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International Students

SEVIS I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions


Return to I-901 FAQ

4. How is the SEVIS I-901 fee paid and the Form I-901 filed?


4.A. Can you give me a general overview of the SEVIS I-901 fee payment process?

4.B. What if my school or exchange visitor program collects a SEVIS I-901 fee?

4.C. Form I-901 questions


4.D. Questions about payments

4.D.1. What is a payment coupon?

4.D.2. What are the requirements for paying by check or money order?

4.D.3. How do I pay by check?

4.D.4. Can I pay online with a check using ACH (Automated Clearing House)?

4.D.5. Can I pay with traveler’s check?

4.D.6. Can I use a third party check for payment?

4.D.7. Can I send the Form I-901 and payment by courier?

4.D.8. What credit and debit cards are accepted?

4.D.9. How do I pay by credit or debit card?

4.D.10. Can I pay with a debit card?

4.D.11. Can I pay with a credit or debit card when I mail in a payment?

4.D.12. What would cause my mailed payment to be rejected and returned?

4.D.13. What if SEVP says that my payment was returned, but I do not receive it?
4.D.14. Can I pay with cash?

4.D.15. What currency can be used to pay SEVIS I-901 fee?

4.D.16. How can I pay if I do not have access to a computer or credit or debit card?

4.D.17. Can someone else pay for me?

4.D.18. How do I do make a third party payment if I am paying the SEVIS I-901 fee on the behalf of a student or exchange visitor?

4.E. What are the options and processes for paying and filing for more than one person?

4.F. Bulk Filer


4.G. Privacy and accessibility questions


4.H. Technical problems while paying on the Internet


4.I. What are some tips for fee payment?


4.J. What if I have a problem with making a payment?


4.K. What if my school/sponsor pays for me and I want to change schools/programs?

4.L. Are more payment options being considered?


4.A. Can you give me a general overview of the SEVIS I-901 fee payment process?

In general, you need to:

  • Either be currently enrolled in an approved school or exchange visitor program or have been accepted into one. You will need a Form I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Determine if you need to pay the fee. For more information, see the section, Do I pay the fee?
  • Pay the fee in time to have it processed before a consular or DHS official must make a decision about your visa, entry into the United States or other application where the fee is required.

Form I-901

You will need to fill in a Form I-901 with information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 and pay the required fee. For most people, the SEVIS I-901 fee is $200. See the Fee Amount Chart for more detailed fee information. You have the option of paying an additional $35 to have your receipt sent by expedited delivery (courier service) rather than by mail.

You can fill in the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com or send a paper version to:

By Mail

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
United States

By Courier (to expedite delivery to SEVP)

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
1005 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
United States
Phone Number: 1-314-418-8833 (United States Country Code 011)

If you have Internet access, completing the form online will help ensure that you provide all the information in the correct format. This helps speed processing.

Paper forms are scanned and read by machine. If information is missing or hard to read, the form will be manually reviewed. SEVP will attempt to fill in missing or hard-to-read information. This could cause a short delay in processing your form or could result in the form being returned to you for correction. When using a paper form, please print clearly. Your SEVIS ID number, last name (surname or family name) and date of birth are critical data elements. These are needed to match the information on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Payment Options

You can pay your fee by credit or debit card if you are submitting your form online. If you pay by credit or debit card, you should print out a receipt if you need one immediately and cannot wait to receive a receipt through the mail. See the section on credit and debit cards for more information about the cards SEVP will accept.

You can pay by international money order or check drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. (See the section on payment by check or money order for more information.)

Checks are accepted subject to collection. If the bank on which it is drawn does not honor the check, you will be charged a $35 fee.

  • If you fill in the Form I-901 online and choose the option to pay by check or money order, you will be able to print a payment coupon. There is a control number on the top of the coupon. Write the control number, your name and your SEVIS ID number on your check or money order and attach the coupon.
  • If you use a paper Form I-901, write your SEVIS ID number and name on your check or money order and attach the form before sending it in.

Record of Payment

There are two records of payment:

  • Electronic payment information kept in the SEVIS I-901 fee payment system
  • A paper receipt

You will get a paper receipt in the mail for all payments. You can also print a paper receipt immediately if you file online and pay with a credit or debit card.

See the section on receipts for more information.

4.A.1. What are the options for fee payment?

