What is the SEVIS Fee

Wondering what the SEVIS fee is? Find out everything you need to know about the SEVIS fee, how to pay it, and why it’s required for US student and exchange visitor visas.

If you’re planning to study or participate in an exchange program in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee. But what exactly is the SEVIS fee, and why is it required?

The SEVIS fee plays a crucial role in helping the US government keep track of students, exchange visitors, and other non-immigrant participants during their time in the country. Whether you’re applying for an F-1 Visa (for students), J-1 Visa (for exchange visitors), or other related visas, understanding the SEVIS fee process is a must.

Let’s break down everything you need to know.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It’s an online database that tracks information on non-immigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents while they’re in the United States. The system helps the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) monitor and verify the status of foreign students and exchange visitors throughout their stay.

Every student or exchange visitor who plans to study, train, or participate in an exchange program in the US must be registered in SEVIS. As part of this process, a SEVIS fee is required before you can apply for your visa.

Why Do You Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS fee is used to maintain the SEVIS system and support the tracking and monitoring of students and exchange visitors. The US government wants to ensure that individuals coming into the country for educational or exchange purposes comply with visa regulations. The fee helps fund the system that tracks you from the moment you enter the country until your program concludes.

In essence, the SEVIS fee is a way to help the US government ensure that everything is properly documented and monitored during your stay in the country.

How Much is the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS fee amount varies based on the type of visa you are applying for:

1. F-1 Visa (Students):
   
   • Amount: $350 USD
     
   • This fee applies to most students who are attending an academic institution in the US.
     
2. J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitors):
   
   • Amount: $220 USD
     
   • If you're applying for a J-1 visa for an exchange visitor program (such as a cultural exchange, internship, or trainee program), you will need to pay the SEVIS fee at the time of your application.
     
3. J-1 Visa (Au Pair or Intern):
   
   • Amount: $35 USD
     
   • For some J-1 categories, like au pair programs, the fee is lower.
     

It’s important to note that the SEVIS fee is separate from your visa application fee, and it is paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security. You will need to pay the SEVIS fee online before scheduling your visa interview.

How and When Do You Pay the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS fee is typically paid after you’ve received your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors) form. These forms are provided by your school or exchange program sponsor. Once you have your form, you can go online to pay the SEVIS fee.

Here’s how to pay the SEVIS fee:

1. Visit the official SEVIS I-901 payment website.
   
2. Fill out the required information from your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
   
3. Choose your payment method (credit card, debit card, or third-party payment).
   
4. Submit the payment and print the confirmation receipt.
   

Make sure to keep a copy of your payment receipt. You will need to bring it to your visa interview, and it might also be requested by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you enter the US.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Timing is Key: You cannot apply for a US visa until the SEVIS fee has been paid, so make sure to pay it in advance to avoid delays in your application process.
  
• Non-Refundable: The SEVIS fee is non-refundable. Even if your visa application is denied, you won’t get your money back, so be sure you’re ready to go ahead with your plans before making the payment.
  
• Third-Party Payments: If someone else is paying your SEVIS fee (like a sponsor), they will need your SEVIS ID number from your I-20 or DS-2019 form to make the payment.
  
• Different Fees for Different Visas: The amount depends on the type of visa you are applying for, so double-check which category applies to you to make sure you’re paying the correct amount.
  

Can I Get a SEVIS Fee Refund?

Unfortunately, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable once it’s paid. This means if your visa is denied or you decide not to attend your program, you will not be reimbursed for the fee. The fee is used to support the SEVIS system, which tracks all international students and exchange visitors, so it’s paid whether or not you eventually enter the US.

Start Your USA Adventure with StayLonger

Understanding the SEVIS fee is essential when preparing for your journey to the United States. This fee helps the government manage and track students and exchange visitors while they’re in the country. It’s a necessary part of the visa process for many, and while it’s an additional cost, it plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the US educational and cultural exchange programs.

If you're planning to study or participate in an exchange program in the US, make sure you account for the SEVIS fee in your visa application timeline and payment schedule. And don’t forget to keep a copy of your SEVIS payment receipt—it’s an important document for your visa interview and entry into the US.

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