NewStats: 3,261,119 , 8,173,079 topics. Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 09:31 AM 95x5a

Thank you for all the responses.
Please how can I get a mock training before the interview.

Efetobore1980:



Hello Orilomo

YOU.
Hello all,
Pls i need urgent help
I just got denied f1 US visa despite having full
Scholarship to TCU University

*** Having a full scholarship is not an automatic visa. The scholarship means that you have paid the school fees upfront but you must still satisfy the remaining F1 visa requirements before your visa can be granted. U.S. embassy now realised that 85% of visa applicants now go extra-mile in securing scholarships hence that is no more a major benchmark in issuing an f1 visa.


YOU.
I have a family of four and filled that I will be traveling with my family on Ds160. But I showed up alone because we were not able to secure the same date.

*** It does not matter that you went for the interview alone but not following what you documented in your ds -160 makes you a dishonest or negligent visa applicant.

*** Besides, i think only Phd applicants or religious scholars (with necessitated conditions) can fully utilised this opportunity (of going with the whole family ) hence, it will be counted as a desperation or trick to migrate your family to america through f1 and f2 visas.


YOU
VO- Why TCU

Me- Because it’s one of the few universities that offers developmental trauma

*** You are wrong. U.S. has more than 5,000 Universities.


YOU
AM a family physician who has ion for child and adolescent care. More so it’s one of the highly recognized universities in the US that make impact across the world through the trust based interventional relations.

*** If you have ion for child and adolescent care it must reflect in your academic & career records and have you worked in that career line up to 7 years ? Trust Based Interventional relations does not add any meanings. So the consular noted down pre-meditated or rehearsed answers in your score sheet.


YOU
VO- Have you travelled out of the country
Me- Yes Ghana and Saudi Arabia

*** Your scanty travel history did not help you here.. The number 1 country you visited is a commonplace to you as a Nigerian. The number 2 might be for a religious purpose and if not then visiting the country can be counterproductive.


YOU
Then typed for a while
And said am sorry you are not eligible for this now

*** Yes the consular was right. Your ds-160 has shown your intention of immigrant intent wih your nuclear family and you do not have the financial capability to cater for them upon arrival in america.

Request for individual I-20 and apply alone with the intention of leaving your family behind. They are your ties as you do not presently have a sufficient ties. You also need a new overhauling ds-160 as well as mock training. Go through various transcripts in order to master the act of honest answers. 👍

Thank you so much.
Please how do I get a mock training before the interview

welf99:
You witheld some details to allow us analyse your transcript. What is your highest degree? What degree level are you seeking? I think there is a problem with what you wrote or claim in your DS-160 and your response at the interview. The VO mentioned a PhD and you having to clarify shows something is not right. Just curious, on your I-20 , does it say "personal fund" : $8k ?

Thank you so much
Highest degree- MBBS
Level am seeking- Masters
My I-20 stated personal fund - $8k

Hello Petengine,

Were you sent an email notification when the status changed from denied during AP to approved?

petengine:



Attended interview in Lagos on April 3, 2025
Visa was refused under 221(g) (istrative Processing) on April 3, 2025
Visa approved on April 29, 2025
Visa issued on May 2, 2025
Ready for collection on May 5, 2025

Hello Fisayo,

You can track your visa status on the ceac website using your details. Where did you have your interview, and how long is your AP been for?

FisayoYe:
Hello Petengine,

Were you sent an email notification when the status changed from denied during AP to approved?

Goodmorning. thank you very much I have been able to rectify it, and I got an appointment date.

jennifertaylor4:
Goodmorning. thank you very much I have been able to rectify it, and I got an appointment date.

was it payment issues?

My two cents about your interview.

