The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a fresh reminder to all visa applicants, stressing that visa application fees remain strictly non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.
In a statement released on its official communication channels, the Mission clarified that the visa fee, commonly referred to as the MRV fee (Machine-Readable Visa fee), is a processing charge and not a guarantee of visa issuance. According to the Mission, payment of the fee only grants applicants the right to schedule an interview and have their application reviewed in line with U.S. immigration laws and policies.
“All applicants are advised to note that visa fees are non-refundable. This policy is standard across U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Applicants should ensure they are fully prepared for their interviews and meet the requirements for their specific visa category before applying,” the statement read in part.
The U.S. Mission further emphasized that the non-refundable policy applies across all categories of visas, including tourist, student, business, and work visas. It also cautioned against misinformation being circulated online by individuals or agencies who mislead prospective applicants into believing that visa fees can be reimbursed if the application is unsuccessful.
This reminder comes at a time when a growing number of Nigerians are seeking travel opportunities abroad, with the U.S. remaining one of the most popular destinations for education, business, and tourism.
Immigration experts advise applicants to treat the visa fee as a processing cost rather than a service charge, and to prepare adequately for interviews by ensuring they have the correct documentation, strong ties to Nigeria, and a clear purpose of travel.
The Mission also used the opportunity to warn against fraudulent visa agents who promise guaranteed approvals in exchange for inflated fees. It reiterated that all applicants should follow official procedures through the designated U.S. visa portals to avoid falling victim to scams.
This public clarification is part of the Embassy’s broader campaign to ensure transparency in visa processing and to manage the expectations of applicants as demand continues to surge.
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