I-901 SEVIS Fee

Effective September 1, 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has imposed a $100 SEVIS fee on all new applicants for F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1 and M-3 visas or status whose INITIAL I-20 or DS-2019 forms are issued on or after September 1, 2004.

When Do I Pay the Fee?

The fee must be paid at least 3 U.S. government business days before your visa interview or before your entry to the U.S. in F-1 status if you are visa exempt. You may set up the visa appointment before paying the fee.

The fee must also be paid before an application for change of status to F-1 or application for reinstatement to F-1 status is submitted to the Department of Homeland Security.

How Do I Pay the Fee?

Online Payment:

1. Go to www.fmjfee.com for the electronic I-901 SEVIS fee application
2. Complete the form online and pay with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) or debit card (with Visa or Mastercard logo). *Note: Your name should be written EXACTLY as it is on your I-20
3. Print a copy of the online receipt
4. Make extra copies of your receipt and keep the receipts in a safe place with your other immigration documents.
5. You may need to provide proof of having paid the fee later on.

Does the SEVIS I-901 fee replace the visa fee?

No. The visa fee is to defray the cost for machine-readable visas and to support the consulates. There is a separate non-refundable fee for anyone seeking a nonimmigrant visa for the United States. The SEVIS I-901 fee is a separate fee paid to SEVP. This fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Program in DHS. See What is the primary purpose of the SEVIS I-901 fee?