How to Pay the US Visa Fee Around the World (By Country)

Applying for a US visa is a significant step for travelers, students, workers, and families planning to visit or move to the United States. While the DS-160 form and visa interview are commonly discussed, one step that can create confusion is paying the US visa fee—also known as the MRV fee. Payment methods vary by country, with each US embassy or consulate offering different options such as bank transfers, mobile payments, or over-the-counter deposits. This guide walks you through how to pay the US visa fee depending on where you’re applying, and how Outbound Visa can help ensure you follow the correct process. Disclaimer: Embassy and visa rules can change quickly. Please always refer to the latest requirements on the official site. What is the MRV Fee? The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is a non-refundable payment required to process most non-immigrant visa applications. This includes tourist (B1/B2), student (F, J), and work-related (H, L, O) visas. The standard MRV fee is currently USD $185, though prices may vary depending on visa category. The fee must be paid before your visa interview can be scheduled. How the MRV Fee Payment Works (In General) No matter where you're applying from, the general flow of MRV payment includes: 1. Complete the DS-160 form 2. Create a profile on the US Visa Appointment System 3. Select your visa type and review fee information 4. Choose a payment method (varies by country) 5. Complete payment and retain your receipt 6. Schedule your interview after payment is processed Outbound Visa guides applicants through each of these steps, helping you avoid errors or delays—especially when embassy portals can be unclear or outdated. How to Pay the US Visa Fee: Country-by-Country Breakdown Singapore • Payment Methods: ◦ Electronic bank transfer via DBS or POSB ◦ Mobile app transfers ◦ Over-the-counter at SingPost branches • Processing Time: Within 1 business day • Important Note: Receipt number from the payment must be entered when booking the interview Indonesia • Payment Methods: ◦ Bank transfer via Bank CIMB Niaga ◦ Teller deposit at CIMB Niaga branches ◦ Online payment via CIMB Niaga mobile app • Processing Time: Up to 2 business days • Things to Watch For: Many applicants use incorrect payment codes—this delays the entire process. Malaysia • Payment Options: ◦ Maybank2u transfers ◦ Cash payments at Maybank branches ◦ JomPAY (if enabled) • Processing Time: Usually within 24 hours • Pro Tip: Save both the receipt number and payment confirmation page Philippines • Payment Channels: ◦ Over-the-counter payments at BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) ◦ Online banking via BPI Express Online ◦ Mobile payments (GCash integration under development, not always available) • Common Issue: Using the wrong reference number or skipping the interview scheduling window Outbound Visa supports Filipino applicants navigating the complex US visa process, including scheduling via Manila and Cebu consulates. India • Available Methods: ◦ NEFT (bank transfer) ◦ IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) ◦ Axis Bank or Citibank over-the-counter ◦ Mobile banking • Processing Time: IMPS is fastest (same-day) • Mistake to Avoid: Using incorrect UTR/Reference number can void your payment Vietnam • How to Pay: ◦ Bank payment via Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) ◦ Cash payment at bank branches ◦ Mobile banking (limited options) • Processing Time: 1–2 business days • Special Note: Some payment confirmation receipts are handwritten and may not be accepted—photocopy all documents. What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Amount or Use the Wrong Method? Mistakes in the visa fee payment can delay or void your application. Common issues include: • Selecting the wrong visa category (fees differ slightly in rare cases) • Entering the wrong receipt number when booking your appointment • Letting the receipt expire (receipts are only valid for a limited time) • Using payment channels not listed on the official embassy site Outbound Visa provides pre-payment guidance so you only pay once—and correctly. We review your application type, recommend the best method, and verify all reference codes before you book. Tips for Successful Visa Fee Payment 1. Always double-check payment codes and instructions on the country-specific US Embassy site. 2. Use the exact name on your DS-160 and bank account to avoid mismatches. 3. Retain a copy of all receipts, both digital and printed. 4. Be aware of local bank holidays that may delay processing. 5. Schedule your appointment as soon as the system updates your payment, especially in countries with limited interview slots. How Outbound Visa Helps Outbound Visa isn’t just here to help you fill out forms. We provide end-to-end assistance—including: • Reviewing your DS-160 before payment • Advising you on the correct MRV fee method based on your country • Monitoring your receipt and helping you schedule your interview • Supporting you if your payment is rejected or delayed Our expert team has supported applicants from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and more. Whether you're applying for a tourist or student visa, we reduce the stress and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Final Thoughts Paying the MRV fee may seem like a simple administrative task, but when done incorrectly, it can lead to unnecessary delays or even visa rejections. By understanding the correct process for your country—and working with an experienced partner like Outbound Visa—you’ll move forward confidently. Every case is unique, and embassies may occasionally request documents not listed above. To avoid surprises, we recommend checking with our visa experts before you apply. Outbound Visa Disclaimer Embassies often request more documents than officially listed, and requirements vary by applicant type. Students, for example, may need to prove financial sponsorship. We encourage you to speak with our team before submitting your application—these nuances are often unclear to first-time applicants.