Apply for a U.S. Visa

Bank and Payment Options / Pay My Visa Fee

On this page:

• Overview
• Instructions to Pay Your Visa fee
• Fee Payment Options
• Scheduling Your Interview

Overview

Most applicants, including children, are required to pay a Visa (MRV) fee to initiate their U.S. visa application. This US Government-mandated fee is a visa processing fee that is payable whether or not a visa is issued.

The MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Applicants should first determine whether or not they require a visa to travel to the US before submitting their applications.

Please click here to see if you are exempted to pay the MRV fee.

If you do need to apply for a visa, please follow the payment instructions below. Applicants must make a successful payment before they are permitted to schedule their interview appointment. Applicants who do not pay the correct fee for their visa type may be restricted from scheduling an interview.

Once the initial interview is scheduled, applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointment. If you miss your scheduled appointment time, you may be required to pay the MRV fee again in order to schedule another interview. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay an additional visa application fee.

Instructions to Pay Your Visa fee

In Switzerland you may pay your visa fee online or in person at any bank. You must first register on the applicant site and choose the ‘schedule your appointment’ option to access the payment option details. See below for the steps.

Step 1

Log-in to our online applicant system and create a profile. This will ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in timely manner. Values are shown in U.S. Dollars (USD); however the Fee payable is in Swiss Franc (CHF). This page has more information about the different visa application fees.

Step 2

Click on Schedule My Appointment option on the left-hand side of your screen. Complete Steps for Visa Type, Post, Visa Category and Visa Class.

Step 3

Once you are on the Payment screen, click on Payment Options to pick your form of payment. To review further payment details read the Fee Payment Options sections below.

The Swiss Franc amounts are based on the consular currency exchange rate determined by the U.S. Department of State. Applicants who do not pay the correct fee for their visa type may be restricted from scheduling an interview.

Step 4

Pick the payment option that is most convenient for you and make your payment. When you pay the visa fee, you acknowledge that this is a non-refundable visa application processing fee required as a prerequisite to the processing of an application. It does not indicate the existence of a contract with the applicant, nor does it guarantee a successful application. There is no refund possible regardless of the outcome of this application.

Step 5

Whichever payment option you choose, you must save your CGI reference number or transaction number. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your CGI reference or transaction number.

Step 6

Once you pay your visa fee, you can schedule your interview according to the Visa Application Fee Payment Processing Timelines below. Log-in to your profile and complete the Schedule Your Appointment steps with your CGI reference number.

Fee Payment Options

Online Banking Transfer

You may pay your MRV Fee using your online bank account. Your bank may apply charges to your account for EFT transactions. If you are applying with your family or group, you may pay the MRV fees in one Bulk payment for all the members.

1. After logging into your profile and while on the payment screen, select the online banking transfer option. Your unique CGI reference number will pop-up on the screen. You will use this number when processing your online payment.
2. Make only one payment per CGI Reference number as the payment is non-refundable. It is critical that you keep the CGI Reference number that you use to make your online bank transfer. You must have this number as proof of payment in order to schedule your visa interview appointment. It is the applicant's responsibility to save this number.
3. Enter your CGI Reference Number in the ‘reference'/reason to transfer/Remitting ID’ field on your online banking funds transfer page. Do not alter the CGI number or include any other information. If you do not include the CGI Reference, your payment will not be recognized.
4. Enter the following beneficiary details in your online banking form:
   Bank Name: Bank of America Merrill Lynch
   IBAN: CH64 0872 6000 0880 1701 1
   Reference / Reason to transfer: Your CGI Reference Number
   Amount: xxx.00 CHF
   SWIFT/BIC Code: BOFACH2X
   Beneficiary: Stanley Associates Inc.
   Address of the bank:Bank of America, National Association, Charlotte,Zurich Branch,Stockerhof Stockerstrasse 23, 8002 (DO NOT visit the branch in person, they are unable to accept your payment). 

The CGI reference number can be used for your US Visa application only after the payment is processed by the bank it was made in and the funds are received by CGI. Please check the Scheduling your interview web page on our web site for more information on regards to receipt activation timelines.

If you are experiencing an issue with your payment, DO NOT visit the Bank of America location under any circumstances. Please use the ‘Contact Us’ section of this website to escalate your query. Bank of America staff at this location will not be in a position to assist you.

DO NOT pay in USD, only CHF based on Current Consular Exchange Rate published on the home page.  If you pay this fee in USD your payment will be rejected and you will be liable for all costs.

Online Payment with a Debit Card

The most convenient payment method for your nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) fee is online with a debit card.

1. Once you log into your profile and while on the payment screen, you can select to pay by using an EC card.
2. After you pay the visa application fee, print your receipt for your records. Save your receipt with the transaction number. The transaction number will be used to schedule your appointment. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your transaction number.
3. Please note that credit card payments are not accepted. 

Please note that only one debit card transaction is allowed per 24 hours.

Please note that the provision of appointment scheduling services, visa renewal or document delivery services might be restricted should the funds not be transferred within a timely manner or your transaction is subject to investigations by the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control). 

Cash

You can pay your nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application fee in cash at any bank. You may incur charges if you do not choose a third-party bank to where you hold your account. If you are applying for multiple visas for your family or group, only ONE payment is required.

1. After logging into your profile and while on the payment selection screen, you can select the ‘Cash’ payment Option.
2. You will print a deposit slip that will contain a unique CGI reference number which you must include in your cash payment. Please make only one payment per CGI Reference number as the payment is non-refundable.
3. To pay the visa fee take the completed deposit slip to your bank. Include your CGI Reference number in the payment deposit information. If you do not include the CGI Reference number or you do not pay the exact amount indicated on the deposit slip, you will not be able to schedule you appointment.
4. After receiving your payment, the cashier will give you a receipt. Save your receipt as proof of payment.

DO NOT pay in USD, only CHF based on Current Consular Exchange Rate published on the home page.  If you pay this fee in USD your payment will be rejected and you will be liable for all costs.

Additional Fees: If you pay this fee at a third-party bank, you may be charged a fee. If you wish to expedite this transfer, you may be charged a fee.

The CGI reference number can be used for your US Visa application only after the payment is processed by the bank it was made in and the funds are received by CGI. Please check the Scheduling your interview web page on our web site for more information on regards to receipt activation timelines.

Scheduling Your Interview

Whether you schedule your appointment online or contact our call center, you will need the CGI reference number or transaction number printed on your receipt.

See the table below for processing timelines.