NewStats: 3,264,979 , 8,185,261 topics. Date: Friday, 13 June 2025 at 03:13 AM 562e5t

Jideagboola15:
Need help guys , Got denied today ,Planning to apply again soon as my resumption is January

School :Webster University
Funding :15% discount deficit $26000
SOA from dad shows : $47,000
GRE score :330

Interview was short and honestly I have no idea why I was denied , I’m guessing strong home ties , it went like this

VO: what is program are you going for?
Response : I’m going for Masters in International Relations and Affairs

VO: What school are you going to
Response: Webster University

VO: What is the address of your school
Response:470 Lockwood avenue St. Louis Missouri

VO: do you have any relative in the US ?
Response : No I don’t

VO: what is your current job
Response : I’m a lawyer

VO: How long have you been working as a lawyer ?
Response : for 2 years ( it’s my first interview and I really practiced maybe I should have explained further what I do .

VO: I can see you have a $24000 deficit who is funding your studies ?

Response :My Father (was expecting him to ask further questions on what he does and financial statements, but that what the last question

VO: sorry you are not qualified for Visa at this time , hands me the pink paper

Honestly I’m finding it hard to prove home ties ,I’m not married ,have no established business here ,was hoping he asked me about my program and what I plan to do with it , also any suggestion to get a school with better funding with my GRE score would be duly appreciated .

The issue here is with the school's name. The name "Webster" immediately gave me an online university vibe just like Phoenix university does. Reason she followed by asking you address of the university cos webster has a 100% online university as well. Apply to a more traditional school next time. You answered the questions well enough. Once she heard webster--her decision was made at that point.
https://www.webster.edu/online/index.php

Scholar212:
lol don't know where you are getting your stats from. If you carry deficit of like $30k to Lagos or Abuja Embassy chances of denial is 90% especially with no prior travel history. Funding is a very good way to get approved. Approval rate for fully funded is more than 90%. Our economy is in shambles no VO will believe your parents or you can pay $35k for your COA. Very few get approved with huge deficits now

This isn’t true. A person with a deficit of $30k will definitely get favorable response over a fully funded one cuz the one with deficit is paying his own tuition and covering his own expenses which help the US economy and that’s what the VO wants.

Observer25:


The issue here is with the school's name. The name "Webster" immediately gave me an online university vibe just like Phoenix university does. Reason she followed by asking you address of the university cos webster has a 100% online university as well. Apply to a more traditional school next time. You answered the questions well enough. Once she heard webster--her decision was made at that point.
https://www.webster.edu/online/index.php

You are right to some extent tho, perhaps it’s relative to VO…

But I would say choice of University can not be a strong reason for a VO’s denial, if the University isn’t fit enough, it wouldn’t have Sevis record.

Even though the university name might have turned off the officer, it wasn’t the main reason for the denial and with his transcript, the VO asked some more questions that could make the applicant defend his study intent and convince the VO.

Basically, his responses were not just convincing enough

Shueld06:


This isn’t true. A person with a deficit of $30k will definitely get favorable response over a fully funded one cuz the one with deficit is paying his own tuition and covering his own expenses which help the US economy and that’s what the VO wants.

It isn’t always so bro, even though I feel most of these stuffs are relative to different VO with their perception and exposure…

Having some level of funding shows you have an exceptional ability that could aid your academic career and it actually gives the VO interest to hear from you as a perceived scholar.

Like the previous commenter said, full funding would relieve you of some questions from the VO, I knew a fellow with full funding and GA, she was only asked two to three casual questions and got her visa in the first trial.

Huge deficit speaks a volume to one having an immigrant intent coz the 35k you’re spending there would be earn you same degree in your home country.

Ayomide98:


It isn’t always so bro, even though I feel most of these stuffs are relative to different VO with their perception and exposure…

Having some level of funding shows you have an exceptional ability that could aid your academic career and it actually gives the VO interest to hear from you as a perceived scholar.

Like the previous commenter said, full funding would relieve you of some questions from the VO, I knew a fellow with full funding and GA, she was only asked two to three casual questions and got her visa in the first trial.

