NewStats: 3,259,727 , 8,170,731 topics. Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025 at 07:54 PM 1h5r3r

Hello everyone,
My program is scheduled to begin on August 19th.
Could someone kindly guide me on how to request an earlier visa appointment date?

Thank you in advance.

Hello everyone,

I had my interview yesterday at LagosNIV for F1 visa.

My I-20 form has a deficit of $7000

I was asked the following questions:

1. How are you paying for the deficit?
Ans: Through self-sponsors (personal savings)

2. What do you do?
Ans: I work as a software engineer with 7 years of professional experience

3. What will you do after your graduation?
Ans: I plan to return to Nigeria to take a senior role at my company. My long-term plan is to start my own software company in Nigeria bla bla bla

4. Where do you work?
Ans: XYZ Limited

Next, the VO withheld my port and issued me a white slip marked ISTRATIVE PROCESSING: Your case requires additional processing. You will be ed when further information is required.

She then asked me to go and read what is written on the white slip, and that they will reach out to me.

My school is starting on April 29, 2025

What should I expect from the embassy, and what advice do you have for me?

Thanks in advance

Peachgirl:
Hello everyone,
My program is scheduled to begin on August 19th.
Could someone kindly guide me on how to request an earlier visa appointment date?

Thank you in advance.

Hi.
Continue looking for date through your natural (3x) reschedule options in your AVITS profile. If you could not find an appropriate date then apply for emergency appointment unfailingly by June 2024.
NOTE: You must have paid your SEVIS fee. Good LucK.

petengine:
Hello everyone,

I had my interview yesterday at LagosNIV for F1 visa.

My I-20 form has a deficit of $7000

I was asked the following questions:

1. How are you paying for the deficit?
Ans: Through self-sponsors (personal savings)

2. What do you do?
Ans: I work as a software engineer with 7 years of professional experience

3. What will you do after your graduation?
Ans: I plan to return to Nigeria to take a senior role at my company. My long-term plan is to start my own software company in Nigeria bla bla bla

4. Where do you work?
Ans: XYZ Limited

Next, the VO withheld my port and issued me a white slip marked ISTRATIVE PROCESSING: Your case requires additional processing. You will be ed when further information is required.

She then asked me to go and read what is written on the white slip, and that they will reach out to me.

My school is starting on April 29, 2025

What should I expect from the embassy, and what advice do you have for me?

Thanks in advance

Hello.
You have been placed on 221g (temporary refusal) in order to some details.
You qualified for the visa based on your convincing communication with the consular, as well as the information you depicted in your ds-160.
However, there is a lot of emphasis on your job and employer (which is what you used in convincing the interviewer). That is what the embassy wants to . Once cleared, your visa will be issued. Good LucK.

Hi, who can assist with SEVIS FEE payment please

Efetobore1980:


Hello.
You have been placed on 221g (temporary refusal) in order to some details.
You qualified for the visa based on your convincing communication with the consular, as well as the information you depicted in your ds-160.
However, there is a lot of emphasis on your job and employer (which is what you used in convincing the interviewer). That is what the embassy wants to . Once cleared, your visa will be issued. Good LucK.

Thanks for your reply.

What kind of information do you think they will request from my employer? I didn't mention in the interview that I was on study leave, nor is my employer aware of my travel for further study, except my manager, whom I included in my DS-160 form as one of those who is aware of my travel plans to the USA for study.

petengine:
Hello everyone,

I had my interview yesterday at LagosNIV for F1 visa.

My I-20 form has a deficit of $7000

I was asked the following questions:

1. How are you paying for the deficit?
Ans: Through self-sponsors (personal savings)

2. What do you do?
Ans: I work as a software engineer with 7 years of professional experience

3. What will you do after your graduation?
Ans: I plan to return to Nigeria to take a senior role at my company. My long-term plan is to start my own software company in Nigeria bla bla bla

4. Where do you work?
Ans: XYZ Limited

Next, the VO withheld my port and issued me a white slip marked ISTRATIVE PROCESSING: Your case requires additional processing. You will be ed when further information is required.

She then asked me to go and read what is written on the white slip, and that they will reach out to me.

My school is starting on April 29, 2025

What should I expect from the embassy, and what advice do you have for me?

Thanks in advance

I had this same exact issue on the 27th of March.

My case was a fully funded PhD offer with no deficits.

I have been trying to understand what exactly is the issue.

Also I mentioned something along the line of “coming back to Nigeria” to start a consulting firm. I rushed through the delivery while speaking, the VO asked that I calm down and specifically asked if I would be seeking employment in the private or public sector, of which I stated Private sector.


I was already smiling internally when I saw the VO reaching for a white paper, alas it was an “istrative processing” paper. My port and I-20 were “detained”

Also had this processing issue in March. Fully funded as well. Could it be a new policy?

petengine:



Thanks for your reply.

What kind of information do you think they will request from my employer? I didn't mention in the interview that I was on study leave, nor is my employer aware of my travel for further study, except my manager, whom I included in my DS-160 form as one of those who is aware of my travel plans to the USA for study.

Hello.

1. How are you paying for the deficit?
Ans: Through self-sponsors (personal savings)

*** Your employer is implicated.

2. What do you do?
Ans: I work as a software engineer with 7 years of professional experience

*** Your employer is implicated.

3. What will you do after your graduation?
Ans: I plan to return to Nigeria to take a senior role at my company.

*** Your employer is implicated.

4. Where do you work?
Ans: XYZ Limited

*** You also mentioned your employer.

NOTE: Number 3 above might ruin your case if your employer denied the knowledge of you coming back to take the role.

** The 7 years working experience must also be corroborated by your company. Good LucK.

rektrenuer:


I had this same exact issue on the 27th of March.

My case was a fully funded PhD offer with no deficits.

I have been trying to understand what exactly is the issue.

Also I mentioned something along the line of “coming back to Nigeria” to start a consulting firm. I rushed through the delivery while speaking, the VO asked that I calm down and specifically asked if I would be seeking employment in the private or public sector, of which I stated Private sector.


I was already smiling internally when I saw the VO reaching for a white paper, alas it was an “istrative processing” paper. My port and I-20 were “detained”

Any update from them about the status of your visa?

Fuego07:
Also had this processing issue in March. Fully funded as well. Could it be a new policy?

Hello Fuego07.
It is not a new policy but a new awakening from the US embassy. Consulars have heard too many same stories of coming back to take higher position and having worked for many years in a particular company or organisation.
Both qualified and unqualified F1-visa applicants says almost the same, hence the US embassy does not want to deny the innocent unnecessarily (like B4) by now ing (placing you on 221g) the trend. Good LucK.

petengine:


Any update from them about the status of your visa?

No updates yet.

I have been checking the ceac website daily for status updates. It keeps showing “refused” with the date of last status update being my interview date.

Then I also started checking oisservices website for possible port pickup availability using my port number.

Efetobore1980:


Hello Fuego07.
It is not a new policy but a new awakening from the US embassy. Consulars have heard too many same stories of coming back to take higher position and having worked for many years in a particular company or organisation.
Both qualified and unqualified F1-visa applicants says almost the same, hence the US embassy does not want to deny the innocent unnecessarily (like B4) by now ing (placing you on 221g) the trend. Good LucK.

How long does the process usually take?

The mistake I made was not showing them proof of claims. I had those documents handy. I was waiting for her to ask me to bring them out. I regret it.

petengine:


How long does the process usually take?

The mistake I made was not showing them proof of claims. I had those documents handy. I was waiting for her to ask me to bring them out. I regret it.

You acted in the right way (by waiting for her to ask). You don't pre-do what the consular officer did not ask you to do, doing that would have counted as a trick or hastiness. She did not need any document from you .
221g decisions is unpredictable depending on each cases. The official timeline is 60 -days. It can however be sorted out within a week or lasted till 1 year.
Embassy may not even be ing what we think they are ing but that is another topic.

rektrenuer:


No updates yet.

I have been checking the ceac website daily for status updates. It keeps showing “refused” with the date of last status update being my interview date.

Then I also started checking oisservices website for possible port pickup availability using my port number.

I heard this process can take months if not years. And if it es 6 months, you need to an immigration attorney and take legal action by suing them

Efetobore1980:


You acted in the right way (by waiting for her to ask). You don't pre-do what the consular officer did not ask you to do, doing that would have counted as a trick or hastiness. She did not need any document from you .
221g decisions is unpredictable depending on each cases. The official timeline is 60 -days. It can however be sorted out within a week or lasted till 1 year.
Embassy may not even be ing what we think they are ing but that is another topic.

Thank you!

petengine:


I heard this process can take months if not years. And if it es 6 months, you need to an immigration attorney and take legal action by suing them

If it would take that long, I doubt they would hold on to the port.

There are some 221g cases that they would give you back your port.

I believe there are new developments in the issuance process or system that we might not be aware of yet.

petengine:


I heard this process can take months if not years. And if it es 6 months, you need to an immigration attorney and take legal action by suing them

He he he 😀
You cannot sue or take legal actions against the US embassy (regarding visa issues) because they did not give the opportunity in the beginning and they are just too wise in their dealings.
For example , you applied for US visa and qualified but your nickname (eg Petengine ) tallied with the nickname of a wanted US criminal and the US embassy want to that you are not the one or you do not have any connections with the wanted person.
In the investigation, the criminal was in a prison in Mexico and on getting to Mexico they said the criminal is dead or has escaped. This is one of the twisted scenarios that makes 221g last for years. Just keep praying for positive result .

Efetobore1980:


He he he 😀
You cannot sue or take legal actions against the US embassy (regarding visa issues) because they did not give the opportunity in the beginning and they are just too wise in their dealings.
For example , you applied for US visa and qualified but your nickname (eg Petengine ) tallied with the nickname of a wanted US criminal and the US embassy want to that you are not the one or you do not have any connections with the wanted person.
In the investigation, the criminal was in a prison in Mexico and on getting to Mexico they said the criminal is dead or has escaped. This is one of the twisted scenarios that makes 221g last for years. Just keep praying for positive result .

Thank you.

