What is MRV Fee Receipt? Meaning, Process and Sample 2025-26

The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) Fee Receipt is required to schedule a visa interview at a US consulate or a Visa Application Center in India. It is a mandatory payment for Indian students applying for F1, M, or J1 visas, currently set at $185 (₹16,368). The receipt is valid for one year, giving students the flexibility to align their interview with admission schedules or semester start dates. We provide step-by-step instructions for paying the MRV fee, generating and printing the receipt, and scheduling the visa interview, along with India-specific tips to avoid common mistakes such as missing the one-year validity, using the wrong payment method, or losing the receipt.

What is the MRV Fee Receipt Number?

The MRV Fee Receipt Number is the official confirmation that the U.S. visa application fee has been paid. It is required to schedule interviews online through USVAC or at a U.S. consulate in India, and is also needed during document verification.

This number acts as a unique identifier for your payment, allowing the embassy to track the fee against your visa application. The receipt remains valid for one year, and it must be kept safe in case you need to reschedule your appointment or provide proof of payment.

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Why is the MRV Fee Receipt Compulsory for Applicants?

The MRV Fee Receipt confirms payment of the U.S. visa application fee and is necessary to schedule your visa interview. The fee also supports the visa application system, improving security and covering operational costs, including personnel and infrastructure.

Exemptions include:

• Applicants for A or G visas for official travel
  
• Applicants for J visas under U.S. government-sponsored programs (G-1, G-2, G-3, G-7)
  
• Citizens of Canada or Bermuda applying for certain visas
  
• Individuals who already hold a valid U.S. visa
  

Practical Note for Indian Students: The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, so it must be paid carefully. Retaining the receipt is essential, as misplaced or invalid receipts can delay the visa process, especially during busy application periods.

A Step-by-Step Guide to MRV Fee Payment and Visa Interview Scheduling

Paying the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee is mandatory before you can schedule a U.S. visa interview. Indian students can pay the fee online or offline at designated banks. Follow the steps mentioned below to register for the MRV Fee receipt Payment:

Step 1: Visit the Official US Visa Website

Go to the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Select India as the country and choose your visa type, such as F1, M, or J1.

Step 2: Create an Account or Log In

If you are a new user, create a profile on the website. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials. Fill in your personal information and the purpose of your visit.

Step 3: Choose a Payment Method

You can pay the MRV fee online using debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Rupay) or net banking from select Indian banks.

You can also pay offline using NEFT or IMPS through designated banks. Cash payments can be made at Axis Bank or Citibank branches in India.

Step 4: Complete the Payment

Check that your visa type and personal details are correct before submitting the payment. Remember that the MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Step 5: Generate and Save the MRV Fee Receipt

After payment, log in to your USVAC account and enter the payment reference number. Download and print the MRV Fee Receipt. The receipt is valid for one year.

Step 6: Schedule Your Visa Interview

Use the MRV receipt number to schedule your visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Follow the instructions on the website to select your interview date and location.

Timeline for Visa Application After Payment

Practical Tips for Indian Students

• Make the payment well before peak admission months to secure your interview slot.
• Keep both digital and printed copies of the MRV Fee Receipt.
• Double-check your visa type and personal details to avoid errors.

How to Generate the MRV Fee Receipt?

After paying the MRV fee, you need to generate the official MRV Fee Receipt. This receipt is required to schedule your US student visa interview.

1. Log in to your USVAC account
   Go to the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website and log in using the credentials you used to pay the MRV fee.
   
2. Enter the Payment Reference Number
   On your account dashboard, enter the payment reference number you received after completing the MRV fee payment.
   
3. Download the Receipt
   Once your payment is verified, the MRV Fee Receipt will appear on the screen. Download it as a PDF file.
   
4. Print the Receipt
   Print a hard copy of the receipt. Keep it safe, as it will be required at the Visa Application Center or U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
   
5. Check the Validity
   The MRV Fee Receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment. Make sure to schedule your interview within this period.

