Quick Read
- F-1, J-1, B1/B2 MRV fee: $185 (₹18,130 on the portal)
- H-1B, L-1 MRV fee: $205 (₹20,090 on the portal)
- Valid 365 days; receipt activates within 1 business day
- One free reschedule, then pay again
What Is the MRV Fee?
The MRV fee (Machine Readable Visa fee) is the non-refundable US visa application fee every nonimmigrant applicant pays before booking a visa appointment. For Indian F-1 students it is $185, which the portal charges as ₹18,130 at the ₹98 consular rate. The payment is valid for 365 days. It pays for processing, not the visa itself, and every applicant pays separately, including children.
Interview waiver (dropbox) applicants pay the same MRV fee. The 365-day rule also applies to them: you must schedule an interview or submit your interview waiver application within 365 days of paying.
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MRV Fee for F1, B1/B2, H1B and Other US Visaa
The State Department sets the fee by visa category, and dependents pay the same fee as the main applicant's category. Most Indian students pay $185 (₹17,756), and petition-based work visas cost more.
| Visa category | Common Indian use | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR at ₹95.98) | Portal amount (₹98) |
| F-1, M-1 | Students | $185 | ₹17,756 | ₹18,130 |
| F-2, M-2, J-2 | Spouse or children of students | $185 | ₹17,756 | ₹18,130 |
| J-1 | Exchange visitors | $185 | ₹17,756 | ₹18,130 |
| B1/B2 | Tourists, parents visiting, business | $185 | ₹17,756 | ₹18,130 |
| H-1B, L-1, O, P, Q, R | Petition-based work visas and their dependents (H-4, L-2) | $205 | ₹19,676 | ₹20,090 |
| K-1 | Fiancé(e) of a US citizen | $265 | ₹25,435 | ₹25,970 |
| E-1, E-2 | Treaty trader or investor | $315 | ₹30,234 | ₹30,870 |
J-1 applicants on US government-sponsored exchange programmes pay nothing. Each dependent, including a child, pays a separate fee.
Note: The "Fee (INR)" column uses USD 1 = ₹95.98. The "Portal amount" column shows what you will actually pay on the visa appointment portal, which charges the MRV fee at the US Mission India consular rate of ₹98 per dollar, in effect from 25 May 2026.
Source: US Department of State, Fees for Visa Services
MRV Fee in INR: How the Consular Exchange Rate Works
The fee is fixed in dollars, but the portal charges it in rupees at the consular exchange rate, not the market rate. The US Mission India raised the consular rate from ₹96 to ₹98 per dollar on 25 May 2026. At that rate, the F-1 MRV fee you actually pay on the portal is ₹18,130, slightly more than the ₹17,756 market-rate figure used in this guide.
Always pay the exact amount on your payment screen.
Source: US Embassy and Consulates in India, Visas
Counselor Insight: Many Indian families still quote ₹14,000 to ₹16,000 for the US visa fee because they read older articles. Today the F-1 MRV fee is about ₹17,756 at the market rate and ₹18,130 at the consular rate the portal charges. Budget from the payment screen, not from memory.
Total US Student Visa Cost: MRV Fee, SEVIS Fee and Visa Integrity Fee
The MRV fee is only one of the fees on the US student visa route. F-1 students also pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security before the interview.
| Fee | Who pays | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) | When |
| MRV fee | F-1, J-1, B1/B2 applicants | $185 | ₹17,756 | Before booking the appointment |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | F-1 and M-1 students | $350 | ₹33,593 | After receiving the I-20, before the interview |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | Most J-1 exchange visitors | $220 | ₹21,116 | After receiving the DS-2019 |
| Visa Integrity Fee | Nonimmigrant visa holders, at issuance | $250 | ₹23,995 | At visa issuance, only if approved |
An F-1 student therefore pays $535 (₹51,349) before the interview. If your consulate collects the Visa Integrity Fee, add $250 (₹23,995) when the visa is issued.
