U.S. visa fees in Nigeria are non-refundable, aligning with global standards, says U.S. Mission amid calls for transparency and fairness

The U.S. visa fees Nigeria policy has been defended by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, amid ongoing debates about the non-refundable nature of visa application fees.

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The embassy reiterated on Tuesday via its official X handle that visa fees cover application processing costs regardless of whether an application is approved or denied, a practice common worldwide.

“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,” the statement read.

The U.S. Mission assured Nigerians that each visa application is reviewed thoroughly and fairly, emphasising the importance of careful preparation to avoid denials or cancellations.

Applicants are advised to schedule interviews only at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality and follow guidelines closely.

Among the new requirements, all applicants for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas must make their social media profiles public for vetting purposes to verify identity and admissibility under U.S. law.

The embassy also reminded applicants about the Presidential Proclamation effective from June 9, 2025, which suspends or limits visa issuance to nationals of certain countries for national security reasons.

While affected applicants may still apply and attend interviews, they may not be eligible for visa issuance or admission.

Also read: F M and J Visa Applicants Face New Social Media Rule from US Embassy

Additionally, Nigerian applicants attending interviews in Abuja and Lagos must now present a DS-160 visa application form with a barcode starting with “AA00” that matches their appointment scheduling barcode, or risk disqualification.