If you’re planning to apply for a US visa, one term you’ll repeatedly encounter is the MRV fee receipt. Understanding this small yet crucial document can save you from unnecessary delays and confusion during your visa process. Whether you’re a student, tourist, or professional, this guide will help you understand everything about the MRV receipt, including how to get it, how to use the MRV receipt number, and how to download your MRV fee payment receipt. Let’s break it all down so you can confidently handle your US visa application in 2026.
The MRV fee receipt, also known as the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee receipt, is an official document issued after you pay the visa application fee. This payment is mandatory for most non-immigrant US visa categories, such as B1/B2 (tourist and business), F1 (student), H1B Visa (work), and others.
The MRV fee serves as proof that you’ve paid the required visa application fee. Without it, you cannot schedule your visa interview or complete your DS-160 process.
Your MRV fee payment receipt is more than just proof of payment — it acts as your official gateway to the next step of your visa process. Once the payment is made, the MRV receipt number for US visa is activated and allows you to schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate.
Here’s why the MRV receipt is important:
It confirms your visa fee payment.
It activates your access to the online appointment system.
It helps the US consulate verify your application record.
It’s essential for both new and renewal visa applications.
Without a valid MRV fee receipt, your visa application cannot move forward.
The MRV receipt number (or MRV number) is a unique identifier assigned to your payment. This number links your payment to your visa application.
You can find the MRV receipt number on the payment confirmation page or printed receipt after completing your transaction. If you paid online, it is often listed under the “Payment Confirmation” section on the US visa portal.
This number is required to:
Schedule or reschedule your US visa appointment.
Track your payment status.
Verify payment completion.
The MRV fee can be paid in multiple ways depending on the country of application. In India and many other countries, the accepted payment methods include:
You can pay directly from your bank account to the designated US visa fee account.
A unique reference number is provided for tracking.
You can pay the fee in cash at designated partner banks (like Axis Bank or Citibank in India).
You’ll receive a printed US visa fee receipt immediately after payment.
This is one of the fastest methods.
The MRV receipt number is often generated within 2–3 hours.
Some countries support online platforms linked to the US visa system for MRV payments.
Once your payment is completed, the MRV receipt becomes active within a few hours.
Getting your MRV fee receipt involves a few simple steps. Here’s a quick walkthrough for 2026:
Visit the US visa application portal for your country and log in with your credentials.
Select your visa category (for example, B1/B2, F1, J1, etc.) and confirm the applicable MRV fee amount.
The system will generate a payment slip containing your unique receipt reference number and payment instructions.
Pay the fee via your preferred method (NEFT, cash, or card). Make sure to use the same details registered in your DS-160 form.
Once payment is confirmed, you’ll get an option for MRV fee receipt download. You can print or save the receipt — both digital and physical copies are acceptable for your records.
If you’ve completed your payment but haven’t yet downloaded your receipt, here’s how you can do it easily:
Go to the US visa payment portal and log in using your account credentials.
Navigate to the “Payment History” or “Visa Fee Receipt” section.
Locate your most recent MRV payment.
Click on “Download MRV Fee Receipt” or “Print Receipt.”
Save the file as a PDF on your device for easy access.
For applicants searching for “US visa fee receipt download” or “US visa payment receipt download”, this is the official and safest way to retrieve your MRV receipt.
The MRV fee receipt is typically valid for one year from the date of payment. This means you must schedule your visa interview within that period; otherwise, the receipt will expire and the payment will be forfeited.
Here’s what you need to remember:
You cannot transfer the receipt to another applicant.
You cannot use one MRV receipt for multiple visa categories.
If it expires, you must make a new payment and obtain a fresh MRV fee receipt.
Your MRV receipt information includes:
Applicant’s full name
Passport number
Payment reference number
Date and mode of payment
Visa category
Amount paid
MRV receipt number for US visa
To verify your MRV receipt information for US visa, check these details on your downloaded receipt and ensure they match your DS-160 confirmation. Mismatched details can delay your interview scheduling.
Even though the MRV process is straightforward, applicants occasionally face issues like missing or inactive receipts. Let’s look at the most frequent problems and how to resolve them.
Sometimes the MRV receipt number may take up to 24 hours to activate. Wait patiently and try scheduling your appointment later. If the issue persists, contact support.
If you’ve lost your printed MRV fee payment receipt, don’t panic. Simply log back into the portal and re-download it.
If you entered incorrect applicant details during payment, contact the US visa support center in your country for correction assistance.
If you accidentally made multiple payments, only one will be valid. Refunds are typically not issued, so proceed with caution before confirming transactions.
Once your MRV fee is paid, you’ll use the MRV receipt number to schedule your visa appointment:
Log in to the US visa appointment system.
Enter your DS-160 confirmation number.
Input your MRV receipt number for US visa.
Choose your preferred date and location for the visa interview.
Confirm and print your appointment letter.
The MRV receipt number serves as your verification code linking your payment to your interview schedule.
If you’re unsure whether your MRV payment went through successfully:
Log in to the visa appointment portal.
Go to “Payment Confirmation.”
Look for “Active” status under your receipt.
You may also receive an email confirmation if you paid online.
If the status shows “Pending” for over 24 hours, contact your bank or the visa helpdesk.
Unfortunately, MRV fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once paid, the amount cannot be claimed back, even if your visa is denied or you decide not to proceed with the application.
Always ensure that your visa category and DS-160 details are accurate before making the payment.
Always keep both digital and physical copies of your MRV receipt.
Verify your MRV receipt information right after downloading.
Don’t share your MRV receipt number publicly — it’s linked to your personal data.
Schedule your appointment early, especially during busy seasons.
Save your MRV fee payment receipt until your visa process is fully complete.
No, the MRV fee receipt is valid for a single application only. Even if your visa is refused, the same receipt cannot be reused for another attempt. You’ll have to make a fresh payment and obtain a new receipt for a new application.
Before using your MRV receipt, ensure all the details are accurate:
Correct passport number
Full name (matching your DS-160)
Payment date and reference number
Validity period
Correct visa category
Incorrect details can lead to scheduling errors or interview delays.
Here’s a quick snapshot of common MRV fee amounts (as per 2026 estimates):
Note: Fees may vary slightly based on exchange rates and location.
If your MRV fee receipt download option isn’t visible:
Clear browser cache and try again.
Log out and re-login after a few hours.
Contact the US visa support team if it remains unavailable after 24 hours.
The MRV fee receipt is proof of payment for your visa application fee. It’s required to schedule your interview and proceed with your visa process.
You can find your MRV receipt number on the payment confirmation page or printed payment slip. It’s used to schedule your visa appointment.
Yes, you can easily re-download your MRV receipt from the US visa portal under the “Payment History” section.
Log in to your visa portal and download a new copy. The system keeps a record of all payments.
No, MRV fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of your visa outcome.
The MRV fee receipt is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. You must schedule your interview before it expires.
No, each MRV receipt is unique and tied to one applicant only.
Your MRV fee receipt is one of the most vital documents in your US visa application process. Understanding its purpose, structure, and use can save you time, money, and frustration. From generating and downloading to verifying and using your MRV receipt information, every step matters.
Make sure you store your MRV fee payment receipt safely, verify your MRV receipt number for US visa before scheduling your interview, and stay updated with the latest US visa procedures for 2026.
For applicants planning long-term travel or business opportunities, you can also explore the USA business visa route or seek guidance from a professional migration consultant to make your process smoother.
By keeping your MRV fee details accurate and accessible, you ensure a hassle-free visa journey toward your dream destination — the United States.
