The SEVIS fee is a mandatory U.S. government fee that funds the administration and maintenance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is separate from your visa application fee. You can pay your SEVIS fee in local currency with the Pay4Me App, and enjoy a complimentary visa interview support.
Why do I have to pay the SEVIS Fee?
It is required by law to cover the operational costs of the SEVIS program, which tracks and monitors F, M, and J visa holders during their stay in the U.S.
How to Pay Your SEVIS Fee from Africa With Your Local Currency: Use the Pay4Me App to Complete Your Transaction in Minutes
Who must pay the SEVIS Fee?
Most individuals seeking F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3, or J-1 visas must pay the fee. This includes students and their dependents (F-2, M-2, J-2).
Is the SEVIS Fee the same as the visa application fee?
No. They are two separate fees. You must pay both to complete your visa application process.
Can someone pay my SEVIS Fee?
While the payment is ultimately the student's responsibility, a third party (such as a university, sponsor, or family member) can make the payment on the student's behalf. However, you must ensure it is paid correctly using your SEVIS ID.
Do J-1 exchange visitors also pay a SEVIS Fee?
Yes, J-1 participants pay a SEVIS Fee, though the amount and some rules differ.
When is the SEVIS Fee due?
You must pay the SEVIS Fee after you receive your Form I-20 (for F/M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) from your school/program and before your visa interview.
How much is the SEVIS Fee for F-1/M-1 students?
The current fee is $350 for most F-1 and M-1 students.
Is the SEVIS fee different for other visa types?
Yes. For J-1 exchange visitors, the fee is generally $220. F-3 (border commuter students) pay a reduced fee of $35.
Do dependents (F-2, M-2) need to pay a SEVIS Fee?
No. Dependents listed on your Form I-20 do not pay an additional SEVIS Fee.
I am transferring schools. Do I pay the SEVIS Fee again?
No, not if you are maintaining your student status and transferring your SEVIS record. You only pay the fee once per SEVIS record.
I am applying for a change of status to F-1 within the U.S. Do I pay the SEVIS fee?
Yes, you must pay the SEVIS Fee as part of your USCIS Change of Status application.
I was denied a visa. Do I get a SEVIS refund?
No, the SEVIS Fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
I paid the fee but decided not to go to the U.S. Can I get a SEVIS refund?
No, the fee is non-refundable unless the U.S. government makes an error (e.g., you are charged in duplicate).
How do I pay the SEVIS Fee from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, or Cameroon?
The primary and recommended method is through the Pay4Me App, which is fast and affordable.
Can I pay my SEVIS by mail?
Yes, but it is slower. You must use Form I-901 and mail it with a check, money order, or foreign draft drawn on a U.S. bank. However, you can pay for your SEVIS fee within 10 minutes in your local currency with the Pay4Me App.
What SEVIS fee payment methods are accepted online?
You can use your local debit card to pay via the Pay4Me App.
What information do I need to pay the SEVIS fee online?
You will need your Form I-20 (for F/M students) and a valid payment method. Specifically, you need your SEVIS ID Number (found on your I-20, starting with 'N').
What is my SEVIS ID?
This is a unique number assigned to your SEVIS record, found at the top left of your Form I-20 or DS-2019 (e.g., N0012345678).
The online SEVIS form asks for my "Full Name as on Passport." Why?
Your name on the SEVIS Fee payment receipt must match your passport exactly. Any discrepancy can cause problems at your visa interview or at the port of entry.
I made a mistake in my name or SEVIS ID while paying. What should I do?
Contact the FMJfee.com help desk immediately to correct the error before you attend your visa interview.
How long does the SEVIS payment process take?
It takes between 1 and 24 hours with the Pay4Me App for the payment to be fully processed and linked to your SEVIS record.
How can I be sure my SEVIS payment was successful?
You will receive a payment confirmation online and via email. You should print this confirmation.
What is Form I-901?
Form I-901 is the official "Fee Remittance Form" for the SEVIS Fee. When you pay online, you are essentially completing this form electronically.
What is the Form I-901 Receipt?
It is the official proof of payment. It is also called the SEVIS Fee Receipt.
How do I get my Form I-901 receipt?
After a successful online payment, you can immediately view and print a PDF receipt on the website. A copy will also be emailed to you.