Sample MRV Receipt Number (Online)

When paying online through the official US Visa website, students receive a receipt along with a CGI Reference Number. This receipt confirms payment of 160 USD (₹14,208) for an F1 Student Visa and is valid for one year from the payment date. All details, including the applicant’s name and payment reference, should match the visa application profile. The receipt must be presented during the visa interview. View the sample MRV fee receipt below:

Sample MRV Receipt Number (Offline)

Students paying at designated banks receive a printed receipt containing a CGI Reference Number, which is required to generate the official MRV Fee Receipt online. The payment amount is the same, 160 USD (₹14,208), for an M1 Student Visa, and the receipt is valid for one year. Both the physical and digital copies should be kept safe for the visa interview.

MRV Receipt Number Validity

The MRV Fee Receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment. During this period, students can schedule their U.S. visa interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.

Key Points:

• If the interview is not scheduled within one year, the MRV fee expires and must be paid again.
  
• If a visa application is denied or rescheduled, a new MRV Fee Receipt may be required depending on the situation.
  
• Indian students should plan the payment around their university admission and semester start dates to avoid losing the receipt’s validity.
  
• Always keep a printed and digital copy of the receipt, as it is required at the time of the visa interview.
  

Practical Tip:

• Verify the payment date and validity period immediately after receiving the MRV Fee Receipt.
  
• Avoid rescheduling the interview multiple times, as repeated delays may require repayment of the fee.

MRV Visa Fee Categories

The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) Fee Receipt is required to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or a Visa Application Center in India. It is a mandatory payment for Indian students applying for F1, M, or J1 visas, currently set at $185 (₹16,368). The receipt is valid for one year, giving students the flexibility to align their interview with admission schedules or semester start dates. We provide step-by-step instructions for paying the MRV fee, generating and printing the receipt, and scheduling the visa interview, along with India-specific tips to avoid common mistakes such as missing the one-year validity, using the wrong payment method, or losing the receipt.

MRV Fee Categories

The US Department of State has categorized MRV fees based on visa type. Some common categories include:

• B1/B2 Visa (Business/Tourist): For business or tourism purposes.
  
• F Visa (Student): For academic or language students.
  
• J Visa (Exchange Visitor): For participants in approved exchange programs.
  
• M Visa (Vocational Student): For vocational or non-academic students.
  
• H Visa (Temporary Worker): For temporary employment in specialty occupations.
  
• L Visa (Intracompany Transferee): For employees transferred within a company.
  
• O Visa (Extraordinary Ability): For individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
  
• P Visa (Athlete/Performer): For athletes, artists, entertainers, and performers.
  
• Q Visa (International Cultural Exchange): For participants in international cultural exchange programs.
  
• R Visa (Religious Worker): For religious workers employed by non-profit organizations.

Important Points to Keep in Mind: MRV Fee Receipt

Proper handling of the MRV Fee Receipt is essential for a smooth U.S. visa application process. Indian students should follow these points carefully:

• Confirmation Email: After payment, check your email for a confirmation containing the MRV receipt number and instructions for the next steps.
  
• MRV Receipt Number: This unique number is required to schedule your visa interview. Keep it handy.
  
• Print a Copy: Always print a physical copy of the receipt and carry it to your visa interview.
  
• Schedule Interview Promptly: Use the MRV receipt number to schedule your interview within the one-year validity period.
  
• Check Validity: Ensure your interview is scheduled before the receipt expires. Expired receipts require a new payment.
  
• Secure Payment Information: Keep all online or bank payment confirmations safely for reference.
  
• Verify Details: Confirm that your name, passport number, and other details on the receipt are correct.
  
• Follow Embassy Instructions: Adhere to the specific guidelines of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.
  
• Non-Refundable Fee: The MRV fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. Confirm eligibility before paying.
  
• Be Prepared for the Interview: The receipt is only one part of the process. Gather all supporting documents for your interview.

Wind Up

The MRV Fee Receipt is a mandatory, non-refundable requirement for U.S. visa applicants, valid for one year. Indian students should confirm all payment details as soon as the receipt is issued and use the CGI or Payment Reference Number to schedule their interview on time. Following U.S. Embassy instructions and storing the receipt safely ensures a smooth visa process.

For guidance on MRV fee payments, visa interview preparation, and other U.S. study processes, Leapscholar offers free resources and expert support to help Indian students navigate the application process smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions