USA Visa SEVIS fee What you need to know

One of the requirements for obtaining a student or exchange visitor visa to study in the United States is paying the SEVIS fee. SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, and it is a program that tracks and monitors the movements and activities of international students and exchange visitors while they are in the United States. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about the USA Visa SEVIS fee.

What is the SEVIS fee?

The SEVIS fee is a mandatory fee that all international students and exchange visitors must pay to the US government before they can apply for a visa. The fee goes towards funding the SEVIS program, which maintains information on students and exchange visitors in the US for the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies.

How much is the SEVIS fee?

The amount of the SEVIS fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Currently, the fee is $350 for F and M visas (for academic and vocational students) and $220 for J visas (for exchange visitors).

When should I pay the SEVIS fee?

You must pay the SEVIS fee before you can submit your visa application. You should pay the fee as soon as possible after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 form from your US educational institution or sponsoring organization. It is important to note that you cannot pay the fee at the US Embassy or Consulate. You must pay the fee online through the SEVIS fee payment system.

How do I pay the SEVIS fee?

You can pay the SEVIS fee online with a credit card or debit card. You must first complete the Form I-901 on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. You will need your SEVIS ID number, which is on your I-20 or DS-2019 form, to complete the form. After submitting the form, you will be directed to a page where you can pay the fee with your credit or debit card.

What if my visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable. However, if your visa application is approved, the fee remains valid for one year from the date of payment, or until your visa expires, whichever comes first.

Can I transfer the SEVIS fee to another visa?

If you have paid the SEVIS fee for one visa and then apply for a different visa, you do not need to pay the fee again. However, you must use the same SEVIS ID number that you used for your previous visa application.

Conclusion

The SEVIS fee is an important component of the student and exchange visitor visa application process for those studying in the United States. Paying the fee on time and online is crucial to avoid visa application delays or even denials. With the information provided in this article, you should be well-prepared to pay the SEVIS fee and proceed with your visa application process.