One of the first questions that a visa applicant asks him/herself before applying for a visa is “will I get a visa refund?”
The question is close ended, yet the answer is not as simple as yes or no. A visa refund would always depend on a number of factors.
An applicant whose visa application has been refused cannot request for a visa refund, same as an applicant who, in the middle of the process, changes his/her mind about the visa application.
Am I eligible to apply for a visa refund?
However, before a person applies for a visa refund the question of eligibility must first be answered. In most cases, the appropriate person to request for a refund is the payer or an authorised representative can also request on behalf of the payer.
Can I get a visa refund?A visa refund is possible in some specific and limited circumstances only. Here are some of those factors:
The applicant died before a decision could be made
The fee or charge paid was greater than the prescribed fee or charge
Fee or charge was accidentally paid or charged twice
Fee or charge paid but no fee or charge was due
The fee was paid but no application was lodged, or the application was deemed invalid
Incorrect fee paid
Departmental error
These factors may seem straightforward, but you have to consider the fact that the Department of Home Affairs sets the fees and are the decision-makers on whether your visa application is eligible for a refund.
Have you had a visa recently refused and believe you are eligible for a refund? Get in touch with us so we can assess your circumstances and advise you accordingly.
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