Can I get a refund if my O-1 is denied?

In general, no. The O-1 visa involves a detailed process of document preparation and review, and as a result, the fees paid are typically non-refundable, even when the petition is denied.

The fees collected by the U.S. government and, in most cases, the fees charged by attorneys or consultants compensate for the service rendered, not for approval. Since the analysis, processing, and document preparation were already completed before the final decision, those costs do not normally come back in the event of a denial. This is standard practice across most immigration processes.

That said, it is worth reviewing the specific contract signed with the professional or firm: some agreements include their own clauses for certain situations. The industry standard, however, is non-refundable billing.

Before making any payment, read the terms carefully and clarify all your questions. When in doubt, prefer qualified professionals and be wary of any promises of guaranteed results.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.