The $250 (₹23,995) Visa Integrity Fee was created by US law on 4 July 2025. It is charged only when a visa is approved and issued, so a refused applicant does not pay it. Since mid-2026, some US consular posts have begun collecting it, while others have not. The law allows a refund if you follow all visa conditions, but the refund process is still being finalised. Check your consulate's instructions before your interview and keep your payment proof.
Note: INR figures above use USD 1 = ₹95.98. The MRV fee is charged on the portal at the consular rate of ₹98 per dollar. The SEVIS fee is paid in USD at FMJfee.com, so your bank's rate applies.
Source: Study in the States (DHS), I-901 SEVIS Fee
Read our full guides to US visa fees for Indians and the I-20 form for Indian students.
MRV Fee Payment for US Visa: How to Pay the MRV Fee Online in India
MRV fee payment for a US visa from India, whether you pay online or in cash, happens only through the official portal, ustraveldocs.com/in. You first create a profile and choose "Schedule Appointment". The payment confirmation screen then shows your options, and three of the four let you pay the MRV fee for your US visa online:
| Payment method | Online? | How it works | Key rule |
| UPI | Yes | Pay via BHIM, Google Pay, or a QR code from the payment screen | Pay only the exact amount through the portal link |
| Debit or credit card | Yes | Pay with a RuPay debit or credit card issued in India | Foreign cards are not listed as an option |
| NEFT | Yes | Transfer from an Indian bank account to the unique account number shown | Do not pay from a co-operative or regional rural bank |
| Cash | No | Pay at a designated Axis Bank or Citibank branch with the printed fee slip | Pay the exact INR amount on the slip |
NRI applicants should pay through an NRO account. RBI rules do not allow a reversal to an NRI account if there is a payment discrepancy.
Source: US Travel Docs India, Payment options
Step-by-Step: How to Pay the MRV Fee
- Complete your DS-160 at ceac.state.gov and save the 10-digit barcode number from the confirmation page.
- Create your profile on ustraveldocs.com/in and select "Schedule Appointment".
- Choose your visa category, such as F-1, and confirm the INR amount.
- Pay once by UPI, RuPay card, NEFT or cash at Axis Bank or Citibank.
- Wait for activation, which takes 4 hours to 1 business day.
Not sure how to fill the form? Follow our DS-160 form guide with sample.
Counselor Insight: The most expensive mistake we see is paying twice after a payment screen freezes. The portal warns that a second payment will not be refunded, and that disputing the charge with your bank can trigger an investigation. Wait one business day, check your profile, then email support-india@usvisascheduling.com.
MRV Fee Receipt: How to Get, Find and Download It
The MRV fee receipt is your proof of payment, and the MRV fee receipt number unlocks appointment booking.
1. How to Get the MRV Fee Receipt for a US Visa
You do not request the receipt separately. Once your payment is processed, the receipt is activated and automatically tagged to your ustraveldocs profile. This usually happens within 4 hours and takes at most 1 business day.
If it is still not active after 1 business day, check your bank statement for a reversal. Then email your proof of payment to support-india@usvisascheduling.com.
2. MRV Fee Receipt: Where to Find It
Log in with the same credentials you used to pay. Your activated receipt is linked to your profile, and the portal applies it automatically when you select Schedule Appointment. Keep the receipt number from your payment confirmation for your records and for any support request.
3. MRV Fee Receipt Download in India: What to Save
There is no separate official "download MRV fee receipt" step on the Indian portal, because the receipt lives in your profile. To keep your own record, save these:
| Payment method | MRV fee payment receipt to save |
| UPI or card | Screenshot or PDF of the payment confirmation screen, plus the transaction ID |
| NEFT | Your bank's UTR number and the unique account number shown on the portal |
| Cash | The printed receipt the Axis Bank or Citibank branch gives you |
| All methods | Your appointment confirmation letter, which you must carry to the VAC and interview |
Counselor Insight: Pay from the same email ID and profile you will use for the whole application. Most "missing receipt" cases we see come from families paying on a parent's or agent's profile, then logging in with the student's email.
