What is SEVIS Fee | USA – F1 and J1 Visa

Aspiring international students and exchange visitors coming to the U.S. on F-1 and J-1 visas will face the SEVIS Fee, a mandatory cost managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The SEVIS fee plays an important role in supporting the Students and Exchanges Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks important data on foreign students and exchange visitors in the country. Understanding the SEVIS fee, including who needs to pay it, how much it costs, and the payment process, is an important step for anyone embarking on their academic journey in the United States.

All About SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, also known as the I-901 SEVIS Fee, is a mandatory charge for most prospective F-1 (academic students) and J-1 (exchange visitors) visa applicants. This fee is used to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is a part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the SEVIS system itself, which tracks nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors while they are in the US.

• The SEVIS fee helps fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) itself. SEVIS tracks information on foreign students and exchange visitors in the U.S.
• All F-1 (academic students) and J-1 (exchange visitors) visa applicants must pay the SEVIS fee. There are some exceptions, like dependents (F-2/J-2) of F-1/J-1 visa holders.
• The current SEVIS fee is USD 350 for F and M students, and USD 220 for J-1 exchange visitors. There are also special J-1 categories with a fee of USD 35.
• You can’t pay the SEVIS fee until you receive your acceptance form from a school (I-20 for F-1 or DS-2019 for J-1) and it’s recommended to pay at least 3 business days before your visa interview.

SEVIS Fee Amounts

The SEVIS I-901 fee amounts are determined by the US government and are subject to change. Here is a breakdown of the fees for different visa categories:

Visa Category	Fee Amount (in USD)
F-1 and M-1 Students	USD 350
J-1 Exchange Visitors	USD 220
Special J-1 Categories	USD 35
F-2, M-2, and J-2 Dependents	USD 0
Government-Sponsored J-1 Visitors	USD 0

How to Make SEVIS Fee Payment?

There are two main ways to pay your SEVIS fee: online or by mail. Here we have listed both options.

Online Payment:

• This is the fastest and most recommended method.
• Visit the official SEVIS I-901 Fee processing website: fmjfee.com
• Complete the Form I-901 online. Make sure the information matches exactly what’s on your I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) form.
• Choose the credit or debit card option and enter your card details (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express are accepted). Only certain countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Gambia) have restrictions on using credit cards.
• Submit the payment and print a copy of the online receipt. Keep this for your records.

Mail-in Payment:

• This option takes longer to process.
• Print the SEVIS Form I-901 from the SEVP website (fmjfee.com).
• Fill out the form completely.
• Pay by check or money order made payable to “FMJfee.com” (write your receipt number on the check).
• Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form.

Eligibility Criteria to Pay SEVIS Fee in the USA

The SEVIS fee, or I-901 SEVIS Fee, is a payment required by the U.S. government for most international students and exchange visitors. Eligibility to pay the fee is directly tied to your visa status and circumstances.

Who Must Pay the SEVIS Fee?

You must pay the SEVIS fee if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Initial F-1 or M-1 Students: All prospective students who have received a Form I-20 and are applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa for the first time. This includes those applying for a change of status to F-1 or M-1 while in the U.S.
• Initial J-1 Exchange Visitors: Most new J-1 exchange visitors who have received a Form DS-2019.
• Canadians: Canadian citizens, who are visa-exempt, must still pay the fee before applying for admission at a U.S. port of entry.
• Failing to Maintain Status: F-1 or M-1 students who have been out of status for more than five months and are applying for reinstatement.
• Re-entry After a Long Absence: F-1 or M-1 students who have been absent from the U.S. for more than five months and will re-enter with a new Form I-20 for an “Initial Attendance” or “Begin a new program.”

Who is Exempt from Paying the SEVIS Fee?

You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if you are:

• A Dependent: Spouses and minor children of F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa holders (F-2, M-2, or J-2 dependents).
• Transferring Schools: A continuing F-1 or M-1 student in lawful status who is transferring from one SEVP-certified school to another within the U.S., provided their SEVIS ID remains the same.
• Continuing J-1 Program: A J-1 exchange visitor who is continuing in the same program and has the same SEVIS ID.
• Government-Sponsored J-1 Visitors: J-1 exchange visitors participating in U.S. government-sponsored programs with program codes that begin with G-1, G-2, or G-3.

SEVIS Fee Validity

The SEVIS fee has a validity period of 12 months from the date of payment. This means:

• Within 12 Months: If your visa application is approved within one year of paying the SEVIS fee, you won’t need to pay it again.
• After 12 Months: If your visa application isn’t approved within a year, or if you delay applying for a visa, the SEVIS fee payment will expire. You’ll need to pay the fee again to proceed with your visa application.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Reapplying: If your visa application is denied, you can reapply within the 12-month validity period of your SEVIS fee payment, provided you’re applying for the same type of visa (F-1 or J-1). You wouldn’t need to pay a new SEVIS fee in this case.
• Changing Visa Category: If you’re switching visa categories (e.g., from F-1 to J-1), you’ll likely need to pay a new SEVIS fee, even if your initial payment is still within the 12-month window.

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Completing a US student visa application involves several steps. By carefully following these steps and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application, you increase your chances of a successful visa outcome. Always refer to the official embassy or consulate websites for the most up-to-date information and instructions. Our Leverage Edu visa experts are here to help you with the application process.