The SEVIS I-901 fee is a mandatory payment for most F, M, and J applicants before attending a U.S. visa interview. The fee funds the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which records and monitors international students and exchange visitors during their time in the United States. The SEVIS fee is distinct from the consular Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee and must be paid and recorded correctly to avoid delays. Applicants are strongly advised to pay at least three business days before the visa interview so the payment can be matched to their SEVIS record.
What this article is about: This guide explains who must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and who is exempt (including F-2, M-2, and J-2 dependants and certain U.S. government–funded J programs), how and when to pay, how to obtain and use proof of payment at the visa interview and at the U.S. port of entry, and how to handle special scenarios such as SEVIS transfers, reinstatement, out-of-status cases (including the five-month rule), corrections to receipts, and limited refund circumstances (e.g., duplicate payments). It provides practical steps to reduce risk of interview delays or admission issues and to ensure SEVIS compliance aligns with DHS requirements.
Section A: What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a statutory charge imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on most international students and exchange visitors. It applies to individuals seeking entry under the F, M, or J visa categories and supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the DHS database that tracks students and exchange visitors during their stay. The fee is distinct from the visa application (MRV) fee and is a prerequisite for completing the visa process.
1. Definition and Purpose of the Fee
The SEVIS I-901 fee funds the operation and maintenance of SEVIS, which records each student’s or exchange visitor’s program details, sponsor information, and compliance status. Unlike the MRV fee, the SEVIS fee does not pay for visa adjudication; it ensures DHS can monitor lawful participation in U.S. study or exchange programmes.
2. Who is Required to Pay
The fee must be paid by most:
- F-1 visa applicants: Academic students at U.S. colleges, universities, high schools, and language training programmes.
- M-1 visa applicants: Vocational or technical students.
- J-1 visa applicants: Exchange visitors such as au pairs, interns, trainees, teachers, researchers, and scholars.
Exemptions: Dependants (F-2, M-2, J-2) do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. In addition, J-1 applicants whose programmes are fully funded by the U.S. government may also be exempt. Applicants should confirm with their programme sponsor if the fee has been covered on their behalf.
3. When the Fee Must Be Paid
The SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid before the visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. DHS advises making payment at least three business days before the interview so the SEVIS record has time to update. Proof of payment must also be presented at the U.S. port of entry on arrival. Entering the SEVIS ID number (shown on Form I-20 or DS-2019) accurately during payment is crucial to prevent delays or mismatches.
4. Section Summary
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a separate and compulsory charge, distinct from visa application fees. It applies to most F, M, and J visa applicants, with limited exemptions for dependants and certain U.S. government–sponsored J participants. It must be paid in advance of the visa interview, ideally three business days prior, and proof of payment must be carried to both the interview and the U.S. port of entry.
Section B: How to Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Once you have received your Form I-20 or DS-2019 from your U.S. school or programme sponsor, you can pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This must be completed before scheduling or attending your visa interview. The process is straightforward, but applicants should use only the official DHS website and allow sufficient time for confirmation to avoid delays.
1. Official SEVIS I-901 Payment Portal
The fee must be paid through the official SEVIS I-901 website at fmjfee.com. This is the only authorised payment portal. Applicants should avoid any unofficial services that claim to process SEVIS payments, as these can result in errors, lost funds, or delays.
2. Accepted Payment Methods
The SEVIS I-901 fee may be paid using:
- Credit or debit card (international cards generally accepted)
- Third-party payments (for example, a parent, school, or sponsor may pay on your behalf)
- International money order or check (drawn on a U.S. bank; this option takes longer to process)
Electronic payments are strongly recommended because they allow immediate confirmation and instant access to your receipt.
3. Step-by-Step Payment Process
The online payment steps are:
- Visit the official SEVIS I-901 portal.
- Enter your SEVIS ID number exactly as shown on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Provide your personal details such as full name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Select your payment method and complete the transaction.
- Print or download the confirmation receipt once the payment is accepted.
4. How Long It Takes to Confirm Payment
Electronic payments are generally confirmed immediately. The receipt can be downloaded and printed at once. Payments made by check or money order can take several days or even weeks to clear. DHS advises that applicants make the payment at least three business days before the visa interview to ensure the record is updated in SEVIS.
5. Section Summary
Applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee through the official government portal. Credit or debit cards are the fastest method, while checks or money orders take longer. The confirmation receipt should be obtained immediately and kept safe. To avoid complications, applicants should complete payment at least three business days before attending their visa interview.
Section C: Proof of Payment and Visa Interview
After paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, applicants must secure and carry proof of payment. This is required both for the U.S. visa interview and when entering the United States. Carrying a printed copy remains strongly advised, even though the payment is electronically linked to the SEVIS record.
1. Printing the SEVIS I-901 Fee Confirmation Receipt
Once payment is successful, the system generates a confirmation receipt. Applicants should:
- Print the receipt immediately after payment
- Save a digital copy (such as a PDF) as backup
- Check the receipt to ensure the SEVIS ID, name, and details are accurate
If errors appear, applicants must correct them before the visa interview. Using a receipt with mismatched details can delay the application process.
2. Presenting Proof of Payment at the U.S. Visa Interview
The SEVIS confirmation receipt is mandatory for the visa interview. Applicants should bring it alongside their Form I-20 (for F or M visas) or Form DS-2019 (for J visas). Consular officers will confirm the SEVIS fee has been paid and that the record matches the applicant’s SEVIS details. Failure to provide proof may result in delays or refusal.
