U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee and J Visa Holders

1. What is the SEVIS Fee?


The SEVIS fee is a fee that must be paid by all international students and exchange visitors who are coming to the U.S. to enroll in a school or exchange program. The fee is used to pay for the administration of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is a U.S. government-run database that tracks international students and exchange visitors throughout their stay in the U.S. The fee is currently $200 for academic students (F and M visa holders) and $180 for exchange visitors (J visa holders).

2. Who must pay the SEVIS Fee?


The SEVIS Fee must be paid by all international students and exchange visitors who are coming to the United States in F, M, or J visa status.

3. How much does the SEVIS Fee cost?


The SEVIS Fee is $350.

4. How do I pay the SEVIS Fee?


You can pay the SEVIS fee with a credit card online at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html or by mail using a check or money order. For details, please visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faqs.htm#pay.

5. Is the SEVIS Fee refundable?


No, the SEVIS Fee is not refundable.

6. What documents are required for payment of the SEVIS Fee?


In order to pay the SEVIS Fee, applicants must submit a copy of their I-20 form, a copy of the Form I-901 fee receipt, proof of payment (such as a credit card statement, bank statement, or receipt), and a valid passport.

7. What is the payment deadline for the SEVIS Fee?


The payment deadline for the SEVIS Fee is 30 days prior to the start of the program indicated on a student’s Form I-20.

8. How can I check my SEVIS Fee payment status?


You can check your SEVIS Fee payment status online with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program website provides an online fee payment lookup to view SEVIS Fee payments made by a student or exchange visitor. Additionally, the fee payment receipt should include the SEVIS ID number, which can also be used to check the payment status.

9. What is the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program?


The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program is a cultural exchange program that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to participate in an approved exchange program, such as work-study, internships, teaching and research. The purpose of the program is to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by facilitating educational and cultural exchanges.

10. How do I apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program?


To apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program, you must first find an exchange program that is designated by the U.S. Department of State. Once you have found a designated exchange program, you must complete and submit the application form to the exchange program. The program will then assess your application and determine if you are eligible to participate in their exchange program. If you are deemed eligible, the program will provide you with an acceptance letter and further instructions on how to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.

11. How long does it take to receive a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?


The processing time for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa varies depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the embassy or consulate handling the application. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to receive a visa.

12. Is a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa renewable?


Yes, a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa can be renewed, depending on the terms of the specific program.

13. Are there any restrictions for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders?


Yes, J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders are subject to a number of restrictions. These restrictions include:

• Must remain in the U.S. for the duration of the Exchange Visitor Program;
• Must not engage in unauthorized employment;
• Must return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their program; and
• Must comply with all immigration laws and regulations.

14. What is required for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders to maintain their status in the U.S.?


J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders must satisfy the requirements of their specific program and must maintain the activities, objectives, and duration for which they were originally admitted. Exchange visitors must also pursue their pre-approved program objectives, maintain valid nonimmigrant status, and report changes in their program or address to their Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

15. What types of activities can J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders engage in while in the U.S.?


J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders can engage in a variety of activities while in the U.S., depending on their program and purpose of stay. These activities may include academic studies, research, teaching, internships, and traineeships. For those in cultural exchange programs, activities may include homestays, language classes, volunteer programs, and a variety of cultural activities. These activities must directly relate to the Exchange Visitor’s program.

16. Are there any special considerations for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders?


Yes, there are special considerations for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders. J-1 visa holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, meaning they must return to their country of residence for two years upon completing their exchange program. Additionally, they may only stay in the United States for a maximum of two years and may not change their visa status while in the U.S. Finally, they must show proof of sufficient funds to cover living and educational expenses while in the United States.

17. Can a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holder bring dependents to the U.S.?


Yes, a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holder is allowed to bring dependents (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) to the U.S. Dependents of the visa holder may apply for a J-2 visa and must submit the appropriate documentation for the application.

18. Are there any special restrictions or requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders working in the U.S.?


Yes. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders are subject to certain restrictions while working in the U.S., such as:

– Being employed in their designated field of study or work
– Working no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session
– Obtaining permission from their Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor prior to engaging in any outside employment
– Fulfilling the two-year foreign residence requirement
– Obtaining permission from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to changing employers or transferring to a different Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor.

19. Are there any tax implications for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders working in the U.S.?


Yes, J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders are subject to U.S. federal income taxes on their worldwide income and must file a U.S. federal income tax return annually. Additionally, they may also be subject to state and local income taxes depending on the State where they are working.

J-1 Exchange Visitors are also eligible for some tax credits that U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

20. Is health insurance required for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa holders in the U.S.?


Yes, health insurance is required for J-1 exchange visitor visa holders in the U.S. The U.S. Department of State requires all J-1 exchange visitors to have health insurance that meets the following minimum coverage requirements: medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness, repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000, and expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000.