U.S. Embassy Reaffirms Visa Fees Are Non-Refundable, Urges Nigerians to Prepare Applications Carefully

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that visa application fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable, advising applicants to prepare thoroughly to improve their chances of success.

In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the Embassy acknowledged public frustration over the financial burden of U.S. visa applications, especially when requests are denied.

“We hear your concerns regarding U.S. visa application fees. Like most countries, U.S. visa fees cover the cost of processing the application, regardless of the outcome. While fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, each application is reviewed thoroughly and fairly,” the statement said.

Social media users have repeatedly complained about losing significant sums after unsuccessful applications, noting that payments cannot be reused for subsequent submissions.

The Mission explained that fees cover administrative and processing costs, not visa approval. It encouraged prospective travelers to carefully review requirements, complete forms accurately, and use free resources on the Embassy’s website before scheduling interviews.

The U.S. government processes thousands of Nigerian visa applications annually, spanning tourism, business, education, and immigration. Officials say well-prepared documentation and honest responses remain critical to positive outcomes.