When should you pay the SEVIS fee?

The SEVIS fee must be paid a minimum of three days before applying for a U.S. visa. Canadian citizens, exempt from the visa requirement, must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before seeking admission to the U.S. at a U.S. port of entry.

SEVIS Fee for F-1 Students

F-1 students are required to pay a SEVIS fee once for each program. SEVIS, known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, finances the operations of the U.S. government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which supervises SEVIS.

You must pay the SEVIS fee if you are

• Applying for a visa as a new student commencing an academic program with an I-20 form.
• Applying for a change of status to F-1 from another nonimmigrant status while residing in the United States.
• Seeking reinstatement after being out of status for over five months while within the United States.
• Traveling to the United States under F-1 status as a Canadian citizen. Payment of the fee is not possible at the port of entry.

How do you pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee Online?

You have the option to pay the fee using a credit card online (preferred) or by mailing a check or money order to DHS. Third-party payments are acceptable. To pay online, visit www.fmjfee.com and complete the form with the required information. Ensure that your name matches exactly as it appears on your DS-2019 form.

• The SEVIS ID# is identified by the number starting with “N00” and situated in the upper right-hand corner of the DS-2019 form.
• The Exchange Visitor Program Number can be located on your DS-2019.
• The Exchange Visitor Category is indicated on your DS-2019 form.

On the second screen, you’ll enter the payment details. If paying by credit card, you’ll instantly receive a payment confirmation. Print the confirmation using the button located at the bottom of the confirmation page. Alternatively, if paying by mail, print the I-901 form and mail it, along with a check or money order in U.S. dollars for $220, to the designated address.

The confirmation serves as evidence of fee payment. You’ll need to present the fee confirmation during your visa application process and at the U.S. port of entry.

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