I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions

I-901 SEVIS Fee FAQ

The I-901 SEVIS Fee is required for certain nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors who plan to come to the United States. With the Pay4Me App, you can get your SEVIS fee payment processed and completed in 1 to 24 hours, along with a complimentary mock visa interview preparatory session.

Below is a comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions about the fee, its payment, and related issues.

What is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

The I-901 SEVIS Fee is a one-time fee mandated by the U.S. Congress to cover the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is the automated system that tracks and monitors F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) non-immigrants and their dependents throughout their stay in the U.S.

Who Must Pay the SEVIS Fee?

Most individuals must pay the fee issued an Initial Attendance or Change of Status Form I-20 (for F/M status) or Form DS-2019 (for J status). The Pay4Me App can help you process your SEVIS fee within an hour.

What is the Current I-901 SEVIS Fee Amount?

Who Does Not Have to Pay the SEVIS Fee?

You do not have to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee if you are:

• An F-2, M-2, or J-2 dependent (spouse or child) of an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa holder.
• A continuing student or exchange visitor who has maintained continuous status and is applying for a new visa with the same SEVIS ID.
• An F-1 student transferring schools in the U.S. (maintaining the same SEVIS ID).
• A J-1 participant in a federally sponsored exchange program (program codes starting with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7).

When should I pay the SEVIS fee?

You must pay the fee after receiving your Form I-20 or DS-2019 or before your visa interview appointment with the Pay4Me App.

What information do I need to pay the SEVIS fee?

You will need your:

1. SEVIS ID Number (begins with an 'N' on your I-20 or DS-2019).
2. School Code (for F/M students on I-20) or Program Number (for J exchange visitors on DS-2019).
3. Personal biographical information (Name, Date of Birth, Country of Citizenship, etc.).

What is the acceptable SEVIS payment method?

The fee is paid on the Pay4Me App.

Which is the Fastest Way to pay the SEVIS fee?

The Pay4Me App is the fastest way to pay your SEVIS fee.

Is the SEVIS fee transferable if I change schools?

Yes, for F-1 students. If you paid the fee for your initial I-20 but decide to attend a different school, you can use the same payment as long as you use the I-20 from the school you paid for and the I-20 from the school you wish to attend at the visa interview. If the SEVIS ID is the same (due to a SEVIS transfer), you don't need a new payment.

Is the SEVIS fee refundable if my visa application is denied?

No, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.

Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee again if my visa is denied and I reapply?

Not if you reapply within 12 months. If your F-1 or J-1 visa is denied, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again if you reapply for the same program type within 12 months of your initial fee payment.

I entered incorrect information (SEVIS ID, name, DOB) on the I-901 form. What should I do?

Do not pay again. You should immediately email a detailed request for correction to the SEVP team at [email protected]. Include your name, SEVIS ID, and the correct information. It is crucial to resolve this before your visa interview, as an incorrect SEVIS ID can prevent the Consulate from issuing your visa.

What should I do if I am an F-1 student who has been out of the U.S. for more than five months?

If you have been absent from the U.S. for more than five consecutive months (and were not authorized for overseas study), your SEVIS record may be automatically terminated. If you receive a new I-20 for Initial Attendance, you will be required to pay the SEVIS fee again before re-entering the U.S.

 Is the SEVIS Fee the same as the visa application fee?

No. The SEVIS I-901 Fee is a separate fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support the SEVP. The visa application processing fee (e.g., DS-160 fee) is a separate fee paid to the U.S. Department of State to cover the costs of visa processing and consular operations.

What information do I need to pay the SEVIS fee?

You will need:

• Your name, address, date of birth, and email address.
• Your country of birth and country of citizenship.
• Your SEVIS ID Number (from your Form I-20 or DS-2019).
• Your school code (from your Form I-20) or program number (from your Form DS-2019).

Can a third party pay the SEVIS Fee for me?

 Yes. A family member, friend, school, or sponsoring agency can pay the fee on your behalf. They will need your personal and SEVIS information to complete the Form I-901 and payment.

What proof of payment do I need for my visa interview and port of entry?

You must bring your I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Confirmation (Form I-797 receipt) to your visa interview and present it at the U.S. port of entry.

Who must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

In general, you must pay the fee if you are:

• A prospective F-1, M-1, or J-1 nonimmigrant seeking an initial attendance visa.
• A non-visa required national (e.g., Canadian citizen) seeking initial F-1, M-1, or J-1 entry at a U.S. Port of Entry.
• Applying for a Change of Status to F-1, M-1, or J-1 inside the U.S.
• An F or M student applying for reinstatement of status more than five months after your status violation.
• An F or M student returning to the U.S. on a new initial" I-20 after being absent from the U.S. for more than five months (not on a school-approved overseas study).