3. Proof of Payment Required at the U.S. Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may request proof of SEVIS fee payment when applicants arrive at the port of entry. Although the payment is electronically linked to SEVIS, it is best practice to carry a printed copy of the receipt in case of system delays or verification issues.
4. What to Do If Your Payment Cannot Be Verified
If payment cannot be verified at the interview or port of entry, applicants should:
- Check that the SEVIS ID number used for payment matches the ID on the I-20 or DS-2019
- Contact the SEVIS I-901 helpline for assistance if discrepancies exist
- Be ready to show the printed receipt as evidence that payment was made
Quickly resolving verification issues is crucial to avoid delays in the visa process.
5. Section Summary
The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt is a vital document that must be presented at both the visa interview and, if requested, at the U.S. port of entry. Applicants should print and store multiple copies, confirm accuracy of details, and be prepared to resolve verification issues promptly. Carrying a printed receipt provides an extra safeguard even when the payment is electronically recorded in SEVIS.
Section D: Special Cases and Common Issues
Most applicants follow the standard SEVIS I-901 fee process, but some circumstances create exceptions. Understanding these prevents unnecessary payments or visa delays.
1. SEVIS Transfer Students and When a New Fee Is Not Required
Students who transfer from one U.S. school to another within SEVIS generally do not need to pay the fee again. The same applies when progressing from one academic level to another at the same institution. However, if a new SEVIS ID number is issued, a new SEVIS fee payment is required.
2. J Visa Applicants with Program Changes
For J-1 exchange visitors, a new fee may be required if the applicant changes to a different exchange program sponsor and is issued a new DS-2019. If the sponsor remains the same and only the programme dates change, the existing SEVIS payment usually remains valid. Applicants should verify this with their sponsor.
3. Lost or Incorrect SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
If the receipt is lost, applicants can log into the SEVIS I-901 portal and reprint it. If the receipt contains incorrect information—such as an error in the name or SEVIS ID—the applicant must contact SEVIS support to correct it. A receipt with mismatched details can cause significant delays at the interview.
4. Refunds and When They Are Allowed
Refunds are rare. They are only available in limited situations, such as duplicate payments made in error. If a visa is refused or the applicant decides not to travel, the fee is not refundable. The SEVIS fee solely covers DHS processing and does not guarantee visa approval.
5. Reinstatement and the Five-Month Rule
Students applying for reinstatement of status may be required to pay a new SEVIS fee, depending on their case. Additionally, if a student has been out of status for more than five months, they must obtain a new I-20 and pay a new SEVIS fee before resuming studies in the U.S. This rule ensures SEVIS records remain accurate and up to date.
6. Section Summary
Special cases include school transfers, programme changes, reinstatement of status, and long out-of-status periods. While transfers within the same SEVIS ID typically do not require a new payment, a new SEVIS ID almost always does. Refunds are strictly limited to duplicate payments. Students should carefully check their situation before making another payment.
FAQs
Do I have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee every time I apply for a visa?
No. If your SEVIS ID remains the same, such as when renewing a visa for the same programme, you do not need to pay again. A new payment is only required if a new SEVIS ID is issued.
How much is the SEVIS I-901 fee?
As set by DHS:
- $350 for F-1 and M-1 visa applicants
- $220 for most J-1 visa applicants
- $35 for certain J-1 categories, including au pairs, camp counsellors, and summer work/travel participants
Applicants should confirm the latest fee amounts at the official SEVIS website before making payment.
Can someone else pay my SEVIS I-901 fee for me?
Yes. A parent, school, or programme sponsor can pay on your behalf. However, you are responsible for ensuring the payment is made correctly and on time, and that you obtain the receipt for your records.
What if I paid the SEVIS fee but my visa was denied?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is non-refundable if a visa is refused. It covers SEVIS processing only and does not guarantee approval. If you reapply for the same programme with the same SEVIS ID, your original payment may still be valid.
Is the SEVIS I-901 fee the same as the visa application fee?
No. The SEVIS fee is separate from the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee. Both must be paid, and proof of each must be presented during the visa application process.
Conclusion
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a fundamental requirement for most F, M, and J visa applicants. It supports the U.S. government’s SEVIS database, which tracks and monitors students and exchange visitors during their stay. Without proof of payment, applicants cannot proceed to the visa interview or may face issues at the port of entry.
Applicants should make payment only through the official DHS portal, ensure that their SEVIS ID details are correct, and complete payment at least three business days before the visa interview. Dependants and certain U.S. government–sponsored J applicants are exempt, but most students and exchange visitors must pay and carry proof of payment. Awareness of rules around transfers, reinstatements, and the five-month rule helps prevent unnecessary payments or delays.
By paying correctly, printing and safeguarding the receipt, and preparing for special cases, applicants can keep their visa process on track and remain fully compliant with U.S. immigration requirements.
Glossary
| SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the DHS database that tracks international students and exchange visitors during their time in the U.S. |
| I-901 Fee | The mandatory SEVIS fee paid by most F, M, and J visa applicants before attending their visa interview. |
| Form I-20 | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by U.S. schools to F and M visa applicants. |
| Form DS-2019 | Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, issued by programme sponsors to J visa applicants. |
| MRV Fee | The Machine Readable Visa application fee, paid to apply for a U.S. visa. It is separate from the SEVIS fee. |
Useful Links
| SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Portal | https://fmjfee.com |
| DHS SEVIS I-901 Fee Information | https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901 |
| U.S. Visa Information for Students | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html |
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.