VISA FEES
Processing fee
The processing fee for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa is the equivalent in shekels of $131, payable through Bank HaDoar at all 250 branches of the Israeli Post Office. This processing fee (also known as a Machine Readable Visa or MRV fee) is non-refundable. You must pay the processing fee before appearing at the Embassy for your interview and bring the pink and green copies of the receipt to the interview. Each application must be accompanied by a separate two-part receipt. Families or groups cannot pay with one receipt for the family or group.
United States Government (USG)-funded exchange visitors coming to the United States need not pay the processing fee if they are participating in a Department of State or United States Agency for International Development (USAID) exchange program. Eligible programs for processing (MRV) fee exemption will contain a G1, G2, G3, or G7 program number.
Applicants who do not present the proper visa processing receipts (“Kabalah” or “Kabalah L’Shagrirut Amerika’it”) from the Bank HaDoar as proof of payment will not be permitted an interview and will have to reschedule the interview date. Applicants applying for more than one visa will need to pay the processing fee for each type of visa.
Additional Fees
At the time of the interview, the applicant will be informed about any further processing requirements or additional fees. Applicants who hold non-Israeli passports may be required to pay an additional fee if the visa is issued. This fee, known as a reciprocity fee, must be paid at the Embassy when the visa is approved. Applicants may pay reciprocity fees with cash or with credit cards.
Applicants who have experienced difficulties upon entering the United States in the past or who have been arrested in the United States may need to undergo fingerprinting and pay an $85 fee for this process. They will be informed of the procedures at the visa interview and must pay the fee at the Embassy.
Applicants for L-1 visas based on a blanket petition must pay an additional $500 at the time of the interview. This fee must be paid at the Embassy.
Reciprocity fees, fingerprinting fees, and blanket petition fees may be paid at the Embassy with cash (Israeli NIS or U.S. $) or with credit cards.
Additional Fees for Students
Applicants for F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas (not including participants in U.S. Government programs and Fulbright scholars) for programs that began after September 1, 2004 must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. Students and exchange should consult their schools or program organizers in the United States to confirm whether or not the SEVIS fee is required or has been paid. Applicants must bring proof of payment to their visa interviews.
SEVIS fees are as follows:
For students (F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3) |
$100 |
For spouses and dependent children (F-2, M-2, or J-2) of students or exchange visitors |
None |
For most exchange visitors (J-1): |
$100 |
J-1 exchange visitors on USG-sponsored exchange visitor program (program codes start with G-1, G-2, or G-3) |
None |
Summer work/travel program |
$35 |
Au pair program |
$35 |
Camp counselor program |
$35 |
Applicants can pay the SEVIS fee in one of the following ways:
- Through the Internet at www.fmjfee.com by using a credit card and completing the online Form I-901 (Fee for Remittance for Certain F, M, and J Nonimmigrants); or
- Through the mail by submitting a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a U.S. Bank and payable in U.S. currency and sent to the DHS address listed on the Form I-901; or
- Through the Western Union Quick Pay service. ; or
- By a third party such as a school or sponsor; or
- By selected sponsors of an exchange program by submitting a bulk or group payment.
For additional information, check the SEVIS Web site.
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