SEVIS Information

I-901 SEVIS Fee

Please note that as of September 1, 2004 all students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa will need to fill out Form I-901 and pay a SEVIS processing fee in the amount of US$200 for F-1 visas and US$180 for J-1 visas. You need to pay this fee before you go for your visa interview. You will need to show receipt of payment when you apply for your student visa. You can pay this fee three ways.

1. The fee can be paid by mail using Form I-901 together with a check or money order drawn on a US bank and payable in U.S. dollars.
2. The fee can be paid electronically by completing Form I-901 through the Internet and using a credit card. Please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. https://www.fmjfee.com/
3. Pay with cash at a Western Union and bring the Western Union receipt to the embassy with you. Please visit this website for Western Union Quick Pay instructions and for more information about Western Union: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm

For more information on the SEVIS fee visit www.ice.gov/sevis/.

Who pays the SEVIS I-901 Fee?

• Individuals seeking F-1 or J-1 visas to begin a new program, on or after September 1st, 2004 using an I-20 or DS-2019 form issued on/after September 1st, 2004 must pay this fee prior to applying for a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Individuals already in the U.S. in another non-immigrant status, applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 status (i.e. a person in H-1B status change to F-1 or J-1 status)
• Individuals who are filing an application for reinstatement to F-1 or J-1 status after a violation and having been out of status between 121 - 269 days.
• Individuals applying for a change of exchange visitor (J-1) category (i.e. research scholar to student).

Can my department pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee?

University departments may choose to pay the SEVIS fee on behalf of J-1 scholars by using a university pro-card.  Departments should first pick up the DS-2019 form from the DISP office.  Additional instructions about accessing and completing the form for payment will be available at that time. 

Once the department has paid the SEVIS fee, print out the SEVIS fee receipt, enclose it with the DS-2019 form and send the documents to the scholar.  The scholar then proceeds with the visa application.  Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee is evidenced by the receipt and should also appear (within 3 days payment) in the J-1 scholar’s SEVIS record.   The visa appointment will be cancelled by the U.S. Consulate if a SEVIS fee receipt is not presented at the time of interview.