The F1 visa is a student visa for international students who want to study in the US. It allows them to enroll in accredited universities, colleges, and language programs. To apply, students must pay the F1 Visa Application Fee, a mandatory non-refundable charge required before scheduling the visa interview.
Understanding the F1 Visa Application Fee is crucial for a smooth application process. Knowing the exact amount, payment methods, and additional costs can help students avoid delays. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your visa expenses effectively.
Table of contents
- What is the F1 Visa Application Fee?
- Additional Fees to Consider Apart from F1 Visa Application Fees
- How to Pay the F1 Visa Fee?
- When to Pay the F1 Visa Fee?
- Validity of the F1 Visa Application Fee Payment
- Refund Policy for F1 Visa Application Fee
- Common Issues and Solutions for F1 Visa Application Fee Payment
- FAQs
What is the F1 Visa Application Fee?
The F1 visa application fee is the amount international students must pay to apply for a US student visa. This includes two key US visa application fees: the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) and the SEVIS Fee.
Together, these fees cover the cost of processing the visa application and maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international students in the US.
- The Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) Fee is USD 185 and is required to submit the DS-160 form and schedule the visa interview. It is non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning students must pay again if they reapply.
- Additionally, the SEVIS Fee of USD 350 is required for all F1 visa applicants. This fee supports SEVIS, which monitors students throughout their academic stay in the US.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Purpose |
| F1 Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) | USD 185 | Covers visa processing and DS-160 submission |
| SEVIS Fee | USD 350 | Funds the SEVIS system to track international students |
| Total Cost | USD 535 | Combined cost for an F1 visa application |
Therefore, the total cost for an F1 visa application is approximately USD 535. However, some sources may round this total to USD 510, accounting for exchange rates and minor fee variations.
Applicants should always check the latest official fees before making payments.
Now that we’ve covered the essential US student visa costs, let’s look at other potential expenses you should consider.
Additional Fees to Consider Apart from F1 Visa Application Fees
Apart from the F1 Visa Application Fee, students may need to pay additional costs depending on their circumstances. These expenses include the Visa Issuance (Reciprocity) Fee, financial proof for dependents, and other miscellaneous costs related to the visa process.
Visa Issuance (Reciprocity) Fee
The Visa Issuance (Reciprocity) Fee is a student visa application fee that is charged based on your nationality. Not all students need to pay this fee—it depends on the agreement between your country and the US government.
If applicable, this fee must be paid after your F1 visa is approved. To check if you need to pay this fee, visit the US State Department website and look for the reciprocity fee details specific to your country.
Financial Proof for Dependents
If you plan to bring your spouse or children on an F2 visa (dependent visa), you must show a minimum bank balance for a US visa as financial proof to show that you can support them while studying in the US. The required amount varies by institution but typically includes:
- Spouse: USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 per year
- Each Child: USD 2,500 to USD 6,000 per year
This financial proof ensures that you have enough funds to cover living expenses for your dependents. Universities may ask for bank statements or financial guarantee letters before issuing dependent I-20 forms.
Document Processing for Dependents
Dependents of F1 students need their own I-20 forms, which universities provide as part of the student’s documentation process. While there is no official fee for issuing these documents, students may incur costs for:
- Photocopying and notarizing documents
- Translation of certificates (if required)
- Travel expenses to the US embassy for their visa interview
Do Dependents Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
No, F2 visa holders (dependents) do not need to pay the SEVIS fee. The USD 350 SEVIS fee is only required for the primary F1 visa holder. However, dependents must be included in the SEVIS records and will receive their own I-20 forms.
Other Potential Expenses
In addition to visa-related fees, students should also budget for:
- Translation & document verification (if documents are not in English)
- Medical checkups & vaccinations (if required for travel)
- Travel costs to the US embassy or consulate
- Courier services for sending documents if needed
These additional expenses may vary based on your location and personal situation. Being aware of these costs can help you plan your F1 visa application process smoothly and avoid last-minute surprises.
Also Read: Taking a loan for higher studies in the US? Check out all the important details of collateral-free education loans for the US and how to get them.
How to Pay the F1 Visa Fee?
Paying the US student visa fees and costs is a simple process, but the available payment methods depend on your country. You must complete the payment before scheduling your visa interview.
Payment Methods
Students can pay the USD 185 F1 Visa Application Fee using the following methods:
- Online payment – Pay using a credit or debit card through the official US visa payment portal.
- Bank transfer – Transfer the fee from your local bank to the designated US embassy account.
- Cash payment – Some countries allow cash payments at approved banks. You will receive a receipt, which is required for scheduling the visa appointment.
- Mobile payment – In certain regions, mobile payment options like digital wallets may be available.
Where to Pay?
The F1 Visa Application Fee must be paid through official channels only. Payments should be made via:
- The US Visa Information and Appointment Services website for your country. You can find the same at the official portal.
- Designated partner banks are listed by the US embassy or consulate in your country.
After payment, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt safe, as you need it to book your visa interview. Always check the official US embassy or consulate website in your country for accurate and updated payment instructions.
When to Pay the F1 Visa Fee?
The F1 Visa Application Fee must be paid at the right time to avoid delays in the visa process. It is a crucial step that students need to complete before scheduling their visa appointment.
1. Pay Before Booking Your Visa Appointment
You cannot schedule your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate until you have paid the US student visa costs. Once the payment is made, you will receive a receipt or a payment confirmation number, which is required to book your appointment.
2. Payment Before Submitting Form DS-160
While the payment timing varies by country, it is generally recommended to complete the fee payment before submitting Form DS-160. The DS-160 form is the official non-immigrant visa application form that all F1 visa applicants must submit online.