Currently, the options for individuals to pay the fee are by credit or debit card via the Internet or by check or money order mailed to SEVP. Any organization or individual may use one of these payment methods to pay on behalf of a student or exchange visitor. See Payment Overview for more information.

Certain exchange visitor program sponsors may be eligible to participate in a bulk filer program and pay SEVIS I-901 fees electronically using ACH.

4.A.2. Can you give me a checklist to help ensure I complete my Form I-901 and pay properly?

Completing the Form

You can complete the form online at www.fmjfee.com or on paper. The section, Where can I get a copy of the Form I-901?, has details on getting the form.

You will need a copy of your Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the school or Exchange Visitor Program you wish to attend.

If filling in the Form I-901 online, the system will prevent most errors. The most important information for the online system is your SEVIS ID number. Be careful to enter this number correctly.

Checklist for Paper Form I-901

  • Legible printing
  • SEVIS ID number is correct and matches your Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • Your last name is entered exactly as it appears on your Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • You have given the address where you want your receipt sent
  • If you have chosen expedited delivery your address must be a street address not a post office box
  • Your date of birth is entered exactly as it appears on your Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • You have correctly indicated the fee amount
  • You have selected expedited delivery if you want to pay the optional $35 for delivery by courier
  • Your total includes the fee and the delivery charge if you requested expedited delivery

Payment

Currently there are two ways to pay the fee:

Checks are accepted subject to collection. If the bank on which it is drawn does not honor the check, you must repay the SEVIS I-901 fee and pay an additional $30 fee to DHS Debt Management Center. See the section on returned (bounced) checks for more information.

The payment must be submitted for the exact amount of the fee due. Your payment will be returned if you:

  • Do not send a payment coupon or paper Form I-901 with payment
  • Send a payment in the wrong amount

However, SEVP is not responsible for returned payments that are lost in transit.

Checklist for Paying by Check or Money Order

Use this checklist when paying by check or money order.

  • The payment is by international money order or a foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. For more details, see the section on payment by check or money order
  • Your name and SEVIS ID number are on the check or money order
  • The check or money order is made out to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
  • If you are using a coupon printed from the Internet, find the control number on top of the coupon and write it on your check or money order
  • Write your name and SEVIS ID number on your check or money order
  • Attach your check or money order to your coupon or paper Form I-901

Mailing the Form and Payment

Ensure your payment envelope has your correct return address. Also, be sure the envelope has both your payment and your coupon or Form I-901. Send to:

By Mail

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
United States

By Courier (to expedite delivery to SEVP)

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
1005 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
United States
Phone Number: 1-314-418-8833 (United States Country Code 011)

4.A.3. How do applicants in the United States file the Form I-901 and pay the fee?

Applicants in the United States can use the same methods as applicants who are not in the United States See the Payment Overview for detailed information.

4.B. What if my school or exchange visitor program collects a SEVIS I-901 fee?

Some schools or exchange visitor program sponsors may collect a fee to defray their own costs for programs that support international student or exchange visitors. These are not United States government mandated fees and are not used to pay the government-required SEVIS I-901 fee.

Some schools or exchange visitor program sponsors, however, may choose to collect the government-required SEVIS I-901 fee from you and pay on your behalf. If your school or exchange visitor program charges a SEVIS I-901 fee, you need to ask if it is the US government fee. If it is, the school or exchange visitor program should provide you with a written receipt on a Form I-797 or other confirmation of fee payment, to show the fee has been paid.

4.C. Form I-901 questions

4.C.1. What is the purpose of the Form I-901?

The Form I-901, when properly completed, gives SEVP sufficient information to:

  • Determine the correct amount of the SEVIS I-901 fee due
  • Ensure the payment is posted to the correct SEVIS record
  • Mail the receipt to the address specified by the student or exchange visitor
  • Provide expedited delivery, if this option is requested and paid for

4.C.2. Where can I get a copy of the Form I-901?

The Form I-901 is available, in PDF, for printing and downloading from the web at www.ice.gov/sevis/i901. You can also fill out the form online at www.fmjfee.com.

If you do not have Internet access, ask your school or exchange visitor program for a copy of the form. You will not be able to get forms at a United States consulate or embassy.

4.C.3. What documents do I need to fill in my Form I-901?

You need the information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to fill out the Form I-901. You do not need to send a copy with the Form I-901.

4.C.4. What if I have more than one Form I-20 or DS-2019?

