SEVIS Fee
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published and implemented a SEVIS Fee. The SEVIS fee is charged to all new international students applying for an initial F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. embassy or American consulate office.
The SEVIS fee is effective September 1, 2004.
You may also visit the Federal Register Notice if you would like the full text of the DHS SEVIS fee regulations.
Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee
- F-1 and J-1 students seeking an INITIAL visa from a U.S. Embassy or American consulate office abroad.
- Canadian citizens who are exempt from the visa requirements. However, Canadian Citizens must apply for admission to the United States at the port of entry.
- Nonimmigrant students seeking adjustment of status to F-1 or J-1.
- Please note that a proof of $100.00 payment is required before applying for a visa at the Consulate office. The fee payment process takes at least 3 business days in advance of the consular interview.
Who Does Not Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee
- Continuing students already on SEVIS and have been maintaining their status, and whose initial I-20 and/or DS2019 were issued before September 1, 2004.
- Dependents of F-1 and J-1 Students. (Please note that both F2 and J2 visa holder will need to pay if decided to request for adjustment of status to become F-1 or J1.students.)
- International students already on SEVIS transferring from one U.S institution to another.
- Continuing international students on F-1 and J-1 visa who have been maintaining their status, and need to apply for an entry visa to United States.
- F-1 and J-1 students extending their programs.
- Any nonimmigrant who applies for either an F-1 or J1 visa who has paid the initial SEVIS fee but was denied a visa and is reapplying for a visa within 12 months of paying the initial fee. (the SEVIS fee is valid for one year)
Payment Options
- Payment by credit card online through the SEVIS fee Processing web site (Master Card, Visa, and American Express are acceptable)
- Payment in U.S. dollars by personal check or bank draft drawn from a U.S. bank
Please note that a third party (such as friends and relatives or a sponsor) can help you pay the SEVIS fee. The person who is helping you pay the SEVIS fee must provide your information on Form I-901 as it appears on your form I-20 or DS2019.
If you have any question concerning the SEVIS fee, please contact the Office of Admissions and Records International Admission Unit at 312-996-7740