On the DS 160 portal I didn't see where to fill secondary school or maybe I was ignorant, please I want to know how the portal bcs what I saw was secondary/tertiary institution for f1 visa

I did mine using the Pay4me App and it worked. I received my receipt a week later.i didn't have anyone in the US to pay for me, so I had to go with what I had... especially after checking into several banks and they said they don't do western union payments.

Ibroguy121:
Hi, who can assist with SEVIS FEE payment please

Thank you bro.. using Jarus Travels

Ayobami227:
I did mine using the Pay4me App and it worked. I received my receipt a week later.i didn't have anyone in the US to pay for me, so I had to go with what I had... especially after checking into several banks and they said they don't do western union payments.

Hello everyone,
Please I have a degree Religious studies(in education), I also learnt a digital skill(cloud computing engineering) and I’m interested in doing my masters in In cloud computing engineering. I want to know if it’s possible to switch from humanities/Education to STEM. Also what do I need to do to prove this because I have certifications from G,Azure and the academy I graduated from or should I just stick to my degree?

Please I really need your honest thoughts and advice on this if there is anyone who has transitioned into STEM from an entirely unrelated discipline.
Thank you so much

Hello guys, please my COA on my i-20 is $26,400 with no funding. My mum is fully capable of sponsorship and I plan on using her as sponsor.

However, I'm skeptical about going ahead with the visa application because most CO's deny when there's no funding. The school reiterated they do not give funding nor Assistanships. How do I go about this? Do you think it's worth a try applying for the visa?

CoCo9080:
Hello everyone,
Please I have a degree Religious studies(in education), I also learnt a digital skill(cloud computing engineering) and I’m interested in doing my masters in In cloud computing engineering. I want to know if it’s possible to switch from humanities/Education to STEM. Also what do I need to do to prove this because I have certifications from G,Azure and the academy I graduated from or should I just stick to my degree?

Please I really need your honest thoughts and advice on this if there is anyone who has transitioned into STEM from an entirely unrelated discipline.
Thank you so much

Hello Coco.
Your best choice could be STEM-MBA. All other choices might require you to provide a science orientated High-school certificate & transcripts or Science transcripts from your recent school.

Career advice depends on your life goal and achievement outlines, you will have to determine what you really want. If your future goal is to work with NGO or religious organisation (ie Catholic charities) you can further with your MSc in Religious studies. Good LucK.

officialchikzy0:
On the DS 160 portal I didn't see where to fill secondary school or maybe I was ignorant, please I want to know how the portal bcs what I saw was secondary/tertiary institution for f1 visa

Hello.
When you get to the educational part on ds-160 click on " Add " and fill your secondary school info. When you are through , scroll downward and cick on " Add " again and fill your University info.
You can click on Add as many time as you want and fill all your school (different schools you have attended) info then click save or next to the other page.

Ibroguy121:
Hello guys, please my COA on my i-20 is $26,400 with no funding. My mum is fully capable of sponsorship and I plan on using her as sponsor.

However, I'm skeptical about going ahead with the visa application because most CO's deny when there's no funding. The school reiterated they do not give funding nor Assistanships. How do I go about this? Do you think it's worth a try applying for the visa?

Hello Ibro.

The only set of F1-visa applicant who can easily get denied without a form of funding from their host-institution are PhD applicants.

For Bsc & MSc, you can satisfy POF (proof of funds) with funding from the school or any other reliable and verifiable sources.

Since your mum is capable of providing your deficit i do not see any reason for you to worry about.
What you should worry about is how to express your genuine intention of study to the consular and your ties to Nigeria . Even with your good ties and availability of funds, you must still satisfy the inner conscience of the consular that you will not change your mind when you get to America. Ciao.

Hello everyone.

I would like to apply for my f1 visa interview as I have my I-20. Please, what do I have to do? Do I have to pay the fees before booking a date?

My resumption is September 4

Yes! You have to pay the visa fees to book a date

Bensticks1:
Hello everyone.

I would like to apply for my f1 visa interview as I have my I-20. Please, what do I have to do? Do I have to pay the fees before booking a date?

My resumption is September 4

Efetobore1980:


Hello.
When you get to the educational part on ds-160 click on " Add " and fill your secondary school info. When you are through , scroll downward and cick on " Add " again and fill your University info.
You can click on Add as many time as you want and fill all your school (different schools you have attended) info then click save or next to the other page.

Is it a must because i did not add mine ??

kamsy101:



Is it a must because i did not add mine ??

I don't think it's a must bro; I didn't add maybe I was not observant or error in omission not just this but most of my job experiences, I put jus 2

Efetobore1980:


Hello Fuego07.
It is not a new policy but a new awakening from the US embassy. Consulars have heard too many same stories of coming back to take higher position and having worked for many years in a particular company or organisation.
Both qualified and unqualified F1-visa applicants says almost the same, hence the US embassy does not want to deny the innocent unnecessarily (like B4) by now ing (placing you on 221g) the trend. Good LucK.

It is probably also because of the course is IT related and on the Technology Alert List. I am no sure but I would say Congratulations in Advance to the candidate.