What is SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS Fee, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Fee, is a mandatory fee that certain international students and exchange visitors coming to the United States must pay before applying for a U.S. visa. SEVIS is a web-based system that the U.S. government uses to track and monitor non-immigrant students (F and M visa categories) and exchange visitors (J visa category) during their stay in the United States.
Here are the key points regarding the SEVIS Fee:
- Purpose: The SEVIS Fee is designed to fund the SEVIS program and cover the costs associated with the maintenance of accurate and current information on students and exchange visitors.
- Payment Timing: The SEVIS Fee must be paid at least three business days before the U.S. visa interview. It is a prerequisite for obtaining an F, M, or J visa to enter the United States.
- Payment Process: The fee is paid online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVIS website. Applicants will need to complete Form I-901 and provide the necessary information, including the SEVIS ID, which is found on the Form I-20 (for F and M visa applicants) or DS-2019 (for J visa applicants).
- Amount: The amount of the SEVIS Fee varies depending on the visa category. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the fees were as follows:
- F and M Visa Applicants: $350
- J Visa Applicants (exchange visitors): $220
- Exceptions: Certain categories of J visa applicants, such as government-sponsored exchange visitors and those participating in U.S. government-sponsored programs, may be exempt from the SEVIS Fee.
It’s crucial for prospective international students and exchange visitors to check for the most current SEVIS Fee information on the official U.S. government websites or consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Regulations and fee amounts may change, and accurate information is essential to ensure a smooth visa application process.
Why SEVIS fee for F1 J1visa:
The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee is paid by international students and exchange visitors who are planning to study or participate in exchange programs in the United States. The purpose of the SEVIS Fee is to fund the SEVIS program itself, which is a web-based system used by the U.S. government to monitor and track non-immigrant students (F and M visa categories) and exchange visitors (J visa category) during their stay in the United States.
Here are the key reasons why SEVIS Fee payment is required:
- Maintaining Accurate Records: The SEVIS system helps U.S. authorities maintain accurate and up-to-date information on international students and exchange visitors. This includes details about their program of study, current address, and other relevant information.
- Monitoring Compliance: SEVIS enables U.S. authorities to monitor and ensure compliance with the rules and regulations governing the stay of international students and exchange visitors. This includes confirming enrollment in the approved program, tracking changes in the program or personal information, and verifying that individuals are maintaining their status.
- Enhancing National Security: SEVIS plays a role in enhancing national security by providing a mechanism for the U.S. government to keep track of individuals entering the country on student or exchange visitor visas. This helps ensure that those admitted to the United States for educational or cultural exchange purposes are fulfilling their intended activities.
- Supporting Government Resources: The funds collected through the SEVIS Fee contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the SEVIS system, including technology infrastructure, personnel, and resources needed to operate the program effectively.
It’s important to note that the SEVIS Fee is a separate fee from the visa application fee, and payment is typically required before applying for a U.S. visa. The specific amount of the SEVIS Fee varies depending on the visa category (F, M, or J) and is subject to change, so applicants should check the most up-to-date information on the official U.S. government websites or consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
SEVIS fee return policy
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee. Once the SEVIS Fee is paid, it is non-refundable. The fee is collected to support the operation of the SEVIS program, which monitors and tracks non-immigrant students (F and M visa categories) and exchange visitors (J visa category) during their stay in the United States.
It’s important for international students and exchange visitors to carefully review the SEVIS Fee payment process, understand the fee amount associated with their visa category, and ensure that they have the necessary documentation, such as the SEVIS ID and Form I-20 or DS-2019, before initiating the payment.
If there are any changes to SEVIS Fee policies or refund procedures, it’s advisable to check the official U.S. government websites or contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the home country for the most up-to-date information. Always refer to official and authoritative sources to ensure accurate and current details regarding SEVIS Fee policies and any potential changes to the refund policy.
