Beyond the Two-Year Wait: My US Visa Odyssey and a Traveler's Soul

The allure of the United States, a land of vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and iconic landmarks, had always beckoned me. However, my dream of visiting seemed to hit a brick wall in 2022 when I attempted to secure a US visa. The "mission impossible" began with the sheer unavailability of appointments.

No dates were open for over a year and a half, and my reason for travel – a leisure trip for my company's All-Hands meeting – didn't qualify for expedited processing. Undeterred, I booked the furthest available date, a daunting two years away, and paid the then-hefty 70,000 Naira visa fee. It was a long shot, but I clung to the hope of eventually exploring the US.

The wait was agonizing. While others planned vacations and weekend getaways, I had a far-off future date to hold onto. Yet, during this time, my wanderlust didn't diminish. I continued to travel, collecting passport stamps from various countries. Each adventure fueled my passion for exploration, a core aspect of my travel philosophy.

There's a distinct joy in traveling for pure enjoyment, without the pressure of relocation or survival. For me, it's about immersing myself in new cultures, marveling at architectural wonders, and savoring diverse cuisines. I relish the feeling of being a temporary visitor, experiencing a place without the burden of permanent residency. This philosophy might seem odd to some who congratulate me on "escaping" to new destinations. The truth is, escaping isn't my motive. It's about enriching my life with experiences and perspectives beyond my everyday existence.

Even if I one day choose to relocate, the feeling of "escaping" wouldn't resonate with me. Relocation often involves significant financial and social investment, and while the potential benefits are undeniable, the reality is that the host country might reap greater gain from the influx of skills and resources. My focus is on exploration, not on finding a new "home."

Perhaps this travel philosophy explains why I handle my visa applications myself, with the exception of countries like Singapore that require corporate sponsorship. For destinations like the UK, Schengen zone, Canada, and finally, the US, I've navigated the application process independently. Sure, there have been moments of uncertainty. Clarifying questions were posed to travel agents, co-travelers, and occasionally, informative blogs. But my primary resource has always been the official visa website of the target country. For those seeking specific guidance, I recommend starting with their own research and then reaching out if they have focused questions about my experience with a particular visa application. It's important to remember that I'm not a travel agent, but I'm happy to share the knowledge I've gained through my own visa journeys.

Now, back to my US visa saga. While the long wait was frustrating, the actual application process, at least in hindsight, wasn't as complex as I'd anticipated. The notorious reputation of US visa interviews and the seemingly endless queues in Nigeria for appointments were real concerns. However, the process itself proved surprisingly straightforward. The key, it seemed, lay in the documentation. Strong proof of income and a travel history demonstrating non-immigrant intentions can significantly increase your chances of approval. If your application meets these criteria, the process can be swift, with your passport returned within days. This was certainly my experience – the interview itself was efficient, focusing on a few key questions about my purpose of visit, profession, and intended duration of stay.

Two years after my initial application, the long-awaited day arrived. Armed with a well-prepared application and a confident demeanor, I approached the interview window. The visa officer meticulously reviewed my passport, filled with stamps from various countries. As I explained my travel philosophy – the joy of exploration without the pressure of survival – the officer seemed genuinely interested. Perhaps, in a sea of applicants seeking permanent residence, my genuine love for travel was a refreshing change.

With a smile and a "congratulations," my US visa was approved. The elation was immense, not just for the successful outcome, but for the culmination of a two-year wait. Now, with the visa secured, it was time to plan the actual adventure. Los Angeles, the City of Angels, beckoned as my first stop.

(To be continued...Los Angeles Adventures)

This experience has solidified my belief in perseverance and the importance of thorough research when navigating visa applications. While the US visa process can be daunting, with proper preparation and a genuine purpose for travel, the journey can be smoother than anticipated. Ultimately, obtaining the visa was just the first step. The real adventure was about to begin in the bustling streets of Los Angeles, a place I'd dreamt of exploring for years.