Understanding the SEVIS Fee and the Process for Payment Regarding a US Student Visa

 

Things to know about SEVIS

        SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based system administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its primary purpose is to manage information pertaining to students and exchange visitors coming to the United States. In simpler terms, it serves as an internal database that stores information about non-U.S. national students and exchange students who plan to study in the USA. This system records all your particulars and the purposes of your travel to the United States. The DHS mandates that sponsors, such as universities (in your case), register with the department. Consequently, when a U.S. university offers you admission, they also provide you with a SEVIS Number on your I-20 form.

When students apply for a USA Student Visa, they often encounter the term 'SEVIS Fee.' This fee marks the initial step in the application process, whether it's for an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. But what exactly is the SEVIS Fee? From the student's perspective, they are obligated to pay the current SEVIS Fee of USD 350 approx INR 29,500/-. It is advisable for students to complete this payment before initiating the Visa Application Form (DS-160) since sometimes the payment receipts are dispatched by mail and may take up to 15 days to reach you. Additionally, you will need the original receipt when submitting your documents.

How to Make SEVIS Fee Payment?

To qualify for SEVIS fee payment, applicants must apply to colleges approved by SEVP. If the college accepts the student, they can proceed with the payment process. The SEVIS fee is typically paid online using a credit card. While it's possible to pay via bank cheque, this method can delay the process by at least 3 weeks and is not recommended. If you don't have a credit card, you can consider asking one of your parents to make the payment on your behalf. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on what you need to do.

Log on to https://fmjfee.com/ and select Check I-901 Status as sometimes your University or College may pay your SEVIS fee

1. Enter your SEVIS ID which can be seen in your I-20
2. Input your last name and date of birth exactly as they appear in your passport, then select 'Check Status'.

3. If you encounter this error indicating that the SEVIS fee has not been paid, please proceed to select 'Pay I-901 Fee' and ensure that you enter all your details exactly as they appear in your passport.

4. Please review the instructions attentively, choose the radio button associated with the I-20 form, and proceed by clicking 'OK.'

5. Upon accessing the form, kindly proceed with completing it meticulously. It is imperative to ensure that the information entered precisely aligns with the details specified in your I-20 document. You will be prompted to furnish personal information, including your SEVIS Number (as indicated on your I-20), as well as your current address.

6. Choose a Payment Method. It's important to note that you can make your payment online via credit card or by check. Generally, a credit card is the recommended choice.

7. Submit Card Information. A charge of $350 will be applied at the prevailing exchange rates. Ensure that the selected card has the necessary balance and is approved for international transactions.

8. Generate a Payment Receipt. Please proceed to print a copy of the payment receipt for your records.

9. Upon successful payment, you can commence the process of completing your DS-160 form

Bonus Info

The SEVIS fee remains valid for a period of 12 months or one year. Consequently, applicants who have submitted the SEVIS fee should receive their visa within this one-year timeframe following payment. If applicants do not obtain their visas within this duration, they will be required to make the SEVIS fee payment once more. It's important to note that the SEVIS fee is a one-time payment for a US student visa under either the F-1 or J-1 visa category. For confirmation of the validity of the SEVIS fee, applicants may also consult their designated university officials. 

Furthermore, there is a deadline associated with SEVIS fee payment, which is typically set at 30 days from the date of notification release. Failure to meet this payment deadline can lead to the termination of SEVIS status, necessitating the applicant to initiate the entire process anew. Hence, it is imperative for applicants to diligently observe and adhere to these specified deadlines.

Spouses and dependents, such as children, of F-2, M-2, or J-2 visa holders accompanying students or exchange visitors in the USA are exempt from the SEVIS fee requirement. Only the primary visa holder is responsible for paying the SEVIS fee.