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QUESTIONS ABOUT SEVIS FEE
Beginning September 1, 2004, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) SEVIS fee rule went into effect. This rule requires F-1 and
J-1 visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of $100 to supplement
the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange
Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a central computerized system
that maintains and manages data about foreign students (F-1, J-1
and M-1), exchange visitors (J-1), and their dependents (F-2, J-2
and M-2) during their stay in the United States. The following information
specifically addresses fee issues for F-1 students.
Who pays the SEVIS fee?
· Prospective students with “initial attendance” I-20s
dated on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for an initial” F-1
visa from outside the U.S.
· Prospective students with “initial attendance” I-20s
dated on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for a change to F-1 status
from another visa category.
· Current F-1 students in the US filing for reinstatement
after being out of status more than 5 months, and who are issued
an I-20 issued for reinstatement that is dated on or after 9/1/04
When do I pay the SEVIS
fee?
The fee must be paid at least 3 business days prior to applying for your
visa, or applying for admission at a US port-of-entry for those exempt
from the visa requirement. The fee must be paid prior to submission
of a change of status petition or reinstatement application.
How do I pay the fee?
The fee can be paid to the DHS by mail or online and must be accompanied
by a Form I-901. It can be paid by you or by a third party, inside
or outside the US.
To Pay By Mail
1. Obtain a Form I-901 “Fee
Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants.”
· Download the form
from www.FMJfee.com
· Request the form by phone
at 1-800-870-3676 (inside the US)
2. Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears
on your I-20 form.
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn
on US banks only) in the amount of $100 USD, made payable to “The
Department of Homeland Security”
4. Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form
I-901.
5. A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing
the fee. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with
your other important immigration documents
To Pay Online
1. Find the Form I-901
at www.FMJfee.com.
2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard
or American Express information. *Be sure to write your name exactly
as it appears on your I-20 form.
3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other
important immigration documents
What if my F-1 visa application is denied?
The SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new
F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the
fee again.
Further information on SEVIS and I-901 fee is available on this site:
U.S.I.C.E.
SEVIS fee Home Page
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