NewStats: 3,264,470 , 8,183,814 topics. Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 08:35 AM v5l50

Tkulthenoble:
My people I need your help to make this decision or anyone that sed through the same experience from a third country. You can Kindly see my 1st attempt transcript that I posted here some weeks back, Since my first attempt denial here in Abu Dhabi, I have been thinking of re-applying in Naija since Home-tie is the issue. Not until today I saw this guy's post on Facebook who was in the situation. He was denied twice here in UAE Not until He went to His Home Country and He got approved. Kindly see the attached screen shot of His Post.

Now my question is, Do you think I aslo have a better chance for my second attempt if I re-apply in Naija or I should just stick to Abu Dhabi here?

What Consulate you think I should go to? Lagos or Abuja?

Can I use my Bank statement from my bank here in UAE for naija?

What is closest date for refusal slot in Naija?

Thank you so much in Advance

The outcome of one's visa application is independent of another. Each application is treated on it's own merit. Nevertheless, applying in one's home-country aids in addressing the home-tie criterium per non-immigrant visa

Abuja was calmer years ago (compared to Lagos). If that's still the case now, then do Abuja.

Yes.

Before thinking of closest date(s), the visa refusal happened just days/weeks ago, why not pause to carefully plan for the next application and interview as the visa officer(s) would be looking out for substantial change when the re-application is made?
(School issions can be deferred, that also gives one time to seek funded ission ... why rush to the US to spend own funds to acquire a certificate that does not guarantee recouping the expense? Even US nationals struggle to get desired jobs/preferred means of income.)

Sadly, there is sufficient evidence here that many of us do not take time to read.
Note that reading is a necessary skill overseas as directions, instructions and requests tend to be written.
More importantly, that written information is evidence that can be used in court (of course, laws are enforced in developed economies compared to our home country).

Moreover, if one cannot carefully read and understand information on Nairaland thread(s), how will such person be able to comprehend similar information on any other medium (including WhatsApp)?

Suggestion:
...
[5] do not resign from employment suddenly i.e. without an avenue to return to such employer if necessary.
[6] take #5 seriously.
[7] tell others about #5.

On "japa":

To travel is good, it is a quick means of experience/knowledge.
What should not be encouraged is the desperation to migrate.
Foreigners have since latched-on to this our mindset and are using it to exploit us.
Cases abound of Nigerians whose ports are seized upon arrival in another country and technically enslaved by indigenes.

Suggestion:
[1] beyond having a plan for your study abroad and/or immigration aspiration, have a fallback plan in your home-country (i.e. Nigeria) incase the overseas plan fails. Better be alive (and maybe mocked temporarily) than being dead abroad without loved ones able to recover you.
[2] do not sell immovable assets to fund abroad move.
[3] do as #2 says.
[4] tell others about #3.

Aizac:
Good evening, please who knows of any group link for VISA processing info and mock interviews. Any help is very appreciated.
Thanks.

...a group link for US visa processing and mock interviews...

Please,
[1] how do these groups work? (Who runs them?)
[2] what credentials/experience/qualifications do the said mock interviewers have? (e.g. travel history/visas possessed, immigration status, educational background)
[3] does this thread not provide sufficient "intel"? (I got CA and US visas on first attempt using info from this thread)

As applicant, you are responsible for the success/failure of your US study journey, not an agent (whether in Nigeria or abroad), your religious leader or anyone else. Take it seriously, give it your effort and time (beyond money). Understand the basics of the process.

Have a plan. Developed economies work based on plans e.g. 5-year plan, 10-year plan, 30-year plan etc.

Lastly, irrespective of location or title, not everyone knows the reality of the US study journey. Many people do not tell the truth. It is not easy both in Nigeria and the US. Hence, having a well thought-out plan is critical.

MizAlero:
Good day,
Please I need information in of renewing my F1 via. It expires in June. Do I return to Nigeria for renewal or try neighboring countries like Canada or Dominican Republic for renewal? What can I expect if renewing from either of these two countries?

Any information will be very much appreciated. Thanks

Fundamental question: Why is the visa renewal needed (now)?
(Beyond F1) What is the foreseeable immigration status of the said person in the US?
Generally, a expired visa does not invalidate one's stay within US borders as far there is a subsisting basis for stay e.g. OPT (optional practical training) authorization post-study.
Furthermore, the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) - roughly equivalent to Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) - is piloting a program to allow visa renewals in-country, maybe worth exploring the details of this program.
If one feels one needs to go to a third-party country for visa renewal, carefully check regulations around the Embassy/Consulate of interest, appointment availability and eligibility rules vary from location to location.