MRV Fee Receipt Number: How to Use It
You need three details to schedule a US visa appointment in India:
| Detail you need | Where it comes from |
| Passport number | Your passport |
| Visa application fee receipt number | Your activated MRV fee payment |
| 10-digit DS-160 barcode number | Your DS-160 confirmation page |
You then book two appointments:
- Visa Application Center (VAC): for fingerprints and a photo
- Embassy or Consulate: for the interview
Source: US Travel Docs India, How to apply
See our guides to the OFC appointment for US visa and US visa appointment documents.
MRV Fee Validity in India and MRV Fee Expiry
MRV fee validity in India is 365 days from the date the receipt is issued. Within that window you must schedule your appointment, but the appointment itself can fall after the 365 days end. MRV fee expiry happens only if you never book within that year.
| Situation | What happens to your fee |
| You book an appointment within 365 days | It stays valid, even if the interview date is later |
| You never book within 365 days | It expires and you must pay again |
| You have used your one reschedule | It is used up; a new change needs a new fee |
| You want to apply in another country | Not allowed: it cannot be transferred abroad |
| You change visa category (e.g. B1/B2 to F-1) | A new application needs its own fee |
Source: US Travel Docs India, Pay your visa fees
Counselor Insight: Do not pay the MRV fee the day you apply to universities. Pay once your I-20 has arrived and you are ready to book, so the 365-day clock works for you rather than against you.
MRV Fee Reschedule Rule: When You Must Pay Again
Since 1 January 2025, US Mission India allows only one reschedule per payment. Your first booking can be at any location you choose, but after one change, the reschedule option disappears from your profile.
| Action | Do you pay again? |
| First booking | No |
| First reschedule | No |
| Second reschedule | Yes, a new fee |
| Missing the VAC appointment | Only if you have already used your one reschedule |
| Missing the interview (no-show) | Yes, a new fee |
| Cancelling after reaching the limit | Yes, the fee becomes invalid |
To avoid a no-show, cancel at least 2 business days before your interview.
Source: US Travel Docs India, Frequently Asked Questions
Read our tips on booking F1 visa slots for Fall. You can also see what our counselors say about what visa interview slots actually mean.
Is the MRV Fee Refundable?
No. The MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, whether your visa is approved, refused, or never used. After a 214(b) refusal, reapplying means a fresh application and a fresh fee.
A 221(g) letter is different. If the consulate asks for more documents, submit them within one year of receiving the letter. Missing that window suspends your application, and you must apply again with all fees.
Source: US Travel Docs India, Submitting your 221(g) documents
Understand refusals in our guide to 214(b) visa rejection. You can also read expert answers on whether a second US visa attempt improves your chances.
Who Is Exempt from the MRV Fee?
Few Indian applicants qualify. The State Department waives the fee for:
- A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO and diplomatic visas
- J-1 applicants on official US government-sponsored programmes
- Visas reissued through no fault of the applicant
- US government employees on official business
MRV Fee Timeline for Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 Intakes
F-1 visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before your program start date. You can enter the US up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20. Use this timeline to plan your payment:
| Stage (typical timing) | Fall 2027 intake | Spring 2028 intake |
| Receive admits and I-20 | January to April 2027 | July to October 2027 |
| Pay SEVIS and MRV fees | Once the I-20 arrives | Once the I-20 arrives |
| Book VAC and interview | April to June 2027 | September to November 2027 |
| Attend VAC, then interview | May to July 2027 | October to December 2027 |
| Earliest US entry | 30 days before program start | 30 days before program start |
Source: US Travel Docs India, Student visa
For the full process, see how to apply for an F1 visa and our F1 visa interview questions and answers. Read what our counselors recommend on when to book a US visa interview for the January intake.
What If Your MRV Fee Payment Goes Wrong?
- Money left your account, but no receipt appeared. Wait up to 1 business day and check for a bank reversal. Then email your proof of payment to support. Do not pay again or raise a chargeback.
