SEVIS Fee

F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa applicants with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued on or after September 1, 2004 are required to pay a SEVIS fee before applying for the visa.

Who pays the fee?

Persons applying for F-1, M-1 and J visas with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued on or after September 1, 2004. The sponsor or a third party can also pay the fee.

Exemptions:

Derivative F-2, M-2 or J-2 visas applicants; individuals participants in program sponsored by the U.S. Government whose program number prefix begins with G-1, G-2 , G-3, or G-7; and those with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued before that date are not subject to the SEVIS fee, even if they apply for a visa on or after September 1.

How much is the fee?  

• F-1 and M-1: $200 (Please attach a receipt for $100 if paid before October 27,2008 )
• J-1: $180 (Please attach a receipt for $100 if paid before October 27,2008 ).
• Certain short-term exchange visitors (au pairs, summer work/travel and camp counselors) will pay a reduced fee, $35.

Please see here for details.

When and how must the fee be paid?

The SEVIS fee must be paid prior to visa application to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the U.S. Proof of payment must be presented at the time the applicant applies for the visa. It cannot be paid at the Embassy. The fee must be processed at least three business days prior to the date of the visa interview. The SEVIS fee is non-refundable.

Payment options:  

• Through the internet. Electronic submission of Form I-901 and payment of the SEVIS fee using a credit card (Visa/Master/AmericanExpress). Further information will be available online here.  
• By mail. Applicants must submit a Form I-901, Fee Remittance for Certain F, M and J Nonimmigrants, together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency.

  Address:
  I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
  P.O. Box 970020
  St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
  U.S.A  

How do I know if the fee has been paid on my behalf?

The person paying the fee will receive a receipt, either by return mail or electronically. Those paying through the internet may print out the fee receipt. You will need this receipt to apply for the visa. If there is any doubt as to whether or not the fee has been paid, you may confirm receipt of payment by either e-mailing the SEVP School Certification Branch at fmjfee.sevis@dhs.gov or calling them at (202) 305-2346.

Do I have to pay the fee every time I apply for a student or exchange visitor visa?

Not necessarily. If you are a continuing student or continuing to participate in the same exchange visitor program and you have continued to maintain your status, you do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a new visa.

However, you do need to pay the fee if you are starting a new program or course of study (excluding F students who are transferring schools or changing program levels.

Applicants who paid the SEVIS I-901 fee, were denied a visa and are applying again for the same type of visa within 12 months of the date of the denial (exchange visitors must applying in the same category as the previous application and the SEVIS I-901 fee amount must be the same or less than the fee originally paid) do not need to pay a new SEVIS fee.

For more information, please see “Who pays – or does not pay – the SEVIS I-901 fee” on the SEVIS fee website.