Travel
What You Need To Know About Getting U.S.A Visa In Nigeria


Written by Claudia Nwankwo
If you are planning to travel to the United States of America (U.S) from Nigeria, whether it is a business trip, visit or vacation you must first ensure that you have an authorised International travel passport that is still valid for atleast six (6) months.
Bear in mind that getting the visa largely depends on the visa officer (the interviewer). Yes, you have to convince them but in the end it’s their decision so, if you have done all you need to do be anxious for nothing, keep an open mind. It’s yea or nay. Don’t sweat it!
Note: All the information you need regarding your visa application is on the approved website but below are some advice for intending applicants:
- If you can read and write then I would advise that you do the entire process by yourself so that you get acquainted with and understand the requirements clearly. That way, you also get to know the process first-hand.
- In filling your D-160 document ensure to keep information truthful and straight forward. Do not tell lies it always complicate things so take your time to do it carefully. Read and understand before responding. If you enter a wrong information, it may hinder your chances. There is no need to rush it you can always log in/out. Take your time to complete the process/ form by yourself. Get help if necessary but be involved.
- Pay attention to your visa application number it changes as you make changes (after logging out). Ensure that after you have secured an interview date you do not go back to make changes except you want to reschedule. If your applicant number does not tally with what is on the embassy appointment sheet, you would be asked to reschedule.
- Make sure to upload your passport photo with the recommended specification. You will not be allowed in for your interview if you have not uploaded your passport.
- On your interview day, avoid wearing/taking prohibited items such as jewelleries, makeup, sunglasses, liquid etc. Do not over dress (it’s just a few minutes interview). Keep it simple.
- At the venue, do not pay attention or patronize road side agents. You are already at the embassy just walk-in (you can keep any prohibited items at the security check points) and ask the embassy staff any question (it’s pretty straight forward though) they are usually busy and time conscious but they will guide you better, at worst you will get a “Try Back” (TB) which is better than doing it wrongly and you wouldn’t have to pay another visa fee.


Ready to go?
All the information you need regarding your visa application is on the website. Take your time to read and understand all the requirements before your proceed to pay for your visa fee. Before issuing you a visa, the embassy wants to know all about you and your trip but because the interview is quite a brief one you never know which of the “5Ws and H” might pop-up. Be prepared anyways.
Although all the information regarding your proposed trip would have been entered in the D-160 form, the interviewer may ask you the same questions for verification/confirmation.
From experience, here is a checklist you need to tick off in preparation for your visa interview.
i. Why do you want to travel to the U.S? – You must clearly state your reason for traveling. Whether for business or for pleasure.
ii. Where exactly would you be going to? – This is to confirm your itinerary, that you have a landing address for real. Your exact destination should be made known.
iii. Who is inviting you? – Just to be sure that your host is well known to you and is really expecting you and a good relationship with your host, this question may arise and may require proof. So, keep your invitation letter and any relevant evidence of your relationship handy.
- When do you intend to travel/return? – They want to be sure that you understand your visa category and do not plan to over stay.
- How do you hope to fund your trip? – They want to know your source of income (you may need to explain in detail, where and how you work, your customers/clients etc.)
Other questions like if you have travelled out before and where or how long your previous trip lasted, marital status, number of kids etc. can come up but always remember that the interviewer has the final say.
If you have ticked all items above, with a little confidence and have a positive attitude you are set for your U.S interview.
Travel
BSG and FRSC Announce the 2024 Edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign


The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is set to launch the 2024 edition of its “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign.
The two-day event will take place on December 10th and 11th, 2024, targeted at raising awareness on the dangers of drink-driving and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
The campaign will kick off with a media launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on December 10th, where key stakeholders will address the media, highlighting the campaign’s goals, achievements, and the importance of continued collaboration in promoting road safety across Nigeria. The event will feature prominent executives from the BSG, FRSC, and other stakeholders in road safety advocacy.
On 11th December, the campaign will shift to three major motor parks—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi—where drivers and road users will be engaged through an educational rally. During the rally, drivers will be sensitized on the dangers of drinking and driving, with a strong emphasis on responsible driving behavior. In addition, the FRSC will conduct voluntary breathalyzer tests at these locations, underscoring their commitment to fostering safer motoring environments across the country.
The 2024 edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign promises to continue its tradition of educating the public on the risks of drinking and driving while providing the necessary tools for the FRSC to execute its duties effectively.
The BSG and the FRSC remain steadfast in their mission to reduce road accidents and make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.
Travel
Defence Minister in S’Arabia to Discuss Counter-Terrorism


The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to begin talk with the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major Gen. Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
The talks which began at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday November 18, 2024 is expected to yield positive results and ideas on how best to approach counter-terrorism in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Dr. Matawalle is expected to talk with other high ranking experts in counter-terrorism fight and logistics management.
GRLife
15 most common Etiquettes that can help you live a better lifestyle


When we talk about etiquettes, you would understand that we are talking about the rules that are governing socially acceptable behavior. It is simply one having a decorum towards things and people. Because the truth is, As long as you co-exist with or Amongst other people and things, there will be times you would likely make mistakes with how you relate to them, But there’s also a bigger room for you to learn the most common rules so as to avoid some silly behaviors.


So here, I’ll be sharing some etiquettes that is most common amongst us which we often fall short of. This etiquettes will help you live better or do things better especially when it involves other people.
Here we go,
- Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your call, presume they have something important to attend to.
- Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person remembers asking for it from you. It shows your integrity and character. Same goes with umbrellas, pens and lunch boxes.
- Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is giving you a lunch/dinner. If possible ask them to order their choice of food for you.
- Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you have kids’ or ‘Why didn’t you buy a house?’ Or why don’t you buy a car? For God’s sake it isn’t your problem.
- Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public.
- If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.
- Respect different shades of opinions. Remember what’s 6 to you will appear 9 to someone else. Besides, second opinion is good for an alternative.
- Never interrupt people talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.
- If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and it shows how appreciative you’re.
- Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.
- Praise publicly. Criticize privately.
- There’s almost never a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.
- When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You never know what’s next.
- If a colleague or anyone tells you they have a doctors’ appointment, don’t ask what it’s for, just say “I hope you’re okay”. Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their personal illness. If they want you to know, they’ll do so without your inquisitiveness.
- Always put “please” before asking someone to help you do something. Remember, you are asking fot a favor, not giving an order.
I hope these etiquettes helps us correct some errors and make us behave more appropriately.
Picture credit: Qed.ng
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