Huge deficit speaks a volume to one having an immigrant intent coz the 35k you’re spending there would be earn you same degree in your home country.

Hmm now I get it better. Thanks for the explanation. The last point of yours made me understand more. That’s right. People without any form of funding also get approved very very well, but I get the point that funding can remove some barrier during the interview

Shueld06:


Hmm now I get it better. Thanks for the explanation. The last point of yours made me understand more. That’s right. People without any form of funding also get approved very very well, but I get the point that funding can remove some barrier during the interview

Yes, I don’t see not having funding as a barrier.

There are other factors, the VO in charge, and how well one can sell off his profile to an extent to the VO that’s if one is being privileged with time.
There are also few with full funding that got denied, that’s to show that one needs to have an aligning story as well.

Shueld06:


This isn’t true. A person with a deficit of $30k will definitely get favorable response over a fully funded one cuz the one with deficit is paying his own tuition and covering his own expenses which help the US economy and that’s what the VO wants.

Does the VO know you can pay the deficit
Can they take your word for it?

Pls funding from a school carries more weight .than a students words.

US economy doesn't need your school fees.

Their own residents take student loans from the govt that's paid to schools to cover tuition

Taal17:

Does the VO know you can pay the deficit
Can they take your word for it?

Pls funding from a school carries more weight .than a students words.

US economy doesn't need your school fees.

Their own residents take student loans from the govt that's paid to schools to cover tuition

Yeah. I just notice I was capping lol. A guy up there has explained better to me. I was wrong. Now I know better. Funding can actually help

Shueld06:


Yeah. I just notice I was capping lol. A guy up there has explained better to me. I was wrong. Now I know better. Funding can actually help

If uno geh funding, nothing spoil oo

Just be confident and let your story matches

Afterall, what will be will be.

I hope we all get approved.

@OyotunjiUSA,
I need your honest response to these questions please;
1. What's the best card to pay the VISA fee with in Nigeria? Does any of the virtual cards work?
2. As a University Lecturer with a fully funded scholarship (PhD), unmarried, what home tie can I show for a likely visa approval?

Thanks.

I sent them a complaint with a copy of my payment receipt from First Bank.

Blackfinegirl:


Pls how did you sort this out

Please help!!!

I paid my visa fee of 305,250 on August 7, 2024, through the GT Bank app, but due to the website's ongoing updates, I've been unable to schedule a visa interview. When I tried to book an appointment on the new website, I couldn't find an option to connect my previously paid visa fee to my new . Please what can I do??

dest4real:
@OyotunjiUSA,
I need your honest response to these questions please;
1. What's the best card to pay the VISA fee with in Nigeria? Does any of the virtual cards work?
2. As a University Lecturer with a fully funded scholarship (PhD), unmarried, what home tie can I show for a likely visa approval?

Thanks.

1, I will advise you work in to first bank and pay directly with your cash or if your banking in first bank work in to bank and do transfer to them with there transfer form,
2, I don't know how it will come out because with your age by now you're supposed to have married, or have a child,

Please don't find this offensive, is my personal experience at the embassy, try and fix it before going

Please my people
this requirements to come with to the embassy for interview
The best part of it affected me I need an advice on how to go about it
1 it states that your port must be SIX MONTHS BEYOND YOUR STAY IN USA,
please any solution to this?, because they brought out this information after picking date for interview

OyoTunjiUSA:



Hey 🤠

1. The new website does not have "Profile Update " yet, so there is no option to update your DS-160 for now. Fill another DS-160 and attend your interview with both old and new DS-160s on the day of your visa appointment.

2. If you have not submitted your previous DS-160 finally and you still have access to open it, you can update it to your new status and submit appropriately. If you start from the first page, you can start saving the pages as you want , otherwise, fill another DS-160 entirely. DS-160 can be filled as many times as you want.

Best Wishes 🙏

Thank you so much @OyoTunjiUSA for your advice . And please do you advice i start explaining to the V.O while i have two Ds-160 or i should just present the both when asked for my Documents.

