United States Visa Fees for Indians 2026: Complete Cost Guide

By Sunil Kumar Sharma, Visa & Travel Consultant
Magnum Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd · 21 October 2026 · 8:31 pm IST

Indian applicant reviewing United States B1/B2 visa fee breakdown and payment receipt at desk with passport and DS-160 confirmation

Most Indian applicants budget only for the MRV (visa application) fee, but the actual cost of a U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa includes service charges, biometric fees, and courier costs that can add significantly to your total outlay.

For a U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa in 2026, Indian applicants pay a non-refundable MRV fee (currently USD 185, subject to change), plus VFS Global service charges, biometric enrolment fees, and optional courier fees. The exact rupee amount fluctuates with exchange rates. Always confirm current fees on the official U.S. Department of State website and the USTravelDocs India portal before you pay.

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The full fee breakdown

When you apply for a United States visitor visa (B1/B2) from India, you encounter three distinct categories of charges. Understanding each component helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at payment.

1. The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee

This is the mandatory U.S. government fee for processing your B1/B2 visa application. As of the most recent update, the MRV fee is USD 185 for tourist and business visitor visas. This amount is set by the U.S. Department of State and applies globally, but you pay it in Indian rupees at the prevailing exchange rate published by the U.S. Embassy. The rupee equivalent changes periodically based on currency fluctuations, so check the official USTravelDocs fee page for the current INR amount before you begin your application.

2. VFS Global service charges

Because the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India use VFS Global as the visa application support service, you pay a separate service fee to VFS. This fee covers administrative support, document handling, and facilitation services. The service charge is published on the USTravelDocs India website and is payable in rupees. VFS updates this fee periodically, so always refer to the USTravelDocs India fee schedule for the exact amount applicable when you apply.

3. Optional add-on costs

You may choose to pay for:

Passport courier return service: VFS offers to courier your passport back to your address after visa processing, rather than requiring you to collect it from a designated location. The courier fee varies by service provider and distance.
Premium lounge services: Some VFS Application Support Centers offer lounge access for an additional charge.
SMS updates: Optional notification services may carry a nominal fee.

These optional services are entirely at your discretion and do not affect your visa outcome.

What the government fee covers

The USD 185 MRV fee is a non-refundable, non-transferable payment to the U.S. government. It covers:

Processing of your DS-160 application: Consular officers review your online form, supporting documents, and background information.
Interview scheduling: Access to the appointment booking system via USTravelDocs.
Consular interview: The in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad).
Security and background checks: Coordination with U.S. agencies to verify your information.

Importantly, the MRV fee does not guarantee visa approval. If your application is refused under Section 214(b) (failure to demonstrate non-immigrant intent) or any other grounds, the fee is not refunded. However, your MRV receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment, meaning you can schedule a new interview within that window without paying the fee again—useful if you are initially refused and wish to reapply with stronger documentation.

The U.S. Department of State publishes the complete fee schedule for all visa categories on its visa fees page. Always cross-check this official source if you encounter conflicting information elsewhere.

Service and biometric charges

VFS Global operates the Visa Application Centers (VACs) across India where you submit documents and biometrics. The service fee you pay to VFS is separate from the U.S. government MRV fee and covers:

Document collection and verification: VFS staff check that your DS-160 confirmation, passport, photograph, and appointment confirmation are in order.
Biometric capture: Digital fingerprinting (ten-finger scans) and photograph capture at the VAC. This biometric data is transmitted securely to the U.S. Consulate.
Passport transmission: VFS couriers your passport to and from the Consulate for visa stamping (if approved).
Helpdesk and customer support: Access to the USTravelDocs call center and email support for appointment and procedural queries.

The VFS service charge is published in rupees on the USTravelDocs India portal. It is a flat fee per applicant, regardless of your city or the Consulate you are assigned to.

Payment sequence and receipts

You pay fees in this order:

MRV fee first: Log in to your profile on USTravelDocs, generate a payment challan, and pay via NEFT/RTGS at designated bank branches, or pay online via debit card. You receive a receipt number.
Schedule your appointment: Only after MRV payment can you book your interview and biometric appointment slots.
VFS service fee: Pay this online when you confirm your VAC appointment, or pay in cash/card at the VAC itself (check the USTravelDocs site for accepted methods at your location).

Keep printed or digital copies of all payment receipts. You must bring your MRV receipt to both the VAC and the Consulate interview.

What makes the final amount go up

Several factors can increase your total out-of-pocket cost beyond the base MRV and service fees:

Exchange rate fluctuations

Because the MRV fee is denominated in U.S. dollars but paid in rupees, a weaker rupee means you pay more. The U.S. Embassy updates the rupee conversion rate periodically (often quarterly). If you delay payment, you may face a higher INR equivalent. Lock in your fee by paying as soon as you are ready to apply.

