US Mission in Nigeria: visa application fees are not refundable, even if you are refused

By: Tunji Okunlola

The US Mission in Nigeria has reminded applicants that visa application fees are not refunded, whether or not a visa is approved.

The mission made the point on Wednesday in a post on its official account, @USinNigeria, which addressed a common misconception that people whose visas are refused get their money back. The post was framed as a “myth” versus “fact” explainer.

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

The mission explained that the fee is not payment for a visa. It is a charge for processing an application through to a final decision, so it applies regardless of the outcome. In its words, the fee is “non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is issued or refused”.

The mission said paying the fee does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Warning on fraud

The mission advised the public to get information on US visa procedures from the State Department’s official website, travel.state.gov. It also warned applicants to be wary of third-party “consultants” and schemes that promise “guaranteed visas” or “refundable application deposits”.