The United States Embassy in Nigeria has restated that visa application fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable, irrespective of whether an application is approved or denied.
In a statement issued on Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Embassy acknowledged the frustration expressed by many Nigerians over the high costs associated with the process, particularly in cases where applications are unsuccessful.
“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. For best results, prepare your application carefully and use the resources on our website,” the statement read.
The clarification follows a wave of complaints on social media from Nigerians who described the process as financially burdensome, especially when denied visas without the option of reusing their payments.
According to the Embassy, the fees are intended to cover administrative costs linked to processing applications and do not serve as a guarantee of approval. Prospective travellers were urged to ensure their submissions are carefully prepared, to adhere strictly to application guidelines, and to make use of the free resources available on the Embassy’s website to improve their chances of success.
The United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Nigerians, with thousands applying annually for student, work, tourist, and immigrant visas. The Embassy maintains that its system is designed to uphold fairness, transparency, and security, with the fees solely covering processing expenses.
The statement forms part of the Mission’s ongoing #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, aimed at educating applicants on U.S. visa procedures and requirements.
