Savanna Hoffman
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a U.S. government system that manages data and application processes for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants in the United States. All new F-1 students must pay a one-time SEVIS fee of $350, which is separate from the visa processing fee. This fee must be paid at least three days before attending a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and students must present proof of payment at the interview. The SEVIS fee is paid online or by mail, and third-party payments are permitted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee? | All prospective F and M students from countries where a visa to travel to the US is mandatory. |
| When to pay the SEVIS fee? | At least 3 business days before making an application for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a US consulate. |
| How much is the SEVIS fee? | $350 |
| How to pay the SEVIS fee? | Online at FMJfee.com or by mail in the form of a check or money order to DHS. |
| Who is exempt from paying the SEVIS fee? | F-2, M-2, or J-2 dependents of an F-1, M-1, or J-1 student. |
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What You'll Learn
Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee is mandatory for all prospective F, M, and J students before the Department of State issues a visa. Students must pay the fee before their visa interview and present proof of payment at the interview.
The following groups of people are exempt from paying the SEVIS fee:
- Dependents of F-1, M-1, or J-1 students applying for F-2, M-2, or J-2 visas
- Students or exchange visitors who started a program with a Form I-20 or DS-2019 dated before September 1, 2004 (when the fee came into effect), have not completed the program (including transfers or changes in the program level), and have maintained their status using the same SEVIS ID
- Continuing students who have been out of the United States for more than five months but maintained their status and participated in authorized overseas study
- Spouses or minor children of students or exchange visitors, unless applying to change status to F-1, M-1, or J-1
Additionally, students from specific countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Gambia, must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank.
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How much is the SEVIS fee?
The I-901 SEVIS fee is $350 for most people. However, the fee amount may vary depending on certain factors, and there are some exemptions.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS are funded by the I-901 SEVIS Fee, which was established by Congress in 2004. This fee is distinct from visa fees and school SEVIS administration fees. It is intended to cover the costs of developing, deploying, and maintaining SEVIS, ensuring compliance with the system's requirements.
All prospective F and M students, as well as J exchange visitors, are typically required to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This includes those seeking initial attendance as an F, M, or J nonimmigrant, and those already in the United States applying for a change of status to F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3, or J-1. Additionally, an F or M student who has violated their status and has been out of status for more than five months must pay the fee when applying for reinstatement.
However, there are some exemptions to the fee requirement. For instance, a dependent of an F-1, M-1, or J-1 student applying for an F-2, M-2, or J-2 visa is exempt from paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Additionally, students who have been working towards completing a course at an SEVP-certified school in authorized overseas study may be exempt. In such cases, it is recommended to contact the designated school official (DSO) for clarification.
The I-901 SEVIS Fee can be paid online at www.fmjfee.com or by mailing a paper form to the designated address. Online payment is generally faster and reduces the risk of errors. It can be made by credit card, debit card, or through Western Union Quick Pay. Alternatively, payment can be made by check, international money order, or foreign draft drawn on a US financial institution and payable in US currency. It is important to note that the payment must be for the exact amount of the fee due.
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When to pay the SEVIS fee
The SEVIS fee must be paid before the Department of State issues a visa. This applies to prospective F and M students from countries where a visa to travel to the United States is mandatory, as well as those from visa waiver countries.
Students applying for reinstatement of student status due to a violation of status need to pay the SEVIS fee when they have been out of status for more than five months. This payment should be made before submitting the application to the US.
Students who are unable to pay the fee by credit card can pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a US bank. After filling in Form I-901 online, a unique payment coupon number is generated, which is necessary to validate and process the payment at Western Union.
It is important to note that the SEVIS fee is non-refundable. However, if a student reapplies for an F-1 visa within 12 months of denial, they will not need to pay the fee again.
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Payment methods
To pay the SEVIS fee, you will need to fill in a Form I-901 with information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019. The fee for most people is $350, but you can check the Fee Amount Chart for more detailed information.
There are several ways to pay the SEVIS fee. You can:
- Pay by credit or debit card online. Visit FMJfee.com to access the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay by credit or debit card.
- Pay by check or money order. You can fill in the Form I-901 online and choose to pay by check or money order. You will then need to print a payment coupon and mail it in with your payment. The check or money order must be an international money order or a foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. Make it payable to the "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee".
- Pay by Western Union Quick Pay. If you choose to pay by Western Union Quick Pay, you will need to fill in the Form I-901 online and select this option. You will then receive a unique payment coupon number, which is necessary to validate and process your payment at Western Union.
- Third-party payment. SEVP will accept third-party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee using the same methods outlined above.
It is important to note that you must present proof of your I-901 SEVIS Fee payment at your visa interview. You can print your I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt from FMJfee.com.
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What is the SEVIS fee for?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a U.S. government system that manages data and application processes for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants in the United States. The SEVIS fee is a mandatory one-time payment of $350 that all prospective F and M students must pay before obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa and entering the United States. This fee is separate from any visa fees that may be required and must be paid at least three business days before the visa interview. The SEVIS fee funds the operation of the U.S. government's Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which oversees SEVIS.
The SEVIS fee can be paid online or by mail, and third-party payments are permitted. Online payment can be made via credit card on the FMJfee.com website, while mail payments can be sent as a check or money order to the Student and Exchange Visitor Processing Fee address. It is important to note that the SEVIS fee is non-refundable, but if a new F-1 visa is applied for within 12 months of denial, the fee does not need to be paid again.
To pay the SEVIS fee, individuals must complete Form I-901, providing information from their Form I-20 or DS-2019. This includes personal details such as name, address, date of birth, email address, country of birth and citizenship, as well as the School Code and SEVIS Identification Number. After submitting the form and payment, a receipt will be provided, which must be presented during the visa interview as proof of payment.
There are some exceptions to the SEVIS fee requirement. Dependents of F-1, M-1, or J-1 students who are applying for F-2, M-2, or J-2 visas are exempt from paying the fee. Additionally, students who have been working towards completing a course at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in authorized overseas study may be exempt. In such cases, it is recommended to contact the designated school official (DSO) for clarification.
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Frequently asked questions
The SEVIS fee is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee, which is a U.S. government system that manages data and application processes for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants in the United States. The fee is \$350 and must be paid before obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa and entering the United States.
You can pay the SEVIS fee online using a credit card or by mail in the form of a check or money order. You can also pay by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express on FMJfee.com.
F-2 and J-2 dependent family members are not required to pay the fee. A dependent of an F-1, M-1, or J-1 student who will be applying for an F-2, M-2, or J-2 visa is also exempt.
No, the SEVIS fee is not refundable. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.
