1. What payment methods are accepted for the U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee?
The U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee can be paid using a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover), certified check, money order, or Western Union Quick Pay. The U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee cannot be paid in cash.
2. Is the SEVIS Fee required for all international students studying in the U.S.?
Yes, the SEVIS fee is required for all international students studying in the U.S. The fee is $200 for F and M visa holders and $180 for J visa holders.
3. How much is the SEVIS Fee for U.S. Student Visas?
The SEVIS Fee for U.S. Student Visas is $350.
4. When is the SEVIS Fee due?
The SEVIS Fee is due at least 3 days before the visa interview date.
5. How can I pay for the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS Fee can be paid online or by mail with a money order, Western Union Quick Pay, international postal money order, certified check, or travelers’ check. For more information, please visit the SEVIS Fee webpage.
6. Is there a deadline for paying the SEVIS Fee?
Yes. You must pay the SEVIS Fee prior to your visa interview. You must also pay the fee before traveling to the United States.
7. Can I pay the SEVIS Fee with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay the SEVIS Fee with a credit card. You can pay online using the SEVIS I-901 Fee Processing website or by telephone. Online payments should be made using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card. Payments can also be made by telephone using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card.
8. Can I pay the SEVIS Fee with a debit card?
Yes. You can pay the SEVIS Fee with a credit or debit card.
9. Is there an additional fee when paying the SEVIS Fee with a credit or debit card?
Yes, there is an additional fee when paying the SEVIS Fee with a credit or debit card. The fee is 2.25% of the total SEVIS Fee cost or a minimum of $3.00 for all transactions.
10. Is there another way to pay the SEVIS Fee besides with a credit or debit card?
No, the SEVIS fee must be paid by credit or debit card.
11. What is an I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt?
The I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt is an official record of payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. All international students and exchange visitors must pay this fee before attending a U.S. school. The receipt serves as proof of payment and should be kept in a safe place when traveling to the United States.
12. Can I still enter the U.S. without paying the SEVIS fee?
No, the SEVIS fee is mandatory for all non-immigrant students entering the U.S. If you do not pay the fee, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S.
13. Is there a way to track my payment of the SEVIS Fee?
Yes, you can track your payment using the SEVIS Fee Payment Assistance Portal.
14. What is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that provides schools and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security real-time access to accurate and current information on foreign students and exchange visitors. SEVIS tracks international students from the time they receive their visa until they complete their education in the U.S. It also enables immigration officers, consular officers, and school officials to exchange data on these students and exchange visitors.
15. Do I have to pay the SEVIS fee if my visa is denied?
No, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee if your visa is denied.
16. How long does it take for my SEVIS fee payment to be processed?
The payment processing time for SEVIS fees varies depending on the payment method used. For credit/debit cards, it can take up to 3 business days for the payment to be processed. For electronic checks, it can take up to 5 business days.
17. What do I need in order to pay for a U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee?
In order to pay for a U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee, you will need a valid credit or debit card. If you are paying in US dollars, you will need a US bank account for the transfer to take place.
18. Can I pay multiple student visa applications in one transaction?
Yes, you can pay for multiple student visa applications in one transaction.
19. Are there any discounts available for paying the SEVIS Fee?
Yes. A partial fee exemption is available to certain refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or victims of human trafficking and their spouses and children. Additionally, certain J-1 exchange visitors may be eligible for a reduced fee if they are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement and have received a determination of no objection from their home government.
20. How do I make an appointment with Student and Exchange Visitor Program office (SEVP) after paying for my U.S. Student Visa SEVIS Fee?
You cannot make an appointment with the SEVP office. After you have paid the SEVIS fee, next steps must be taken by your school’s designated school official (DSO). The DSO will work with your school to issue an I-20 form. Once the form is issued, you will be able to apply for the visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.