SEVIS FAQ
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Frequently Asked Questions
F-1, F-3, M-1 and J-1 visa applicants with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued on or after September 1, 2004, are required to pay a SEVIS fee before applying for the visa. Persons with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued before that date are not subject to the SEVIS fee, even if they apply for a visa on or after September 1.
The SEVIS fee receipt is valid for twelve months. If your application is refused, you may reapply using this fee receipt provided it is within twelve months of the initial payment. The fee receipt may be used if you are reapplying for the same visa or applying for a new visa for a different program provided the SEVIS fee payment meets the fee required for the different program.
SEVIS FAQ
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What schools are approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program?
What schools are approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program?
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Click to see the list of approved schools.
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- What is a SEVIS fee?
- Who pays the fee?
- Who does not pay the fee?
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How much is the fee?
How much is the fee?
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F-1, F-3 and M-1 visa applicants - $200.00USD.
J-1 visa applicants - $180.00USD. Certain short-term exchange visitor (au-pairs, summer work/travel and camp counselors) will pay a reduced fee of $35.00USD.
Note: the fee increase was introduced on October 27, 2008. F, M, and J applicants who paid their SEVIS fee before October 27 do not need to pay the higher amount, even if they have not traveled or applied for a visa by that date.
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F-1, F-3 and M-1 visa applicants - $200.00USD.
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When and how must the fee be paid?
When and how must the fee be paid?
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The fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security in the United States prior to applying for the visa. It cannot be paid at the Consulate. The applicant, the sponsor or a third party can pay the fee. The fee must be processed at least three business days prior to the date of the visa interview. Proof of payment of the fee should be presented at the time the applicant applies for the visa.
The fee is non-refundable. No refunds will be made because a visa has been refused. Refunds will only be made for payments made in error.
Students who have been accepted at more than one school may have more than one SEVIS record. As the SEVIS fee is based on the individual applicant, not program, there may be cases where the applicant has paid the fee against one SEVIS record but is applying for a visa against another. That is acceptable.
Applicants taking part in two or more different programs, such as exchange visitors, are required to pay separate SEVIS fees for each program, even if only one visa is issued.
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The fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security in the United States prior to applying for the visa. It cannot be paid at the Consulate. The applicant, the sponsor or a third party can pay the fee. The fee must be processed at least three business days prior to the date of the visa interview. Proof of payment of the fee should be presented at the time the applicant applies for the visa.
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How do I know if the fee has been paid on my behalf?
How do I know if the fee has been paid on my behalf?
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You should check with your school or sponsor. The person paying the fee will receive a receipt, either by return mail or electronically. Those paying through the internet may print off the fee receipt. You will require this receipt to apply for the visa. If there is any doubt as to whether or not the fee has been paid, you may confirm receipt of payment by either e-mailing the SEVP I-901 Case Resolution Unit at fmjfee.sevis@dhs.gov or calling them at 785-330-1048.
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Will I be required to pay the SEVIS fee each time I apply for a visa?
Will I be required to pay the SEVIS fee each time I apply for a visa?
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No, it is a one- time fee charged at the time of the initial visa application. If you reapply for a visa based on the same program then you will not be required to pay a new fee. If you apply for a new visa based on a different program, a new fee will be required.
The SEVIS fee receipt is valid for twelve months. If your application is refused, you may reapply using this fee receipt provided it is within twelve months of the initial payment. The fee receipt may be used if you are reapplying for the same visa or applying for a new visa for a different program provided the SEVIS fee payment meets the fee required for the different program.
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