J-1 Visa Fee (MRV): Amount, Exemptions and the Visa Integrity Fee

Visa Fee (MRV): The non-refundable application fee for a US visa, also called the MRV fee. For a J visa it is $185 per applicant.
Table of Contents
  1. What Is the Visa Fee (MRV)?
  2. Amount and Who Pays
  3. When and How You Pay
  4. Who Is Exempt
  5. Visa Integrity Fee
  6. FAQs
  7. The Bottom Line
  8. Related Terms
  9. Sources

What Is the Visa Fee (MRV)?

The non-refundable application fee for a US visa, also called the MRV fee. For a J visa it is $185 per applicant.

Key Takeaways

  • $185 per applicant, J-2 family members included.
  • Non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
  • Some nationalities also pay an issuance (reciprocity) fee after approval.

At a glance
Also called
MRV fee, application processing fee
J visa amount
$185
Refundable
No
When
Before the interview, if required
Issuance fee
Depends on nationality
Exempt
US government sponsored programs
Not the same as
SEVIS Fee

Amount and Who Pays

The visa category determines the nonimmigrant visa application fee. For J visas, including J-2 visas for family members, the fee is $185. Every person who needs a visa submits a separate application, so each family member pays it.

The fee is non-refundable and is due whether the visa is issued or refused. It is separate from the SEVIS Fee, which J-2 family members do not pay.

Source: Fees for Visa Services (US Department of State) · Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · 9 FAM 601.5: Visa Fees (US Department of State)

When and How You Pay

You pay the fee before your interview if your embassy or consulate requires it, and bring the receipt. The embassy or consulate where you apply explains the payment process on its website, see Visa Interview.

If your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance fee, also called reciprocity fee. Your nationality determines whether it applies and the amount you pay.

Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · 9 FAM 601.5: Visa Fees (US Department of State)

Who Is Exempt

J visa applicants and their dependents in a US government sponsored program pay neither the application fee nor the issuance fee. This covers Department of State, USAID and other federally funded educational and cultural exchange programs whose program number on the DS-2019 begins with G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7. All other J visa applicants pay the fee.

Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · Fees for Visa Services (US Department of State)

Visa Integrity Fee

A US law enacted on 4 July 2025 (Public Law 119-21, H.R. 1) created a further fee, the visa integrity fee (8 U.S.C. § 1806). Anyone issued a nonimmigrant visa, such as a J-1 Visa or J-2, owes it when the visa is issued, in addition to all other fees.

For fiscal year 2025 the law sets $250, or a higher amount if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sets one by rule. From fiscal year 2026 the amount is adjusted every year for inflation. The fee cannot be waived or reduced. After the visa expires, DHS may reimburse it to holders who kept to all its conditions and either left the US no later than 5 days after their period ended without seeking an extension, or were granted an extension or permanent residence.

In July 2025 DHS stated that the fee "requires cross-agency coordination before implementing" and would be implemented in a future publication. To find out whether it is collected, check the website of the embassy or consulate where you apply.

Source: Pub. L. 119-⁠21 (H.R. 1), § 100007: Visa integrity fee (8 U.S.C. § 1806) · Federal Register: USCIS Immigration Fees Required by HR-⁠1 (22 July 2025)

FAQs

How much is the J-1 Visa fee?

$185 per applicant, paid as the US embassy or consulate where you apply instructs. Depending on your nationality, an issuance fee may follow after approval. The $220 SEVIS Fee is a separate payment.

Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · ICE: I-⁠901 SEVIS fee

Do I get the fee back if my visa is refused?

No. The application fee is non-refundable and is due whether the visa is issued or refused.

Source: Fees for Visa Services (US Department of State) · 9 FAM 601.5: Visa Fees (US Department of State)

Does my spouse pay the fee for a J-2 visa?

Yes. Every family member who needs a visa submits a separate application and pays the application fee, unless the program is US government sponsored. J-2 family members do not pay an additional SEVIS fee, see J-2 Visa.

Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · Fees for Visa Services (US Department of State)

Does the $250 visa integrity fee apply to J-1 Visas?

The law applies it to every nonimmigrant visa at issuance, J visas included. For fiscal year 2025 it is $250, or more if DHS sets a higher amount by rule, and from fiscal year 2026 it is adjusted for inflation every year. In July 2025 DHS said it would implement the fee in a future publication, so check with your embassy or consulate whether it is collected.

Source: Pub. L. 119-⁠21 (H.R. 1), § 100007: Visa integrity fee (8 U.S.C. § 1806) · Federal Register: USCIS Immigration Fees Required by HR-⁠1 (22 July 2025)

The Bottom Line

For a J-1 Visa or J-2 visa you pay a non-refundable $185 application fee per person, and some nationalities pay an issuance fee on top. Check which fees your consulate collects, as the visa integrity fee from the 2025 law may also be added.

Sources

  1. Fees for Visa Services (US Department of State)
  2. Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
  3. 9 FAM 601.5: Visa Fees (US Department of State)
  4. Pub. L. 119-⁠21 (H.R. 1), § 100007: Visa integrity fee (8 U.S.C. § 1806)
  5. Federal Register: USCIS Immigration Fees Required by HR-⁠1 (22 July 2025)
  6. ICE: I-⁠901 SEVIS fee
9 October 2026 · Checked against the sources above.
Next check · November 2026