You only need to pay the fee for one Form I-20 or DS-2019, except in the case of a person who is applying to enter the United States to participate in more than one exchange visitor program. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using the information from the Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the school or exchange visitor program(s) you wish to attend.

4.C.5. What do I do if I have changed my mind about which school or program I will attend after paying the SEVIS I-901 fee?

You need to keep the copy of the Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the school or program you paid for.

If you have not entered the country, you will be able go to your visa interview or, if visa exempt, apply for student or exchange visitor status at the POE with:

  • The Form I-20 or DS-2019 you used to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  • The Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the program you now wish to attend

When you arrive in the United States, you need to request that SEVP transfer your fee payment information from the SEVIS ID number you paid on to the one for the school or program you are actually attending.

4.C.6. How do I find the SEVIS ID number on my Form I-20 or DS-2019?

All SEVIS ID numbers start with the letter N.

  • On the Form I-20, the number is on the top right hand side of the first page under the words Student’s Copy and above the barcode.
  • On the DS-2019, the number is on the top right hand side of the page in the box above the barcode.

4.C.7. How do I find the date of issuance on my Form I-20 or DS-2019?

The date of issuance is in block 10 on the Form I-20. It is in block 7 on the Form DS-2019. If your school or exchange visitor program sponsor gives you an updated or corrected Form I-20 or DS-2019, this date may change. You may also request that your DSO or RO annotate the remarks of your updated or corrected form with Updated/Corrected – Originally Issued on [give date].

4.D. Questions about payments

4.D.1. What is a payment coupon?

Payment coupons are generated when you fill in your Form I-901 online and choose to pay by check or money order. You should print it out and mail the coupon in with your payment. You will not need to fill in a paper Form I-901 as well. When your payment is received at SEVP, the coupon will be used to match your payment to the information you entered online.

4.D.2. What are the requirements for paying by check or money order?

Your check or money order must be an international money order or a foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. Checks must be from one of the following:

  • Banks chartered or operated in the United States
  • Foreign subsidiaries of United States banks
  • Foreign banks that have an arrangement with a United States bank to issue a check, money order or foreign draft that is drawn on a United States bank.

Make checks and money orders payable to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee.

4.D.3. How do I pay by check?

Your check needs to be a draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. Make it payable to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee. You must provide SEVP with Form I-901 information. There are two options for doing this:

  • Fill in your Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com, choose the option to pay by check or money order and print a payment coupon
  • Complete a paper Form I-901

See the Payment Overview and the Payment Checklist for more information.

4.D.4. Can I pay online with a check using ACH (Automated Clearing House)?

No, ACH payments are not available for individuals.

Certain exchange visitor program sponsors may be authorized to make bulk payments for exchange visitors participating in their program using ACH. See the section on bulk filers for more information. Your program should notify you if they make the payment for you. Contact your exchange visitor program if you have questions.

4.D.5. Can I pay with traveler’s check?

No. See the section on Payment Options for authorized payment methods.

4.D.6. Can I use a third party check for payment?

No. A third party check is one that is made out to you and that you endorse. Payments for the SEVIS I-901 fee must be made payable directly to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee. You can, however, have any person or organization use a check or money order to pay the fee on your behalf.

For more information, see the section on payment by check or money order.

4.D.7. Can I send the Form I-901 and payment by courier?

Yes. The correct address for courier payments is:

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
1005 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
United States
Phone Number: 1-314-418-8833 (United States Country Code 011)

4.D.8. What credit and debit cards are accepted?

SEVP accepts payment by:

  • Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards
  • Debit cards (also known as check cards) that have the Visa or MasterCard logo

Credit or debit cards can only be used when paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and completing the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com.

4.D.9. How do I pay by credit or debit card?

The only option for paying by credit or debit card is when you fill in the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com. When you have filled in the online form, you will be asked if you want to pay by credit or debit card or by check or money order. Choose the credit card option. See the section on credit/debit cards for more information. See the Payment Overview for more details on the payment process.

4.D.10. Can I pay with a debit card?

Yes, if it is a debit card (also known as a check card) that has the Visa or MasterCard logo.

4.D.11. Can I pay with a credit or debit card when I mail in a payment?

No. Credit or debit cards can only be used to make online payments when submitting the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com.

4.D.12. What would cause my mailed payment to be rejected and returned?

We make every effort to use the information you provide to match your payment to the correct SEVIS record. You can help by filling out the Form I-901 carefully. See the Payment Checklist for details.

However, if the information on your Form I-901 is incorrect or illegible, we cannot process it. If there is a usable return address on the form, check or envelope, we will return your form and payment with an explanation of the problem(s).

Your Form I-901 or payment coupon could also be rejected because of other payment issues. The most common rejection reasons include:

  • No check or money order included
  • The payment is the wrong amount -- we cannot accept overpayments or underpayments
  • The payment is not an international money order or a check drawn on a United States financial institution and payable in United States funds (see the section on payment by check or money order for more information)

If your payment is rejected, make the corrections and resubmit your Form I-901/ payment coupon and payment.

4.D.13. What if SEVP says that my payment was returned, but I do not receive it?

SEVP makes every effort to return payments that are not acceptable. However, SEVP is not responsible for any items lost in transit or that cannot be delivered because of an inaccurate or incomplete address.

4.D.14. Can I pay with cash?

No. Do not send cash. If you do, your payment will be returned. However, SEVP is not responsible for returned payments that are lost in transit. See the Payment Overview for more information.

4.D.15. What currency can be used to pay SEVIS I-901 fee?

Currency or cash cannot be used to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. See the Payment Overview for more information.

4.D.16. How can I pay if I do not have access to a computer or credit or debit card?

You have two choices. You can:

  • Use the mail or a courier service to send a check or money order to SEVP. (see the Payment Overview for more information)
  • Ask a third party – a friend, relative, charitable organization, etc – to help pay the fee via the Internet

4.D.17. Can someone else pay for me?

Yes. Any person or organization can fill-in your Form I-901 and pay your SEVIS I-901 fee. If a third party other than your school or exchange visitor program files the Form I-901, be sure to provide them with the information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 so they can complete the Form I-901 accurately.

4.D.18. How do I make a third party payment if I am paying the SEVIS I-901 fee on the behalf of a student or exchange visitor?

Payment by credit or debit card

You need to have the student or exchange visitor provide you with the following information exactly as it appears on the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from their selected school or exchange visitor program:

  • Name (last, middle, first)
  • SEVIS ID number
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Country of birth
  • City of birth
  • Country of citizenship
  • School code if a student
  • If an exchange visitor
    • Exchange visitor program number
    • Exchange visitor category
  • Passport number (optional)

You will also need to provide the address where you want to have the receipt delivered. If you decide to pay the $35 fee for expedited delivery, it is best to have a phone number so the courier company can contact you if there is a problem with the delivery.

You can fill in the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com.

Payment by check or money order

SEVP will need the Form I-901 information and the payment. There are two options for providing the Form I-901 information:

  • You or the student/exchange visitor can fill in the Form I-901 information online at www.fmjfee.com and print a payment coupon (see the section above for details on filling in the form online)
  • You can fill in a paper Form I-901.

Mail the form or the coupon in with your payment. See the Payment Overview for more information.

4.E. What are the options and processes for paying and filing for more than one person?

Any individual or organization may pay the fee for multiple people. If filing online, each Form I-901 must be filled in individually. If payment is by credit or debit card, then a separate payment must be made for each.

If you choose to pay the fee for a group with a single check, be absolutely certain that the Form I-901 information is correct and that your check is for the correct amount. If we have to reject one form for incomplete or incorrect information and there is a single check for the entire group, we will have to return all the forms and the check. We only accept exact payments.

If you do pay for a group using one check, we recommend that you calculate the fee very carefully. You may wish to file online because this will help prevent data entry errors.

You may choose to bundle separate forms and payments in one envelope. If so, please be sure you staple the check or money order to the appropriate Form(s) I-901.

Some exchange visitor program sponsors may be authorized to use bulk filing to pay for groups of exchange visitors. See the information on bulk filing for more information.

4.F. Bulk Filer

4.F.1. What is a bulk filer?

Bulk filers are exchange visitor program sponsors that have worked with SEVP to institute a batch process for filing Forms I-901 and paying the fee with an ACH transaction.

4.F.2. What organizations can apply for the bulk filing program?

Currently the bulk filer capability can only support exchange visitor program sponsors. See the Fact Sheet for bulk filers for more information.

4.F.3. How does my organization express an interest in bulk filing?

Any organization interested in bulk filing should send an e-mail to toolbox.sevis@dhs.gov expressing your interest and giving a point of contact. We will contact your organization directly.

4.F.4. Do bulk filers have to pay the fee for all applicants?

