If you’re preparing to study in the United States on an F-1 student visa, one important step is paying the SEVIS fee. This fee is mandatory for most international students and must be paid before your visa interview. Understanding what the SEVIS fee is, who must pay it, and how to pay it correctly can save you time and stress during your visa application process.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the SEVIS fee for international students, including the payment process and useful tips to avoid common pitfalls.
What Is the SEVIS Fee?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track and monitor international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States.
The SEVIS fee is a mandatory payment made by most F-1 visa applicants to cover the cost of maintaining this system. It helps ensure that the government can keep records of your enrollment, status, and any changes while you study in the U.S.
Who Must Pay the SEVIS Fee?
- Most international students applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa are required to pay the SEVIS fee.
- You must pay the fee if you are entering the U.S. for the first time using an F-1 visa.
- If you are transferring schools or changing your status within the U.S., you may or may not need to pay the fee again. Check your specific situation carefully.
- Exchange visitors on a J-1 visa have a separate fee structure, so this article focuses on F-1 visa international students.
Your Form I-20, issued by your U.S. university or college, will include your SEVIS identification number (a unique number starting with “N”). You will need this number when paying the SEVIS fee.
How Much Is the SEVIS Fee?
The exact amount of the SEVIS fee can change periodically. It’s important to verify the current fee on the official U.S. government website before making your payment. The fee is typically a few hundred U.S. dollars.
Remember, this fee is separate from your visa application fee and university tuition fees.
When and How to Pay the SEVIS Fee
When to Pay
You should pay the SEVIS fee at least three business days before your visa interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate. This allows enough time for your payment to be processed and confirmed in the SEVIS system.
If you do not pay the fee on time, your visa application may be delayed or denied.
How to Pay the SEVIS Fee
The SEVIS fee payment is made online through the official FMJ fee payment website operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The website URL is: https://fmjfee.com
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the payment process:
- Gather Your Documents
Before you start, have your Form I-20 ready. You will need the SEVIS ID number printed on the top right corner (e.g., N1234567890).
- Visit the Payment Website
Go to https://fmjfee.com. This is the only official site to pay the SEVIS fee.
- Select “Pay I-901 Fee” for F and M visa applicants.
- Enter your SEVIS ID number exactly as it appears on your Form I-20.
- Fill in your personal information (name, date of birth, address, etc.) carefully.
- Choose Your Payment Method
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or Western Union Quick Pay. Credit/debit card payment is the fastest and most common method.
- Review and Submit
Double-check all information before submitting. Mistakes can cause delays.
- Print Your Payment Confirmation
After payment, a receipt known as Form I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Confirmation will be generated. Print this out and keep it safe. You must bring this receipt to your visa interview and also carry it when you enter the U.S.
Screenshot Tips
While we cannot embed screenshots here, the FMJ fee website provides clear instructions and prompts at each step. If you’re unsure, ask your university’s international student office to guide you through the payment.
What Happens After You Pay the SEVIS Fee?
Once you pay the SEVIS fee:
- The payment is recorded in the SEVIS system and linked to your SEVIS ID.
- You can schedule your F-1 visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- At your visa interview, you must present your payment confirmation receipt.
- When entering the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will verify your SEVIS fee payment as part of your entry process.
Common Questions and Practical Tips
- Can I pay the SEVIS fee after the visa interview?
No. You must pay the SEVIS fee before your visa interview. Otherwise, your visa application may be rejected.
- What if I lose my payment receipt?
You can print another copy from the FMJ fee website using your SEVIS ID and personal information.
- Do I pay the SEVIS fee again if I change schools?
Usually, no. If you transfer to another SEVP-certified school within the U.S., you do not have to pay the fee again. But if you leave the U.S. and re-enter on a new SEVIS record, you may need to pay again.
- Is the SEVIS fee refundable?
No. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied or you do not attend the school.
- What if I have multiple SEVIS IDs?
Only pay the SEVIS fee once per SEVIS ID. If you have multiple I-20s with different SEVIS IDs, pay the fee for each SEVIS ID you plan to use for your visa application.
Why Is the SEVIS Fee Important?
Paying the SEVIS fee is a critical step in the U.S. student visa process. It funds the system that:
- Tracks your student status and enrollment
- Helps maintain national security by monitoring international students
- Enables your school to report updates to the government
Failing to pay the fee on time or correctly can lead to visa delays or denial, affecting your study plans.
How Does the SEVIS Fee Fit Into Your Overall U.S. Study Budget?
The SEVIS fee is one of several costs international students should plan for. Other expenses include:
- Visa application fees
- University tuition and fees
- Health insurance
- Living expenses
For a detailed breakdown of typical costs and scholarship options, check out our Costs and scholarships section.
What If You Need to Transfer or Switch Universities in the USA?
If you plan to transfer to a different SEVP-certified university or change your program, understanding how the SEVIS fee and SEVIS record work is important. Visit our Switch and transfer page for guidance on maintaining your visa status and SEVIS compliance.
Where to Check Your University’s SEVP Certification?
Before paying the SEVIS fee, confirm that your university is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Only SEVP-certified schools can issue Form I-20 and support your F-1 visa application.
Use our University check tool to verify your school’s status.
FAQs
Q1: What is the SEVIS fee for international students? A: It is a mandatory fee paid by most F-1 visa applicants to cover the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks international students during their stay in the U.S.
Q2: When should I pay the SEVIS fee? A: At least three business days before your visa interview appointment.
Q3: How do I pay the SEVIS fee? A: Online at the official FMJ fee payment website: https://fmjfee.com.
Q4: Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee again if I transfer schools? A: Usually no, if you transfer within the U.S. to another SEVP-certified school using the same SEVIS record.
Q5: Can I pay the SEVIS fee with a debit card? A: Yes, debit and credit cards are accepted on the official payment website.
Q6: What if I make a mistake when paying the SEVIS fee? A: You cannot get a refund, so double-check your SEVIS ID and personal details before submitting payment.
Get help with your study decision
Choosing the right country, university, and visa path can be complex. If you need personalized advice about your U.S. student visa, SEVIS fee payment, university choices, or transfers, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at UniversitySwitch is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us anytime via Contact UniversitySwitch for expert guidance tailored to your study plans. Also, explore our Visa and work rights and USA sections for more insights on studying in the United States.