The SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who come to the United States for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities, and language training programs. It is payable one time for each single educational program in which an F-1 or F-3 student participates, extending from the time the student is granted F-1 or F-3 status to the time the student falls out of status, changes status, or departs the U.S. for an extended period of time.

This fee is new and goes into effect September 1, 2004. SEVIS fee payments will be used by the United States Department of Homeland Security to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This program makes it possible for international students and exchange visitors to attend schools in the United States. The fee also funds the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a computer system employed to track international students and exchange visitors during their stays in the United States.

You will need to pay the SEVIS fee if you were issued an I-20 on or after September 1, 2004. The fee is $100. This fee is separate from and in addition to the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid by the Internet or by mail. It cannot be paid at a U.S. embassy or consulate and it cannot be paid at port of entry. The fee can be paid by one of two means: 

1) Electronically, by completing a form I-901 through the Internet and using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card at www.FMJfee.com. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form. Print a copy of the online receipt. 2) By mail, by submitting form I-901 together with a check or money order drawn On a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency, made payable to “The Department Of Homeland Security”, to the address listed on form I-901. You can download the form from www.FMJfee.com.

Whether you pay by mail or on line, you must bring a copy of the receipt form I-797 with you to the embassy or consulate when you are applying for the student visa.