What is the SEVIS Fee?
The I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is a mandatory fee paid to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This fee supports the SEVIS system, which tracks international students and exchange visitors in the United States.
⚠️ Important
You must pay this fee BEFORE your visa interview. Pay at least 3 business days before your interview date.
Current Fee Amounts
| Visa Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| F-1 Student Visa | $350 |
| M-1 Vocational Student Visa | $350 |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | $220 |
Note: F-2 and J-2 dependents do NOT need to pay a separate SEVIS fee.
Who Must Pay?
- All prospective F and J students from countries requiring a visa
- Prospective F and J students from visa waiver countries (before seeking admission at a U.S. port of entry)
- Anyone in the U.S. applying for change of status to F-1, M-1, or J-1
- Canadian citizens (even though they don’t need a visa)
- J-1 visitors requesting a category change
Who Does NOT Need to Pay Again
SEVIS transfer students who are transferring their existing F-1/J-1 SEVIS record to a new school do not need to pay again. The fee is paid once per SEVIS ID number.
How to Pay (Step-by-Step)
- Go to: fmjfee.com
- Click “Pay I-901 Fee”
- Select your form type: F/M student or J exchange visitor
- Enter your information: SEVIS ID (from your I-20 or DS-2019), Name (exactly as on your form), Date of birth, Country information
- Enter School Code: Listed on your Form I-20
- Pay: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or debit card
- Print Receipt: Keep this for your visa interview
💡 Tip
Save or print your receipt immediately after payment. You’ll need it for your visa interview.
Payment Restrictions by Country
Students from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Gambia cannot pay by credit card. They must pay by:
- Money order
- Western Union Quick Pay
- Certified check from a U.S. bank
Contact Information
- SEVP Response Center: 703-603-3400
- Email: [email protected]
Need Help Getting Started?
Paying the SEVIS fee is just the first step. Otips can help you with school selection, I-20 issuance, and the entire visa process.
Start Your Journey