1. What is the SEVIS fee and when do I need to pay it?

The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee paid by international students and exchange visitors to the United States. It is used to cover the costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and to ensure that it remains operational. The fee must be paid before an individual is issued a visa to enter the United States, and is usually paid online at the time of submitting the visa application.

2. How much is the SEVIS fee and how do I pay it?

The SEVIS fee is $350 USD. You can pay it with a credit or debit card, money order, certified check, or a foreign bank draft drawn on a bank in the United States. You can also pay it with a U.S. bank check, but the check must be payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.

3. What documentation is required in order to pay the SEVIS fee?

In order to pay the SEVIS fee, the documentation required includes a valid passport and Form I-20. The I-20 must be issued by the school or program that the student is attending in the United States. Additionally, a valid credit card must be used to pay the fee and a receipt must be obtained.

4. How long does it take for the SEVIS fee to be processed?

The SEVIS fee is usually processed within 3-5 business days. However, please note that processing times may vary depending on the payment method used and the time of year.

5. What is the purpose of the SEVIS fee and what does it cover?

The SEVIS fee is an administrative fee paid by international students to the U.S. government to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It covers the cost of administering the SEVP, which is a program that monitors and tracks international students in the U.S. The fee also supports data-collection technology for schools who sponsor international students.

6. Does the SEVIS fee cover my entire stay in the US as a student?

No, the SEVIS fee only covers the initial I-20 form and the processing of the student’s information. The student is responsible for all other costs associated with living in and studying in the US such as tuition, visa fees, housing, and living expenses.

7. Are there any exemptions from paying the SEVIS fee?

Yes, there are certain exemptions from paying the SEVIS fee. Students who qualify for a visa-waiver program, are coming to the U.S. for less than 90 days, are coming to the U.S. under the Work and Travel program, are exchange visitors sponsored by a U.S. government agency, are families of NATO personnel, or are coming to the U.S. to receive medical treatment may all be exempt from paying the SEVIS fee.

8. Are there any additional costs associated with paying the SEVIS fee?

No, there are no additional costs associated with paying the SEVIS fee.

9. What are the consequences of not paying the SEVIS fee on time?

If the SEVIS fee is not paid on time, the student may face a delay in obtaining their visa or be denied entry into the United States. Additionally, the student will be unable to register for classes or obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 form.

10. Is there any way to reduce or waive the SEVIS fee?

No, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable and must be paid in full before a student can apply for a visa. There is no way to reduce or waive the SEVIS fee.

11. What are the main differences between an F-1 visa and M-1 visa for studying in the US?

The main differences between an F-1 visa and an M-1 visa for studying in the US are as follows:

• An F-1 visa is for academic studies such as colleges, universities, and language schools. M-1 visas are for vocational studies such as trade or technical schools.

• An F-1 visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session; this work may be on or off campus. An M-1 visa has no such provisions.

• F-1 visas allow for the possible transition to an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing students to work full time. An M-1 visa does not offer this opportunity.

• An F-1 student can stay in the US for a period of 60 days after completing their studies, while an M-1 student has only 30 days after their studies to leave the US.

12. Do international students need health insurance while studying in the US?

Yes, international students must have health insurance while studying in the US. US universities typically require that international student have a health insurance plan that meets certain criteria.

13. What documents do I need to bring when applying for a student visa?

When applying for a student visa, you will need to bring a valid passport, recent passport-style pictures, a completed visa application form, proof of financial support, evidence of university enrollment, and any other required documents from the specific embassy or consulate.

14. How long does it take to receive a student visa after applying?

It can take several weeks to several months to receive a student visa after applying. The processing time varies depending on the embassy and the country of residence.

15. Do I need to take an English proficiency test before applying for a student visa?

Yes, most countries require international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency before they can be accepted for a student visa. Many universities also require students to take an English language test as part of the admission process. Tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS are commonly accepted as proof of English language proficiency.

16. How can I extend my stay as a student in the US beyond the duration of my program?

If you wish to stay in the US after your program has ended, you must obtain an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 form. To apply for an extension, you must contact your school’s international student office before the expiration date listed on your current I-20 or DS-2019. You will likely need to provide documentation that proves you are making satisfactory academic progress and continue to have sufficient financial resources to support yourself while in the US. Once approved, the international student office will issue you a new form with an updated end date.

17. Are there any restrictions on working while studying in the US as a student?

Yes, there are restrictions on working while studying in the US as a student. International students are limited to working on-campus for no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year, and may not work off-campus without authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Additionally, international students must maintain full-time enrollment in their educational program in order to work on-campus.

18. Does my program of study need to be approved by the United States government?

No, your program of study does not need to be approved by the United States government. However, it may need to be approved by the accrediting body for the institution you plan to attend.

19. Are there any special requirements for international students to travel to and from the US while studying abroad?

Yes, international students are required to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa in order to enter the United States. Additionally, they must maintain valid travel documents and comply with all applicable government regulations for the duration of their stay. Furthermore, students must adhere to any restrictions imposed by their school or program and may be required to obtain permission from their designated school official before they can travel outside of the United States.

20. Are there any scholarships available for international students studying in the US?

Yes, there are many scholarships available for international students studying in the US. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Fulbright Program, the Global UGRAD Program, and the Gilman Scholarship Program. Additionally, universities and colleges often have their own scholarship programs that are open to international students.