One of the major areas of confusion in the USA VISA application process is the difference between the SEVIS and MRV fees. Both are crucial and must be included in the visa application fee. If we understand the key difference between the two application fees, the entire VISA application process for the USA becomes easy, and it definitely increases the chance for a successful visa clearance.
This guide is a complete overview of the entire visa process for the USA, along with providing clear differentiation in the SEVIS and MRV fees for a USA student visa.
Key Takeaways
- SEVIS and MRV are separate and necessary fees for a US student visa.
- SEVIS fee ($350) tracks your student record; MRV fee ($185) processes your visa application.
- Pay SEVIS first, then MRV to avoid delays.
- SEVIS remains valid with the same SEVIS ID; MRV is valid for 1 year and non-refundable.
- Following the correct process ensures a smooth and successful visa application.
What is the Visa Application Fee for a USA Student Visa?
The Visa Application Fee for a USA student visa is the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, which students need to pay is is necessary to schedule a visa interview. While people often mix it up with the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is also necessary, it’s for the student tracking system in the USA. Both are required to successfully apply for an F-1 visa. Both SEVIS and MRV fee for USA student visa are an important part of a USA student visa application.
What is the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee is charged by the US government to maintain your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Key Points:
- Required for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa applicants
- Paid before your visa interview
- Linked to your I-20 form
- One-time fee (valid as long as SEVIS ID remains unchanged)
SEVIS Fee Details
Below is a table mentioning the SEVIS fee structure and other necessary details.
| Feature | Details |
| Fee Amount | $350 (F-1 visa) |
| Paid To | US Department of Homeland Security |
| Payment Time | Before scheduling a visa interview |
| Validity | Until you change the university or SEVIS ID |
| Refundable? | No |
What is the MRV Fee?
The MRV fee (Machine Readable Visa fee) is the official Visa Application Fee required to process your US visa application.
Key Points:
- Mandatory for all visa applicants
- Required to book your visa appointment
- Paid via the US visa appointment portal
- Valid for a limited time
MRV Fee Details
Below is a table mentioning the MRV fee structure and other necessary details.
| Feature | Details |
| Fee Amount | $185 (F-1 visa) |
| Paid To | US Embassy/Consulate |
| Payment Time | Before booking a visa appointment |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Refundable? | No |
SEVIS Fee vs. MRV Fee: 5 Major Differences
People mostly can’t seem to differentiate between SEVIS and MRV applications and why they are paid for, what purpose they hold, key details like when the amount is paid, what the validity is, and the overall cost. The table clearly differentiate both the two applications.
| Factor | SEVIS Fee | MRV Fee (Visa Application Fee) |
| Purpose | Maintains and tracks your student record in the SEVIS system | Processes your US student visa application |
| Payment Authority | Paid to the US Department of Homeland Security | Paid to the US Embassy/Consulate |
| When You Pay | After receiving your I-20 form from the university | Before booking your visa appointment |
| Validity | Valid as long as your SEVIS ID remains active | Valid for up to 1 year |
| Cost (USD) | $350 | $185 |
Step-by-Step: How to Pay SEVIS and MRV Fee For USA Student Visa
A cerrtian step wise procedure is mandatory to be followed so as not to get ambiguous midway. A clean and certain table is made for understanding which step is to be taken first.
| Step | Process | Description |
| Step 1 | Get I-20 Form | Receive your I-20 after admission to a US university |
| Step 2 | Pay SEVIS Fee | Pay $350 on the SEVIS website and download the receipt |
| Step 3 | Fill DS-160 Form | Complete the online visa application form |
| Step 4 | Pay MRV Fee | Pay the Visa Application Fee through the US visa portal |
| Step 5 | Book a Visa Appointment | Schedule a biometrics and visa interview |
Common Mistakes Students Make
Avoid these common errors:
- Confusing the SEVIS fee with the Visa Application Fee
- Paying MRV before SEVIS
- Not saving payment receipts
- Entering an incorrect SEVIS ID
- Missing payment deadlines
Why Both SEVIS and MRV Fee for USA Student Visa Are Important
Both SEVIS and MRV fee for USA student visa application are very important for students opting to go for higher education in the US. Both are to be filled out, and skipping either can cause rejection or a certain delay in the VISA process.
- SEVIS Fee ensures your legal student status in the US
- The MRV Fee allows your visa application to be processed
Conclusion
Going through the visa process i.e SEVIS and MRV fee for USA student visa can be a bit tiresome at first, keeping in mind the different charges like the SEVIS fee and the Visa application fee. It just takes a complete overview of the entire process and the key difference, and the process becomes quite manageable. The SEVIS fee ensures that your student status is officially recorded and tracked in the United States, while the MRV fee enables your visa application to be processed by the US Embassy.
If you want a seamless experience, platforms like Leverage Edu offer end-to-end support, making your selection and admission process more strategic, efficient, and successful.
FAQs
Is the SEVIS fee part of the Visa Application Fee?
No, the SEVIS fee is not part of the Visa Application Fee (MRV fee); both are separate payments that serve entirely different purposes in the US student visa process. The SEVIS fee is paid to the US Department of Homeland Security to maintain and track your student record in the SEVIS database throughout your academic journey. In contrast, the MRV fee is the official Visa Application Fee paid to the US Embassy or Consulate for processing your visa application.
Can I pay the MRV fee before the SEVIS fee?
While it is technically possible to pay the MRV fee before the SEVIS fee, it is always advisable to pay the SEVIS fee first. This is because the SEVIS fee is directly linked to your I-20 form and confirms your registration in the US student tracking system, which is a crucial requirement before attending your visa interview. Without the SEVIS payment receipt, your application may be considered incomplete during the interview stage.
Is the MRV fee refundable?
The MRV fee, which is the official Visa Application Fee, is non-refundable under all circumstances. This means that even if your visa application is rejected, withdrawn, or delayed, you will not receive a refund of the amount paid. Additionally, the MRV fee cannot be transferred to another applicant or used for a different visa category.
How long is the SEVIS fee valid?
The SEVIS fee remains valid for as long as your SEVIS ID stays the same and active in the system. This means that if you continue with the same university and program listed on your I-20 form, you are not required to pay the SEVIS fee again. However, if there are changes in your admission status, such as a terminated SEVIS record or issuance of a new SEVIS ID, the validity may no longer apply.
What happens if I change my university?
If you decide to change your university, whether you need to pay the SEVIS fee again depends entirely on whether your SEVIS ID changes. If your SEVIS record is transferred from one university to another and the SEVIS ID remains the same, you do not need to repay the fee. However, if you receive a new I-20 form with a new SEVIS ID, then paying the SEVIS fee again becomes mandatory.
Does Leverage Edu help with SEVIS and MRV fee guidance?
Yes, Leverage Edu offers comprehensive support to students throughout the US student visa process, including detailed guidance on how to correctly pay the SEVIS and MRV fees for a USA student visa. Their assistance typically covers step-by-step instructions for fee payment, help with filling out the DS-160 form, preparation of visa documents, and even mock interview sessions.