First, you showed up at the interview alone instead of with your wife and kids as indicated on your form. As some have said, your wife and kids could have been used as your home ties but your decision to go with them may have removed them as home ties.
Secondly, your career trajectory must be related to your graduate program – directly or at least tangentially. You are a family medicine (FM) physician in Nigeria. This means that you are a consultant who has ed Part 1 and Part 2 residency exams in Nigeria. A resident or a medical officer in FM who has not done residency is not a family physician. Your proposed graduate degree is in child/adolescent developmental trauma. Rarely do FM physicians see pediatric patients. A physician who is interested in child/adolescent trauma is likely a pediatrician or a pediatric/adolescent psychiatrist.

Many Nigerian physicians who come here pursue graduate degrees in public health, epidemiology, health behavior, health policy, clinical research etc which are obviously related to their MBBS degrees.

You must think about how you can connect the developmental trauma grad program to your MBBS and FM training to the VO. Also talk about how this graduate training will complement your previous clinical training and practice. Be concise, direct, and offer a well thought-out answer when explaining this. Spend more time on these talking points rather than telling the VO that “TCU is one of the highly recognized universities in the US that make impact across the world through the trust based interventional relations”.

I looked up the program and most people doing this program have a background or interest in child psychology, social work, or therapy. Just saying you have a ion for child and adolescent care does not suffice and is not convincing. It must be related to your FM training.

These are some things that the VO could have picked up on and led him to reject your application.

Good luck with your next interview.

Oriimo:
Hello all,
Pls i need urgent help
I just got denied f1 US visa despite having full
Scholarship to TCU University
I have a family of four and filled that I will be traveling with my family on Ds160. But I showed up alone because we were not able to secure the same date.

My Transcript:
VO- How many schools did you apply to
Me- 1

VO- Why TCU
Me- Because it’s one of the few universities that offers developmental trauma
AM a family physician who has ion for child and adolescent care.
More so it’s one of the highly recognized universities in the US that make impact across the world through the trust based interventional relations

He typed for a while
Then
VO- Then how do you intend to cover for the 8000 deficit
Me- Through my personal fund which have being saving over the years

Typed
Then
VO- Have you travelled out of the country
Me- Yes Ghana and Saudi Arabia

VO- What’s your highest degree
Started saying something about do you have Phd

Me- No am a medical doctor

Then typed for a while
And said am sorry you are not eligible for this now


Kindly help to know what I did wrong and how I can rectify it because have scheduled another interview in a week time.
I don’t want to commit the same mistake

Leqsy:
Good morning everyone
I have been unable to pay for my application fee n avits
I’ve tried about 3 different USD cards - Chase and Wells Fargo, even the option of paying in local currency to first bank isn’t working
I need help
Thank you sirs and mas

Hi,
I can help if you don’t mind.
What you should do is cancel your pending appointment and start all over again. The reason those cards aren’t working is because once you click on a payment method and the link takes you to the payment page, the platform automatically gives a reference number for that transaction.
Mind you, I had the same issue while on that platform until I discovered this. I was able to pay via First bank online on Sunday and my payment was confirmed within 3 minutes.

If you have done that and still unable to complete it, please reach out to me here.

have you been able to schedule an appointment date now? heard the payment doesn't reflect immediately with bank transfer

Pheronmie:


Hi,
I can help if you don’t mind.
What you should do is cancel your pending appointment and start all over again. The reason those cards aren’t working is because once you click on a payment method and the link takes you to the payment page, the platform automatically gives a reference number for that transaction.
Mind you, I had the same issue while on that platform until I discovered this. I was able to pay via First bank online on Sunday and my payment was confirmed within 3 minutes.

If you have done that and still unable to complete it, please reach out to me here.

Please, I need your advice. I am currently in the U.S. and fully funded with no financial deficit on my part. However, my wife and two children went to the embassy this past week, and the visa officer told them to ask me to get the school to increase my funding in order to cover the living expenses of my dependents, which is about $20k- 10k for my wife and 5k each for my children.

I went to the International Office to explain what the visa officer said, but they informed me that there is nothing they can do. They mentioned that the school is only obligated to fund the student and not their dependents. I am already a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in my department.

I feel stuck right now, as the school is not willing to make any adjustments, and the embassy insists on seeing additional funding from my institution for my family.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to proceed. Should they still continue to try or what, because I am confuse right now on what to do, as the embassy will normally say that people should not come back if there's no change.