Secondly i also don't know if i should go with my initial I20 and the updated one and present both as i did defer my ission to spring. Please if you have answers to my questions kindly respond too. Thank you all.

dest4real:
@OyotunjiUSA,
I need your honest response to these questions please;
1. What's the best card to pay the VISA fee with in Nigeria? Does any of the virtual cards work?
2. As a University Lecturer with a fully funded scholarship (PhD), unmarried, what home tie can I show for a likely visa approval?

Thanks.

Hey 🤠

@Sneh7 is kind of correct in the new payment suggestion, but his or her other answer was faulty.

1. I have not seen anyone who has paid with a virtual card, but any card you are using will be charged with USD. Hence , you may pay via First Bank transfer or bank deposit. You can transfer to the First Bank Acc# from any bank if you are opting for the bank transfer.

2. As a University lecturer who is unmarried, means (my personal interpretation ) " that you are a bookworm or career-oriented" which is kind of expected of few PhD applicants (even some University Professors).

3. With full funded PhD ission, proofs my point in labelling you " a bookworm or career-oriented" who are always outstanding in their pursuits via focus, and determination.

4. Ipso facto, Your strongest tie is your present employer eg OAU or Kaduna Polytechnic, b/cos this will give the consular officer the notion of your teaching ability in the future. Your 2nd best tie is your academic achievements, as explained previously here in sense - 4. PhD applicants are generally seen as Educational or Development Human Resources, therefore, few of them are really expected to come back.


@Sneh7

PS: Nigeria is excempted from the 6 - months post VISA (Travel port) expiration rule.

PS: Age is not a factor for married life. What if he had wife and kids but divorced , and decided to choose single as marital status ?

PS: Your bad experience as a single VISA applicant cannot be used as a specimen or direction for others. Proof of Ties is a complex subject. You can proof ties abstractly.


Best Wishes 🙏

Hello house. Please I am a new applicant on the new US visa application platform. I can see the calendar now but no available appointment date is showing and I cannot click on any date. I have escalated it severally but nothing has been done.

Hello house,

Has anyone trying to schedule their visa appointment at the Lagos embassy gotten past “pending pre-approval “ stage yet?

Mine has been pending pre-approval since August 30th

Lagos or Abuja? And when did you make your visa interview payment please?

CLASSYTOPPYCREA:
Hello house. Please I am a new applicant on the new US visa application platform. I can see the calendar now but no available appointment date is showing and I cannot click on any date. I have escalated it severally but nothing has been done.

Nathan89:
Hello house,

Has anyone trying to schedule their visa appointment at the Lagos embassy gotten past “pending pre-approval “ stage yet?

Mine has been pending pre-approval since August 30th

I face similar, since August 29th

DanteSilva:
I sent them a complaint with a copy of my payment receipt from First Bank.

I have done this o, I am still waiting. So frustrating. This their new website is not giving at all

Lagos or Abuja? And when did you make your visa interview payment please?

I made payment on the 5th of September and it is Lagos.

However on the calendar I can actually switch Lagos or Abuja but the message showing is 'currently there are no appointments for the selected location.

Sneh7:



1, I will advise you work in to first bank and pay directly with your cash or if your banking in first bank work in to bank and do transfer to them with there transfer form,
2, I don't know how it will come out because with your age by now you're supposed to have married, or have a child,

Please don't find this offensive, is my personal experience at the embassy, try and fix it before going

1. Thank you for your response. I'm only worried about recent complaints given about the new US Visa scheduling website not recognizing the reference number (on time) given by First Bank.

2. As per age factor, I'll be 30 by next Month. But I've a son who is 7.

Thanks for your honest opinion.

CLASSYTOPPYCREA:
Lagos or Abuja? And when did you make your visa interview payment please?

I made payment on the 5th of September and it is Lagos.

However on the calendar I can actually switch Lagos or Abuja but the message showing is 'currently there are no appointments for the selected location.

