The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reaffirmed that visa application fees are strictly non-refundable, regardless of whether an application is approved or denied.
LensNews confirmed that the clarification was issued following repeated inquiries from Nigerians whose applications were unsuccessful. The embassy stressed that once a fee is paid, it cannot be refunded, transferred to another applicant, or applied to a different visa category.
According to the embassy, payment of the application fee is a prerequisite for processing, and the funds go into covering administrative and operational costs, not just the issuance of visas. The embassy also urged applicants to carefully review eligibility requirements and prepare complete documentation before making payment.
US visa fees range across different categories, including tourist, student, and work visas, with the most common applications costing around $185. The embassy’s notice comes as many Nigerians continue to apply for study, work, and travel opportunities in the United States.
Officials maintained that while the non-refundable policy may be strict, it aligns with global standards for US consular operations. Applicants are advised to ensure they meet all criteria before beginning the process to avoid financial loss.
Leave a Reply