Thanks

In addition to the points raised by @JohnZak above, i advise you to reapply but simply write "Bachelor of Medicine" or "Bachelor of Surgery" in your DS-160, "MBBS" may be confused as Master degree, in this case why VO was asking if the degree you are seeking is PhD! Own your story and be confident about it.

Oriimo:


Thank you so much
Highest degree- MBBS
Level am seeking- Masters
My I-20 stated personal fund - $8k

Izanghi:
Please, I need your advice. I am currently in the U.S. and fully funded with no financial deficit on my part. However, my wife and two children went to the embassy this past week, and the visa officer told them to ask me to get the school to increase my funding in order to cover the living expenses of my dependents, which is about $20k- 10k for my wife and 5k each for my children.

I went to the International Office to explain what the visa officer said, but they informed me that there is nothing they can do. They mentioned that the school is only obligated to fund the student and not their dependents. I am already a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in my department.

I feel stuck right now, as the school is not willing to make any adjustments, and the embassy insists on seeing additional funding from my institution for my family.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to proceed. Should they still continue to try or what, because I am confuse right now on what to do, as the embassy will normally say that people should not come back if there's no change.

Thanks

Hello Inzhagi.
Visa officer will not utter such a direct visa issuing expo or secret or idea because it's against the ethic as such officer can be penalized.

Your family actually did not heard the officer very well. ** What the officer actually complained about was that (on looking at their F2 I 20s) your full funding did not indicate or included dependency coverage.

** Visa officers knows that your funding is under a rigid policy which is initially based on external grants received by your university/department so it cannot be increased overnight.

Why feeling stuck ? Your wife and the children are your best ties which serves as your reason of return. Or have you forgotten telling that to the consular or indicating it in your ds-160 prior to your visa issuing ? )

** Change your storyline. Your family can visit during your graduation (B1/B2) , during yuletide (Xmas) , etc. Their current F2 I 20s cannot take them across as they cannot display enough personal funds to the consular and they (your wife and the two children) does not have their own ties. 👍

Hi Fisayo,

Any update on your visa status and document delivery? I you asked about this at some point.

FisayoYe:
Hello Petengine,

Were you sent an email notification when the status changed from denied during AP to approved?

Efetobore1980:


Hello Inzhagi.
Visa officer will not utter such a direct visa issuing expo or secret or idea because it's against the ethic as such officer can be penalized.

Your family actually did not heard the officer very well. ** What the officer actually complained about was that (on looking at their F2 I 20s) your full funding did not indicate or included dependency coverage.

** Visa officers knows that your funding is under a rigid policy which is initially based on external grants received by your university/department so it cannot be increased overnight.

Why feeling stuck ? Your wife and the children are your best ties which serves as your reason of return. Or have you forgotten telling that to the consular or indicating it in your ds-160 prior to your visa issuing ? )

** Change your storyline. Your family can visit during your graduation (B1/B2) , during yuletide (Xmas) , etc. Their current F2 I 20s cannot take them across as they cannot display enough personal funds to the consular and they (your wife and the two children) does not have their own ties. 👍

That is what the VO said, my colleague who went home to renew his visa early this year was also told that while his visa was renewed and his dependents were denied. The visa officer said, "tell your school to increase your funding to cover your dependents".

When I also did my interview, I was asked if my wife will be coming to visit me and I told them categorically that Yes she will be coming to visit me.

People on this thread are quite strange! You quote them to ask questions, they don't respond, subsequently those people come on here to ask other people questions, no response either.

Nawa o!

It’s very funny! I ed nairaland because I thought we can all share conversations, but this thread… ☹️

Treyknowles:
People on this thread are quite strange! You quote them to ask questions, they don't respond, subsequently those people come on here to ask other people questions, no response either.

Nawa o!

D12whizzy:
It’s very funny! I ed nairaland because I thought we can all share conversations, but this thread… ☹️

This thread wasn't like this years ago but now it's filled with selfish people.

