As of September 1, 2004, unless exempted, F-1/J-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors receiving an initial SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 with an issuance date of September 1, 2004 or later will be required to pay the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SEVIS fee of $100 USD.

What is the SEVIS fee?
DHS is mandated by the U.S. Congress to cover the costs of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) program. The fee will pay for the operating costs of the SEVIS and additional SEVIS liaison officers who will be a resource for students and schools. The fee is a Department of Homeland Security fee. It is not a school fee or a visa fee.

How much is the SEVIS fee, and who pays it?
The SEVIS fee is a charge of $100 USD. It will be paid by all F-1, F-3, and J-1 visitors whose initial I-20 or DS-2019 was issued on or after 1 September 2004.  Dependents are not required to pay the fee. Continuing students and scholars whose program began prior to 1 September 2004 will not have to pay the SEVIS fee.

I am already in the U.S.  Would I have to pay the SEVIS fee?
Yes. If you apply for a change of status to F-1 or J-1, you will have to pay the fee. If you apply for a change of category within the J program (example: student to researcher or short term scholar to researcher), you will need to pay the fee. Also, if you are absent from the U.S. for an extended period and will need a new visa or a new “initial” I-20 or DS-2019, you may need to pay the fee. Also, if you fall out of status in the U.S. and apply for reinstatement, you will need to pay the fee.

If I need to pay the SEVIS fee, how do I pay it?
The SEVIS fee may be paid by mail or electronically by submitting Form I-901 online.

• (Recommended) If you are paying electronically, you must use a credit card. To access the I-901 Form electronically, go to the following website: https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml.
• If you are paying by mail, your payment must be made with a U.S. Money order or a check drawn on a U.S. Bank. The check must be in U.S. dollars. This does not mean you have to have a U.S. bank account. Many of the larger banks in your country will have agreements with U.S. Banks and can provide you with a check drawn on a U.S. Bank. DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL.
  

When do I pay the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee must be paid prior to visa issuance or change of status. To ensure that your payment has been received, make sure you pay the fee no later than three days prior to your visa appointment.

If you are changing your status in country, pay the fee prior to sending in your change of status application. If you are paying electronically, you will be able to print out a receipt immediately that you can take to the consulate as proof of payment or include with your change of status application.

If you are outside the country and need a new visa, it is a good idea to make your visa appointment first, and then pay your SEVIS fee shortly thereafter to ensure that your dossier will be complete in advance of your visa interview.

What if I am Canadian?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the United States. You will need to make sure that you pay the fee in a timely way. Payment of the fee will be verified at the port of entry (e.g. airport, Detroit/Windsor Tunnel). If you do not have proof, such as a receipt from an electronic or mail payment, make sure that you pay at least three days in advance of your entry date. However, we recommend that you pay as early as possible and that you bring proof of payment to the port of entry.

How do I prove to the consulate, a service center, or a border inspector that I paid the fee?
In general, consulates, services centers, and ports of entry should be able to verify SEVIS fee payment if you have paid at least three days in advance of your visa interview (or for Canadians, immigration inspection at a port of entry). However, please bring proof with you. 

If you paid electronically, you will be able to show a receipt. If you paid via mail, you will also be sent a receipt. If you have not received your receipt, please bring a copy of the check you sent. The SEVIS fee payment is a new process; do not count on all consulates and border posts to have access to electronic records. Bring proof of payment with you.

What if someone else wants to pay the fee for me?
A third party such as a sponsoring agency, a school, or an academic department can pay the SEVIS fee for you. Make sure you are in touch with this third party and get a receipt and proof of payment. Friends or family can also pay the fee for you.

How long is the SEVIS fee good for? What if I am denied a visa?
The SEVIS fee is good for 12 months. If you do not obtain a visa in time, you will have to begin the process all over again and pay an additional $100 USD.

For more information, please contact International Services and Student Affairs.