INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW SEVIS FEE

What is the SEVIS fee?
The new SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who are applying for an F1 student visa with the intention of coming to the US to pursue a full time course of study. The fee goes into effect on September 1, 2004. Fee payments will be used by the US Department of Homeland Security to fund the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Who pays the SEVIS fee?

- Prospective students with 'initial attendance' I-20s dated on or after September 1, 2004, who are applying for an 'initial' F1 visa from outside the US.

- Prospective students with 'initial attendance' I-20s dated on or after September 1, 2004, who are applying for a change to F1 status from another visa category.

- Current F1 students in the US filing for reinstatement after being out of status more than 5 months, and who are issued an I-20 for reinstatement dated on or after September 1, 2004.

Will other F1 students in the US have to pay?

Only if the the student's circumstances change so that s/he fits one of the above mentioned categories.

When is the fee paid?

The fee must be paid at least 3 business days prior to a consultate interview applying for an F1 visa. The fee must also be paid prior to submission of a change of status petition or reinstatement application.

How much is the fee and how is it paid?

The fee is US$100. The fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee. The fee must be paid by mail or the internet and cannot be paid at the institution of study, the consulate or the port of entry. It can be paid by the student, a third party, inside or outside the US.

Paying by Mail

1. Obtain the form I-901 'Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants' by downloading from www.FMJfee.com or request by phone at 1 - 800 - 870 3676 (inside the US). Alternatively, request a form from us.

2. Complete the form, carefully writing the name exactly as it appears on the I-20.

3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft drawn on a US bank (including banks chartered or operated in the US, a foreign subsidiary of a US bank, a foreign bank that has an arrangement with a US bank to issue a check, money order, or foreign draft that is drawn on a US bank) for the amount of $100 payable to 'The Department of Homeland Security'.

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 immigration documents.

Paying Online

1. Find form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com.

2. Complete the form online and supply necessary credit card information (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Carefully write your name exactly as it appears on the I-20.

3. Print a copy of the online receipt, and keep it with your other immigration documents.

How quickly is the payment processed?

Processing is immediate if the payment is made by internet and the computer-generated receipt can be printed directly from the computer used to make the payment. Mailing the fee does not constitute payment, and it clearly will take longer for payment to be received by mail and for the student to receive a receipt by return mail. The receipt can be sent by express delivery at an additional charge. A paper receipt is not required for a visa to be issued, as consulates will be able to verify fee payment without a receipt if payment is made at least 3 business days before the consulate interview for electronic payments. Mailed payments must be sent in a manner that assures arrival at the DHS address listed on the I-901 at least 3 business days before the consultate interview.

Is the fee payable if transferring to another school, travelling outside the US or renewing visas?

The fee is not required when transferring schools, changing programs, extending programs, renewing an F1 visa or using F1 benefits such as practical training. If you are in status when travelling internationally, and are not physically outside of the US for more than 5 months, you will not be required to pay the fee.

Will the DHS keep a record of payments on file?

Although payments will be entered into the student's permanent immigration (SEVIS) record, it is recommended that a copy of the fee receipt I-797 is kept carefully.

Is the fee transferable if the student has applied to more than one school and has more than one I-20?

It is. However, the I-20 with the SEVIS ID number that was listed on the I-901 must be submitted at the consultate interview, in addition to the I-20 from the school that the student wishes to attend.

What if the F1 visa application is denied?

The fee will not be refunded. However, re-application for a new F1 visa within 12 months of the denial does not require a new fee to be paid.

To encourage F1 visa applicants through this additional process, IH San Diego is making the following offer:

All students who successfully apply for an F1 student visa on an I-20 issued by us during the period September 1 - December 31, 2004, will receive a $50 gift on their first day of school.