Izanghi:


That is what the VO said, my colleague who went home to renew his visa early this year was also told that while his visa was renewed and his dependents were denied. The visa officer said, "tell your school to increase your funding to cover your dependents".

When I also did my interview, I was asked if my wife will be coming to visit me and I told them categorically that Yes she will be coming to visit me.

**. OKay go and tell your school to increase your fundings then your nuclear family can re-apply. 👍

Hello,


My visa has been issued, although, it is not yet ready for pickup.
I had my interview on Friday 16th in Abuja.
It was approved yesterday and got issued today

D12whizzy:
Hi Fisayo,

Any update on your visa status and document delivery? I you asked about this at some point.

Congrats on your visa issuance!
Did you experience istrative processing (AP) in Abuja?
Just trying to figure out if delays are more common at Lagos—I’ve been on AP since the 9th for a visa renewal and haven’t gotten any updates yet.
Someone I know got cleared in Abuja in just 3 days, so I’m a bit anxious.
I need to return to the US very soon for work authorization, and the delay is starting to stress me out.

FisayoYe:
Hello,


My visa has been issued, although, it is not yet ready for pickup.
I had my interview on Friday 16th in Abuja.
It was approved yesterday and got issued today

Treyknowles:


This thread wasn't like this years ago but now it's filled with selfish people.

Hi.

Don't quote people to ask questions. When you quote someone in asking question then you want that particular person to answer you. Ask your questions generally so that anybody can answer you. 👍

The visa officer is requesting documented financial proof that you can each dependent’s cost of living as estimated. Since your I-20 only shows funding for you, the officer wants to see additional funds for dependents through an increment of your funding, which the school is not willing to adjust, personal funding, or that of a credible sponsor.
Since the school won’t increase the funding, you’ll need to demonstrate that you personally have enough funds to your wife and children.
1. Submitting a personal bank statement showing at least $20,000 in liquid funds.
2. A letter of financial from a close family member (along with their bank statement and a sworn affidavit).
3. Documentation of your GTA stipend, even if the school didn’t list it for dependents.
You may still need to request a new I-20 from your Designated School Official (DSO) for each dependent, even if no extra institutional funding is being added. The I-20s should:
a. Indicate that they are dependents of an F-1 student.
b. Be accompanied by the financial proof you're now submitting.

You will need a cover letter explaining that while your school cannot increase your funding, you have now provided financial proof covering all required living expenses. Attach your bank statements, affidavit of (if using another sponsor), GTA contract/salary confirmation, and the new I-20s for dependents.

Izanghi:
Please, I need your advice. I am currently in the U.S. and fully funded with no financial deficit on my part. However, my wife and two children went to the embassy this past week, and the visa officer told them to ask me to get the school to increase my funding in order to cover the living expenses of my dependents, which is about $20k- 10k for my wife and 5k each for my children.

I went to the International Office to explain what the visa officer said, but they informed me that there is nothing they can do. They mentioned that the school is only obligated to fund the student and not their dependents. I am already a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in my department.

I feel stuck right now, as the school is not willing to make any adjustments, and the embassy insists on seeing additional funding from my institution for my family.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to proceed. Should they still continue to try or what, because I am confuse right now on what to do, as the embassy will normally say that people should not come back if there's no change.

Thanks

I agree with everyone that the VO is not necessarily asking your school to increase your funding. Usually, you should submit your bank statement to the international office in your school demonstrating that you have enough money to cater your family. Then you will apply for a new I-20 to Dover your dependent, and they will use this information to update your I-20 (depending on how many dependents you have and how much you need to show) so that when they go for the next interview they can prove that you have enough money to cater for them.
Some people have asked friends for audio help to show this and return audio monies after visa is granted. It’s up to you anyways and not your school.

Izanghi:
Please, I need your advice. I am currently in the U.S. and fully funded with no financial deficit on my part. However, my wife and two children went to the embassy this past week, and the visa officer told them to ask me to get the school to increase my funding in order to cover the living expenses of my dependents, which is about $20k- 10k for my wife and 5k each for my children.

