MRV Fee Receipt for US Visa: Fees, Registration & Samples

People looking to enter the United States, including minors, must pay a  Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee  to initiate their application. The government imposes this charge and it cannot be transferred or refunded. After paying the fee, an  MRV Receipt number  will be issued; however, it can take up to two business days for this to become available. The MRV fee is valid for one full year and can be used for a visa application during any part of that year, depending on when the individual is admitted.

What is the MRV Fee?

The MRV fee is mandatory for applicants traveling or studying in the US. It is valid for one year and allows students to apply for a visa anytime during that period. The fee amount differs based on visa category and can change. The fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. Once paid, applicants receive a receipt called the MRV fee receipt, which includes a unique identification number (MRV receipt number)

Latest update on MRV Fees

As of June 17, 2023, there has been an increase in the MRV application fee for visitors and select nonimmigrant visa categories. The fee has risen from $160 to $185 .     
 

Why is MRV required?

Everyone submitting a US Visa application must pay the Machine-Readable Visa fee (MRV). This cost is mandatory, irrespective of the type of visa an individual is applying for. Prospective applicants should check the official US immigration website to determine whether they must pay the MRV fee. Those coming to the US on an F or M-type Student Visa are expected to pay an MRV fee of about USD 185, about INR 15,000.      
 

The MRV application fee for common nonimmigrant visa types is US$185. This covers tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Petition-based visas (e.g., work and religious) cost US$205. K visas cost US$265, and E visas cost US$315.     
 

MRV Receipt and MRV Receipt Number

When a Machine-Readable Visa or MRV tax is paid, the generated document is the  MRV receipt  . This receipt contains a unique number referred to as the MRV receipt number. Bear in mind that it may take up to two business days for the  MRV number  to be issued after payment.

When will I get MRV receipt number?

The MRV receipt number is an important document you will need throughout the visa application process. It is a 10-digit number unique to your application, confirming that you have paid the visa application fee. This number is used to track your visa application, schedule your visa interview appointment, and check the status of your application.

The time it takes to receive your MRV receipt number can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the receipt number can take up to 72 hours to become available on the visa application website. However, in some cases, it may take longer due to technical issues or delays in processing.

You will get your MRV receipt number immediately after you have paid the MRV application fee. If you have paid the fee at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the cashier will provide you with a receipt containing the MRV receipt number. If you have paid the fee through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or Mobile Payments, the MRV receipt number will be displayed on the confirmation screen after you have completed your payment. Once you have the MRV receipt number, you can schedule your visa interview appointment and track your visa application status.

Why is there an activation time for the MRV receipt number?

The activation time for the MRV receipt number is due to the processing procedures involved. After paying the fee, it can take up to two business days for the MRV receipt number to become available. If there are unexpected delays in obtaining the MRV receipt number, applicants are advised to wait for the stipulated period. In case of prolonged delays, they can contact the appropriate visa application center or embassy for further assistance and guidance on the next steps.  

When MRV receipt numbers are delayed unexpectedly, what should applicants do?

In case there are any delays with the MRV receipt number, applicants can retrieve it by logging into their visa application account. It's important to keep the receipt with the visa fee number as it cannot be replaced if lost. With the visa fee number, scheduling an appointment may be possible. Also, remember to check the expiration date of the MRV fee receipts.     
 

It is essential to keep your MRV receipt number safe and secure as it is required throughout the visa application process. You will need it to schedule your visa interview appointment and track your application status. If you lose your MRV receipt number, you can retrieve it by logging into your visa application account.     
 

Applicants can take some troubleshooting steps if they encounter issues during the payment or receipt process.     

If applicants face any problems while making the payment or receiving the MRV Fee, they should contact the relevant authorities for help. Inquiries can be made by contacting the provided phone number, +374 60 465 986. Moreover, applicants from within the United States can call +1 703 520 2525 for assistance with their non-immigrant visa applications and any general queries. It is worth mentioning that contacting the Embassy directly for visa-related questions is not recommended, as they cannot offer assistance in this matter.     

 

How to Register for MRV Fee Payment?

• Applicants must access the web-based application system and establish a profile. This will guarantee that the necessary MRV Fee is paid and activated on time. The MRV Fee is usually listed in US Dollars, yet those applying can pay Indian Rupees.
• After doing so, applicants must select 'Schedule My Appointment' on the left side of their monitor. Subsequently, they must finish the Visa Type, Post, Visa Category, and Visa Class steps.
• When you have reached the Payment page, press Payment Options to select your way of payment. Payment options available in India are:
  • NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)
  • Axis Bank or Citibank branch in India
  • IMPS – Payment by Mobile Phone
• Choose the payment method that works best for you and complete the transaction. When you submit the visa fee, you accept that this is a non-refundable fee that must be paid before the application can be processed. Please be aware that no money will be returned to you regardless of the result of the application.
• Keep a record of your CGI reference or transaction number no matter your payment method. It is necessary to have this information to make an appointment.
• After you have submitted your visa fee, you can arrange your interview.

How to get MRV fee receipt? 

If you are someone who has recently applied for a visa to the United States, then it is highly likely that you have paid the MRV fee. The MRV fee or the Machine-Readable Visa fee is a mandatory fee that all visa applicants must pay before their appointment. You will receive a receipt confirming your payment once you have paid the fee. This receipt is necessary as it serves as proof of payment and is required during your visa interview.  

