Visa Fees Remain Non-Refundable Regardless Of Outcome, US Embassy Tells Nigerians

U.S. Embassy Reaffirms Visa Fees Are Non-Refundable

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reiterated that visa application fees remain strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, the U.S. Mission acknowledged growing concerns among Nigerian applicants regarding visa payments, particularly in cases of delays or denials.

“Like most countries, U.S. visa fees cover the cost of processing the application, regardless of the outcome,” the embassy noted.

It explained that the fees are used to offset administrative expenses tied to reviewing applications, not for the issuance of visas. The Mission stressed that every application receives a fair and thorough evaluation before a decision is made.

Applicants were advised to carefully prepare their submissions and to make use of official resources available at ng.usembassy.gov/visas for proper guidance.

The clarification comes in response to repeated complaints from Nigerians who argue that visa payments should be refundable—at least in part—when applications are denied or delayed for extended periods.

Visa applications to the United States remain highly competitive, with thousands of Nigerians seeking student, work, tourist, and immigrant visas annually. Despite this demand, the U.S. maintains that its process prioritizes fairness, transparency, and security while emphasizing that the fees only cover administrative costs.

The latest statement forms part of the Mission’s #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, which aims to educate applicants on U.S. visa procedures and requirements.