U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee and Employment Authorization

1. What is the SEVIS fee for U.S. student visas?


The SEVIS fee for U.S. student visas is $200.

2. How much does a student need to pay to obtain a SEVIS fee?


The current SEVIS fee is $350.

3. How long does it take to process the SEVIS fee?


Generally, it takes 3-5 business days to process the SEVIS fee.

4. How can a student pay the U.S. student visa SEVIS fee?


The SEVIS Fee can be paid online using a credit card, debit card or an ACH transfer, or it can be paid in cash at a designated bank.

5. What are the requirements for obtaining a U.S. student visa?


In order to obtain a U.S. student visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate funding to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of their studies, a valid passport, a valid Form I-20 issued by the educational institution they are attending, a valid SEVIS fee receipt, and documents that prove their ties to their home country and intention to return upon completion of their studies. Applicants must also pass an interview with a consular officer from the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

6. Are there any exemptions from the SEVIS fee for U.S. student visas?


Yes, there are certain exemptions from the SEVIS fee for U.S. student visas. Exemptions include students in high school exchange visitor programs, students sponsored by a designated U.S. government agency, and students sponsored by a national or international scholarship program.

7. What is an I-901 SEVIS fee and how is it used?


The I-901 SEVIS fee is a fee paid to the U.S. government in order to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee is used for the monitoring of non-immigrants in F-1 and J-1 status as well as tracking the schools, exchange visitor programs, and certain employers that host foreign nationals in the U.S. The fee is collected from students and exchange visitors from certain countries prior to entering the United States.

8. Can I transfer my SEVIS fee from one school to another?


No. The SEVIS fee is non-transferable and must be paid for each school an F-1 student plans to attend.

9. Is an F-1 student eligible to work in the U.S.?


Yes, an F-1 student is eligible to work in the U.S. under certain conditions. Students are allowed to work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and they may work full time during school breaks and holidays. Additionally, F-1 students may work off-campus under an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows them to gain practical experience related to their field of study.

10. How do I obtain work authorization through an F-1 visa?


In order to obtain work authorization through an F-1 visa, you must first apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to an F-1 student’s area of study. Once you have been approved for OPT, you will then be able to apply for a work permit.

11. Is an Employment Authorization Document required to work in the U.S.?


Yes, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is required to work in the U.S. The EAD is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and allows non-citizens to work in the U.S. for a certain period of time. The EAD is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

12. What documents are needed to apply for a work permit based on a U.S. student visa?


Documents needed to apply for a work permit based on a U.S. student visa include:

1. A valid Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by the school that the student is currently attending.

2. Valid passport/travel document with current U.S. visa.

3. A completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

4. Two passport-style photographs taken within the last 30 days.

5. Evidence of financial support, such as a bank statement or scholarship award letter.

6. A letter from the school confirming your enrollment and degree program.

7. Evidence of your academic status, such as transcripts and course schedules.

13. How do I apply for an Employment Authorization Document?


You can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Depending on your situation, you may also need to submit additional documents, such as proof of identity, proof of your immigration status, and other evidence.

14. What are the restrictions for working in the U.S.?


The restrictions for working in the U.S. depend on your nationality, status, or immigration status. Generally speaking, most noncitizens must obtain authorization from the U.S. government before they are allowed to work in the U.S. Visas and work permits are two ways to get authorization to work in the U.S.; however, there are additional requirements depending on your status. Additionally, it is important to note that some states have their own rules and regulations when it comes to employment.

15. What is considered as proof of employment authorization in the United States?


Proof of employment authorization in the United States typically includes a valid form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or green card. Employers may also require applicants to present documentation such as a Social Security number, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or an I-9 form verifying identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

16. Are there different types of work authorization documents based on a U.S. student visa?


Yes, there are different types of work authorization documents based on a U.S. student visa. These include: Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Academic Training (AT).

17. Can an F-1 visa holder work off campus in the United States?


Yes, F-1 visa holders are eligible to work off campus in the United States in certain situations. Off-campus employment must be directly related to the student’s major area of study and the work must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO). The types of off-campus employment available to F-1 visa holders include curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT) and economic hardship employment.

18. How can employers verify if a foreign national employee is authorized to work in the United States?


Employers must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for all newly hired employees to ensure they are legally eligible to work in the United States. The employer must review the employee’s original documents proving their identity and work authorization, such as a passport, green card, or Employment Authorization Document. The employee must also provide their Social Security number. The employer must complete the form as soon as the employee is hired and keep a copy on file.

19. What is Social Security Totalization and how does it affect international students in the U.S.?


Social Security Totalization is an agreement between the United States and a foreign country that helps protect the social security benefits of individuals who have worked in both countries. These agreements provide U.S. international students with the opportunity to receive credit for their work in the United States and have their foreign-earned social security benefits paid out without double taxation. This means that an international student can continue to work and receive social security benefits in both the U.S. and their home country.

20. Are there any additional fees related to obtaining a working permit based on a U.S. student visa?


Yes, there may be additional fees related to obtaining a working permit based on a U.S. student visa. This includes the cost of the visa application fee, any additional processing fees, and the cost of the background check.