My Visit to the US embassy in Lagos as a USC

[Void 0]

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait . She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

[Enlighten one :) 5]

Congratulations!

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait . She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

[Zee Bee 61]

Congratulations

[2gathawestand 0]

Congrates, singing this sing for you

[JIM & A.D. 0]

Awesome , Congratulations !! Thanks for the review.

[LovinLiberia 0]

Lol @ sweating like a fish. I enjoyed reading your review and many congrats to you and your wife!

[forchika 4]

Congrats on sucessful interview

[boo boo 1]