The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reiterated that visa application fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
In a statement posted Tuesday on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the USf Mission acknowledged growing concerns among Nigerian applicants but clarified that the fees are intended to cover administrative processing, not visa issuance.
“Like most countries, US visa fees cover the cost of processing the application, regardless of the outcome,” the post read. “While fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, each application is reviewed thoroughly and fairly.”
The clarification comes amid repeated complaints from Nigerian applicants, some of whom have expressed frustration over non-refundable payments, especially after prolonged processing periods or visa denials.
The embassy emphasized that each application receives a fair and thorough review before a final decision is made. It advised applicants to prepare carefully and utilize official resources provided on the website ng.usembassy.gov/visas to navigate the application process correctly.
The statement is part of the US Mission’s ongoing #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, aimed at educating visa applicants on the procedures, expectations, and requirements for traveling to the United States.
Visa access to the US remains in high demand among Nigerians, with thousands applying annually for student, work, tourist, and immigrant categories. The US government maintains that its visa system is built on the principles of fairness, transparency, and national security.
