NIGERIA: US Embassy Reaffirms Non-Refundable Visa Fees Policy, Issues New Application Guidelines

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reiterated that visa application fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable, stressing that the policy is consistent with global practices.

In a statement released via its official X handle on Tuesday, the Mission explained that the fees cover the cost of processing applications, whether or not a visa is granted.

It assured Nigerians that all applications are reviewed “thoroughly and fairly.”

“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 Mission urged applicants to carefully prepare their documents to improve their chances of approval and avoid denial, revocation, or cancellation. It also highlighted the importance of using available resources on its website for guidance.

As part of updated procedures, the Embassy advised nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos, depending on their country of residence or nationality.

The Mission further directed that, effective immediately, applicants for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas must adjust their social media accounts to public settings to enable identity verification.

It also reminded applicants of the Presidential Proclamation restricting entry of certain foreign nationals, effective June 9, 2025, which could make some individuals ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the United States.

“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,” the Embassy clarified.

The Embassy recalled that in April 2025, it introduced a new requirement for applicants in Abuja and Lagos to present a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation barcode beginning with “AA00.”

Failure to present a matching barcode, it warned, would lead to disqualification from the interview process.