SEVIS Fee Requirements
For F-1 Students/J-1 Exchange Visitors
All new F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must pay a one-time fee to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS). The current SEVIS fees are $200 for all F-1 Students and $180.00 for all J-1 Exchange Visitors.
The following information specifically addresses fee issues:
Who pays the SEVIS fee?
- Prospective F-1 students with “initial attendance” I-20s issued on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for an “initial” F-1 visa from outside the U.S.
- Prospective J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) with “begin new program” DS-2019s issued by UMMS on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for an “initial” J-1 visa from outside the U.S.
- Prospective F-1 students with “initial attendance” I-20s issued on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for a change to F-1 status from another visa category
- Prospective J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) with “begin new program” DS-2019s issued by UMMS on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for a change to J-1 status from another visa category
- Current F-1 students in the U.S. applying for reinstatement after being out of status more than 5 months, and who are issued an I-20 issued for reinstatement that is dated on or after 9/1/04
- Current J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) in the U.S. applying for reinstatement with a new DS-2019 issued by UMMS on or after 9/1/04
- Prospective J-1 exchange visitors (students and scholars) who are transferring to UMMS from a “ US government SEVIS fee exempt” program sponsor.
Will F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors currently in the U.S. have to pay the fee?
No, unless the student or scholar’s individual circumstances change so that he or she fits one of the categories mentioned above.
What about F-2 or J-2 dependents?
Neither F-2 nor J-2 dependents are required to pay the fee, even if the dependent possess an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued on or after 9/1/2004.
As a continuing F-1 student, do I have to pay the fee if I transfer to another school, travel outside the U.S. or renew my visa?
The SEVIS fee is not required when transferring schools, changing to another degree program or level, requesting a program extension, renewing an F-1 visa or using F-1 program benefits such as practical training. If you are in status when you travel internationally and are not physically outside of the U.S. for more than five months, you will not be required to pay the fee.
As a continuing J-1 exchange visitor, do I have to pay the fee if I transfer to another school, change to a new department at UMMS, travel outside the U.S. or renew my visa?
The SEVIS fee is not required when transferring to a new program sponsor, requesting a program extension, renewing a J-1 visa or using other J-1 program benefits.
Can I pay the SEVIS fee at a university, consulate or port of entry?
No. At this time the SEVIS fee can only be processed by the Department of Homeland Security via mail or the Internet.
How do I pay the fee?
A completed Form I-901 must accompany all SEVIS fee payments. Form I-901 may be completed and submitted on-line at http://www.FMJfee.com and the SEVIS fee may be charged to Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Print a receipt and bring it with you to the U.S. Consulate at the time of visa application. It should also be carried and shown upon arrival in the United States to immigration officials at the airport or border.
A third-party may pay the fee for you. When submitting the payment, the third party must enter the correct SEVIS ID number (listed in the upper right corner of your DS-2019) and write your name exactly as it appears on the DS-2019 and in your passport. A reliable address must be listed for mailing of the receipt. Or, the receipt should be printed immediately from the web and sent to you.
Where do I get more information?
For more information about the SEVIS fee, please refer to the Student and Exchange Program website and/or contact the ISSO for more information.
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