MRV fee: Registration, Receipt Number, Fee Categories, And Sample

MRV, or Machine Readable Visa fee, is a mandatory visa processing fee that enables students to apply for visas. The US Government mandates the MRV fee payment method, which must be submitted by every student who wants to study abroad and apply for a visa. However, prospective applicants can visit the official US immigration website to check whether they must pay the fee. For example- students with F or M visas are expected to pay the price. In this article, we will explore what the MRV fee entails, how to register, and provide a comprehensive guide on the registration and receipt number process.

MRV fee
MRV fee is compulsory for almost every applicant who wishes to travel or study in the US. MRV fee has a one-year validity that enables the students to apply for the visa anytime within the year. It is crucial to note that this fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. Once the MRV fee is paid, the applicant gets a receipt known as the MRV fee receipt. This receipt carries essential information, including a unique identification number (MRV receipt number).

Why is this fee compulsory for applicants?

Although the MRV fee is mandatory for most applicants, only some visa holders need to make the payment. There are some visa types which do not necessitate MRV fee. Some of the cases where an MRV fee is not required are:

• If the applicant requires A or G-type visa for official travel
  
• If the applicant requires J type of visa to participate in a program sponsored by the US Government
  
• If the applicant is a citizen of Canada or Bermuda
  
• If the applicant already holds a valid visa

The registration process for the MRV fee

Given below is the step-by-step guide for the registration for the MRV fee payment:

• First, the applicant needs to log into the online application system and create their candidate profile. This step is essential to ensure the correct MRV fee is paid. The payment usually takes place in US dollars, but candidates can pay in Indian rupees if they wish to.
  
• After profile creation, an applicant can go to the schedule my appointment section and proceed.
  
• Under the “Schedule my Appointment Section,” the candidate must complete all the steps under the visa category, visa class, visa type and post.
  
• Once the visa section is complete, the screen will show a payment screen option which applicants can use to make the payment. It also offers various options to choose the preferred mode of payment.
  
• Options available for Indian students are as follows:
  
• NEFT or National Electronic Funds Transfer
  
• IMPS for mobile phone payment method
  
• Axis Bank or Citibank Branches in India are also available to make the payment.
  
• Applicants have the freedom to choose the best option that suits their needs. Once the payment method is selected, the applicant can proceed and make the payment.

How long does it take to receive the MRV receipt number?

MRV receipt number is a unique number generated after the candidate pays the Machine Readable Visa fee. The applicant may receive this receipt within 2-5 business days from the payment date. It is crucial to note that this receipt can’t be replaced once lost. Also, no one can make an appointment without their visa receipt number.

Fee categories
MRV fee are categorised on the type of visa an applicant requires. The US Department of State has established different fee structures for various visa categories. Given below are some of the common MRV fee categories:

• B1/B2 Visa (Business/Tourist Visa): This category includes the visas required for travelling to the US for business (B1) or tourism and leisure activities (B2).
  
• F Visa (Student Visa): This category includes the visa required for academic or language students wishing to pursue studies in the US.
  
• J Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa): This category includes the visas required for exchange visitors participating in approved programs.
  
• M Visa (Vocational Student Visa): This visa is specifically created for students enrolling in vocational or non-academic US programs.
  
• H Visa (Temporary Worker Visa): This visa is for individuals seeking temporary employment in the US; it usually includes speciality occupations.
  
• L Visa (Intracompany Transferee Visa): This visa is for employees of international companies who are transferred to work in the US.
  
• O Visa (Extraordinary Ability Visa): This category includes all the applicants who wish to travel to the US and use their extraordinary abilities like sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
  
• P Visa (Athletes and Performance Visa): This visa is especially for athletes, artists, entertainers, and performers who wish to attend the US to perform specific events or competitions.
  
• Q Visa (International Cultural Exchange Visa): This visa is for participants in international cultural exchange programs designated by the US.
  
• R Visa (Religious Worker Visa): This visa is for individuals who work in a religious capacity for a non-profit religious organisation.

Important points to keep in mind

MRV fee is essential to proceed with the visa application. Hence, it is vital to remember these pointers while making an MRV fee payment.

• Candidates must make the MRV fee payment before scheduling an interview appointment.
  
• Keep the receipts with the visa number safe, as they cannot be replaced if lost. Also, an applicant needs the visa fee receipt number to schedule an appointment.
  
• After the payment, the candidate can schedule an initial interview. But it is important to note that after the interview is missed, preparing for a second interview will cost an additional MRV fee. It is better to schedule the interview according to the schedule, as the MRV fee is non-refundable.
  
• MRV fee amounts may vary depending on the visa category, and applicants need to verify the specific fee applicable to their visa type before proceeding with the payment process.

To know more about the requirements for a US student visa, visit- Requirements for Getting Student Visa for USA.

Conclusion
The MRV fee is essential for anyone applying for a US visa, and understanding how the registration process works can ensure a smooth visa application journey. So, following the outlined steps, applicants can successfully pay the MRV fee and proceed with their visa interview. Always double-check the MRV fee amount for the specific visa and carefully keep the MRV fee receipt.