Migration Failure Cost Calculator
Visa Rejected? Calculate Your Total Financial Loss Instantly
For Nigerians with UK, US, Canada, Australia visa rejections
Direct Application Costs
Additional & Opportunity Costs
How Visa Rejection Cost Calculation Works
When your visa application gets rejected, you lose more than just the application fee. Our calculator helps you understand the complete financial impact by considering both direct costs and hidden opportunity costs.
Direct costs include government fees (non-refundable), agent charges, and mandatory medical exams. Indirect costs cover document preparation, travel expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses. Opportunity costs calculate the income you could have earned if you spent the application preparation time working instead.
Who Should Calculate Visa Rejection Costs?
Nigerian applicants who have faced visa rejection for UK, US, Canada, Australia, or Schengen countries. This includes students, skilled workers, family sponsors, and visitors. If you’re considering reapplying, this calculation helps you understand the true cost of failure and plan your next application more strategically.
What Costs Are Actually Lost Forever?
Government application fees are never refundable. Biometric fees, medical exam costs, and visa center service charges are also non-recoverable. Agent fees might be partially refundable depending on your contract terms. Travel expenses and document preparation costs are sunk costs you cannot recover.
When Should You Calculate These Losses?
Calculate immediately after receiving a rejection to understand the financial impact. Also calculate before reapplying to ensure you can afford the risk of another rejection. Understanding your previous losses helps you make smarter decisions about investing in professional help for your next application.
Where Do Most Applicants Lose Money?
Common financial pitfalls include: paying high agent fees without proper contracts, unnecessary document notarization and translation, multiple trips to Lagos or Abuja for interviews, and quitting jobs prematurely to focus on application preparation. Many applicants also lose money by not verifying document requirements before paying for preparation.
Why Calculate Rejection Costs Before Reapplying?
Knowing your previous losses helps you budget more effectively for your next attempt. It shows you which areas to cut costs on, and where to invest more for better chances. Many applicants make the mistake of spending the same way on their second application without learning from previous financial losses.
How to Minimize Financial Risk in Future Applications
- Verify all requirements first: Don’t pay for documents until you confirm they’re needed
- Get agent contracts in writing: Specify refund conditions for rejection
- Batch your document preparation: Get multiple documents notarized at once to save costs
- Consider DIY for straightforward cases: Many student and visitor visas don’t require agents
- Don’t quit your job prematurely: Maintain income while preparing your application
- Appeal if there’s clear error: Some rejections can be overturned without full reapplication cost
Common Visa Rejection Cost Scenarios: Table of Truth
Compare your situation with these real-world examples based on 2024 costs:
| Visa Type | Country | Direct Costs | Indirect Costs | Total Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | United Kingdom | $1,420 | $800 | $2,220 |
| Visitor Visa | United States | $485 | $600 | $1,085 |
| Work Permit | Canada | $1,550 | $1,200 | $2,750 |
| Family Visa | Australia | $8,000 | $1,500 | $9,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my application fee refunded after rejection?
No. All government visa application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. This is clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you pay. The fee covers processing costs, not approval guarantee.
What about agent fees? Can I get those back?
This depends entirely on your contract. Some agents offer partial refunds for rejections, while others don’t. Always get fee refund terms in writing before paying any agent. Without a written agreement, recovering agent fees is difficult.
Are medical exam results reusable for reapplication?
Medical exam results typically expire after 12 months. If you reapply within that period, you might not need a new medical exam, saving you that cost. Check with the specific country’s immigration authority for exact validity periods.
How long should I wait before reapplying?
There’s no official waiting period for most visas, but it’s wise to wait until you’ve addressed the reasons for rejection. Rushing to reapply without fixing the issues leads to another rejection and more financial loss. Typically, 3-6 months is reasonable for addressing concerns.
Should I use the same agent for reapplication?
Not necessarily. If the agent made errors that contributed to rejection, find someone more competent. However, if the rejection was due to your personal circumstances (not agent error), and they offer a discounted reapplication rate, it might be worth continuing with them.
Strategic Tip: Calculate Before You Apply
Use this calculator BEFORE your first application to understand potential losses. This helps you make better decisions about how much to invest in agent services, document preparation, and whether to proceed with marginal applications. Knowing the cost of failure helps you assess the risk properly.
Appeal vs Reapplication: Cost Comparison
For some rejections, appealing might be cheaper than reapplying. Appeal fees are often lower than new application fees, and you might not need new documents. However, appeals have strict timelines (usually 28 days) and specific grounds. Consult an immigration lawyer to explore this option if you believe there was a processing error.
Last updated: December 2024. All costs are estimates based on current visa fees and typical additional expenses. Actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances, agent rates, and exchange rate fluctuations. Government fees change periodically, always verify current fees on official embassy websites.
Visa Rejection Financial Loss Calculation
Direct Costs
Indirect Costs
Calculated on DeyWithMe.com/visa-rejection-cost-calculator
For reference and financial planning purposes only.