What Is an MRV Fee Receipt and Why It Matters for Your US Visa

Jasmeet Kaur
Nov 10
4 min read

If you’re planning to apply for a USA visa, there are several steps you need to follow before you can schedule your visa interview. One of the most important parts of the process is the MRV Fee Receipt. Many applicants hear the term but aren’t exactly sure what it means or why it matters. In reality, this small piece of documentation plays a big role in your visa journey.

In this blog, we’ll break down what is MRV fee receipt, why it's required, how to get it, and how it fits into the overall US visa application process. Whether you're handling the process yourself or taking help from a migration consultant, understanding the MRV fee receipt will save you time, confusion, and unnecessary delays.

What Is an MRV Fee Receipt?

The term MRV stands for Machine Readable Visa. The MRV fee is the non-refundable and non-transferable visa application fee that every applicant must pay before scheduling an appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate.

Once the fee is paid through the authorised payment channels, you receive an MRV Fee Receipt, which serves as proof of payment. Without this receipt, you cannot schedule your visa interview, and your visa process cannot move forward.

Think of it like the entry ticket to your US visa journey: no MRV receipt, no appointment.

Also Read: Europe Work Visa Apply Online

Why Is the MRV Fee Receipt Important?

The MRV Fee Receipt is more than just a payment confirmation. It plays several crucial roles:

1. Mandatory for Booking Your Visa Appointment

You cannot choose your interview date until the system verifies your MRV fee payment. The receipt contains a unique reference number that activates your profile for scheduling.

2. Proof of Compliance With US Visa Guidelines

The US immigration system runs on strict documentation. The MRV receipt ensures you’ve completed the required financial step of the application process.

3. Required Throughout the Process

At some stages, visa officers may ask you about the MRV fee reference, especially if there is a technical or profile-related issue. Keeping the receipt handy is always smart.

4. Helps Track Payment Validity

The MRV fee is valid for a specific period (usually one year). Your receipt helps you confirm whether your payment is still usable if you're rescheduling your appointment.

So even though it feels like a small document, it plays a key role in moving your application forward smoothly.

How Much Is the MRV Fee?

The fee amount varies depending on the visa category:

Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2) – Typically USD 185
Student Visa (F/M/J) – Usually USD 185
Work Visas (H, L, O, P, R) – Higher, often around USD 205 to USD 315

The exact fee may vary depending on policy updates, so always check the latest amount before payment.

How to Pay the MRV Fee

When you apply for a USA visa, you must create a profile on the US Travel Docs website for your country. Once logged in, you will see the payment options. Common payment methods include:

NEFT/Bank Transfer
IMPS
Cash Payment at Designated Banks
Online Payment (if available)

After completing the payment, it may take a few hours to reflect in your profile. Once the payment is confirmed, your MRV Fee Receipt becomes available.

Also Read: Canadian Student Visa Application Fee

Where Can You Download the MRV Fee Receipt?

Once the payment posts successfully, here’s how you access the receipt:

Log in to your US Travel Docs account.
Navigate to the Payment Confirmation section.
Download and save your MRV Fee Receipt.
Take a printout for your records.

Important tip: Do not lose the receipt. If you misplace it and face technical issues in the portal, regaining access may be time-consuming.

What Information Does the MRV Fee Receipt Contain?

Your MRV Fee Receipt will include:

Applicant Name
Payment Date
Receipt Number
Visa Category
Payment Amount
Transaction Reference

This unique receipt number is what enables appointment scheduling.

How the MRV Fee Receipt Fits Into the Visa Process

To understand the importance clearly, let’s look at where the MRV receipt fits in the full process when you apply for a USA visa:

Fill the DS-160 Form
Create a Profile on US Travel Docs
Pay the MRV Fee
Receive the MRV Fee Receipt
Schedule Your Biometrics and Visa Interview Appointments
Attend Your Appointments With All Required Documents
Receive Your Visa Decision

Without step 4, the process cannot move ahead. That's why understanding the MRV receipt is essential.

Can the MRV Fee Be Refunded or Transferred?

Unfortunately, no. The U.S. government does not allow:

Refunds
Transfers to another person
Transfers to another visa category

If you paid the fee and didn’t schedule an appointment within the validity period, you’ll have to pay again.

Also Read: USA Business Visa Requirements

Common Mistakes Applicants Make With MRV Fee Receipts

Even though it’s a simple step, many applicants go wrong here. Some common mistakes include:

Paying the wrong fee amount
Paying under the wrong visa category
Using outdated bank details
Not saving the receipt
Not checking whether payment has been posted

Working with a migration consultant can help you avoid these issues, especially if it’s your first time applying for a USA visa.

Should You Get Help From a Migration

Consultant?

If the process feels overwhelming, a professional migration consultant can provide support such as:

Helping you understand visa categories
Ensuring correct MRV fee payment
Assisting with DS-160 form
Booking visa appointments
Giving guidance for the interview

For students, tourists, and work visa applicants, having expert help often reduces stress and speeds up the process.

Final Thoughts

Now that you clearly understand What is MRV Fee Receipt and why it matters, you’re already one step ahead in your plan to apply for a USA visa. This small but essential document is your gateway to scheduling the visa interview and completing your application smoothly.

Make sure you pay the correct amount, save the receipt, and keep track of its validity. And if you ever feel stuck or confused, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted migration consultant who can simplify the entire process for you.