Visa fee refund rules

Why the answer changes by fee

An application fee pays for handling and deciding an application. A separate health charge, biometrics charge, issuance fee or premium-service fee can have a different refund rule. Check each charge on the receipt rather than treating the total as one payment ^{Source 1,Source 3Source 4}.

Refusal and withdrawal are different events. A refused application has been decided. A withdrawn application may not have reached processing or biometrics, which is why some systems allow an early refund ^{Source 3,Source 4}.

United States and Schengen

The State Department lists nonimmigrant application processing fees as non-refundable. Its reciprocity guidance says the MRV application fee is paid whether the application is approved or refused ^{Source 1,Source 6}.

The Schengen Visa Code says the visa fee is normally not refundable. The Commission's visa handbook identifies two exceptions after payment: the consulate finds that it is not competent to handle the case, or the application is found inadmissible. A refusal after examination does not produce a refund ^{Source 2}.

United Kingdom

UK guidance links the application-fee refund to the identity step. If an applicant was told to attend an appointment, the fee is refunded if biometrics have not yet been given. It is not normally refunded after fingerprints and a photograph have been given ^{Source 3}.

For an applicant using the identity-check app, a refund may apply if the applicant has not selected the final confirm-and-upload action, or withdraws before the evidence deadline. A refused application does not normally return the application fee ^{Source 3,Source 7}.

The immigration health surcharge has a separate rule. A withdrawal before a decision brings a full surcharge refund. The surcharge is refunded after refusal once appeal rights are exhausted, even though the visa application fee may be retained ^{Source 3,Source 8}.

Canada and Australia

Canada says a withdrawal before processing starts can receive a full refund. After processing starts, only listed fees may be returned. Eligible automatic refunds after withdrawal or refusal can take two to eight weeks ^{Source 4}.

Australia says visa application charges are not usually refunded even if an application is refused or withdrawn. Its refund page lists limited cases, such as an unnecessary application, death of an applicant or certain route-specific events. The online form determines whether the stated reason is eligible ^{Source 5}.

What to keep

• Keep the payment receipt and application number ^{Source 3,Source 4}.
• Record the date processing or biometrics began ^{Source 3,Source 4}.
• Use the government's withdrawal or refund form, not a payment-reversal request as the first step ^{Source 3,Source 4Source 5}.
• Treat the visa fee and a health, biometrics or priority charge as separate items ^{Source 3,Source 4Source 8}.