I went to the International Office to explain what the visa officer said, but they informed me that there is nothing they can do. They mentioned that the school is only obligated to fund the student and not their dependents. I am already a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in my department.

I feel stuck right now, as the school is not willing to make any adjustments, and the embassy insists on seeing additional funding from my institution for my family.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to proceed. Should they still continue to try or what, because I am confuse right now on what to do, as the embassy will normally say that people should not come back if there's no change.

Thanks

Thank you,

Yes, I was placed on AP on Friday in Abuja and it was approved on Monday.

Sorry about your experience, maybe you should give it till the end of the week.


Ciao

D12whizzy:
Congrats on your visa issuance!
Did you experience istrative processing (AP) in Abuja?
Just trying to figure out if delays are more common at Lagos—I’ve been on AP since the 9th for a visa renewal and haven’t gotten any updates yet.
Someone I know got cleared in Abuja in just 3 days, so I’m a bit anxious.
I need to return to the US very soon for work authorization, and the delay is starting to stress me out.

What you wrote here is not totally true or your colleague lied to you. "tell your school to increase your funding to cover your dependents"...may be you guys cant or assume thats what the VO said.

Its impossible for your school DSO to issue your family F2-I20 without demonstrating that you have the financial capacity of $20k in the form of a bank statement or sponsor letter. It is pretty straight forward, your GA stipend and tuition waiver or scholarship cannot suffice for your family financial need. As advised above, present a financial outlay that covers your family deficit to your school DSO, an updated F1 I-20 and F2 I-20 would be issued.

We all went through similar process for our families years ago, so its nothing new.

Izanghi:


That is what the VO said, my colleague who went home to renew his visa early this year was also told that while his visa was renewed and his dependents were denied. The visa officer said, "tell your school to increase your funding to cover your dependents".

When I also did my interview, I was asked if my wife will be coming to visit me and I told them categorically that Yes she will be coming to visit me.

welf99:
What you wrote here is not totally true or your colleague lied to you. "tell your school to increase your funding to cover your dependents"...may be you guys cant or assume thats what the VO said.

Its impossible for your school DSO to issue your family F2-I20 without demonstrating that you have the financial capacity of $20k in the form of a bank statement or sponsor letter. It is pretty straight forward, your GA stipend and tuition waiver or scholarship cannot suffice for your family financial need. As advised above, present a financial outlay that covers your family deficit to your school DSO, an updated F1 I-20 and F2 I-20 would be issued.

We all went through similar process for our families years ago, so its nothing new.

@welf99.
Thank you for the expounding clarification sir. When the experienced contributors like you intervened then it clears doubt of personal opinion. Any consular officer who told you that is indirectly telling you what to do to get your visa and it is against the rule. Thank u once again . 👍

Katdaddy:
have you been able to schedule an appointment date now? heard the payment doesn't reflect immediately with bank transfer

Yes, I was able to book an appointment. My payment was confirmed in less than 5 minutes and I was able to book the appointment almost immediately.

Debit and Credit card options didn’t work for me as well.

P.S: I did this on a Sunday evening.

...

I need some clarifications please.
I have a fully funded tuition scholarship to study Master of Theological Studies in Boston University. I have obtained I 20 covering me and my wife that is pregnant. I am thinking of going alone while she s me later. I have also applied for visa and I have appointment for July. Is there a problem with going alone having obtained I 20 for her (her funding is provided for on the I 20). If questions come in that line how can I respond?

awesomeb1783:
I need some clarifications please.
I have a fully funded tuition scholarship to study Master of Theological Studies in Boston University. I have obtained I 20 covering me and my wife that is pregnant. I am thinking of going alone while she s me later. I have also applied for visa and I have appointment for July. Is there a problem with going alone having obtained I 20 for her (her funding is provided for on the I 20). If questions come in that line how can I respond?

Why don't you want to go with her?

You're the main applicant so each person's visa application would be looked at individually.