The process of obtaining your MRV fee receipt is relatively simple. Once you have paid the fee, you will receive an email from the United States Visa Application Center (USVAC) confirming your payment. This email will contain a unique reference number that you will need to access your receipt. You must visit the USVAC website to access your receipt and enter your reference number. Once you have done this, you can download your MRV fee receipt.

It is important to note that the  MRV fee receipt  is only valid for one year from the payment date. You must pay the fee again if you do not use it within this time frame. If you lose your receipt, you can also request a copy from  the USVAC website.  Overall, obtaining your MRV fee receipt is straightforward and can be done online. However, it is important to keep the receipt safe as it is a crucial document in the visa application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your MRV Fee Receipt

Step 1 : Payment of the MRV Fee

• Log in to your country's  official US Visa Information and Appointment Services website.     
• Complete the visa application form (DS-160).
• Select the appropriate visa type and category.
• Follow the prompts to the payment section and choose your preferred method of payment (NEFT, bank deposit, mobile payment, etc.).
• Make the payment as instructed.

Step 2: Confirmation of Payment

• After payment, you will receive a confirmation message or email with a unique receipt number or transaction ID. Save this information as you will need it for the next steps.

Step 3: Accessing Your MRV Receipt

• Wait for the stipulated processing time (usually up to 2 business days) to acknowledge the payment.
• Once the payment is confirmed, log back into your profile on the visa information website.
• Navigate to the 'My Account' or 'Payment Confirmation' section to view and confirm your MRV fee payment.

Step 4: Printing Your MRV Receipt

• You should see an option to print your MRV receipt on the payment confirmation page. Click on this option.
• A PDF or a webpage version of your MRV receipt will be generated. Ensure your printer is ready and print the receipt.

Step 5: Scheduling Your Visa Interview

• With your MRV receipt number, you can now schedule your visa interview.
• Go to the 'Schedule My Appointment' section of the website.
• Enter your MRV receipt number when prompted.
• Choose a date and time for your visa interview that is convenient for you.

Step 6:  Preparing for Your Interview

• Gather all required documents, including your MRV receipt, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, photographs, and other supporting documents.
• Attend your visa interview on the scheduled date and time.

Step 7:  After the Interview

• If your visa is approved, follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate to receive your passport with the visa.
• Keep your MRV receipt and other essential documents if you need to refer to it.

Is MRV Compulsory?

Individuals applying for a United States Visa are expected to pay the MRV fees, a fee for visa processing that is charged regardless of the outcome of the application. This fee cannot be refunded or transferred and there are certain occasions when it is unnecessary to pay it.  Here are the cases in which you do not need to pay MRV fees: 

• If you are applying for a G or A visa for official travel
• If you are applying for a  J-1 visa  to participate in a United States Government-sponsored program 
• If you already hold a valid visa
• If you are a citizen of Canada or Bermuda

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MRV Receipt for US Visa Appointment Fee Paid in India 

• Two people have applied, with the cost of each being USD 180. The current exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar is IUSD = INR 83.00.
• The total price for two individuals at twice of 180 times the rate of 83.00 is INR 30.000.

To verify the transaction, kindly provide your receipt code. It might take some time before you can book your appointment, so please be patient and thanks for your understanding.

Following this, the names of all applicants are written down, as well as a place to input the "Receipt Number." The 10-digit "Bank Reference Number" from the US Visa Fee Receipt should be entered in this case.

Once the receipt has been activated, the number will automatically be filled in, meaning you can move on to the next step with a simple click of "Continue".

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Checklist of documents and items to bring to the visa interview, including the MRV receipt     

When attending a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, it's essential to bring several documents and items to ensure a smooth process. The checklist includes:

• The ICE Form I-20
• Form I-901 and SEVIS Fee Receipt, 
• Form DS-160
• MRV Receipt
• financial documents
• Proof of intent to depart
• Valid Passport
• Recent Photograph
• Test scores and Transcripts. 

Demonstrating financial ability and intent to return to the home country is crucial. Additionally, students are advised to contact Student Life for any queries about the process. It's also recommended to bring the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Form and the letter of admission provided by the university or institution.

Things to Keep in Mind     

If you are looking to organize a visa for a student in the United States, it is important to remember a few things when paying the  MRV Fee .

• Before setting up their meeting, candidates must first make a successful payment before they are given permission.
• It is essential to attend the initial job interview appointment once scheduled. Since booking a follow-up appointment may necessitate applicants to pay an extra MRV fee, they are encouraged to arrange a visa session on days when they are available to prevent incurring a second expense. Unfortunately, the MRV fee cannot be exchanged.
• Applicants need to hang on to their payment proof with the relevant number. If it is misplaced, it cannot be recovered. It is only possible to schedule an appointment with the receipt number for the visa fee.

MRV Receipt Number Sample     

An  MRV receipt fee  would resemble something like this. Please remember that this is a typical example and not to be surprised if your actual receipt looks different. Just be sure you pay your MRV Fee on the authorized website.

Conclusion 

Those who wish to go to the United States of America and are planning to arrive there soon are obligated to pay a Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee. This fee is a necessity to initiate their US visa application. It is a charge imposed by the government and has to be paid regardless of whether or not their visa is accepted. Additionally, the MRV fee is not returnable. Let us take a deeper look into the MRV Receipt in this article.

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