MRV Fee
Definition
The MRV fee is the Machine Readable Visa application fee charged by the U.S. Department of State for most nonimmigrant visa applications. It is paid before the visa interview, covers processing rather than approval, and is non-refundable whether or not the visa is issued. Amounts vary by visa category and are reviewed periodically.
What the MRV fee covers
The MRV fee pays for the consular processing of a nonimmigrant visa application — reviewing the case and conducting the interview. It does not buy an outcome: paying it does not guarantee a visa, and it is not refunded if the application is refused, including under a Section 214(b) intent finding. Agencies supporting U.S. visitor cases track it as part of US B-1/B-2 visa management.
Applicants pay the fee before booking their interview, and it is generally valid for one year from the date of payment. If the interview is not attended within that window, the fee expires and must be paid again. Current amounts are published on travel.state.gov; agencies should quote from that live source, not a memorised figure.
How much it is and why it varies
The MRV fee is tiered by visa category — the fee for a tourist or student visa differs from the fee for a treaty trader or investor category — and the U.S. government adjusts these amounts from time to time. Because the numbers change, this page does not state a permanent dollar figure.
The MRV fee is also distinct from other charges an applicant may face, such as reciprocity (issuance) fees that depend on nationality, or a petition fee for petition-based categories. Keeping these separate matters for collecting visa payments online accurately.
Agencies handling U.S. cases must present the MRV fee as a non-refundable government charge that is separate from their own service fee, so clients understand it is paid win or lose. A platform like VisaCRM records the MRV payment against each applicant and its one-year validity, while the current amount is always confirmed on travel.state.gov.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the MRV fee refundable if my visa is refused?
No. The MRV fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome, because it pays for processing the application and conducting the interview, not for a successful result. If your visa is refused — including under Section 214(b) — the fee is not returned, and reapplying generally means paying it again.
How much is the MRV fee?
The amount depends on the visa category and is set by the U.S. Department of State, which adjusts it periodically. Tourist, student, and work categories differ from treaty trader and investor categories. Because it changes, check the current figure on travel.state.gov before quoting a client a total.
How long is the MRV fee valid?
An MRV fee payment is generally valid for one year from the date it is paid. You must schedule and attend your visa interview within that period. If you do not, the payment expires and you will need to pay the MRV fee again to book a new appointment.
Related terms
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