Non-Immigrant Visas
SEVIS Fee
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 pr 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?
The
SEVIS fee for F-1 and M-1 is $200, and J-1 is $180. Certain short-term
exchange visitors (au pairs, summer work/travel and camp counselors)
will pay a reduced fee, $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 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:
* 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
* 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.
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 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 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.