Visa application fees are non-refundable — US embassy tells Nigerians

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that visa application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether applicants receive approval or rejection.

According to PUNCH, the mission made the clarification on Wednesday through its official social media account, @USinNigeria, while addressing misconceptions about visa payments.

“MYTH: If a U.S. visa application is refused, the applicant receives a refund,” the mission stated.

It explained that visa application fees cover processing costs rather than guaranteeing approval.

“FACT: The fee paid is an application processing fee, not a payment for a visa to be issued,” it clarified.

“It covers the cost of processing the application through a final decision, so the fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is issued or refused,” the mission added.

The mission also warned applicants against fraudulent agents promising guaranteed visas or refundable deposits.

Prospective travellers were advised to obtain reliable information through official US government websites before submitting applications.