WorldVisaSupport
US Visa Fees (2026 Guide)
US visa fees depend on the visa type and are non-refundable in most cases. The primary fee is the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, which must be paid before scheduling your visa interview. Some visa categories also require a SEVIS fee.
Last updated: June 2026
Standard US Visa Fees
B1/B2 Tourist and Business Visa
- MRV Fee: $185
- No SEVIS fee required
F1 Student Visa
- MRV Fee: $185
- SEVIS Fee: $350 (paid separately via fmjfee.com)
H1B Work Visa
- MRV Fee: $205 (applicant pays)
- Employer petition fees are paid by the sponsoring employer — not the applicant
J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- MRV Fee: $185
- SEVIS Fee: approximately $220 (varies by programme type)
Fee Summary Table
| Visa Type | MRV Fee | SEVIS Fee |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist | $185 | — |
| F1 Student | $185 | $350 |
| H1B Work | $205 | — |
| J1 Exchange | $185 | ~$220 |
Additional Costs
- Visa appointment service fees (optional, charged by third-party booking services)
- Courier return fees for passport delivery after the decision
- Document translation costs if supporting documents are not in English
- Biometrics photo costs
Important Notes on US Visa Fees
- The MRV fee is non-refundable even if your visa is refused or you cancel your appointment
- Paying the fee does not guarantee visa approval
- MRV fee receipt is usually valid for 12 months from the date of payment — you must attend your interview within this period
- Pay only through the official US Travel Docs portal for your country — never use unofficial payment channels
Related US Visa Guides
- US Visa Complete Guide
- US Visa From India
- US Visa Requirements for Indians
- US Visa Appointment Booking
- US Visa Processing Time
- US Visa Rejection Reasons
- US Visa Documents Checklist
Official References
- US Department of State — Visa Fee Information
- US Travel Docs India — Fee Payment Portal
- SEVIS Fee Payment — fmjfee.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the US visa fee refundable?
No. The MRV fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved, refused, or if you cancel your appointment after payment.
How long is the US visa fee valid?
The MRV fee receipt is usually valid for 12 months from the date of payment. You must schedule and attend your visa interview within this 12-month window.
Do I pay the visa fee before the interview?
Yes. The MRV fee must be paid before you can schedule your visa interview appointment. Payment is done through the official US Travel Docs portal for your country.
What is the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is a mandatory fee for F1 student visa and J1 exchange visitor visa applicants. It is paid separately from the MRV fee at fmjfee.com before your interview.
Do H1B applicants pay the full work visa fee?
H1B applicants pay the $205 MRV fee. The larger employer petition fees (including I-129 filing fees and fraud prevention surcharges) are paid by the sponsoring US employer, not the applicant.