USA Student Visa Fee

Planning your US student visa budget? The total USA Student Visa fees for most Indian students now add up to 785 (about 74,800). This covers three separate government charges. The MRV fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is refused. The SEVIS fee must be paid before attending the visa interview.

The USA student visa fees for Indian students include multiple government charges. Not just the visa application fee. If you are planning to study in USA for the 2026 or 2027 intake, you must budget for the MRV fee, the SEVIS I-901 fee, and any other applicable charges. You need to pay this entire fee before your visa interview.

Understanding these USA student visa fees in advance helps you avoid delays and plan your finances better. This guide explains the latest US student visa costs, payment process, hidden expenses, proof of funds required, and important updates for Indian students.

Key points

• The US student visa requires more than one government payment.
• Most Indian students applying for an F-1 visa must pay the MRV fee and the SEVIS I-901 fee.

*INR values use 1 = ₹95.31. This rate changes daily.

You should keep payment receipts safely, as they are required during the visa process.

Breakdown of Mandatory US Student Visa Fees

If you are applying for a US student visa from India, you should understand what each fee covers. Some payments go to the US Department of State, while others are collected by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

1. Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Application Fee

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is the standard visa application fee that every F-1 student must pay before scheduling a visa interview.

Current MRV Fee:

• USD 185
• Approximately INR 17,632

This fee covers the processing of your visa application. It does not guarantee visa approval.

Important points:

• It is mandatory for all F-1 student visa applicants.
• The fee is non-refundable.
• You must pay it before booking your biometrics and interview appointment.
• If your visa is refused, the fee is not returned.

2. SEVIS I-901 Fee

The SEVIS I-901 fee is different from the visa application fee. It supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international students studying in the United States.

For most Indian students:

• F-1 Visa: USD 350 (about INR 33,359)
• M-1 Visa: USD 350 (about INR 33,359)
• J-1 Visa: USD 220 (about INR 20,968)

You can pay this fee only after receiving your Form I-20 from your US university.

After payment:

• Download the SEVIS payment receipt.
• Carry a printed copy to your visa interview.
• Keep a digital copy for future reference.

Without paying the SEVIS fee, you cannot complete the student visa process.

3. Visa Integrity Fee (2026 Update)

A new US law introduced a Visa Integrity Fee for many non-immigrant visa categories, including student visas. The law sets an initial fee of at least USD 250. The operational rollout and collection process may differ based on official implementation guidance. Applicants should always verify the latest payment requirements on official US government websites before submitting their visa application.

This is a new charge. It started on October 1, 2025.

• Amount: USD 250
• Who pays: Almost all F-1, M-1, and J-1 applicants
• When it's charged: Only after your visa is approved and issued. Not at the time you apply.
• Refundable? The law allows a refund if you follow all visa rules and leave the US on time. But the US government has not yet published how to claim this refund. Treat it as a non-refundable cost for now.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pay USA Student Visa Fees from India

Follow this order. Do not skip steps or pay fees out of sequence.

1. Get your I-20 form. Your US school sends this after you accept admission. It has your SEVIS ID.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350). Use your SEVIS ID at FMJfee.com. Save the payment receipt.
3. Fill out the DS-160 form. This is your online visa application.
4. Pay the MRV fee (USD 185). Pay online or through an approved bank in India.
5. Book your visa interview. Use the US Visa Scheduling Portal. You need your MRV receipt number to book.
6. Attend your visa interview at the US Embassy or a Consulate in India.
7. If approved, pay the Visa Integrity Fee (USD 250). This is charged only at this final stage, not before.
8. Collect your passport with the visa through VFS Premium delivery or in person.

Accepted payment methods for the MRV and SEVIS fees include UPI, NEFT, and cash deposit at select Axis Bank branches. Check the exact options for your city on the official visa scheduling portal.

Hidden and Secondary Costs to Budget For

The government fees are only one part of your overall visa expenses. You should also budget for additional costs during the application process.

These expenses are not paid to the US government but should be included in your study abroad budget.

What Is the Total Cost for a US Student Visa from India?

For most Indian students applying for an F-1 visa, the mandatory government fees are:

• MRV Fee: approximately INR 17,632
• SEVIS I-901 Fee: approximately INR 33,359

This brings the total mandatory government payment to approximately INR 50,991, excluding any future applicable government fees, exchange rate revisions, or bank charges.

Once you include travel, document preparation, passport expenses, and other incidental costs, many students spend around INR 55,000 to INR 70,000 during the complete visa application process. The actual amount depends on your location and the services you choose.