To the average Nigerian, the journey of how they obtained their visa from Nigeria is always told with mixed reactions, for some it was a stroll through the park, while for others it was a passage through the needle’s eye. The struggles is usually in the form of getting all the necessary documents together and raising the money needed for the flight, and the medical tests. Then after all that, you have to worry about where you would stay when you get to the U.S.
If you are still in Nigeria and you are trying to get an American Visa
For your relations and friends still in Nigeria who have been rejected time and time again at the embassy for one reason or the other, this article might ‘open their eye’ to some of the things they should avoid doing. While this may not be authoritative information on steps to take when applying for visa to the US, these are some common sense things that people still miss when applying for a U.S visa.
Be Prepared:
When applying for a US visa, you need to be prepared. Your preparation must be total. You must have all the necessary documents to back up any claims you have made in your application.
One other important factor (perhaps the most important) is the statement of account you are using. If you are using your own, make sure it is well-funded. If you are using another person's, be prepared to establish a legitimate link with the owner of the account. The consular is particular about whether you can afford to pay for the trip or not.
If you Are doing Group Interview:
If you plan to travel together with some people, all of you need to be conversant with one another's documentation. Ensure that every member of the group have legitimate and provable documents. This is to avoid being rejected as a group or as part of a group. In addition, if the group has never travelled before, don't try a non-appearance application. (a situation where just a member of the group stands in for all the other members.) But if you have, you may try it.
Choosing the Location of the Interview:
It is generally believed that at the center of the US Embassy in Lagos is more difficult to secure a visa. (Especially student visa). So most people advise applicants to apply to their Abuja office if they can afford it.
If You Are Applying For a Minor:
The mistake most people make when applying for a minor is to think that the child will be automatically given the visa. This is not so with the US embassy. You need to give your ward proper and necessary tutorials on likely questions that they will be asked. You will be amazed at the number of minors that are rejected from travelling everyday!
In addition, if you are applying for a minor, you need to accompany him/her. And if you are the sponsor, your statement of account must be detailed and must show enough transactions (deposits/withdrawal) to let them know you are capable of sponsoring your ward.
Do Not Be Intimidated:
This is very important when applying for a US visa. You must show enough gut to let them know that you know what you are doing and what you are talking about. Of course the Consular might try to intimidate and confuse you during the interview, but you need to stay focused and maintain your stand.
Avoid Overkill:
One thing Oyinbo people hate most is to be patronizing. Answer the consular questions without trying to be over reaching or condescending.
Maintain Eye Contact:
Do not show nervousness during the interview, this might be a give-away sign that all is not well with your answers or maybe you are trying to hide something. Maintain eye contact at all times when answering questions and do not fidget.
Dress Moderately:
You are not attending a fashion show, so do not over-dress. But what ever you are wearing, make sure you look smart and comfortable with whatever you are wearing. Hopefully, these tips will help you when you next apply for the U.S visa.
Do you have any experiences in obtaining the U.S visa, we would love to hear from you below!
No comments:
Post a Comment