SEVIS Fee – A Complete Guide for US Study Visa Applicants

What is the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is a one-time payment that covers the cost of maintaining and managing the SEVIS system. This system is used by the US government to track international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. If you’re planning to study in the US on an F-1 visa, you’ll need to pay this fee before your visa can be processed.

Who Pays the SEVIS Fee?

Not everyone needs to pay the SEVIS fee, so it’s important to know if you fall into one of the categories that require payment.

• Prospective Students: If you’re applying for an F-1 visa for the first time outside the US, you must pay the SEVIS fee. This includes students who receive an “initial attendance” I-20 form, which is the document that proves you’ve been accepted into a US school.
• Change of Status Applicants: If you’re already in the US on a different type of visa and want to switch to an F-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS fee before submitting your change of status application.
• Canadian Citizens: Although Canadian citizens do not need a US visa stamp, they still have to pay the SEVIS fee before entering the US.
• Reinstatement Applicants: If you’re an F-1 student applying for reinstatement of your visa status, you must pay the fee.

Who Does Not Pay the Fee?

• Continuing F-1 Students: If you’re already an F-1 student and your status is not changing, you don’t need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
• F-2 Dependents: If you’re an F-2 dependent (spouse or child of an F-1 student), you don’t have to pay the SEVIS fee.

When to Pay the SEVIS Fee?

Timing is crucial when paying the SEVIS fee

• Before Applying for an F-1 Visa: If you’re applying for your initial F-1 visa at a US Consulate outside the US, you must pay the fee before you apply for the visa.
• Before Entering the US (Canadian Citizens): If you’re a Canadian citizen, you must pay the fee before arriving at the Port of Entry in the US.
• Before Submitting a Change of Status Application: If you’re applying for a change of status to F-1 or seeking reinstatement, the fee must be paid before you submit your application.

How to Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

Paying the SEVIS fee is relatively straightforward, but there are specific methods depending on your country of citizenship:

• Credit Card Payment: Most students can pay the fee online using a credit card by visiting FMJfee.com.
• Alternative Payment Methods: If you are from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia, you must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or a certified check drawn from a US bank.
• Third-Party Payments: If you cannot pay by credit card, a third party, such as a family member or friend, can make the payment on your behalf using the same payment method.
• Payment Instructions: Detailed instructions on how to complete the Western Union Quick Pay or mail in your payment are available on the SEVP website.

What Information You Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee

When paying the SEVIS fee, you’ll need to provide the following details:

• Personal Information: Your name, address, date of birth, and email address.
• Country Details: Your country of birth and country of citizenship.
• School Code: The School Code, which you’ll find on your I-20 form.
• SEVIS Identification Number: The SEVIS ID, also listed on your I-20 form.

SEVIS Fee Payment Records

After paying the SEVIS fee, your payment will be recorded in your SEVIS record. It’s highly recommended that you keep a copy of your payment receipt, as you may need it when applying for your visa or entering the US.

Conclusion: About Eduland Immigration

Navigating the SEVIS fee process is just one part of the journey to studying in the US. For personalized guidance and support, consider reaching out to Eduland Immigration, a Chandigarh-based visa consultancy firm in India. With over 16 years of experience, Eduland Immigration, led by Mr. Gurpreet Singh Channa, provides expert advice to students, job seekers, and visa applicants.

For more details, you can contact Eduland Immigration at their toll-free number 1800-137-5588, WhatsApp at +91 99155 62155, or email at contact@edulandimmigration.com.