I-901 SEVIS
SEVIS is a web-based system used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain information on nonimmigrant international students and exchange visitors. It allows for record-keeping and tracking of student admissions and participate in academic and exchange visitor programs. Additional information is also available directly from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
Understand the SEVIS I-901 fee
All prospective visa applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Learn more about this process below.
All new international students and exchange visitors are required to pay a SEVIS fee. The fee must be paid prior to attending your visa interview appointment and you must present proof of payment at the interview. Pay the SEVIS fee directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at least three days prior to applying for a visa.
| Student/visa type | Fee |
| Students (F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3) | $350 |
| Dependents & spouses (F-2, M2, J-2) of students or exchange visitors | None |
| Exchange visitors (J-1) | $220 |
| Exchange visitors (J-1) participating in federally sponsored exchange visitor programs | None |
FEE INCREASE: Please note that a new Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS Fee structure will be implemented at 12 a.m. EDT on June 24, 2019, after which time all students will be required to pay the new and increased fees.
The student fee for F-students will increase from $200 to $350. J-student fee will increase from $180 to $220.
Students and exchange visitors who pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee prior to the fee implementation date of June 24, 2019, but before they obtain a visa or enter the United States, will not need to pay the difference between the new fee and the old fee. Students will continue to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee on FMJfee.com. The OISS encourages you to pay the fee before the implementation date in light of the fee increase.
There are multiple ways to pay your SEVIS I-901 fee, including online, by check or money order or Western Union Quick Pay.
Online. When submitting your I-901 form online, you can pay by credit or debit card.
Check or money order. Checks or money order must be drawn by a financial institution in the United States in U.S. currency and must be an international money order or foreign draft. Checks and money orders may be made payable to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee. After completing and submitting your I-901 form online, choose the "pay by check or money order" option and print a payment coupon. Print the payment coupon and mail it along with your check or money order.
Western Union Quick Pay. Western Union Quick Pay is available in more than 130 countries and SEVIS I-901 payments can be made at local Western Union offices. You are required to complete your I-901 online or submit traditional paper copy by mail prior to paying by Western Union Quick Pay.
In each case, the Department of Homeland Security will provide you with a paper receipt (I-797 form) that you must present at the port of entry. When filing online, you can print your SEVIS I-901 receipt immediately. If paying by check or Western Union Quick Pay, it may take two or more weeks for a receipt to be mailed to you.
Refunds and inability to pay SEVIS fees
If you cannot make the SEVIS I-901 payment, another person (e.g., family member) can pay the fee on your behalf. The Department of Homeland Security will not refund the SEVIS I-901 fee if you are not approved for a visa or choose not to come to the United States.
The receipt is valid for 12 months and you may reapply for a visa during that period.
If your child(ren) and/or spouse intend to travel and live with you in the United States during your course of study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, complete I-20 forms and apply for a visa. However, they do not pay SEVIS fees.