Current Fee Breakdowns: A Clear Guide to the $185 MRV Fee and $350 SEVIS Fee

Planning to study in the United States on an F-1 visa? Understanding the official visa and SEVIS fees upfront can help you budget accurately and avoid costly mistakes.

For most F-1 student visa applicants, the two core government fees are:

The $185 MRV visa application fee, paid to the U.S. Department of State before your visa interview.
The $350 I-901 SEVIS fee, paid to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after you receive your Form I-20.studyinthestates.dhs+2

This guide breaks down both fees, explains when and how to pay them, and highlights important details every student should know.

What is the MRV fee?

The MRV fee (Machine Readable Visa fee) is the official U.S. visa application processing fee set by the U.S. Department of State. For F-1, F-2, M-1, J-1, and several other non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa categories, the MRV fee is $185.ais.usvisa-info+2

Key points about the MRV fee

Amount: $185 USD for F-1, F-2, M-1, and J-1 visas.
Who pays: Most first-time F-1 visa applicants and many renewing applicants, depending on local embassy rules.
When to pay: Before scheduling or attending your visa interview.
Where to pay: Through the official U.S. visa appointment website for your country (for example, ustraveldocs.com or the local embassy’s designated portal).
Refund policy: The MRV fee is generally non-refundable, even if your visa is refused or you cancel your appointment.
Validity: The MRV receipt is typically valid for one year from the date of payment, allowing you to reschedule your appointment within that period.guardian+1

The MRV fee covers the cost of processing your visa application. It does not guarantee visa approval.

Official source

The U.S. Department of State lists the $185 MRV fee for F, M, J, and related categories in its official visa fee schedule.

What is the SEVIS fee?

The I-901 SEVIS fee is a separate fee required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the SEVIS database used to track F, M, and J nonimmigrants.

Key points about the SEVIS fee

Amount: $350 for F-1 and M-1 students.studyinthestates.dhs+1
Who pays: Most new F-1 and M-1 students, and many transfer or change-of-status students, depending on their situation.
When to pay: After receiving your Form I-20 from your school and before your visa interview or change-of-status filing.
Where to pay: Online at FMJfee.com, the official I-901 SEVIS fee payment website.
Receipt: You must print or save the Form I-901 payment confirmation and bring it to your visa interview.
Refund policy: The SEVIS fee is generally non-refundable, but limited refund or waiver options may exist in specific circumstances (for example, certain government-sponsored programs or denied applications under defined conditions).

The SEVIS fee is separate from the MRV fee and is paid to a different agency.

Official source

DHS Study in the States confirms the $350 SEVIS fee for F and M students.studyinthestates.dhs+1

Total core government fees for a new F-1 student

For a typical new F-1 student applying from outside the United States, the core government fees are:

MRV visa application fee: $185
I-901 SEVIS fee: $350
Total: $535 (excluding any bank charges, currency conversion, or optional services)

These amounts are set by the U.S. government and are the same worldwide in U.S. dollars, though local currency equivalents may vary based on the embassy’s exchange rate.rumbovisa+2

When to pay each fee

Step 1: Receive your Form I-20

Your school issues Form I-20 after admission and financial verification. The I-20 includes your SEVIS ID, which you need to pay the SEVIS fee.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS fee ($350)

Go to FMJfee.com.
Select “Form I-901 Fee Payment.”
Choose “F-1 Student” as your visa category.
Enter your SEVIS ID from your I-20.
Pay the $350 fee online.
Save or print your I-901 confirmation receipt.

You must have paid the SEVIS fee before your visa interview.

Step 3: Pay the MRV fee ($185)

Log in to your country’s official U.S. visa appointment website.
Follow the instructions to pay the $185 MRV fee.
Keep the MRV receipt number to schedule your interview.
Note the receipt’s expiration date (usually one year).ais.usvisa-info+1

Step 4: Attend your visa interview

Bring to your interview:

Your passport.
DS-160 confirmation page.
Form I-20.
SEVIS fee (I-901) payment confirmation.
MRV fee receipt.
Any additional documents required by your embassy or consulate.

Common questions about the MRV and SEVIS fees

Do I pay both fees?

Yes, most new F-1 students pay both:

$350 SEVIS fee to DHS.
$185 MRV fee to the Department of State.studyinthestates.dhs+1

What if my visa is refused?

The MRV fee is generally non-refundable, but your receipt may remain valid for one year, allowing you to reapply within that period.guardian+1
The SEVIS fee may sometimes be reused for a future application within a certain timeframe if your SEVIS record remains valid, depending on your situation and school guidance. In some specific cases, a refund or waiver may be possible, but this is not automatic.

Do dependents (F-2) pay the SEVIS fee?

F-2 dependents generally do not pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. However, they must still pay the MRV visa application fee if they require a visa.studyinthestates.dhs+1

Are there additional fees?

Depending on your country and visa type, you may also encounter:

Bank transaction fees or service charges.
Currency conversion differences.
Optional services such as courier or premium appointment slots.
In some contexts, additional issuance or reciprocity fees, though these vary by nationality and visa category.visagyan+2

Always check your local U.S. embassy or consulate website for the most accurate, country-specific fee information.

How to keep up with official fee updates

U.S. visa and SEVIS fees can change over time. To stay updated:

Check the U.S. Department of State visa fees page for MRV fee updates.
Check the Study in the States SEVIS fee page for I-901 fee updates.studyinthestates.dhs+1
Review your local U.S. embassy or consulate website for payment instructions and local currency equivalents.
Confirm all fees directly on official .gov websites before making any payment.

Relying on unofficial agents or outdated information can lead to incorrect payments or delays.

Final checklist for F-1 fee payments

Before your visa interview, confirm that you have:

Received your Form I-20 with a valid SEVIS ID.
Paid the $350 SEVIS fee at FMJfee.com and saved your I-901 receipt.
Paid the $185 MRV fee through your embassy’s official appointment system and saved your MRV receipt.
Printed or saved electronic copies of both payment confirmations.
Verified the current fees on official U.S. government websites.
Understood your local embassy’s payment methods and any bank charges.

Conclusion

For most F-1 students, the core government fees are straightforward:

$185 MRV visa application fee to the U.S. Department of State.
$350 I-901 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Together, these total $535 in U.S. government fees, excluding any local charges or optional services. Paying these fees correctly and on time is an essential part of your visa preparation.studyinthestates.dhs+2

Always use official .gov websites for payment and information, and keep your receipts safe throughout your application process.

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Official Sources

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify current fees and procedures on official U.S. government websites and with your school’s international office