Some embassies may require proof of payment when you submit this form, so check the specific guidelines for your country.
3. Proof of Payment for Scheduling the Visa Interview
In some countries, students must provide proof of payment before they can access the visa appointment scheduling system. This means your payment must be processed and verified before you can proceed.
The payment confirmation can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the method used (e.g., online vs. bank transfer).
Validity of the F1 Visa Application Fee Payment
The F1 Visa Application Fee is not only non-refundable and non-transferable but also has a limited validity period. Students must be aware of the payment validity to avoid paying the fee multiple times.
MRV Receipt Validity
Once you pay the F1 Visa Application Fee, you will receive a Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) receipt. This receipt is typically valid for one year (365 days) from the date of payment. Within this period, you must schedule your visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.
What Happens If You Miss the Validity Period?
If you fail to schedule a visa interview within the MRV receipt’s validity period, the receipt will expire, and you may have to pay the US student visa fee again.
Since the fee is non-refundable, students should plan their visa process carefully to avoid extra costs.
How to Avoid Payment Expiry Issues?
- Check the MRV receipt expiration date immediately after payment.
- Schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible to secure a slot.
- Keep track of US embassy processing times, as appointment availability may vary.
Refund Policy for F1 Visa Application Fee
The F1 Visa Application Fee is a mandatory, non-refundable, and non-transferable payment. This means that once you pay the fee, you cannot get a refund under any circumstances—even if your visa application is denied or you decide not to proceed with your studies.
Below are key points to understand about the refund policy.
- No Refund for Visa Denial – If your F1 visa application is rejected, the F1 Visa Application Fee will not be refunded. You must pay again if you decide to reapply.
- Non-Transferable Payment – The fee is linked to your specific passport number and DS-160 form. It cannot be transferred to another person or used for another visa category.
- Valid for One Year Only – Your MRV receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment. If you do not schedule an interview within this period, the payment will expire, and you will need to pay again.
- No Refund for Withdrawal – If you choose to cancel your visa application or not attend the visa interview, you will not get a refund.
- Payment Errors Are Non-Refundable – If you make a duplicate payment or pay the wrong amount, the US government does not issue refunds. Always double-check the fee amount before making a payment.
Also Read: Check here about what happens to your education loan if your visa is rejected. Know about further steps and fresh loan applications.
Common Issues and Solutions for F1 Visa Application Fee Payment
Paying the F1 visa fees for international students is a crucial step, but sometimes, students face payment-related issues. Below are some common problems and their solutions to help you navigate the process smoothly.
1. Payment Not Reflected?
Issue: You have paid the F1 Visa Application Fee, but the payment is not showing in the system.
Solution:
- Check bank processing times – Payments via bank transfer or cash deposit may take 1–3 business days to process. Wait for the confirmation before taking further action.
- Verify your payment details – Ensure you used the correct reference number and followed the instructions provided on the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website.
- Contact your bank – If the amount has been deducted but is not updated in the US visa system, your bank can confirm if the transaction was successfully processed.
- Reach out to the US Visa Information Service – If the issue persists, contact the visa support center in your country for assistance.
2. Lost MRV Receipt?
Issue: You have lost the MRV receipt, which is required to schedule your visa appointment.
Solution:
- Check your email – If you made an online payment, look for a confirmation email that contains your receipt number.
- Log into your visa account – If you paid online via the official US visa portal, try logging in to retrieve the receipt number.
- Contact the US Visa Information Service – If you cannot find the receipt, you must contact the visa appointment support center for your country to request assistance.
3. Paid the Wrong Amount?
Issue: You accidentally paid more or less than the required F1 Visa Application Fee.
Solution:
- Contact the US embassy or consulate – If you overpaid, the excess amount may not be refundable. You should reach out to the embassy for guidance.
- Check if you need to pay again – If you underpaid, your application may not be processed, and you might need to make a new payment for the correct amount.
- Avoid duplicate payments – Before repaying, confirm with the embassy or visa support center whether your original payment can be adjusted or if a new payment is necessary.
Final Tip: Always follow the official payment instructions provided by the US embassy or consulate in your country.
This was all about the F1 visa application fees to study in the US. Students should be aware of other costs, such as the SEVIS fee, potential visa issuance fees, and expenses for dependents.
By staying informed and following the correct steps, you can ensure a smooth F1 visa application process. Check out the FAQs for more information.
FAQs
The F1 Visa Application Fee (MRV fee) is USD 185. This must be paid before scheduling the visa interview.
No, the F1 Visa Application Fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied or you decide not to proceed with your application.
You can pay the F1 Visa Application Fee through:
– Online payment (credit/debit card)
– Bank transfer
– Cash at designated banks
– Mobile payment (available in some regions)
You must pay the fee before scheduling your visa appointment. Some countries also require proof of payment before submitting Form DS-160.
The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is USD 350 and is separate from the F1 Visa Application Fee. All F1 visa applicants must pay this fee before applying for the visa.
No, the fee is non-transferable. It is linked to your passport number and DS-160 form, so it cannot be used by someone else.
The MRV receipt is valid for one year (365 days) from the payment date. If you do not schedule your interview within this period, you may have to pay again.
If your payment is not showing, check bank processing times (which may take 1–3 business days) or contact your bank. If the issue persists, reach out to the US Visa Information Service in your country.
Yes, you must show proof of financial support for dependents:
– Spouse: USD 5,000–USD 10,000 per year
– Each child: USD 2,500–USD 6,000 per year
However, dependents do not need to pay a SEVIS fee.
Always refer to the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website or your local US embassy website for the latest fee details and updates.
To know more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
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