How Do I Pay SEVIS Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) Fee  

Who pays the 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 Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before applying for a visa.  The sponsor or a third party can also pay the fee.   

Exemptions:  

Derivative F-2, M-2, and J-2 visas applicants; individual participants in program sponsored by the U.S. Government whose program number prefix begins with G-1, G-2 or G-3; and those with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued before that date, are not subject to the SEVIS fee.  

How much is the fee? 

The SEVIS fee is $100. Certain short-term exchange visitors (au pairs, summer work/travel and camp counselors) will pay a reduced fee of $35.     

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 SEVIS fee is non-refundable.     

Payment options

By mail:  Applicants must submit a Form I-901, Fee Remittance for certain F, M and J non-immigrants, together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank, 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  

Through the internet:  Electronic submission of Form I-901 and payment of the SEVIS fee using a credit card (Visa/Master/American Express).  Further information is available online at http://www.fmjfee.com      

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

You should check with your school or sponsor.  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 can confirm receipt of payment with the SEVP School Certification Branch, either by e-mail: SCHOOLCERT.SEVIS@DHS.GOV or by telephone: (+1) 202 305-2346.     

Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee each time I apply for a visa?  

The SEVIS fee is generally a one-time fee for each nonimmigrant "program" in which the student or exchange visitor participates.  If you reapply for a visa based on the same program then you will not be required to pay a new fee.  If you apply for a new visa based on a different program a new fee will be required.    

 

The SEVIS fee receipt is valid for twelve months.  If your application is refused, you may reapply using this fee receipt provided it is within twelve months of the initial payment.  The fee receipt may be used if you are reapplying for the same visa or applying for a new visa for a different program provided the SEVIS fee payment meets the fee required for the different program.   

 

Click here for further information on SEVIS.