What is the SEVIS fee?
Effective September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require the collection of a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee from
international students and exchange visitors attending U.S. universities. This fee is being collected to fund operations of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program Office, which has oversight for SEVIS. The SEVIS fee does not replace the Visa fee.
Who is required to pay the SEVIS fee?
All international students and exchange visitors attending U.S. universities that are applying for F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3 and most J-1* visas will be required to pay this fee. This fee will be in effect for I-20 or DS-2019 forms dated on or after September 1, 2004.
*J-1 participants in exchange programs funded by the United States government do not pay the fee.
How much is the SEVIS fee?
The fee is $200.00 for students with F-1 and $180 for students with J-1 visas; for spouses and dependent children (F-2, M-2, or J-2) of students or exchange visitors there is no fee.
When do I need to pay the SEVIS fee?
Applicants needing a visa to enter the U.S. must pay the SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interview. The fee must be paid at least three business days before the scheduled visa interview. Fees will NOT be payable at the consulate.
Note: There are special payment instructions for passport holders from Canada, India and the People's Republic of China.
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Instructions for Canada, India and the People's Republic of China passport holders
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Applicants with Canadian passports do not need to schedule interviews with the U.S. embassy or consulate. However, you must pay the SEVIS fee before entering the U.S. and present your SEVIS receipt at the airport along with your I-20 (or DS-2019 for J-1 visas).
For more information, please click here.
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Applicants with People's Republic of China or India passports should contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions on how to pay the SEVIS fee in person. |
How do I make my payment?
There are two ways to submit your payment:
1. complete the SEVIS I-901 online form (www.FMJfee.com) on the Internet and pay electronically by credit card, or
2. mail the completed Form I-901 with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency. The fee must be paid at least three business days before the scheduled visa interview. Check this site for more information http://www.ice.gov/sevis/index.htm
You will receive a paper receipt by mail to acknowledge your payment. If your fee is paid electronically, you will also be able to print out an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment. You are required to bring your receipt with you to your visa interview, so be sure to plan ahead.
NOTE: DHS will not refund the SEVIS fee if an F-1 or J-1 students are not granted a visa or choose not to come to the U.S. after their visas are granted.
>Click here for more HPU student visa information.
Below are some additional resources from the NAFSA Web site:
