US embassy clarifies policy on visa fees as non-refundable
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US embassy clarifies policy on visa fees as non-refundable
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has given response to concerns about the non-refundable nature of U.S. visa fees, claiming that the policies align with global practices.
The embassy stated that fees cover application costs regardless of approval.
The statement comes amid public debates on transparency and fairness in U.S. immigration procedures.
However, the US, in a statement on its X handle on Tuesday, assured Nigerians that each case is reviewed thoroughly and fairly.
It said, “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, the Mission urged Nigerian visa applicants to prepare their application carefully.
It also provided guidelines that will assist applicants in avoiding visa denial, revocation and cancellation.
It advised, “Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality.
“Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law.
“Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation on Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025, the United States is suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance to nationals of certain countries.”
“Applicants who are subject to this Presidential Proclamation may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.”
US Mission urged applicants to use resources on its website.
Recall the embassy in April 2025, revised visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants.
Accordingly, all applicants attending interviews in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 visa application form featuring a confirmation barcode beginning with “AA” followed by two zeroes.
The embassy emphasised that the barcode must correspond with the one used to schedule the interview appointment online, and failure to present a matching barcode will result in disqualification from the interview.