No. Bulk filers may pay the fee for whichever applicants they wish – all exchange visitors in a program or only selected exchange visitors.

4.F.5. If a bulk filer pays a fee for an applicant and the person participates in a different program, can the bulk filer receive a refund?

Only the individual for whom the SEVIS I-901 fee is paid may request a refund. The person or organization that paid the fee will receive the refund, if approved. See the section on refunds for more detailed information.

4.G. Privacy and accessibility questions

4.G.1. How is the privacy of my credit or debit card payment information protected?

Payment is through a secure site specifically for credit or debit card payments. Your card information is used only to process the payment request with your bank. The United States government does not maintain your credit or debit card information – only a confirmation indicating the transaction was successful.

4.G.2. Is the information that I submit shared with advertisers?

No. The data collected through the SEVIS I-901 fee system is used only for DHS purposes.

4.G.3. Why does the Form I-901 request my phone number? What if I don’t include it?

The phone number is needed only if you select expedited delivery. The purpose is for the courier company to be able to schedule a delivery. If you do not include your phone number, it may be harder for the courier company to make a timely delivery of your receipt. We will not reject your Form I-901 if you leave the phone number blank.

4.G.4. Is the I-901 website accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. The fee payment website meets the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which defines standards for making websites accessible to the disabled.

4.G.5. With this new SEVIS I-901 fee, there may be scam artists who set up web sites claiming to be authentic. How do I know I am on the right web site and paying the right person?

The website to file and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee is www.fmjfee.com. You should see this URL displayed in the top line of your browser. This will let you know you are on the correct web site.

We will never send you e-mail requesting any banking or credit or debit card information.

If you suspect fraud, please send a letter or e-mail to SEVP with Suspected Fraud in the subject line.

4.H. Technical problems while paying on the Internet

4.H.1. Can I fill in the Form I-901 online and pay by check if I do not have a printer?

No, you must be able to print out the coupon and send it with your check or money order.

4.H.2. What can I do if I try to get to the SEVP I-901 site and I receive "Page Cannot Be Displayed" error?

This is a problem when you have an older version of Internet Explorer. You have two options: go the Microsoft support website or contact the Microsoft hotline for directions on how to correct the problem.

Microsoft Support Website

Go to www.support.microsoft.com. Type Q305217 in the search bar in the upper left hand corner. The search will return with one article listed - click the link and you will be directed to an article entitled Page Cannot Be Displayed Error During SSL 3.0 Server Session Timeout.

This page provides additional information on how to correct the problem.

Microsoft Hotline

You can call the Microsoft Product Support and Services hotline at (800) 936-4900.

  • From the main menu, select Option 3 - If you are calling for a Hot Fix, press 3.
  • When the Microsoft tech picks up, tell them the following:
    • Quote Q305217 as the document identifier describing the problem being experienced.
    • Confirm to the tech that this is the problem you are having.
  • The tech will assist you with the appropriate solution.
  • The tech will give you a case number starting with the letters SRX that can be used to reference your case should you need to call back.

4.H.3. Why does the I-901 website page begin to appear and then stop halfway through?

This is most likely due to a slow Internet connection. Try using the Refresh or Reload button on your browser.

4.H.4. The browser indicates that I do not have strong enough browser security to view the page. How can I pay the I-901 fee online?

All data entered into the SEVP web site and sent through the Internet is protected using 128-bit encryption and SSL version 3.0. The browsers supported are IE 5.0 or above and Netscape 4.5 and above with 128-bit encryption. Please verify the version and browser encryption strength you are using.

  • For Internet Explorer: Click Help on the top menu bar and then click About Internet Explorer. This will show the version and Cipher (encryption) strength.
  • For Netscape Navigator: Click Help on the top menu bar and then click About Navigator. This will show the version at the top of the page and encryption software supported at the bottom left hand side of the page.
    • Access the encryption and SSL versions supported by clicking on the Security button and then the Navigator selection.
    • Click Enable SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) v3 - Configure SSL v3 to enable 128-bit encryption.

4.H.5. When I type my information into the I-901 form and click Submit, the browser hangs and does not return another screen. Has my information been submitted?

You can call Customer Service at 1-212-620-3418 and the operator will be able to verify whether or not your information was submitted.

4.H.6. I clicked Submit on the screen but ended up on a page showing I-901 Instructions. What happened?