Are you F1?

crowndb:


Thank you so much @OyoTunjiUSA for your advice . And please do you advice i start explaining to the V.O while i have two Ds-160 or i should just present the both when asked for my Documents.

Secondly i also don't know if i should go with my initial I20 and the updated one and present both as i did defer my ission to spring. Please if you have answers to my questions kindly respond too. Thank you all.

Hey 🤠

1. Consular officers are aware of the current issues , in which the profile update is not yet available on AVITS. Therefore, your only excuse is " unavailability of profile update on the new platform, and few of your personal information have changed.

2. Attend your interview ONLY with the New Form-120. The previous one is useless, as it has been cancelled over there (by your host-school in the USA) , despite the fact that you are still keeping it with you .


Best Wishes 🙏

OyoTunjiUSA:



Hey 🤠

@Sneh7 is kind of correct in the new payment suggestion, but his or her other answer was faulty.

1. I have not seen anyone who has paid with a virtual card, but any card you are using will be charged with USD. Hence , you may pay via First Bank transfer or bank deposit. You can transfer to the First Bank Acc# from any bank if you are opting for the bank transfer.

2. As a University lecturer who is unmarried, means (my personal interpretation ) " that you are a bookworm or career-oriented" which is kind of expected of few PhD applicants (even some University Professors).

3. With full funded PhD ission, proofs my point in labelling you " a bookworm or career-oriented" who are always outstanding in their pursuits via focus, and determination.

4. Ipso facto, Your strongest tie is your present employer eg OAU or Kaduna Polytechnic, b/cos this will give the consular officer the notion of your teaching ability in the future. Your 2nd best tie is your academic achievements, as explained previously here in sense - 4. PhD applicants are generally seen as Educational or Development Human Resources, therefore, few of them are really expected to come back.


@Sneh7

PS: Nigeria is excempted from the 6 - months post VISA (Travel port) expiration rule.

PS: Age is not a factor for married life. What if he had wife and kids but divorced , and decided to choose single as marital status ?

PS: Your bad experience as a single VISA applicant cannot be used as a specimen or direction for others. Proof of Ties is a complex subject. You can proof ties abstractly.


Best Wishes 🙏

Thank you for your response. I genuinely appreciate your deliberate commitment towards the help you've been rendering here.

BTW: I have a son who recently turned 7 and I'll be 30 by next Month.

My concern about not wanting to use first bank is as a result of the recent glitches of their issued reference numbers taking time to reconcile on the new US website.

Thanks greatly.

Hmm so it is mandatory to be married if someone is in his late or middle 30s? Na wa for this US consular ooo

Sneh7:



1, I will advise you work in to first bank and pay directly with your cash or if your banking in first bank work in to bank and do transfer to them with there transfer form,
2, I don't know how it will come out because with your age by now you're supposed to have married, or have a child,

Please don't find this offensive, is my personal experience at the embassy, try and fix it before going

Ayomide98 post=132066285]

Are you F1?

J1

CLASSYTOPPYCREA:
Ayomide98 post=132066285]

Are you F1?

J1

F1

Are you F1 as well?

I didn't make a mistake. It is J1 visa. Cultural Exchange Program

Guyssss Helppppp!!!

DanteSilva:
Hello House.
I just got date for my Interview at the Abuja embassy, I thank y'all for your and .
Please I need a center or person where I can carry out my mock interview practice, please if you have any idea let me know and I'll really appreciate.

OyoTunjiUSA:



Hey 🤠

1. Consular officers are aware of the current issues , in which the profile update is not yet available on AVITS. Therefore, your only excuse is " unavailability of profile update on the new platform, and few of your personal information have changed.

2. Attend your interview ONLY with the New Form-120. The previous one is useless, as it has been cancelled over there (by your host-school in the USA) , despite the fact that you are still keeping it with you .


Best Wishes 🙏

Thank you so much OyoTunjiUSA 🙏

I will come back here to share my approval news by God's grace. Once again,Thanks to you all that contributed in one way or the other towards my preparation 🙏