What is the SEVIS Fee and Why is it Required?
When preparing to study in the United States, international students encounter several mandatory steps, one of which is paying the SEVIS fee. This is a distinct and separate charge from your university application fees or the standard visa application fee. The SEVIS fee funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a nationwide database managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This system tracks and monitors F, M, and J visa holders from the moment they are accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school until they complete their program. Paying this fee is a non-negotiable prerequisite for your visa interview and is essential for maintaining your legal status in the U.S.
How the SEVIS System Works with Your Visa Application
The process begins when your U.S. university accepts you and issues your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This document contains your unique SEVIS Identification Number. Your school uses this number to register you in the SEVIS database, creating an active record. Your payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee then activates this record, signaling to U.S. consular officers that you have fulfilled this financial requirement. The system allows U.S. government agencies to verify your student status, school enrollment, and address information throughout your stay, ensuring compliance with visa regulations.
Who is Required to Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
Most international students applying for an F-1 academic student visa or an M-1 vocational student visa must pay the SEVIS fee. Specifically, you are required to pay if:
- You are a new student applying for an initial F-1 or M-1 visa from outside the United States.
- You are inside the U.S. and applying for a change of status to F-1 or M-1.
- You are a citizen of Canada or Bermuda (who are visa-exempt but still require F-1 status) and will be seeking entry to the U.S. to study.
There are exceptions. For example, dependents (F-2 visa holders) of a primary student do not pay this fee. Additionally, students applying for visa renewal to continue the same program at the same school typically do not pay a new SEVIS fee.
Current SEVIS Fee Cost and Payment Timing
As of the latest information, the I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 and M-1 visa applicants is $350 USD. For J-1 exchange visitors, the fee is $220. It is crucial to verify the exact amount on the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVIS website before payment, as fees are subject to change.
You must pay this fee after you receive your Form I-20 from your school but before your scheduled visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. It is recommended to pay it as soon as you have your I-20 in hand, as the payment processing and the update to your SEVIS record can take a few days. You will need to present the official payment receipt at your visa interview.
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying the SEVIS Fee Online
Paying online is the fastest and most reliable method. Follow these steps to complete your I-901 SEVIS fee payment.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents and Information
Before starting, have your Form I-20 ready. You will need the following details exactly as they appear on the form:
- Your full name and date of birth.
- Your SEVIS Identification Number (found on the top left of the I-20).
- Your school’s school code (also listed on the I-20).
Step 2: Access the Official Payment Website
Navigate to the official FMJfee.com website, which is the U.S. government's designated portal for I-901 fee collection. Ensure you are on the correct site to avoid scams.
Step 3: Complete the I-901 Form
Select "Form I-20" and carefully fill out the online I-901 form. Double-check that all personal information matches your passport and I-20 exactly to prevent delays. You will also need to provide a valid email address for receipt delivery.
Step 4: Choose a Payment Method
The online system accepts payments via major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or, in some cases, a U.S. bank account. If you do not have access to these, you may explore the mail-in payment option using an international money order or a certified check drawn on a U.S. bank, though this method is significantly slower.
Step 5: Save and Print Your Payment Confirmation
Once your payment is processed, you will receive an immediate confirmation. Download and print multiple copies of the official payment receipt. You must bring a physical copy to your visa interview. It is also wise to save a digital copy with your other critical immigration documents.
Key Considerations After Paying the SEVIS Fee
Your SEVIS fee payment is generally valid for one fiscal year from the date of payment. If your visa application is delayed beyond this period, you may need to verify the status of your payment. The receipt is your proof of payment; do not lose it. If you are denied a visa and reapply within a year, you typically do not need to pay the fee again—you will use the same receipt and SEVIS ID number for your new application, provided you are applying for the same program.
Successfully navigating the SEVIS fee requirement is a fundamental step in your journey to studying in the United States. By understanding its purpose and following the correct payment procedure, you move closer to securing your F-1 visa and beginning your academic adventure.