The Fee Payment Receipt (MRV Fee) is proof of payment of the mandatory MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee, which is part of the process of applying for a U.S. visa. This fee applies to most nonimmigrant visas and must be paid before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The receipt is linked to the applicant’s DS-160 form number and confirms that one of the formal requirements for starting the visa process has been met. Without a valid MRV Fee receipt, it is not possible to book a visa interview appointment in the system.
Role and Importance of the MRV Fee Receipt
The MRV Fee Receipt plays a key role in the visa application process, as it allows applicants to proceed to the next step — scheduling the consular interview. It is a basic administrative document that proves the applicant has paid the required visa fee.
Consular officers may also ask to see the receipt on the day of the interview, so applicants should keep it and bring it with them to the embassy or consulate. The MRV Fee Receipt helps standardize and streamline the visa process, preventing confusion related to payments.
Procedure for Obtaining the Receipt
After completing the DS-160 form, the applicant must pay the MRV fee using one of the available payment methods (e.g., online, at a bank, or other channels depending on the country). Once the payment is made, an electronic or paper receipt is generated and should be kept
This confirmation is then recorded in the visa system and allows the applicant to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. In practice, without the MRV Fee Receipt, the system will not allow access to the appointment calendar, and the applicant will not be able to secure a date.
Practical Importance and Limitations
The Fee Payment Receipt (MRV Fee) is valid only for one visa application and cannot be transferred to another person or reused if the application is denied. Each applicant for a nonimmigrant visa must pay the fee and have their own receipt.
Although it is a simple document, the MRV Fee Receipt is essential — without it, the process cannot begin, making it one of the most critical elements of the visa procedure.
Summary
The Fee Payment Receipt (MRV Fee) is proof of payment of the mandatory visa fee, required to book a visa interview appointment and move forward in the application process. It confirms compliance with formal requirements and ensures that the visa application can be processed.
👉 If you are preparing a visa application and need help completing your documents correctly, you can use our online application form at uspassportapplicationonline.com to avoid mistakes and move smoothly through the visa process.
Select your application form type
U.S. Passports
U.S. Visas
U.S. ESTA
Read also the articles on our blog:
* The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content has been prepared based on publicly available information, including the U.S. Department of State website and other thematic sources, and is intended to clarify selected issues and assist individuals interested in the process of applying for documents, including passports and visas.