SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa: Know Validity, Fee Payment & How to Pay

If you are planning to study in the US on an F-1 visa, there are many steps to take before you can start packing. One of those steps is paying the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa. Knowing what this fee is, how to pay it, and its validity is key to a smooth transition to studying abroad.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the SEVIS fee for an F-1 visa.

What is SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa?

The SEVIS fee is a required payment for F-1 visa applicants. The fee is used to maintain the SEVIS system, which tracks and monitors schools and exchange programs, international students, and exchange visitors in the US.

You must pay the SEVIS fee for a US student visa before your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate. This one-time fee helps the US government track international students and ensure their compliance during their stay.

Also read: Top 15 US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

How to Pay the SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa?

Paying the SEVIS fee for USA is easy, but make sure you do it right. Here’s how:

1. Get your Form I-20 from your school: This is issued by your US school and has your SEVIS ID number.
2. Go to the SEVIS fee payment website: www.FMJfee.com
3. Fill out Form I-901: This form asks for your personal info and study program details.
4. Pay the fee: You can pay online with a credit card or other methods we’ll talk about later in this article.
5. Print your payment confirmation: Keep this as proof for your visa interview.

Remember, you need to pay this fee at least three days before your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Students can learn more about different types of US visas

SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa Validity

Once you pay the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa, you might wonder how long it’s valid. The SEVIS fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. So, you have a full year to apply for your F-1 visa after paying the fee.

If your application is denied, you can reapply using the same SEVIS fee payment within this 12-month period. You don’t need to pay the fee again unless you’re applying for a new program or 12 months have passed since your initial payment.

Also read: Top 8 Student Cities in USA for International Students

How Much is SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa?

As of 2024, the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa applicants is USD 350. This fee is subject to change, so checking the official SEVIS website for the most up-to-date information is always a good idea.

Source: Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security

There is an additional fee that one needs to pay if they have opted for any of the below-mentioned programs.

Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa?

All F-1 visa applicants must pay the SEVIS fee:

• Students applying for an initial F-1 visa
• Students applying for a change of status to F-1 within the U.S.
• Students who are re-entering the U.S. after an absence of more than five months

Who does not Need to Pay SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa?

There are a few exceptions to the SEVIS fee requirement:

• F2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).
• Students transferring schools, extending their program, or applying for OPT (Optional Practical Training) if they have already paid the fee for their current program.
• Students who have been out of status and are applying for reinstatement if the previous fee is still valid.

Also read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA 2024

SEVIS Fee Payment for F-1 Visa

There are two main ways to pay the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa: online or by mail. Let’s look at each method in detail.

Pay for SEVIS Fee: Online

Paying online is the quickest and most convenient method for most students. Here’s how to do it:

• Visit www.fmjfee.com
• Select “I-901 Fee Payment”
• Choose “F-1” as your visa type
• Enter your personal information, including your SEVIS ID, from your I-20 form
• Pay using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express)
• Print your payment confirmation immediately

The online payment is processed instantly, and you can print your receipt right away. This method is recommended if you’re short on time before your visa interview.

Pay for SEVIS Fee: By Mail

If you prefer to pay by check or money order, or if online payment isn’t available in your country, you can pay by mail. Here’s how:

• Download and complete Form I-901 from www.fmjfee.com
• Prepare a check or money order for USD 350, payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
• Mail the completed form and payment to:

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee

P.O. Box 970020

St. Louis, MO 63197-0020

USA

• Wait for your receipt to arrive by mail (this can take 2-4 weeks)

Remember, if you’re paying by mail, you need to allow plenty of time for processing and delivery of your receipt before your visa interview.

Conclusion

The SEVIS fee for F-1 visa is an essential part of your visa application process. It may seem like just another fee to pay but it’s your first step to joining the community of international students in the US. By understanding what the fee is for, how much it costs and how to pay it, you’re already on your way to making your dream of studying in the US a reality.

Key points to remember:

• The SEVIS fee is USS 350 for F-1 visa applicants.
• You must pay the fee before your visa interview.
• The fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment.
• You can pay online for immediate confirmation or by mail if you prefer.
• Keep your payment receipt safe – you’ll need it for your visa interview.

SEVIS Fee for F-1 Visa FAQs

Q1. How to pay SEVIS fee for F-1 visa?
A1. To pay the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa go to www.fmjfee.com and fill out Form I-901 online. Pay with a credit card for instant confirmation. Or mail in the completed Form I-901 with a check or money order to the address on the website.

Q2. What is SEVIS fee for F-1 visa?
A2. The SEVIS fee is required by the US government for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System that tracks international students in the US. You must pay this before you apply for your F-1 visa.

Q3. How much is SEVIS fee for F-1 visa?
A3. The SEVIS fee for F-1 visa is currently $350. This is a one-time fee that covers your entire stay as a student in the US, regardless of the duration of your program. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Q4. How long is the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa valid?
A4. The SEVIS fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. If your application is denied, you can re-apply with the same SEVIS fee within those 12 months and don’t have to pay again.

Q5. What is the SEVIS fee in INR?
A5. As of 2024, the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa is USD 350. In INR, this is approximately INR 29,221, based on the current exchange rate at the time of this writing.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.