SEVIS Fee Information and How to Pay

What is the SEVIS fee?

This rule requires F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of U.S. $200 (F-1 students) or U.S. $180 (J-1 exchange visitors) to cover the costs of the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

This fee is different from the visa application fee, and is paid separately.

Note: This fee does not apply to anyone already in the USA with F-1 or J-1 student status.

Who pays the fee?

The fee can be paid by the student or a third-party such a friend, relative, agent, or school.

Note: A visa interview appointment cannot be scheduled until this fee is paid and received by the Department of Homeland Security.

How can I pay the SEVIS fee?

Students must pay the U.S. $200 (F-1 students) or U.S. $180 (J-1 exchange visitors) to DHS at least 3 business days before applying for a visa.

The SEVIS fee can only be paid by one of the following methods:

Internet

Go to https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
Complete Form I-901, the "Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants" form.
Include credit card payment for the US$200 (F-1 Students) or US$180 (J-1 Exchange) SEVIS Fee.

Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards only. Enter student name exactly as it appears on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Print copy of the online receipt for your records. Receipt is required to verify payment at the US embassy, consulate or port-of-entry.

Note: Payment by Internet is processed immediately. At time ofpayment, receipts can be printed directly from the computer.

Western Union Quick Pay Service™

Print instructions from http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm
Complete Form I-901
Bring instructions and completed Form I-901 to a Western Union agent in your area. For a list of agents in your home country, visit http://www.westernunion.com
Request and complete the Western Union "Blue Form." For instructions about the "Blue Form," visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm

Note: Payment through Western Union is processed immediately. You will receive a receipt at the time of payment.

Mail

Obtain Form I-901. The forms are available at www.fmjfee.com or call 1-800-870-3676 (in the U.S.).
Complete Form I-901.
Include check, international money order, or foreign draft (drawn on U.S. banks only) in the amount of US$200 (F-1 Student) or US$180 (J-1 Exchange Visitor) made payable to " I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee ".
- Enter student or visitor name exactly as it appears on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address listed on the Form I-901.
A Form I-797 Receipt Notice should be mailed to you within 3 days of processing the fee.

Note: Mailing the SEVIS fee does not constitute payment. The fee is processed when it is received by DHS. If payment is mailed, it can take 4-6 weeks to be received and for a receipt to be mailed to you. Therefore, we highly recommend that students pay the fee via the Internet to expedite the process.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the UC San Diego International Center at istudents@ucsd.edu, or visit the SEVIS Fee website.

International Students & Programs Office (ISPO)
Phone: (858) 534-3730
Email: Visit our Contact Us page

Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.