So, you’ve got your sights set on studying in the U.S. as an international student, and you’re starting to wade through the mountain of paperwork needed for your F-1 visa. One word you’ll hear a lot during this process is SEVIS. If you’re scratching your head, wondering, “What’s SEVIS?” or, more importantly, “How much is this going to cost me?”—don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a deep dive into all things SEVIS fee-related. Grab a snack and let’s break it all down!
What the Heck is SEVIS?
First things first, SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It’s a U.S. government system that tracks and manages students on F and M visas and exchange visitors on J visas. Essentially, SEVIS keeps tabs on your status as an international student, from the moment you get your visa to your graduation (or departure from the U.S., whichever comes first). Think of it as a digital watchdog ensuring that both you and your school follow all the rules.
But, of course, maintaining this system isn’t free, which is why the SEVIS fee exists.
SEVIS Fee 101
The SEVIS fee is a one-time charge you pay to the U.S. government before they even let you apply for your F-1 visa. This fee funds the operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The SEVIS fee might feel like just another box to check off on your path to studying in the U.S., but it’s a critical step. Without it, you can’t get your visa, and without your visa, you’re not heading to that dream campus anytime soon. The good news? Once it’s paid, you can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on the more exciting parts of your journey—like getting packed and planning your arrival!
How Much is the SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa?
Let’s get straight to the numbers:
- F-1 Students: $350
This fee covers the entire duration of your program, but you’ll need to pay it before you can get that coveted F-1 visa. Whether you’re applying from abroad or changing your status to F-1 within the U.S., that $350 fee is a must-pay.
Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
Great question! Here’s the rundown of who’s on the hook for this fee:
1. New F-1 Visa Applicants:
If you’re applying for an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. and have been issued an I-20 by a U.S. school, this fee is your first stop.
2. Changing Status to F-1:
If you’re already in the U.S. on another type of nonimmigrant visa (maybe you were here as a tourist or on a work visa) and you’re switching to student status, the SEVIS fee applies to you, too.
3. Reinstatement of Status:
Let’s say you’ve been in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, but something went wrong (maybe you fell out of status because you didn’t register for classes on time). If you’ve been out of status for more than five months and need to file for reinstatement, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
4. Canadian Students:
Even though Canadian citizens don’t need a visa to enter the U.S., they still need to pay the SEVIS fee before showing up at the U.S. border as an F-1 student.
Who Doesn't Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
On the flip side, here’s who doesn’t need to pay the SEVIS fee:
1. F-1 Students Transferring Between Schools:
If you’re already in the U.S. studying and you’re transferring from one school to another, you won’t need to cough up that fee again.
2. F-2 Visa Holders (Dependents):
If you’re tagging along with an F-1 student as a spouse or child on an F-2 visa, you’re off the hook for the SEVIS fee. Phew!
The Step-by-Step Guide to Paying the SEVIS Fee
So, you’ve figured out that you need to pay the fee. Now what? Here’s how you do it:
1. Get Your I-20:
Before you can pay the SEVIS fee, you need your Form I-20, which is issued by your U.S. school. This form contains your SEVIS identification number and your school’s code—both of which you’ll need for the fee payment process.
2. Head to FMJFee.com:
This is where the magic happens. You’ll fill out Form I-901 (don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds). You’ll need to provide your personal information, school code, and SEVIS ID, which can all be found on your I-20.
3. Pay Up:
The fee can be paid using a credit or debit card. However, if you’re from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia, you’ll have to use a money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or a certified check from a U.S. bank. There’s no option for a credit card payment for students from these countries, so plan accordingly.
4. Print Your Receipt:
Once you’ve made your payment, you’ll get a receipt. This is super important, so print it out and keep it safe! You’ll need to show this at your visa interview, and again when you arrive at your U.S. port of entry.
When to Pay the SEVIS Fee
Don’t wait until the last minute to pay your SEVIS fee. You need to pay it before your visa interview, so as soon as you get that I-20, hop online and get it done.
Once the fee is paid, it can take 2-3 business days for the payment to show up in the system. Visa officers won’t even consider your application until they see that SEVIS fee payment in the system, so don’t delay.
If you’re applying for a change of status within the U.S., make sure the fee is paid before you submit your change of status application to USCIS.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay the SEVIS Fee?
Spoiler alert: nothing good. If you don’t pay the fee, you won’t get your visa, simple as that. If you try to show up at your visa interview without proof of payment, you’ll be turned away. Similarly, if you arrive at a U.S. port of entry without having paid the fee, you could be denied entry.
Worse yet, if you somehow make it into the U.S. without paying the SEVIS fee and your non-payment is discovered later, you could be removed from the country and barred from re-entering. So, yeah, just pay the fee.
What Does the SEVIS Fee Actually Pay For?
So where does your $350 go? It’s not just vanishing into a government black hole. Here’s a breakdown of what your SEVIS fee funds:
SEVP Office Operations:
The fee funds the operation of the SEVP office, which oversees all the schools and exchange visitor programs in the U.S. They’re the ones making sure that schools comply with the rules and that you’re maintaining your student status.
SEVIS System Maintenance:
Your fee helps maintain and upgrade the SEVIS system itself. SEVIS isn’t static; it’s continually updated to ensure that it works efficiently and securely for both students and schools.
Training and Support for Schools:
The SEVP office also provides training, assistance, and problem resolution services to schools that host international students. So, if your school has a question about how to handle a student’s SEVIS record, SEVP is there to help.
Enforcement and Compliance:
The SEVP office is also responsible for ensuring that students maintain their status while in the U.S. If you fall out of status, SEVP can take action, including terminating your SEVIS record or notifying the appropriate authorities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As a final tip, here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Waiting Too Long to Pay: Don’t wait until the last minute. Pay your SEVIS fee as soon as you get your I-20 to avoid delays.
- Not Printing Your Receipt: That receipt is crucial. Print it and keep it with your important documents—you’ll need it at several points during your visa process.
- Mixing Up Your SEVIS ID: Double-check your SEVIS ID number when filling out the Form I-901. A mistake here can cause a lot of unnecessary complications.
- Not Considering Your Payment Method: Make sure you know the correct payment options based on your country of citizenship or birth. Using the wrong method could delay your payment processing.
FAQs on the SEVIS Fee
1. What If I Paid the SEVIS Fee for One School, but Then I Decided to Attend Another School?
Good news! If you’ve paid the SEVIS fee for one I-20 and then decide to switch schools, you don’t have to pay the fee again. Your payment is linked to your SEVIS ID number, not to a specific school. However, you will need to make sure that your new school updates your SEVIS record accordingly.
2. What If My Visa Application Is Denied?
Sadly, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable. If your F-1 visa application is denied, you won’t get your money back. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you won’t have to pay the fee again.
3. How Do I Know If I Need to Pay the Fee Again?
Generally, you only need to pay the SEVIS fee once for each academic program. So, if you’re continuing your studies, transferring schools, or moving to a higher degree level (like from bachelor’s to master’s), you don’t need to pay again. However, if you’re reinstating your status after a violation or if you’ve been out of the U.S. for more than five months, you might need to pay the fee again.
Paying the SEVIS fee is just one step in the complex journey of getting your F-1 visa, but it’s a crucial one. While it may seem like an annoying formality, it’s actually a vital part of ensuring that the U.S. government can maintain and monitor the status of international students, making sure that your educational experience in the U.S. is smooth and secure.
So, get that fee paid, hold on to your receipt, and then get back to the fun stuff—like dreaming about your new life as a student in the U.S.! From new classes to making friends from all over the world, exciting adventures await.