Sevis Fee

All student visa applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program.

Be sure to pay the Sevis fee at least 3 days prior to the visa appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate, because the visa application requires proof of the payment, the SEVIS identification number to which the fee was paid.

Information on SEVIS I-901 Fee requirements for F-1 and J-1 students:

• SEVIS Fee Requirement (ISS Handout)
• SEVIS I-901 Fee (DHS)
• SEVIS I-901 Fee FAQ (DHS)
• SEVIS I-901 Fee FAQ: Who pays -or does not pay- the SEVIS I-901 fee
• Final SEVIS Fee Rules (DHS)

Sevis Fee Payment:

• SEVIS I-901 Fee Online Payment (DHS)
• SEVIS Fee Third Party Payment

Paying the SEVIS Fee on-line is recommended because it is faster, data transfer is more accurate, and payments are more secure.