After three visa setbacks, a determined Nigerian student’s faith and resilience finally opened the door to a U.S. Master’s program in Biological Science.
Introduction — A Journey Marked by Faith and Determination
When he first set out on the path to study abroad, the odds seemed stacked against him. From Abuja, Nigeria, he held a clear dream: to study in the United States, to grow, to contribute. But the journey was far from smooth. Repeated deadlines, deferrals, uncertainties yet one truth remained: he believed that by God’s grace, the process would finish.
First Attempt — When Plans Hit a Wall (November 2024)
On November 26, 2024, he arrived at the embassy for his first attempt. Documents were checked, interviews awaited. Then came the blow: his SEVIS fee payment wasn’t reflecting. He had already used his reschedule option and was forced to pay the MRV fee again. Worse, no December interview dates were available. He deferred his admission to Fall 2025, shocked and discouraged.
Second Attempt — When Hope Seemed Lost (May 2025)
On May 10, 2025, he returned to the embassy, hopeful yet cautious. He got to the document hall, only to be told his name wasn’t among those scheduled for interview—perhaps a glitch with his DS-160. He went home, ate, slept, cried, then slept again. He looked for a new date; none available. The admission had to defer again—this time to Spring 2026. Faith was tested.
Third Attempt — The Day of Divine Completion (October 2025)
On October 24, 2025, he approached the embassy with a new level of resolve. Before leaving home, he meditated on key scriptures: 2 Corinthians 6:2; Exodus 14:14; Isaiah 43:2-5; Isaiah 43:19; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Zephaniah 3:14-15. He repeated quietly: “It is finished.”
He went to the hall. His interview was scheduled for 7 AM but he arrived late only to find nobody outside. Inside, queueing, nervous, he drank water, drank more, shifted between window 1 and window 2. He drank again. He prayed. He surrendered fully.
The Interview That Changed Everything
VO: “Please pass me your documents.”
Me: “Good morning officer. Here you go. I trust your day is going well.”
VO: (Looks at me) “Yes it is, thank you.”
VO: “Where in the U.S. are you going to?”
Me: “Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, to pursue a two-year Master in Biological Science, concentrating on Plant Genetic Modification.”
VO: “Okay. How many universities did you apply to?”
Me: “Four, officer—and I was admitted to all.”
The officer inspected the I-20, looked up. “What’s your highest qualification?”
Me: “I hold a Bachelor’s degree from XYZ University, completed in [year].”
VO: “Who will cover your deficit?”
Me: “My dad, who supported me during my bachelor’s, will cover my living expenses and health insurance.”
VO: “Okay, I got you.” In my mind: “It’s finished.”
VO: “So what will you be doing with the graduate assistantship?”
Me: “I’ll be working 20 hrs/week assisting Dr XYZ: grading undergraduates, supervising tests, leading lab sessions in genetics and molecular biology.”
VO: “Your degree is Biology? And your focus?”
Me: “No sir, Biological Science my focus is Plant Genetic Modification.”
VO: “Oh, plant genetics — nice. Have you traveled outside your country in the last five years?”
Me: “You mean outside my country?”
VO: “Yes, country.”
Me: “Yes, officer. I studied in [country] for my bachelor’s at [university], with CGPA [xyz]…”
VO: “What year?”
Me: “Last year.”
VO: “Okay. How will you be getting to your university?”
Me: “I will fly from Lagos (Murtala Muhammad Airport) to Doha, then to Chicago O’Hare, then a one-hour domestic flight to St Louis Lambert.”
VO: “Okay. Where will you stay?”
Me: “1 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville — Evergreen Hall, single self-contained room.”
VO: “Will you share the room?”
Me: “No.”
(Silence)
VO: “Have you been to Gaza before?”
Me: “No, officer.” (Almost crying.)
VO: “Will you be visiting Harvard University?”
Me: “No, officer.”
(He typed again.)
VO: “How many universities did you say you applied to?”
Me: “Four—and I was admitted to all.”
VO: (Typing) “Okay, okay. I will be denying you under section …” (My ear felt blocked.)
VO: “Make sure your social account is not private make it public before end of today.”
Me: “Yes officer, they are public.”
(He hands me the white paper.)
The security guy beside me whispered: “See the person you tried to avoid is the one that approved you.”
And there it was: Approved.
All because of God’s grace, mercy, and a story of perseverance.
Gratitude to the Support System
None of this would have been possible without his village.
- To his family the backbone. To his sister: God-sent, constant prayer warrior.
- To Mr Alhammed: the mock interview drilling made him a sharper listener.
- To Mr Kelvin: patience personified: listen, correct, repeat until perfect.
- To Mr Chuks: DS-160 review expert; his transcript helped him breeze through.
- To the Hallelujah community and Moses: your words lifted him when all else felt heavy.
To everyone reading this: may your own approval day come swiftly. Amen.
Tips for Others — Lessons from My Journey
- Be Patient: Delays are not denials. Two deferrals didn’t stop the outcome.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Know your DS-160, SEVIS payment, funding plan, university details.
- Stay Faithful: The spiritual and mental strength mattered. He clung to “It is finished.”
- Practice Interviews: Mock sessions sharpen confidence.
- Maintain Transparency & Ties: Show strong home country ties, plan after graduation, speak clearly. umb.edu
Conclusion — When God Says “It Is Finished”
From Abuja to Illinois, from tears to testimony: that is his story. If you’re reading this and waiting for your turn keep going. Trust that sometimes the longest paths lead to the most profound destinations. In your weary waiting, remember: if God leads the process, then God finishes it. Your approval day may be closer than you think.
FAQs — Study Abroad Success & Visa Guidance
Q1: How can I stay motivated after a visa rejection?
A1: Accept the outcome, learn from the feedback, revise your approach, and remain hopeful. Faith and persistence matter as much as documentation.
Q2: What documents are most important for a U.S. student visa interview?
A2: The approved I-20, valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee payment receipt, financial documents, academic transcripts. studyinthestates
Q3: Can I defer my admission after a visa denial?
A3: Yes — many institutions offer deferred intake. Use the time to strengthen your application, finances, and preparation.
Q4: How does faith or mindset influence visa interview success?
A4: A calm, confident mindset helps you articulate clearly, respond authentically, and manage stress essential for a strong performance.
Q5: What’s the role of mock interviews in visa preparation?
A5: They simulate pressure, sharpen responses, highlight weak areas, boost clarity and composure for the real interview.