I lost my Form I-901 receipt. How can I get a new copy?
You can reprint it at any time by visiting the FMJfee.com website and using the "Check Payment Status" feature. You will need your SEVIS ID, passport number, and date of birth.
Do I need a physical, printed copy of the SEVIS receipt?
It is highly recommended. You must bring it to your visa interview and carry it with you when you travel to the U.S. A digital copy on your phone may not always be accepted.
My receipt doesn't show up immediately after payment. Is this normal?
With the Pay4Me App, you get your SEVIS receipt within 1- 24 hours.
What documents do I need for my visa interview?
You must bring your Form I-20, passport, visa appointment confirmation, Form I-901 Receipt, and financial documents.
The consular officer didn't ask for my I-901 receipt. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily. The payment is verified in their system using your SEVIS ID. However, you should always have it on hand.
I forgot to pay the SEVIS Fee before my interview. What happens?
Your visa application will be put on hold or denied. You must pay the fee and reschedule your interview or provide proof of payment to the consulate.
Do I need to show the I-901 receipt at the U.S. Port of Entry (POE)?
Yes, you should have it readily available along with your passport, visa, and I-20. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may ask to see it.
What happens if I lose my receipt and can't show it at the POE?
The CBP officer can look up your payment status in the system, but this may cause significant delays. It is best to have the printed copy.
I am re-applying for a visa after a refusal. Do I pay again?
If you are applying for a new visa within 12 months of your initial I-901 payment, and your school has not issued a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, you do not need to pay again.
My first visa expired, and I am applying for a new one. Do I pay the SEVIS fee again?
If you are returning to the U.S. to continue the same program of study and your SEVIS record is still in "Active" status, you generally do not pay again. If you are starting a new program (e.g., from a Bachelor's to a Master's) with a new SEVIS ID, you must pay the fee again.
I am applying for a visa more than 12 months after my initial I-20 was issued. Do I pay the SEVIS fee again?
Yes. If it has been more than 12 months since your initial I-20 issuance and you have not yet obtained a visa, you must pay the SEVIS Fee again.
My SEVIS record was terminated. Do I pay again to reactivate?
If you are reinstated, you typically do not pay a new fee. However, if you are returning to the U.S. with a new initial I-20 and a new SEVIS ID, you must pay the fee again.
I have two I-20s from different schools. Which SEVIS ID do I use to pay?
You must pay the SEVIS fee for the school you plan to attend. You can only transfer the SEVIS ID from one school to another.
The name on my I-20 and passport is slightly different. What should I do?
Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to have your I-20 corrected to match your passport exactly before you pay the SEVIS Fee.
I paid the fee, but my payment status still shows as "Not Paid." What do I do?
First, wait three business days. If it still shows "Not Paid," contact the FMJfee.com help desk with a copy of your payment confirmation and receipt.
I was charged twice. How do I get a refund?
This is one of the few cases where a refund is granted. Contact the FMJfee.com help desk to request a refund for the duplicate payment. However, with the Pay4Me App, it is easier to avoid such issues.
How long is the SEVIS Fee payment valid?
The payment is valid for one visa application within 12 months of the payment date. Once you enter the U.S. and activate your status, the fee is tied to your SEVIS record for the duration of your continuous study.
Can I pay the SEVIS Fee from any country?
Yes, the online payment portal is accessible worldwide.
The FMJfee.com website is not working. What are my options?
Try using a different browser or clearing your cache. If it persists, you can use the mail-in option (Form I-901) but be mindful of the longer processing time. You can use the Pay4Me App to pay your SEVIS fee.
Who do I contact if I have problems with my SEVIS payment?
Contact the I-901 Customer Service Help Desk (operated by the DHS SEVP). Their contact info is on the FMJfee.com website.
Is the SEVIS Fee tax-deductible?
No, it is not a tax-deductible expense.
Can I pay the SEVIS fee at the embassy or consulate?
No, you cannot pay the SEVIS Fee at the U.S. embassy or consulate; you can only pay it through the Pay4Me App.
Where can I find the official SEVIS rules and regulations?
The official source is the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website on ICE.gov.
What is the fastest means of paying the SEVIS fee?
The Pay4Me App is the fastest way to pay your SEVIS fee in Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, or Uganda.