 Do F-2, M-2, or J-2 dependents have to pay the SEVIS fee?

 No. Spouses and minor children of the principal F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa holder do not have to pay the fee.

Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if I transfer schools?

No. If you are maintaining a valid F-1 or J-1 status and are transferring your SEVIS record to a new school or program, you do not need to pay the fee again.

Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if I change my educational level?

 No. If you remain in a valid F-1 or M-1 status and are using the same SEVIS ID number, you do not need to pay the fee again.

Do F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) have to pay the SEVIS fee?

 No. These are benefits of an existing F-1 status and do not require a new fee payment.

Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if I leave the U.S. and return within 5 months?

 No. If you are an F-1 or M-1 student in valid status and returning to the U.S. for continued study, you do not pay the fee if your absence is less than 5 months.

 Do J-1 exchange visitors in a fee-exempt government-sponsored program have to pay SEVIS fee?

No. Participants in programs with a program identifier prefix of G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 (typically U.S. Federal Government-sponsored programs like Fulbright or USAID) are exempt from the fee.

Are there any countries where credit card payments are not accepted?

Yes. Students from certain countries, such as Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Gambia, are restricted from using credit cards and must pay via the Pay4Me App.

What should I do if I paid the SEVIS fee, but the embassy/consulate cannot verify it?

 Ensure you pay at least three business days in advance with the Pay4Me App. Always bring your printed I-901 Payment Confirmation (Form I-797) receipt as proof. If there is a persistent issue, you can contact the SEVP Response Center.

 What contact information is available for SEVIS Fee assistance?

• Email: [email protected]
• SEVP Response Center Phone: 703-603-3400 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET, weekdays).

Can I pay the SEVIS Fee at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or port of entry?

No. The fee must be paid in advance through one of the designated payment methods (Pay4Me App, Western Union, or mail).

 How long is the initial SEVIS Fee payment valid?

An initial I-901 SEVIS Fee payment is typically valid for 12 months from the date of payment for an initial visa application or entry to the U.S.

I have multiple I-20s from different schools. For which school should I pay the SEVIS Fee?

You should pay the SEVIS Fee using the SEVIS ID and School Code from the Form I-20 of the school you plan to attend and will use for your visa interview.

How do I request an I-901 SEVIS Fee Transfer?

You can request a fee transfer online at FMJfee.com by checking your I-901 status. If eligible, a "Request Transfer" button will appear. You will need to provide your old and new SEVIS ID numbers and school codes.

Do I need to pay the SEVIS Fee if I am applying for a Change of Status to F-1 inside the U.S.?

Yes. You must pay the fee before submitting your I-539 Application for Change of Status to USCIS.

Do I need to pay the SEVIS Fee if I am applying for Reinstatement to F-1 status?

• If you are applying for reinstatement within five months of the violation, you generally do not need to pay the fee again.
• If you are applying for reinstatement more than five months after the violation, you must pay the fee again before submitting your application to USCIS.

 I was outside the U.S. for more than five months and want to return to study. Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee again?

Yes. If you have been absent from the U.S. for more than five months and are re-entering to continue your studies, you will need a new "Initial Attendance" I-20 and must pay the SEVIS Fee again.

Is there an exception to the five-month rule for paying the SEVIS fee again?

Yes. F and M students who have been working toward completing a course of study at an SEVP-certified school in an authorized overseas study program are an exception and may not need to pay the fee again. Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) for guidance.

Will paying the SEVIS Fee guarantee my visa or entry to the U.S.?

No. Paying the fee is a requirement for your visa application or entry, but it does not guarantee the issuance of a visa or admission into the United States.

Where can I find the official I-901 SEVIS Fee FAQ page?

 The official I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions page is on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

Can I pay the SEVIS Fee in a foreign currency?

The Pay4Me App allows you to pay for your SEVIS fee in local currency. However, if paying online with a credit card, the charge will be in U.S. Dollars, and your bank will convert it. If paying via Western Union Quick Pay, the fee can typically be collected in local currency. If paying by check or money order, it must be in U.S. Dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank.

What should I do if my SEVIS ID changes while I am in the U.S. and in legal status?

 If you are issued a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID due to a specific circumstance (like applying for reinstatement), you may be required to pay the fee again. Consult your Designated School Official (DSO) at your school for specific guidance.