SEVIS I-901 Fee

Generally, a student requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa is required to pay a SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and keep proof that the fee has been paid to show during visa appointment and/or arrival in the U.S. The SEVIS fee is separate from the visa fee you will pay to the embassy or consulate to receive your F-1/J-1 visa.

Canadian citizens must also pay the SEVIS fee and show the receipt when arriving in the U.S.

The SEVIS Fees are: $350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students.

The DS-160 Visa Fee is $160.

You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee a second time if you are a SEVIS transfer student who is transferring your existing F-1/J-1 record to UCSC.

Paying the SEVIS Fee

DHS accepts three methods of payment:

NOTE: Using a credit card or Western Union to pay the fee online is much faster than mailing it in. You'll get a receipt immediately, and you'll be able to move through the process much faster.

How to Pay the SEVIS Fee

  1. Use the I-901 SEVIS fee FAQs for guidance regarding payment method, frequently asked questions, and more.
  2. Visit the SEVIS Fee Payment website and follow the instructions.
  3. Bring your printed receipt with you to your visa appointment and when you arrive in the U.S. and make a copy for your records.

Additional SEVIS Fee Information

  • F-2 and J-2 dependents do NOT have to pay the fee. The FAQ on the DHS website includes a list of others who do not have to pay the fee.
  • Anyone can pay the fee on behalf of any student or exchange visitor.
  • ISSS does not pay the SEVIS fee for you.
  • The SEVIS fee only has to be paid once per initial F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record (i.e. once per SEVIS number)
  • An additional visa application fee will be charged at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Printed confirmation of the SEVIS fee from http://fmjfee.com serves as proof of payment.