Travel to the Consulate city

If you do not live in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad, budget for:

Transport: Airfare or train tickets to the city where your interview is scheduled.
Accommodation: At least one night's stay, since biometric and interview appointments are often on consecutive days or require early morning arrival.
Local transport: Taxis or ride-shares to the VAC and Consulate.

U.S. Consulates do not permit mobile phones, bags, or electronic devices inside the premises, so you may need to use paid cloak-room services near the Consulate gate.

Expedited or premium services

VFS offers premium options such as:

Prime Time appointments: Early morning or late evening slots at select VACs, priced higher than standard slots.
On-demand mobile biometrics: VFS can send a team to your office or home for biometric capture, at a premium (available only for groups or corporate applicants in some cities).

These services do not speed up U.S. government processing or improve approval odds—they only offer convenience in scheduling.

Repeat applications

If your visa is refused and you reapply after your MRV receipt expires (beyond one year), you must pay the full MRV fee again. There is no discount for repeat applicants.

How to pay safely

Visa fee fraud is common. Follow these steps to ensure your payment reaches the correct recipient:

Only use official portals: Pay the MRV fee exclusively through USTravelDocs.com/in. Do not pay via third-party agents, consultants, or unofficial websites.
Verify the URL: Before entering payment details, confirm the browser address bar shows `ustraveldocs.com` with a padlock icon (HTTPS). Phishing sites often use look-alike domains.
Accepted payment methods for MRV fee:

- NEFT/RTGS via Axis Bank or Citibank (you generate a challan on USTravelDocs and deposit at a branch).

- Online payment via Visa or Mastercard debit card (select banks only; check the USTravelDocs payment page for the current list).

VFS service fee payment: Pay online via the USTravelDocs portal when scheduling, or at the VAC using cash, debit, or credit card (varies by location).
No cash accepted at Consulates: U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not accept any fees in person. All payments happen before your interview.
Save all receipts: Take screenshots and print confirmations. Your MRV receipt number is required to book appointments and enter the Consulate.

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If you encounter a website or agent demanding payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, it is a scam. Report it to the U.S. Embassy's fraud prevention email published on Travel.State.Gov.

How to fill the DS-160 form: Step-by-step instructions for the online nonimmigrant visa application.
U.S. visa interview preparation for Indians: What documents to carry, common questions, and how consular officers assess your application.
Visa appointment wait times in India: Current interview slot availability at each Consulate and strategies to book earlier dates.
What to do if your U.S. visa is denied: Understanding refusal reasons, reapplication timelines, and when to apply for a waiver.

Frequently asked questions

Is the United States visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?

No. The MRV fee (currently USD 185) is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. However, your payment receipt remains valid for one year, so you can schedule a new interview within that period without paying again.

How much is the VFS service charge for a U.S. visa in India?

VFS Global publishes its service fee in rupees on the USTravelDocs India website. The amount is subject to change, so check the official fee schedule at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/ when you are ready to apply.

Can I pay the U.S. visa fee in cash at the Consulate?

No. U.S. Embassies and Consulates in India do not accept any payments in person. You must pay the MRV fee online or via bank deposit through the USTravelDocs portal before scheduling your interview.

Why does the visa fee amount in rupees keep changing?

The MRV fee is set in U.S. dollars (USD 185 for B1/B2 visas). The U.S. Embassy converts this to rupees at a rate that reflects currency exchange fluctuations, and updates the INR amount periodically. Always check the current rupee equivalent on USTravelDocs before paying.

Do I have to pay the visa fee again if I reschedule my interview?

No, as long as your MRV receipt is still valid (within one year of payment). You can reschedule your interview appointment multiple times at no extra charge through the USTravelDocs portal.

Are there any hidden fees when applying for a U.S. visa from India?

The mandatory fees are the MRV fee and the VFS service charge, both published on USTravelDocs. Optional costs include passport courier return, travel to the Consulate city, and premium appointment slots. There are no hidden government fees, but budget for travel and accommodation if you live outside a Consulate city.

Can I use a credit card to pay the U.S. visa fee?

The USTravelDocs portal accepts select debit cards for online MRV fee payment. Credit card acceptance varies; check the payment page for the current list of accepted cards and banks. NEFT/RTGS bank deposit is always available.

What happens to my visa fee if the U.S. Embassy is closed for a holiday?

Your MRV receipt remains valid for one year regardless of Embassy closures. If your interview is cancelled due to a holiday or emergency, you can reschedule at no cost through USTravelDocs, provided your receipt has not expired.

Need help calculating your total U.S. visa cost or have payment questions? Message us on WhatsApp.

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Disclaimer: It must be noted that grant or refusal of visa is at the sole discretion of the Embassy. Embassy also reserves the right to ask for further documentation / personal appearance or refuse the visa application & all visa fee are Non-Refundable by embassy...

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