Visa Application Fee Non-refundable, US Mission Tells Nigerians

The United States (US) Mission in Nigeria has told Nigerian visa applicants that there is no refund for visa applications, regardless of whether an applicant is granted or refused a visa.

This was disclosed on the Mission’s official social media account, @USinNigeria, on Wednesday, refuting the belief that applicants are entitled to a refund if their visa applications are unsuccessful.

The Mission said the “fee paid by applicants covers the processing of their applications and does not guarantee the issuance of a visa, adding that the fee paid is an application processing fee, not a payment for a visa to be issued.”

The mission explained that the fee covers the cost of processing an application through a final decision, irrespective of the outcome.

“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,” it added.

The statement also reminded prospective travellers that payment of the required visa application fee does not guarantee approval, and urged members of the public to seek accurate information on U.S. visa procedures through the official website of the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov.

Officials also urge visa seekers to beware of third-party “consultants” or fraud schemes promising “guaranteed visas” or “refundable application deposits.”

Applicants are advised to rely strictly on official U.S. government websites.