The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a fee of $100.00 for students who are seeking F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 status (since September 1, 2004). Specifically, all individuals receiving SEVIS Form I-20 are required to pay the SEVIS fee. The purpose of this fee is to cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) including the administration and maintenance of SEVIS, compliance activities, and the establishment of SEVIS Liaison Officers.

The SEVIS fee must be paid and fully processed before the applicant arrives at the consulate for the visa interview.

How Can the Fee be Paid?

1. The fee can be paid by mail using Form I-901 together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. dollars. The requirement that a check or money order be drawn on a U.S. bank does not necessarily mean that an applicant living abroad must approach a United States bank to make a payment. Many foreign banks are able to issue checks or money orders drawn on a U.S. bank.
2. The fee can be paid electronically by completing Form I-901 through the Internet and using a credit card. Go to www.fmjfee.com to pay.
3. Third party payments (a sponsor for example) will also be accepted in the U.S. or abroad. If they are paying by mail, send them a copy of your completed Form I-901 or provide them with the information needed to complete the Form I-901 for you. The person who pays your fee must attach the copy of your Form I-901 to the payment they submit. The Form I-901 and payment cannot be accepted if mailed separately. If a copy of your Form I-901 is not attached to the payment, we will be unable to determine for whom the fee was paid, and your payment will be returned to you based on the address provided. If someone is paying for your fee online, the person may complete the Form I-901 online and pay by credit card or check according to the instructions on the website. (www.fmjfee.com) Be sure you provide the correct personal and school or exchange visitor program information to the person who completes the Form I-901 for you.

When Can You Get Your Visa and/or Enter the United States?

The SEVIS fee must be paid and fully processed before the applicant arrives at the consulate for the visa interview. For those nonimmigrants who do not need a visa to enter the United States as a student, the fee must be paid and fully processed before applying for entry at a U.S. port-of-entry.

A receipt will be sent by mail to the address that you indicate with your payment. Further, for those that pay the SEVIS fee online, a payment confirmation can be printed out immediately after the payment is made, and used as a receipt until the mailed receipt is received.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to bring a SEVIS fee payment receipt with them for the visa interview, or, for those that do not need a visa, to the U.S. port-of-entry.