couple of questions if you do not mind.
1. Will my non-renewal of the F-1 visa impede my getting another one for my graduate studies?
2. Are there any other concerns my situation might pose to the consular officer?
3. Since every admitted prospective pHd student in the school i applied to, have their tuition waived, will i still need to show evidence of financial support as I would have without the school support?
Thank you so much.

LagosNIV:
Good morning everyone, VisaOfficer has departed Nigeria but it is clear that there are still many questions so I will make an effort to continue answering your questions!

I am a U.S. Foreign Service Officer working at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria. Like all of the VOs in Lagos, I handle both Non-Immigrant (NIV) and Immigrant Visa (IV) interviews. The purpose of this thread is to provide a forum for your questions about immigrant visas. My colleagues and I will make every effort to answer all questions within two business days.

Please note that we cannot answer questions about specific cases, except as based on the information provided here in this discussion thread. Any responses in this forum are not to be taken as legally binding, as they will be based only on what you tell us in your questions, not on the information in any actual case. While we will attempt to explain U.S. immigration policies, any opinions expressed are the personal views of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.

We may not be able to respond to every post in this thread, and we will not answer abusive posts. Also, please don't send me private messages -- I don't even read them. If you need personal attention, please send an e-mail to LagosIV@state.gov.

There is a separate thread for Non-Immigrant Visa Questions, also handled by U.S. Foreign Service Officers serving in Nigeria, at https://www.nairaland.com/1792662/u.s-non-immigrant-visas-listening . Please use this thread right here solely for questions about Immigrant Visas and Diversity Visas.

Regards,
LagosNIV

Dear VO,

I am in the United states currently finishing my bachelors program in chemistry. I have not renewed my F-1 visa since I came. However, I have been pursuing my studies full time. I graduate in may 2016 and I plan to go unto graduate studies in chemistry (pHd) in the fall of 2016. I plan to return home because I have missed my family so much before I can leave for graduate school. I have a couple of questions if you do not mind.
1. Will my non-renewal of the F-1 visa impede my getting another one for my graduate studies?
2. Are there any other concerns my situation might pose to the consular officer?
3. Since every admitted prospective pHd student in the school i applied to, have their tuition waived, will i still need to show evidence of financial support as I would have without the school support?
Thank you so much.

NaLaugh:


I don't imagine it should be "tough" if you adhered to all visa limitations during your bachelors.

If you've violated the rules, e.g non-renewal of visa (if required) then expect a steep process.

I applied for a phd program in chemistry. Normally, the tuition is waived for phd students and even health insurance. Do you guys think i would have to show bank statements as I normally would if i did not have any school financial help?

[quote author=cozybunch post=41520134][/quote]

Thanks for the replies. I understand that it would have been easier to renew before now. However, I am not leaving until i have been accepted into a graduate school and I have registered for classes and whatnot. That way, I will have a more compelling grounds for issuance of visa. Do you think that sounds reasonable?

NaLaugh:


You would want to inquire directly from official sources, whether or not the non-renewal is an issue.
If it is, then make sure you take careful steps to address it officially before leaving the country, or you might have troubles returning.

Your past DV lottery application will have zero effect on any other visa application.

Thank you for your answers. I appreciate it a lot!!

NaLaugh:


I don't imagine it should be "tough" if you adhered to all visa limitations during your bachelors.

If you've violated the rules, e.g non-renewal of visa (if required) then expect a steep process.

Thank you for your feedback. It is my understanding that the F-1 visa expiration is no big deal as far as I was in school. My other question is, do you think my visa process will be steeper? because at some point during my bachelors, I participated in the Diversity Visa lottery when Nigeria was still eligible.

Thank you for your feedback. It is my understanding that the F-1 visa expiration is no big deal as far as I was in school. My other question is, do you think my visa process will be steeper? because at some point during my bachelors, I participated in the Diversity Visa lottery when Nigeria was still eligible.

Thanks.

Hi guys. I am about to complete my Bachelors degree in Chemistry in the U.S and moving towards graduate school. I wanted to visit my family once during the summer before I am to begin graduate school next august. My visa has expired since 2013 but I have been in school. How tough is the visa interview in Nigeria for candidates who had their bachelors program in the U.S? I appreciate all feedback.

Thanks.