By Deborah Nnamdi
The United States Mission in Nigeria has restated that visa application fees paid by Nigerians remain non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the outcome of applications.
In a statement shared Tuesday on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Mission acknowledged the frustrations of many Nigerians who lose significant sums after their visa applications are denied.
“We hear your concerns regarding U.S. visa application fees. Like most countries, the 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 Mission said.
The clarification comes amid rising complaints on social media from Nigerians who describe the process as financially draining, particularly since denied applicants cannot reuse their payments for subsequent applications.
According to the Mission, the charges are strictly to offset administrative expenses and do not guarantee approval. It urged prospective travelers to thoroughly prepare their applications, adhere to official guidelines, and take advantage of free resources on the embassy’s website to boost their chances of success.