Bolanle245:

Jan 3, 2024
Abuja embassy
Funds $39,204(family sponsorship)
School: Georgia Southern University
Course: Criminal Justice and Criminology
Visa Denied

Please I will like to know the areas I need to add and subtract anything and what I can work on for my next interview.
I will appreciate every response
Thanks

To buttress response per "purpose" question such as "Why GSU?", think:
“Is said institution ranked/respected in the US?” “Is the said program valued in the US?”

Responses to "Home-tie" question viz "Is this for promotion?" need to provide sufficient verifiable detail
e.g. "Yes, it is common for employees at (insert employer name) to be promoted sequel to completing such program".
It makes sense that this dovetails to the next question "Do you have a student permit to this effect?" to which an appropriate reply can be
"Yes, I have an approval for study leave." (please make sure this document is available as one may be asked to tender it at the interview)

"Finance" inquiry hinges on the huge deficit of $39,204 i.e. over ₦40,000,000.
Think: "Why is the family/parent committing such funds to one child considering the economic indicators in both Nigeria and the US?"
Even MBAs from top (brand-name) business schools in the US are struggling to get desired jobs, so there is less possibility that an international (e.g. Nigerian) will be able to get legal gainful source of income to recoup such proposed spend on education in a foreign country.

The M.B.A.s Who Can’t Find Jobs
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/the-m-b-a-s-who-cant-find-jobs-669cc1fa

Seeking a writer per application documentation for a research-based graduate program seems counter-productive.
Even course-based programs demand considerable (own) composition/writing. Furthermore, institutions have since deployed various anti-plagiarism and AI detector (including ChatGPT) software.

Suggestion:
- applicant does writing by self (it is part of the preparation or self-assessment prior to graduate study),
- applicant may have such write-ups or application documentation reviewed by a third-party (paid or unpaid).

studyless123:


Yes. It's a known fact that immigrant petitions affect non-immigrant visas. Think about it for a second, you want to be in the US, and to have a student visa you need to prove non-immigrant intent. How do you want to convince the VO of your return
That makes it more difficult however I know a few who have gotten student visas even with a pending I-130 petition. I'll say give it your shot and I wish you the very best.

Way(s) to demonstrate home-tie:
Application from own home-country and demonstrating ties such as:
- (immediate) family (excluding the US-based parent, in this case)
- immovable property e.g. certified/ed landed property
- professional attachment e.g. gainful employment
- community connections e.g. (leadership) positions in known organizations to which one has made (verifiable) considerable contributions which necessitate one's return to home country

Beyond the "home-tie" criterium, those of "purpose" and "financing" should not be ignored.

[quote author=mishappiness post=127990411][/quote]

Again ... limit the mention of this US connection to mandatory questions per F1 visa application and interview ...
Focus on answering the (required) questions asked concisely and honestly. No more, no less. No mis-representation.
Why provide superfluous (arguably detrimental) information if not compulsory to do so?

mishappiness:
Hello!

Please i dont know if any one can help me here.

My mother Is a US citizen and petitioned I 130 for me in 2019, this immigrate visa take a very long number of years to become current. I have secured ission in Northeastern university for fall of 2024.
Can this I 130 petition affect my F1 visa. I'm so confused i dont know what to do now.

Not exactly, they are separate applications.
The former is for immigrant visa while the latest is for non-immigrant visa.

Nevertheless, your records including past applications (and/or travel) to US and other countries (such as AU, CA, NZ, UK) that the US exchanges immigration/travel information with will pop-up upon request.
Against this backdrop, home-ties need be properly expressed. (Unfortunately, a parent in the US is not a home-tie to Nigeria neither does it help address this criterium ... if possible, limit the mention of this US connection to mandatory questions per F1 visa application and interview)

On mock interview:

There seems to be more misinformation than "intell" (i.e. intelligence) going around. Several instances of persons being asked to rejig responses hours/days before visa interview.
Note:
- no-one knows the applicant better than the applicant (him/herself),
- the criteria is clear: "purpose", "financing" and "home-tie",
- the applicant documentation (e.g. form completed before interview, documents brought to interview) and verbal responses (on the D-day) need to tie (as discrepancies are easy grounds for visa refusal),
- the study in US journey requires own effort and time beyond money; spend time understanding the strengths and weaknesses of own profile vis-a-vis the criteria (for non-immigrant visa e.g. F1)
- if a suggested response does not fit the applicant's profile or sounds controversial, it is unlikely to be tenable during the interview.

On multiple visa re-application, consider the impression:
- "Is this applicant desperate?"
- "Why must this applicant come to the US?"
["Are there not other countries/options for study?"
"Does this applicant have prospects in the home-country?"
"If 'Yes', why the consistent applications with limited changes?"
"If 'No', why would the applicant return to the home-country if given a non-immigrant visa (F1) to the US?"]
The latter questions re-iterates the "home-tie" criterium which becomes pervasive with repeated re-applications.

