MRV Fee: Cost, Payment & What You Need to Know

If you're applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, you'll encounter the MRV fee early in the process. This fee is a standard requirement for most visa applicants, but understanding exactly what it covers, how to pay it, and why it matters can help you navigate your application with confidence.

What is the MRV fee?

The MRV fee, short for machine-readable visa fee, is the application processing fee required for most U.S. nonimmigrant visas. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, regardless of whether your visa is ultimately approved or denied. The fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Who needs to pay the MRV fee

Almost every applicant seeking a temporary visa to enter the United States needs to pay this fee before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The fee applies to visa categories for tourism (B-2 visas), business (B-1 visas), study (F-1 student visas), work (H-1B visas), and many others.

Once you pay the MRV fee, you'll receive a receipt that serves as an essential document in your application process. Think of it as your ticket to the next stage. Without proof of payment, you cannot proceed with scheduling your interview.

Who is exempt from the MRV fee?

While most visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, certain categories are exempt:

• A-visa applicants (diplomats and foreign government officials)
• G-visa applicants (representatives to international organizations)
• C-3 visa applicants (foreign government officials)
• NATO visa applicants (officials traveling under NATO agreements)
• Certain J-visa applicants in U.S. government-sponsored programs
• Applicants whose visa fees are covered by reciprocity agreements

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, verify your eligibility through the U.S. Department of State website or contact the embassy or consulate where you're applying.

How to pay the MRV fee

After completing your DS-160 form (the online non-immigrant application), you'll need to pay the fee before you can schedule your visa interview appointment. It is recommended to pay the fee as soon as possible after completing your DS-160 so you can secure an interview while your application details and your documents are current.

The payment process varies by country, as each U.S. embassy and consulate works with local payment providers. You'll typically create a profile on your country's U.S. visa information and appointment website, where you can view payment instructions specific to your location. This means payment methods that work in one country may not be available in another, so always check your local embassy's guidelines.

MRV payment options

Payment methods vary by country, but commonly include:

Online payment:

1. Log into your visa appointment profile on your country's U.S. visa information website.
2. Select the option to pay your visa fee.
3. Enter your payment information (credit card, debit card, or local payment method).
4. Complete the transaction and save your receipt confirmation.
5. Wait for the payment to be processed, which typically takes a few hours but can take up to three business days.

Bank deposit or transfer:

1. Obtain the payment slip from your visa profile or appointment website.
2. Visit a designated bank branch with the payment slip.
3. Make the deposit using cash or transfer.
4. Keep the stamped receipt as proof of payment.
5. Enter your receipt number in your visa profile to link the payment to your application.
6. Allow processing time, as bank payments may take longer to appear in the system than online payments.

Payment at designated locations:

1. Print your payment slip from your visa appointment website.
2. Visit an authorized payment center (such as a designated bank, post office, or payment kiosk).
3. Present your payment slip and make the payment.
4. Retain your receipt and enter the receipt number in your online profile.
5. Confirm that your payment has been registered before attempting to schedule your appointment.

Always check the U.S. visa information website for your country for the most current payment options and instructions. Some countries have recently updated their payment systems.

Why your MRV fee receipt matters

Your MRV fee receipt is a critical document that connects your payment to your visa application and appointment. It contains a unique receipt number that the U.S. embassy or consulate uses to verify your payment and process your application. Without a receipt, you cannot schedule your visa interview or prove payment if questions arise.

How to get a copy of your MRV fee receipt

If you need to access your receipt after payment, follow these steps:

1. Log into your visa appointment profile on your country's U.S. visa information website.
2. Navigate to the "Payment Receipt" or "Print Receipt" section.
3. Verify that all information on the receipt is accurate, including your name and passport number.
4. Download or print your receipt for your records. Check that the receipt number is clearly visible, as you'll need this for scheduling

Keep your MRV fee receipt in a safe place throughout your application process. The receipt is usually valid for one year from the date of payment, meaning you must schedule and attend your visa interview within this timeframe. If your receipt expires before you complete the interview process, you may need to pay the fee again.

Even after your interview, retain your receipt as part of your immigration records. If you need to reapply in the future, having your previous receipt is helpful for reference, though you'll need to pay a new fee for each application.

What to do after you pay the MRV fee

After successfully paying your MRV fee, take these steps:

1. Schedule your visa interview appointment as soon as possible. Interview wait times vary significantly by location and season, so booking early gives you more flexibility. In some locations, wait times can extend several weeks or even months.
2. Carefully review your receipt. Confirm that all details are correct, including your name as it appears on your passport and your passport number. Errors could delay your application. If you spot a mistake, contact the embassy or consulate immediately.
3. Keep your receipt both digitally and in print. Save a digital copy in cloud storage or email it to yourself, and print at least one physical copy to bring to your visa interview. You may want to print multiple copies as backup.
4. Continue preparing your application materials. While you wait for your interview date, gather supporting documents, prepare for potential interview questions, and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates. Use this time to get organized and understand what the consular officer will ask during your interview.

How much is the MRV fee?

As of December 2025, the fee for B-1/B-2 visitor visas (tourism and business), student and exchange visitor visas (F and M categories), and J exchange visitor visas is $185.

Petition-based nonimmigrant visas, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, P, Q, and R visas, require a higher MRV fee of $205.

E-category treaty trader and investor visas require a fee of $315. K visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens have a $265 fee.

👉 Important: The listed filing fees here are accurate as of December 2025 and are subject to change. We always recommend checking the Department of State's official Fees page or consulting with your immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information on filing fees.

Terms of the MRV fee

Below are some specific terms and conditions of the MRV fee to keep in mind for timely interview scheduling:

• Non-refundable: The MRV fee is not refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied.
• Validity period: Your fee receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment for scheduling and attending your visa interview.
• Single application: Each fee payment covers one visa application; if you need to reapply, you must pay the fee again.
• Non-transferable: The fee cannot be transferred to another person or used for a different visa category.
• Country-specific: Payment methods and processes vary by country, so always check your local U.S. embassy or consulate website for specific instructions.

The MRV fee is only the first step

Paying the MRV fee marks an important milestone in your visa application, but it's just the beginning of your journey. From gathering documentation to preparing for your interview and understanding your visa conditions, the process can feel overwhelming—especially when navigating it alone.

At Manifest, we specialize in simplifying complex immigration processes. Our team will guide you through every step of your visa application, from ensuring you pay the correct fees to preparing you for a successful interview. Whether you're applying for a student visa, work visa, or any other nonimmigrant category, we're here to provide clarity, support, and expertise.

Contact us today to learn how we can help make your U.S. immigration journey smoother and more successful.

MRV fee FAQs

What happens if I lose my MRV receipt?

If you lose your physical MRV receipt, retrieve a copy by logging into your visa appointment profile. Navigate to the receipt section and download or print a new copy. As long as you have your receipt number or account information, you can access your receipt multiple times.

Does the MRV fee guarantee a visa appointment?

Paying the MRV fee does not guarantee you'll receive a visa appointment; it only allows you to request one. After payment, you can access the appointment scheduling system, but availability depends on the embassy or consulate's capacity and current wait times. The fee also doesn't guarantee visa approval; it only covers the cost of processing your application.