- You cannot find your MRV fee receipt. Log in to the exact profile and email ID you paid from, since the receipt is tied to that profile. If it is still missing, follow the steps in the receipt section above.
- You paid for the wrong visa category. The payment cannot move between applications, so pay the correct fee again.
- You need a second reschedule. You must pay a new fee. If your date is genuinely urgent, request an expedited appointment through the portal instead. You need a confirmed appointment before you can request one.
- Your receipt is about to expire. Book any available appointment before day 365; the interview can fall later.
3 Key Takeaways on MRV Fee
- The MRV fee is $185 (₹18,130 on the portal) for Indian F-1 students and must be paid before you can book a US visa appointment.
- Your receipt is tagged to your profile within 1 business day, is valid for 365 days, and allows only one free reschedule.
- Pay once, through the official portal, and only after your I-20 arrives, to protect both your money and your appointment.
Verified by: LeapScholar's USA counselling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through F-1 visa fee payments, DS-160 filing, SEVIS payments and US visa interview scheduling.
Have questions about the MRV fee? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About MRV Fee
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What is the MRV fee for a US visa in 2026-27?
It is $185 (₹17,756) for F-1, J-1 and B1/B2 visas, $205 (₹19,676) for H-1B and L-1, $265 (₹25,435) for K visas, and $315 (₹30,234) for E visas. On the portal, which charges ₹98 per dollar, these come to ₹18,130, ₹20,090, ₹25,970 and ₹30,870.
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What is the full form of MRV?
MRV stands for Machine Readable Visa. The MRV fee is the US nonimmigrant visa application fee.
-
What is the MRV fee for an F1 visa in INR?
The F-1 fee is $185, which is about ₹17,756 at USD 1 = ₹95.98. The portal charges it at the consular rate of ₹98 per dollar, so you will pay ₹18,130.
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How long is the MRV fee valid, and when does it expire?
MRV fee validity is 365 days from the date the receipt is issued. It expires only if you do not book an appointment within that period. The interview itself can fall later.
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Is the MRV fee refundable if my visa is rejected?
No. It is non-refundable whether your visa is issued or refused.
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How many times can I reschedule with one MRV fee receipt?
Once. Since 1 January 2025, a second reschedule or a missed interview requires a new payment.
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How do I pay the MRV fee for a US visa online?
Log in to ustraveldocs.com/in and choose Schedule Appointment. Then pay by UPI, a RuPay debit or credit card issued in India, or NEFT. Cash at designated Axis Bank or Citibank branches is the only offline option.
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Is the MRV fee the same as the SEVIS fee?
No. The $185 (₹17,756) visa fee goes to the State Department for your application. The SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 (₹33,593) for F-1) goes to the Department of Homeland Security.
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Do I have to pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee in 2026?
The $250 (₹23,995) fee became law in July 2025 and is charged only at visa issuance, so you pay it only if your visa is approved. Some consular posts began collecting it in 2026. Check your consulate's instructions before your interview.
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How do I download my MRV fee receipt for a US visa?
There is no separate download step. The receipt is tagged to your ustraveldocs profile once activated. Save your payment confirmation screen, NEFT UTR number, or bank cash receipt as your own record.
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Where do I find my MRV fee receipt number?
Log in to the profile you paid from. The activated receipt is already linked there, so you can go straight to Schedule Appointment. If it is missing after 1 business day, email support-india@usvisascheduling.com with proof of payment.
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Can I use my MRV fee receipt for a parent's visa?
No. Each applicant pays separately, and the fee cannot be transferred to another person or application.
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Do F-2 dependents pay a separate MRV fee?
Every applicant pays their own MRV fee, including an F-2 spouse or child. F-2, M-2 and J-2 dependents pay $185 (₹17,756; ₹18,130 on the portal). H-4 and L-2 dependents pay $205 (₹19,676; ₹20,090 on the portal). The fee cannot be shared or transferred between family members.
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