Suggestion:
- pause to critically reflect on applicant profile before application/re-application
(extending this pause to weeks/months/years while being gainfully engaged is advantageous to the applicant as it mitigates the impression of desperation)
- address the entire criteria i.e. "purpose", "financing" and "home-tie"

Honestguy13577:
Hello guys.
Please I need some guidance.
I intend to study in the USA through Mpower Financing.
Pls what are the likely questions during Visa interview, incase someone here has gotten visa through the educational loan option. Pls your input is highly needed.

Note: The loan has been approved already and letter of sponsorship has been sent to me.

Thanks.

Student debt is of considerable concern in the US.
Moreover, from some interviewees suggests that MPOWER Financing is not regarded at visa interviews.
The criterium here is "financing":
- cost of attendance in the US,
- transportation to US and return to Nigeria.
Barring the reputation of the financier, the concern around loan financing for study is that the loan amount and has to reasonable vis-a-vis the possibility and timing of getting source(s) of income post-study to repay the principal and interest. That is what the financing questions would hinge on.

Tkulthenoble:
I think that was one of the issue today, for not waititng for the VO to ask first but the Home tie, I dont know how I can work on that as I lived here for 8 years now

Wait for the question(s) before responding, keep responses concise and succinct.

Purpose and home-tie criteria not addressed per interviewer's perspective.
Think:
- "Why is this Nigerian applicant in a foreign country going to the US (another foreign country) to study?"
- "Why would the applicant come back to Nigeria from the US after study?"

The applicant's documentation/responses/story needs to add-up per the intent of the US for issuing non-immigrant visas (e.g. F1)

Focus on addressing the criteria.
Sadly, it is best to delay re-application until the concerns are addressed (not just questions from an interview).
Usually, an applicant applies from the home country seeking visa to a foreign country. Applying from another country, while not discouraged and has some successes, has an inherent home-tie concern i.e.
"Which country is the applicant going to return to after US stay?" (country of origin or country of current stay?)
"Why would the applicant return to the said country?"
If possible, a remedy is to apply from one's home-country and demonstrate home-ties viz:
- (immediate) family
- immovable property
- professional attachment
- community connections

Beyond the "home-tie" criterium, the transcript indicates the need to address that of "purpose".

Tkulthenoble:
Kindly approve.

Visa got denied.

Location: Abu Dhabi

I have B1/B2 Visa

Intervew: F1 Visa,

Course: MS in Marketing

School: Depaul University

Me: Good Morning with Big Smile
VO: Good Morning me your document
Me: Here you go
VO: Wow Congratulations you have Scholarshp
Me: Thank you Sir
VO: You are going to Depaul University, Program 2 years. Lets go through your application.
Me: As VO was going through application, statrted explaining to Him about My program. it is 2 years program with 7 core course e.g Marketing Management, Market Research, Aanlytical for marting and this program and course will help me to grab a position at my present job as a commercial manager, we focusing specifically on Africa, Nigeria to be precise, I will managing the Sales team for contract negotiation and contract Renewal.
VO: How long you have been working with your company
Me: 8 years and I have a confirmation of employment letter right here.
VO: Can I see? then He looked at it
VO: Why Depaul University
Me: Because one of Depaul University Core Value is Integrity and My company number one Core Value is integrity and this speaks alot to me, Because I believe so much in this Value, I believe in Honesty, Trust Worthy and as a leader I work the talk and the Depaul Univerisy is known for several volunteer activities on US News website and this is also inline with me as I have organised several CSR with my company.
VO: Did your company have any confirmation you getting a job when you return.

Me: No, But in our Vendor Management meeting, I have had several discussion and training with the sales department.

VO: Are you single?

Me: Yes

VO: Do you have any relative in the US.

Me: No

VO: How are you going to cover your deficit.

Me: I am covering my Deficit through my 8 years working here in UAE and I have my Bank statement here with me.

VO: checked bank statement and typing for few minutes and why typing I told Him that I have visited the US on tourist and spent 11 nights.

VO: dropped the bad news I am sorry for the Bad news cant see you have intent to study in the US, and He said something about other VOs which I did not understand and hands me the 214B flyer.

what went wrong here? Cuz I have analysed it, is my job not enough as socio economy tie? Must I say that I will be heading back to my Home country instead my job after my study?

Or Did I talk too much? Cuz I see other guys with F1 that got interviewd with other VOs hardly say anything but got approved.

Wait for the question(s) before responding, keep responses concise and succinct.

Purpose and home-tie criteria not addressed per interviewer's perspective.
Think:
- "Why is this Nigerian applicant in a foreign country going to the US (another foreign country) to study?"
- "Why would the applicant come back to Nigeria from the US after study?"

