How Much Does the United States Tourist Visa (B1/B2) Cost?

Pays more: Applicants required to reschedule a missed interview pay the MRV fee again — there is no waiver. Group, business and crew applicants on L, H or O classifications pay USD 205 or USD 315 instead.

Pays less: Children under 14 and applicants eligible for the Interview Waiver pay the same MRV fee but save on travel, since no physical appearance is required.

• DS-160 photo meeting State Department specs (USD 7–15 at any photo studio)
• Travel to the assigned consular post — Indian applicants often pay USD 80–250 in domestic flights
• SEVIS I-901 fee for F/M/J classes is separate (USD 220–350) and is not part of the MRV fee

Paid in local currency to the designated bank (e.g. AXIS Bank in India) before scheduling the interview; the MRV receipt is valid for one year from payment.

Refund policy: The MRV fee is strictly non-refundable, even if the visa is refused under 214(b) or 221(g). It is, however, transferable to a future appointment within 365 days at the same post.

• Confusing the application fee with the issuance fee — some countries charge both
• Paying a third-party agent's mark-up without realising the official fee is fixed
• Forgetting that biometrics and IHS / insurance are paid upfront, not after approval