Elevated
Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
June 30, 2004
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an automated process for collecting, maintaining and managing information about international foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents during their stay in the United States. SEVIS exemplifies our commitment to open doors and secure borders by facilitating the process for millions of welcomed students, while closing loopholes for those wishing to defraud our systems or do us harm. The vast majority of individuals who come to the United States to study are seeking a quality education and a meaningful cultural exchange. However, there are those very few who would like to exploit any gaps in our immigration security system. The Department of Homeland Security is committed to reducing such security vulnerabilities, while fostering the freedoms and openness that are the hallmarks of our country. This is clearly indicated in the mission of the SEVP office:
“To balance Homeland Security with facilitating eligible foreign student and exchange visitor participation in America’s outstanding academic and cultural exchange programs.”
Student & Exchange Visitor Information System Fee
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides for the collection of a Congressionally mandated fee to be paid by certain aliens who are seeking status as nonimmigrant students (visa categories F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3) or as nonimmigrant exchange visitors (visa category J-1). The purpose of this fee is to cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), including the administration and maintenance of SEVIS, compliance activities, and the establishment of SEVIS Liaison Officers. These SEVIS Liaison Officers will be a local resource for schools and students, providing timely and accurate information or assistance in meeting the requirements of the program.
SEVIS Fee Cost
For spouses and dependent children (F-2, M-2, or J-2) of students or exchange visitors |
None |
For students (F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3) |
$100 |
For exchange visitors (J-1) unless participating in: |
$100 |
Federally sponsored exchange visitor program (program codes starts with G-1, G-2, or G-3) |
None |
Summer work/travel program |
$35 |
Au pair program |
$35 |
Camp counselor program |
$35 |
Options for Payment
To ensure electronic verification of the fee payment at the consular office, non-immigrants paying the fee electronically or by mail must submit the fee at least three business days before the scheduled visa interview to the DHS address listed on the Form I-901. This will allow time for the fee to be deposited and payment recorded in SEVIS.
Receipts
Frequently Asked Questions
Which prospective students or exchange visitors must pay the SEVIS fee?
When do prospective students or exchange visitors pay the SEVIS fee?
When must continuing students (F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 non-immigrants that have begun, but not finished, a program) pay the SEVIS fee?
Continuing students must pay the SEVIS fee before:
When must continuing exchange visitors (J-1 Non-immigrants who have begun, but not finished a program) pay the SEVIS fee?
Continuing exchange visitors must pay the SEVIS fee before:
Student & Exchange Visitor Program Contact Information:
Jill Drury, Director
Susan Geary, Deputy Director
Denise Mackie-Smith, IT Manager
425 I Street, NW
Room 6034
Washington, DC 20536
Customer Support: 212-620-3418
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: www.ice.gov
For more information visit these other websites:
Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov
Department of State: www.state.gov
May 2004