Hello Nairalanaders,

I went for my Visa interview 2 days back and was denied. It took a while to pen this down as I was deeply hurt. Below are the details of the interview.

I scheduled the first appointment, but made a mistake in printing my i20. The Bar code on the i20 did not correspond to the confirmation page, so I was turned back to refill and reprint. I came back the third day (Friday) with the correct details, but my name was not on their manifest. After some period of waiting, one guy came out and checked in the system, then passed me and some other affected people in.

On getting in we passed security checks and had someone check our documents on the first counter, then finger print was taken on the second counter. I joined the queue to the last counter where I met with the visa officer.

The interview went thus:

VO: Good morning, why are you going the US?
Me: Good morning (with a smile), I am going for my masters in management information systems.
VO: Mat I have your passport and SERVIS receipt
Me: I gave him
VO: You work with X firm?
Me: yes please.
VO: After graduation from the university. You have been with this coy?
Me: Yes please. I got a job with them the following year after my NYSC. I have been with them since then (4 years +,my salary is 200k).
VO: what is your highest level of education.
Me: B. Tech. Statistics.
VO: Did you write GRE or other test to qualify for this admission?
Me: No please, GRE is not prerequisite to admission is Lincoln University.
VO: Did you apply to any other school.
Me: No please, I only applied to LU.
VO: How did you hear about the school.
Me: I did my research online and discovered this school has a programme tailored to my student needs. I am an analyst with X, and I think MIS will further review aid my competence. More so, I have an alumni from the school in my office who influenced my stand on this particular school.
VO: Have you travelled outside the country before?
Me: Yes, I have been to Ghana and Cameroon. Those countries don't require a visa or getting my passport stamped (my passport was issued April this year).
VO: Are you married?
Me: No please, but I am in a serious relationship(I'm in my mid 30s).

He didn't even look at the supporting documents. He just said my application was being denied that the printed for he is attaching will explain why.

On the form was written the normal format that I do not have tied to my country.

Help a brother people. I want to reapply as school is to resume January 2018, when is the most appropriate time to apply, and what can I do differently to pass this interview. Someone said I should use Abuja not Lagos next time, does it matter? Please help.

Thank you.

I no too get experience for this stuff sha.. but from what i have learnt from NL, u for still write the GRE even if you don't need it for the school.. that one na for embassy.. my opinion oh.. Godbless you

Thanks for your feedback.

The rep offered you 2 rare opportunities to prove a strong tie to your home country that would possibly make you return after studies, however, you failed to realize them. You see, the idea behind the student visa is to gain academic knowledge from a developed nation with the aim of returning to positively impact your home economy with the knowledge gained.

The first opportunity was with Q4. While the question does not literally ask for your after studies plan, it does expect you to tie after studies in the United States to a career in the field or related field of study in Nigeria, especially considering you have spent over 4 years in that field..

Furthermore, If you earn over 200k, the rep is wondering why you are not speaking of returning home after studies to build on your career. You see, these reps live in Nigeria, they understand how difficult life is, particularly for the youths. They know there is a very low probability that students issued the F1 visa would return after studies. Consequently, they are looking for you to intelligently guide the conversation towards how you would return home after studies. As reps, they are mandated to seive or reduce the number of non-returners by asking "due deligence questions".

Answering question 8 was the 2nd opportunity he gave you. Your answer to question 8 was almost perfect if only you included your desire to also return home like the alumni you talked about.

This was the only reason why he asked if you were married. Considering you did not provide any information that convinces him you would return home, he sought to see if you were married. A serious relationship is not considered a strong tie in the United States, not even an engagement or traditional marriage.

I think the VO was really looking to help you but you failed to guide the conversation to a return. Next time, do away with the "Yes please". It almost sounds like you are begging for something you are qualified for. A "yes" would be fine.

If you go back, guide your conversations around a return after studies to build on your career in Nigeria. But be careful not to overflog it, find a balance.

More importantly, pray, never stop praying and never give up on your dreams because you were very close. I wish you all the best brother....