1. What is the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee is an immigration fee that foreign students must pay when applying to study in the United States. The fee is used to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
2. How much is the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee is $200.
3. What is the purpose of the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee is an administrative fee required by the United States government for certain nonimmigrant foreign students and exchange visitors. The fee is used to cover the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is an internet-based system that allows the U.S. government to track and monitor international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. The fee is payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for each applicant and must be paid before or at the time of visa application.
4. How do I pay the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee can be paid by credit card, Western Union Quick Pay, certified check, money order, or international postal money order.
5. When is the SEVIS fee due?
The SEVIS fee is typically due when you apply for your visa, but it can also be paid ahead of time. The fee must be paid at least three business days before your visa interview.
6. Who must pay the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee must be paid by all newly-admitted international F-1 and J-1 students and their accompanying family members.
7. Can the SEVIS fee be waived or reduced in certain circumstances?
Yes, it can be waived in certain circumstances. For example, if a student is eligible for a visa because of their refugee or asylum status, the SEVIS fee may be waived. Additionally, if an applicant is sponsored by a U.S. government agency, the fee may also be waived.
8. What is SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement?
SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is a process that allows international students who have been out of status to regain their F-1 visa status. The process involves filing a Form I-901 with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This form, along with other documents and fees, must be submitted to DHS in order for the student’s record to be reinstated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Once the record is reinstated, the student may continue studying in the United States.
9. How do I apply for SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement?
To apply for SEVIS I-901 reinstatement, you must submit a completed Form I-539 and the required fee and supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must include evidence of financial support to demonstrate that you can pay for your educational and living expenses in the US. In addition to these basic requirements, you must also provide details about what happened to cause the violation of your student status and evidence that shows you have taken steps to correct the violation and resume your studies.
10. What documents are required to apply for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement?
To apply for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement, you will need to submit the following documents:
1. Completed SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Form.
2. Proof of payment of SEVIS I-901 Fee.
3. A copy of your passport identification page.
4. Evidence related to the reason for termination of status (as applicable).
5. Evidence of current academic status (if applicable).
6. Evidence of financial resources (if applicable).
11. Is there a fee to apply for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement?
Yes, there is a fee associated with applying for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement. The fee is currently $370 USD. It is important to note that this fee must be paid in addition to any visa fees that may be required.
12. When is a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement required?
A SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is required when a student’s status has been terminated for failing to enroll full-time or for violating the terms of their visa. A reinstatement must be completed before the student is allowed to re-enter the U.S.
13. How long does it take to process a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement application?
The processing time for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement application is typically 2-4 weeks. However, it can take longer depending on how quickly the school responds to any requests for additional information or documentation from USCIS.
14. What happens after my application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is approved?
Once your application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new I-20 from your school, which will include a new SEVIS number. You will then need to pay the I-901 Reinstatement fee and present the new I-20 and the approved I-901 Reinstatement application to the U.S. consulate or embassy in order to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa.
15. Can I travel while my application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is being processed?
No, you are not permitted to travel until your I-901 Reinstatement has been approved by USCIS.
16. What if my application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is denied?
If your application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is denied, you must contact an immigration attorney or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate serving the area in which you live to discuss your options. Depending on the reasons for the denial, it may be possible to appeal the decision or to request a waiver of ineligibility.
17. Can I appeal if my application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is denied?
No, you cannot appeal a denial of a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement. However, you may submit another application if you believe the denial was in error or if your circumstances have changed.
18. Are there any circumstances under which a student might be exempt from the SEVIS Fee or required to pay an additional fee?
Student may be exempt from the SEVIS fee if they meet the criteria for a visa waiver program or if they are part of a designated exchange visitor program. Students may also be required to pay an additional fee if their school requires them to enroll in health insurance.
19. What if my visa expires while my application for a SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is being processed?
If your visa expires while your application for SEVIS I-901 Reinstatement is being processed, you will need to apply for a new visa with U.S. Department of State at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
20. Are there any additional fees associated with applying for a U.S student visa or maintaining it once it’s approved?
Yes, there are additional fees associated with applying for and maintaining a U.S. student visa. The application fee is $160, and there is an additional SEVIS fee of $200 for initial applicants. There may also be additional fees depending on an applicant’s individual circumstances, such as a visa reciprocity fee. Additionally, once the visa is approved, the student must pay a visa issuance fee of up to $390.