1. What is the SEVIS Fee and why do I have to pay it?
The SEVIS Fee is a fee charged to international students and exchange visitors by the U.S. government to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee is required to be paid prior to applying for a visa or entering the United States in F or J status. This fee helps the U.S. government track and monitor international students and exchange visitors in the United States.
2. How much is the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee for F and M students is currently $350.
3. What is the deadline for paying the SEVIS Fee?
The deadline for paying the SEVIS Fee depends on the type of visa you have. For F or M student visas, the SEVIS Fee must be paid at least three days before the visa interview. For J-1 visas, the SEVIS Fee must be paid at least two weeks before the visa interview.
4. Is the SEVIS fee refundable?
No, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable.
5. Can I pay the SEVIS fee with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay the SEVIS fee with a credit card.
6. Who has to pay the SEVIS Fee?
All nonimmigrant students in F and M visa categories must pay the SEVIS Fee.
7. How do I pay the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS Fee can be paid online with a credit or debit card or via Western Union Quick Pay. For more information, please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
8. When can I expect to receive my I-901 receipt after paying the SEVIS Fee?
After paying the SEVIS Fee, you should receive your I-901 Receipt within 72 hours.
9. Are there any exemptions from paying the SEVIS Fee?
Yes, there are a few exemptions. These include, individuals who are currently in the U.S. in lawful nonimmigrant status, individuals who have a pending adjustment of status application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), certain categories of individuals seeking refugee or asylee status, and certain individuals in possession of a Transportation Letter.
10. How do I know if I have paid the SEVIS Fee?
You should receive a confirmation email from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when you have paid the SEVIS Fee. The confirmation email will include a receipt number and a SEVIS identification number that can be used to confirm your payment.
11. Is the SEVIS fee required for all student visa applicants?
Yes, the SEVIS fee is required for all student visa applicants.
12. What are the consequences of not paying the SEVIS Fee?
If the SEVIS Fee is not paid, the student’s visa application will be denied and they may not be permitted to enter the United States. Additionally, students who fail to pay the SEVIS fee may be prevented from renewing their visas or transferring schools while on an F-1 visa.
13. Is the SEVIS Fee required for exchange visitors (J-1 visa holders)?
Yes, exchange visitors (J-1 visa holders) are required to pay the SEVIS Fee before applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
14. What documents do I need to submit with my SEVIS Fee payment?
When making a SEVIS Fee payment, you will need to provide the following documents:
-A copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 form
-Proof of payment, such as a receipt or bank statement
-Your passport
-Your visa (if applicable)
-Any other documents required by your school or local US embassy or consulate.
15. How can I track my payment after submitting it online?
You can track your payment by logging into the website or app you used to make the payment and looking for tracking information there. You also may be able to track your payment by contacting the company or person you sent the payment to, and asking them for tracking information.
16. What is a Form I-901 and how does it relate to the SEVIS Fee payment process?
Form I-901, the SEVIS I-901 Fee Processing Form is an online form used to facilitate payment of the SEVIS fee. It must be filled out by prospective international students who are applying for an F or M visa, or a visa under the J exchange visitor program. After completing the form, it must be submitted electronically with payment of the SEVIS fee. The form is used to provide the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with information about the student and to confirm that the student has paid the SEVIS fee.
17. How can I obtain a copy of my receipt for my past payment of the SEVIS fee?
You can obtain a copy of your receipt for your past payment of the SEVIS fee by visiting https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html and entering your SEVIS ID and date of birth. You can also contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-891-4859.
18. Can someone else pay the SEVIS Fee on my behalf?
Yes, someone else can pay the SEVIS Fee on your behalf. They will need to enter your name, date of birth, and SEVIS ID number in order to complete the payment.
19. Can I transfer my SEVIS fee payment to a different visa category?
No, you cannot transfer your SEVIS fee payment to a different visa category. Once the fee has been paid, it is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred.
20. What documents do I need to bring when paying in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate?
When paying in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID. This includes a driver’s license, passport, identity card, or other applicable form of government-issued identification. If paying with cash, you should also bring the exact amount of funds required for the payment.