NEW SEVIS FEE REQUIREMENT: F-1 STUDENTS

Beginning September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule went into effect.  This rule requires F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of $100 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS). The following information specifically addresses fee issues for F-1 students.

Who pays the SEVIS fee?

• Prospective students with “initial attendance” I-20s dated on or after 9/1/2004 who are applying for an “initial” F-1 visa from outside the U.S.
• Prospective students with “initial attendance” I-20s dated on or after 9/1/2004 that are applying for a change to F-1 status from another visa category.
• Current F-1 students in the U.S. filing for reinstatement after being out of status more than five (5) months and who are issued an I-20 issued for reinstatement that is dated on or after 9/1/04.

What about my F-2 dependents?

F-2 dependents do not have to pay the fee, even if the I-20 that the F-2 dependents use is issued on or after 9/1/2004.

When do I pay the SEVIS fee?

The fee must be paid at least three (3) business days prior to applying for your visa, or applying for admission at a US port-of-entry for those exempt from the visa requirement.  The fee must be paid prior to submission of a change of status petition or reinstatement application.

Can I pay the SEVIS fee at a university, consulate or port of entry?

No. At this time the SEVIS fee can only be processed by the Department of Homeland Security via mail or the Internet.

How do I pay the fee?

There are two options to pay the fee.  The fee can be paid to the DHS by mail or online and must be accompanied by a Form I-901.  It can be paid by you or by a third party, inside or outside the US.  However, anyone paying the fee on your behalf will need to have a copy of your I-20 or a completed copy of Form I-901 to complete the fee process.

To Pay By Mail

1. Obtain a Form I-901 “Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants.” 
• Download the form from www.FMJfee.com
• Request the form by phone at 1-800-870-3676 (inside the U.S. only)
2. Complete the Form I-901. You must have a Form I-20 from National American University to complete Form I-901.  Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your Form I- 20.
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on U.S. banks only) in the amount of $100 USD, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security.”  Be sure to print your name and SEVIS ID number in the lower left-hand corner of the check, money order or bank draft.
4. Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form I-901.
5. A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee.  Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents

Payment by mail is not the recommended process for fee payment from abroad, as it can take as long as four weeks from the day you mail in the fee to the day that you receive the required receipt in the mail if you are applying from outside the United States, unless you pay for courier service.

To Pay Online

1. Find the Form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com.
2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information.  You must have a form I-20 from National American University to complete form I-901.  Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.
3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.  When paying the fee on the Internet, it is essential that your printer be ready before staring the payment process.  Do not exit the receipt page until you have successfully printed the receipt.  You will not be able to return to the receipt page.

Will the DHS keep a record of my payment on file?

Fee payments should be entered into your permanent immigration (SEVIS) record but it is strongly recommended that you retain a copy of your fee receipt (form I-797) to use as needed.

Showing proof of SEVIS fee payment at the visa interview and/or the U.S. port of entry.

You must be able to prove that the fee has been paid when you appear for your visa interview, and when you enter the United States. This is done by presenting a printed receipt, either from the Internet if you made an online payment, or a mailed receipt if you paid by mail.

Visa officers and U.S. port of entry inspectors should be able to verify SEVIS fee payment electronically three business days after payment is processed.  But, in case of problems, having a printed receipt is the best evidence of fee payment. 

A visa will not be issued unless verification of the SEVIS fee payment can be made.

I applied to more than one school, and have more than one I-20 form.  What happens if I pay the SEVIS fee for one school, and then I change my mind and decide that I want to attend the other school?  Is my paid SEVIS fee transferable?

Yes.  But you must submit the I-20 form with the SEVIS ID number that you listed on the I-901 form with you to the U.S. consulate/embassy.  For change of status or reinstatement applications, please see next question.

What do I need to do to apply for an F-1 visa, change of status or reinstatement?

• Obtain the appropriate Form I-20 from National American University.
• Pay the SEVIS fee by mail or online (see information above).
• Make a copy of the I-797 (mail) or computer receipt (online) for your records.
• Submit a copy of the I-797 or computer receipt with your visa, change of status or reinstatement application

OR 

• Students who are exempt from visa requirements, such as Canadians, should take a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt to present at the port of entry with the appropriate I-20. It will not be possible to pay the fee at the port of entry.
• For change of status or reinstatement applications, if you previously paid the SEVIS fee while attending a different school, you should submit a copy of that school’s I-20 form with your application. 

What if my F-1 visa application is denied?

The SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.

For detailed information on the SEVIS fee payment process and for a list of frequently asked questions, visit: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm