When should I pay the MRV fee for the L-1?

On the consular path for the L-1, the MRV fee (Machine Readable Visa) is the payment that moves your visa application forward. The timing of this payment follows a well-defined order in the process.

As a general rule, you pay the MRV fee after completing and submitting the DS-160 form (required for nonimmigrant visas) and before scheduling your interview at the consulate or embassy. In most cases, the scheduling system itself will only allow you to book an interview once proof of that payment is confirmed.

Procedures may vary depending on the jurisdiction and any updates to consular guidelines. For that reason, after receiving your DS-160 confirmation number, follow the specific instructions provided by the consulate or embassy responsible for your region.

To avoid missing deadlines or paying incorrect amounts, always verify the information on the official website of the U.S. consulate or embassy in your jurisdiction before paying and before scheduling.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.