If you are an international student planning to study in the United States, you may have heard of the SEVIS fee. 

SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a program that monitors and tracks international students and exchanges visitors during their stay in the United States. 

As part of the process of obtaining a student visa, students and exchange visitors are required to pay a SEVIS fee. 

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In this article, we will explain in detail the SEVIS fee, how it is calculated, and what it covers.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is a web-based system the United States government uses to manage information on international students and exchange visitors. The system is administered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

SEVIS is designed to track the status and activities of international students and exchange visitors while they are in the United States. This includes information such as their current address, academic program, and immigration status. SEVIS is also used to verify that students are attending the schools they were admitted to and that they are maintaining their visa status.

What is the SEVIS fee?

The SEVIS fee is a fee that international students and exchange visitors must pay as part of obtaining a student visa. The fee is used to fund the operation of the SEVIS system.

The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee that must be paid before a student visa can be issued. The fee must be paid regardless of whether the student visa is approved or denied.

Calculation of the SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee is calculated based on the type of visa the student is applying for and the length of the program of study. As of 2022, the fee for F-1 and M-1 visa applicants is USD 350. The fee for J-1 visa applicants is USD 220.

The SEVIS fee is only paid once for each program of study. If a student changes their program of study or transfers to a different school, they will not be required to pay the SEVIS fee again.

What does the SEVIS fee cover?

The SEVIS fee is used to fund the operation of the SEVIS system. This includes the development, maintenance, and operation of the web-based system and the staff and resources required to manage the system.

The SEVIS fee also covers verifying that international students and exchange visitors comply with their visa requirements. This includes confirming that students are attending the schools they were admitted to, maintaining their visa status, and reporting any changes in their program of study or personal information.

How to pay the SEVIS fee

The SEVIS fee must be paid online using a credit card or a debit card that can be used for online transactions. The fee cannot be paid in cash or by check.

To pay the SEVIS fee, students and exchange visitors must complete the DS-160 form and pay the visa application fee. Once the visa application fee has been paid, students and exchange visitors can spend the SEVIS fee online through the SEVIS fee payment portal.

After the fee has been paid, students and exchange visitors will receive a receipt they will need to bring to their visa interview. The receipt serves as proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.

The SEVIS fee is integral to obtaining a student visa to study in the United States. The fee helps fund the SEVIS system's operation, which monitors and tracks international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States.

The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee that must be paid before a student visa can be issued. The fee is calculated based on the type of visa the student is applying for and the length of the program of study. The SEVIS fee must be paid online using a credit or debit card, and the receipt must be presented at the visa interview as proof of payment.

International students and exchange visitors must understand the SEVIS fee and its requirements before applying for a student visa. Failure to pay the SEVIS fee can delay the visa application process or even denial.

In addition to paying the SEVIS fee, international students and exchange visitors must also comply with all other visa requirements, including maintaining their visa status, attending the schools they were admitted to, and reporting any changes in their program of study or personal information.

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The SEVIS fee is essential to studying in the United States as an international student or exchange visitor. By understanding the SEVIS fee and its requirements, students can ensure a smooth visa application process and a successful stay in the United States.

FAQs

What happens if I don't pay the SEVIS fee?

Your visa application may be delayed or denied if you do not pay the SEVIS fee. It is essential to pay the fee before your visa interview.

Can the SEVIS fee be waived?

Sometimes, the SEVIS fee may be waived for specific government-sponsored exchange programs or individuals participating in a U.S. government-funded program. However, in most cases, the fee must be paid.

Can the SEVIS fee be refunded?

The SEVIS fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.

Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if I am already in the United States on a student visa?

No, the SEVIS fee is only required for individuals applying for a student visa outside the United States.

Can I pay the SEVIS fee after my visa interview?

No, the SEVIS fee must be paid before your visa interview. You must present the receipt as proof of payment at your consultation.