The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that visa application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether an applicant is granted or denied a visa.
The mission stated this in a post on its official social media account, @USinNigeria, on Wednesday, dismissing the misconception that applicants are entitled to refunds when their visa applications are unsuccessful.
“MYTH: If a U.S. visa application is refused, the applicant receives a refund,” the mission stated.
Clarifying the issue, it explained that the fee covers the processing of an application and does not guarantee visa approval.
“FACT: The fee paid is an application processing fee, not a payment for a visa to be issued,” the statement read.
According to the mission, the fee covers the cost of processing an application until a final decision is reached, irrespective of the outcome.
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“It covers the cost of processing the application through a final decision, so the fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is issued or refused,” it added.
The clarification serves as a reminder to prospective travellers that paying the required application fee does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.
The mission urged applicants to obtain accurate information about US visa procedures through the official website of the US Department of State, travel.state.gov.
It also cautioned visa seekers against third-party consultants and fraudulent schemes promising guaranteed visas or refundable application deposits.
Applicants were advised to rely on official US government websites for information and guidance on visa applications.