This occurs when your session exceeds the time limit for completing an I-901 payment. You need to re-enter your information in order to complete the transaction.

4.H.7. What browser do I need to access the website? What if my browser is not the right version?

Any browser that supports the required security -- that can establish an SSLv3 128-bit Secure Socket Layer session with our server – can be used.

This includes:

  • Netscape Navigator 7.1 and higher
  • Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher running on a Microsoft Windows operating system
  • Safari 1.2.1 and higher running on an Apple Mac OS X operating system
  • Mozilla 1.6 and higher running on either a Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS X operating system

If you do not have one of the browser versions listed above, you can download one from the website of manufacturer.

4.I. What are some tips for fee payment?

4.I.1. How do I avoid problems paying the fee?

See the checklist for filling out the Form I-901 and payment.

4.I.2. What is the fastest way to pay the fee?

The fastest way to pay the fee is to file your Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com, pay by credit or debit card and print a receipt. Allow three working days for the information to be posted to SEVIS and the Department of State consular information system.

4.J. What if I have a problem with making a payment?

The SEVP website at www.ice.gov/sevis has a complete set of questions and answers for the most common problems. You may also call customer service at 1-212-620-3418 to address specific questions or issues with a particular payment. See the section on sources of help for more detailed information.

4.J.1. What if I complete the online Form I-901 and then do not select a payment method?

If you do not complete the payment process and receive a control number (coupon payment) or a confirmation number (credit or debit card payment), your online Form I-901 is not saved. You will need to start the process over and choose a payment method.

4.J.2. What if I realize I made a mistake on my Form I-901 after I filed it on the web or mailed it to SEVP?

The answer to this question depends on the error. SEVP processes the payments the day they are received, so it is likely that we have already processed your form or returned your Form I-901 and payment.

The following is a list of common errors and the suggested remedy.

Error Suggested Remedy
I paid on the wrong Form I-20 or DS-2019 If the fee is the same, do not repay the fee. Keep the receipt and both forms to document the action.

See the process for reassigning a SEVIS I-901 fee from one SEVIS ID number to another.
I sent a check or money order for the wrong amount of money or did not send a check Resubmit the Form I-901 and a new payment. Your original payment will be returned, as SEVP cannot process underpayments or overpayments.
I gave incorrect address for the receipt Call the 1-212-620-3418

OR

Send an e-mail to fmjfee.SEVIS@DHS.gov with Address Correction in the subject line

OR

Mail a letter to:

SEVP
ATTN: SEVIS I-901 fee CRU
800 K Street NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20536
USA

Explain the problem and give your name, date of birth, SEVIS ID number and the correct address for the receipt.
I spelled my name incorrectly Call the 1-212-620-3418

OR

Send an e-mail to fmjfee.SEVIS@DHS.gov with Name Correction in the subject line

OR

Mail a letter to:

SEVP
ATTN: SEVIS I-901 fee CRU
800 K Street NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20536
USA

Explain the problem and give your name, date of birth, SEVIS ID number and the correct address for the receipt.

4.J.3. What if I pay too much?

We cannot accept overpayments. We do not have a process for accepting part of a payment and returning the remainder. Your Form I-901 and payment will be returned and you will need to file again. Be sure you send a payment for the exact amount.

4.J.4. What if I pay too little?

We cannot accept underpayments. We do not have a process for accepting part of a payment and debiting you for the remainder. Your Form I-901 and payment will be returned and you will need to file again. Be sure you send a payment for the exact amount.

4.K. What if my school/sponsor pays for me and I want to change schools/programs?

You may do this if the SEVIS I-901 fee paid on your behalf is greater than or equal to the fee for the new school or program. For more information, see the section, Do I pay the fee? For your visa interview or, if visa exempt, your entry into the United States, you will need to bring:

  • Your receipt
  • The Forms I-20 or DS-2019 for the school or program that paid for you
  • The Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the school or program you will attend

Once you enter the United States, you will need to request that SEVP transfer your fee payment information.

4.L. Are more payment options being considered?

Yes. SEVP is working on a number of additional payment alternatives. None are currently available. If you have specific suggestions or input, please mail or e-mail them to SEVP with Fee Payment Alternatives in the subject line:

By Mail

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
United States

E-mail:

Fmjfee.sevis.@dhs.gov

You will get a standard reply acknowledging your input but not a personalized response. However, your response will be sent to the team working on alternative arrangements.

New payment methods will be announced, as they are made available.


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