The applicant's documentation/responses/story needs to add-up per the intent of the US for issuing non-immigrant visas (e.g. F1)

Viccy99:
Good evening, please can someone help me with the application fee waiver code for University of Maryland?.

I have started the application and gotten to where I was asked to prove my attendance for eligibility program that will make me qualified for the application fee waiver.

Please kindly help me with the waiver code, thank you.

We need to learn how to go through "process" i.e. unlearn our Naija "business unusual" ways.
If an institution/program requires one to attend an event et al. to get (say) an application waiver, do so.
School s have detected application waiver broadcasts to non-attendees and rejected submissions from such persons.

Pamfresh:
Please, is there a WhatsApp group here one can to get more information regarding USA PhD fully funded scholarship? I ve applied to some schools already and still applying but I would like to belong to a group where I could get some updates and information.

08130545073

Thank you!

Information needed is on this thread if one patiently goes through it.
Used Nairaland "intell" (i.e. posts on this website) to get Canada and US visas respectively (1st attempt).

Ammydee:
Good day, this is a follow up on my post made in October. I am about applying for another visa interview and I need advice on what to do.

The options available are;
1. My office pays for my tuition deficit only, which is $14500 while my husband will pay the other deficit of $27,000

2. My husband is the sole sponsor and will pay the entire deficit of $42,000

Kindly advise on which has a greater chance of approval. Thanks

The financing criterium needs to be addressed in a manner that aligns with the applicant's profile vis-a-vis economic indicators in Nigeria and US.
A deficit of $42,000 (over ₦42,000,000) is significant considering that, for example,
- median weekly pay is $1,118 in US according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
- US student loan debt is such a concern that it has come-up in presidential campaigns/manifestos.
Irrespective of the entity posed as sponsor (i.e. employer or spouse), the question is "Why is that entity spending this much on the applicant?"
"What will the entity benefit from such considerable expense?" [this benefit should be quantifiable, think numbers in dollars or naira]
"How is the sponsor able to give-up such amount on education abroad i.e. does the sponsor have such financial capacity?" [this capacity should be independently verifiable i.e. beyond what the applicant says or presents at the interview]
In general, does an international spending $42,000 on US education without guarantee of a means of commensurate income afterwards make sense? [income and unemployment statistics of Nigerians and Americans are known]

Suggest:
- not being in a hurry to re-apply for visa
- seeking more funding from the institution
- looking for less expensive programs that still fit the applicant's profile per "purpose", "financing" and "home-tie" criteria

Inner19:
Please can a B.Sc holder in Nigeria apply for an Associate Degree in a Community College in USA?

Yes.
The underlying question is "What is the benefit of a US associate degree to an international (e.g. Nigerian) who has an undergrad. degree?"

ARISTOCRATDAMMY1:
Hello Guys,
I'm going for my MBA, but most schools offer MBAs on campus and online. I hope I won't have issues with the VO since there's an online option.
Won't the VO ask why I opted for on-campus instead of online?

This is a plausible question.
It is a question that can be asked under the "Purpose" criteria of the visa interview. Another way to ask this question is "Why this course/program/school?"
The person best placed to address this question is the it/candidate/interviewee.

Nzealibaba:
Please house I need help.

I just got itted to city college in new York for Msc in computer engineering.
The tuition which is affordable is 17k , but housing is 23k along other expenses which raised the total POF to 53k.
The 53k is much as I am just a teacher. they gave me alternative to bring house lease or landlord statement for my housing so that the amount doesn’t reflect on my POF .
Please is there anyone who can help me with this house lease in the USA.
🙏 🙏 🙏

New York (NY) is relatively expensive even for US nationals.
Consider requesting a deferal of this ission so as to use the time to
- augument finances and set-up financial documentation,
- explore issions in other locations in the US [NY is just one of fifty (50) states]

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bugmenot:


Does anyone know where I can get genuine honda power steering fluid in Lagos? I poured honda ATF in my power steering reservoir, is there anything to be worried about? I know it should be fine for most cars but honda can be very finicky.

Thanks in advance.

Scroll-up this page for a person & quote for Honda power steering fluid.

Drain that power steering system of fluid-mix immediately to avoid an expensive damage.

ATF vs power steering fluid has been addressed in --»
https://nairaland.unblockandhide.com/3387511/power-sterring-fluid-diffrent-automatic

kkon:
thanks any idea where I can do it in Lagos.

Pardon my delayed reply

Kindly scroll through this page and pages before it...several posters have offered (free) diagnostics/scan
OR
check the profile of the person who started this thread & him

kkon:
Honda crv 08 model

Kindly have the vehicle scanned with a robust scanning device and post the codes here

Please do not waste effort, money & time "changing" "fixing" "repairing" anything per that transmission until a proper scan is done

JideSM

Kindly advice...I can't make/receive calls OR do USSD activities when on MTN 4G (only browsing happens)