The United States of America. The country where dreams come true and people from all over clamour to get a foot in hopes of realising their aspirations. Home to some of the most prestigious and renowned universities in the world, students from hundreds of countries across the globe strive to pursue their higher education in the States. Hence, an abundance of articles regarding study abroad procedures, visa guidance, and other study processes across the web. Some write-ups mention a SEVIS fee but there might be no context or meaning provided to it. In this article, we explore the answer to what is a SEVIS fee, when, how much and how it is to be paid.
What Is A SEVIS Fee?
Many students might wonder what is a SEVIS fee while applying for their student visa to the United States. SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This is a fully automated system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to maintain a database of non-national students and exchange students (F visa holders) coming to the USA. It serves as an internal repository that keeps track of all details and information of such people.
Before a student gains access to start filling up their visa application form, they have to mandatorily pay the SEVIS fee. A student’s university that acts as their sponsor also has to get registered under the department and provides them with their respective SEVIS number upon admission. The university issues the student with their I-20 which further helps them in securing an F-1 or J-1 status.
Now that we have answered the question of what is a SEVIS fee, let us jump into its other details.
When To Pay The SEVIS Fee? | What Is A SEVIS Fee?
Once a student gains admission to their university of choice in the United States, the university will issue them their I-20. Upon receiving that, the student has to fill out the SEVIS I-901 form which enables their respective details and information to be fed into the database of non-national visitors. At this point, the student is required to pay their SEVIS fee.
How To Pay The SEVIS Fee?
There are several methods of payment available to make the fee payment. The online mode of payment has to be made to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Visa, Mastercard or American Express. The second option is through mail where a student can mail their cheque to the address listed on their I-901 form. The third option is through Western Union.
Amount Of Fees To Be Paid? | What Is A SEVIS Fee?
The main function of the amount that is collected through these fees is to provide assistance and technical aid to those who are registered in the database. The amount also goes toward maintaining the system and also toward keeping the visa processing running smoothly without any hiccups. F, M and J visa holders have to bear the cost of the SEVIS fee. The average amount of the SEVIS fee is $200 for which the payment is to be made before obtaining the visa. To specifically answer the question of what is the SEVIS fee for F1 visa applicants, the answer is $200. While the amount for J1 visa applicants is $180.
Process Of Paying The SEVIS Fee
Below mentioned are the step-by-step instructions on how to go about paying the fee right from which website to fill the form to how a candidate would receive the receipt.
- Visit the website fmjfee.com
- Look for the option “Submit I-901 Form and Fee Payment” and click on it.
- That should lead you to the form. Fill out the form carefully with all your relevant details and make sure to fill in all the correct information and cross-check for any errors. A point of significance is to make sure that the details match the ones listed on your I-20 card. Fill out the SEVIS number as exactly mentioned on your I-20.
- Another point of note is to give the same address for your UPS Delivery and SEVIS fee receipt. The latter would be mailed to you and will be required for your visa interview.
- Choose your option of standard or expedited delivery. The former does not cost you extra.
- Upon selecting your delivery, you will land on the payment section. Select your preferred form of payment and do the needful.
- A receipt will be generated and you will need to take a printout of the same.
Feature Image Credit: Global Residence Index
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further