US Embassy Reaffirms Visa Fees in Nigeria Are Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has restated that visa application fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable, despite mounting concerns from Nigerian applicants.

In a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, the U.S. Mission acknowledged the frustrations expressed by many Nigerians whose visa applications have either been denied or delayed.

It, however, clarified that the fees are strictly meant to cover the administrative cost of processing applications.

“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 Mission stated.

The embassy explained that payment of the fees does not guarantee visa issuance but ensures that every application undergoes a fair and comprehensive review.

It encouraged applicants to carefully prepare their applications and take advantage of resources available on its official website — ng.usembassy.gov/visas — for guidance.

The clarification follows growing complaints among Nigerian applicants who argue that the system is unfair, with many calling for partial refunds when applications are denied or when processing is prolonged.

Nigeria is one of the largest sources of U.S. visa applications in Africa, with thousands seeking entry annually under student, work, tourist, and immigrant categories.

The embassy maintained that the U.S. visa system is designed to promote fairness, transparency, and security, stressing that fees strictly offset processing costs.

The statement is part of the Mission’s #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, which aims to educate Nigerian applicants on visa procedures, requirements, and best practices to improve their chances of success.