International Students applying for US Student Visa come across the term SEVIS Fee as this is the first step to proceed with the application process for US Student Visa. Here’s what you need to know about the SEVIS Fee.
SEVIS
SEVIS, a short-term used for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based system of DHS- the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is supposed to maintain the data of nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. All of your details including your reason for travelling to the United States are kept as a record by the SEVIS.
As an F-1 student, you will be provided with a SEVIS number, and a SEVIS record will be created for you. SEVIS will track you from the time you receive your I-20 until you complete your program in the United States.
The University you will be studying in the US will be required to register with the DHS. Further registering for the same, the University will offer you admission and provides you the SEVIS Number on the I-20.
Who needs to pay the SEVIS Fee?
You will be required to pay the SEVIS Fee if:
- You are applying for a visa as a new student beginning an IUPUI program with an I-20.
- You are applying to change your status to F-1 from another nonimmigrant status while in the United States.
- You are filing for reinstatement after being out of status while in the United States for more than five months.
- You are traveling to the United States in F-1 status as a Canadian citizen.
Who does not need to pay the SEVIS Fee?
You are exempted from paying the SEVIS Fee if:
- You are an F-1 student in lawful status transferring between schools in the United States.
- You are the dependent of an F-1 student and you have F-2 status.
Information needed to pay the SEVIS Fee
You will be required to provide the following information in order to pay the SEVIS Fee:
- Name, address, date of birth, and email address.
- Country of birth and country of citizenship.
- School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
- SEVIS Identification Number as listed on the Form I-20
How much is the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee is USD 350 (INR 26,571) for F-1 Students. The SEVIS Fee should be paid before starting with the Visa Application Process.
How to pay the SEVIS Fee?
Keep in mind that paying the SEVIS fee is only the first step of the visa application process, so it has to be done as soon as possible. You can pay the SEVIS Fee either online or by mail. It is recommended to pay the SEVIS Fee through online mode as it is the fastest method for money transfer across the globe. Here’s a quick guide on how to pay the SEVIS Fee:
Step 1
Log in to the website- fmfjee
Step 2
Click on ‘Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment’
Step 3
Read the mentioned instructions very carefully and select the radio button for I-20 and click OK
Step 4
Fill out the form with the required details. Remember that the details should exactly match your I-20. You would be required to provide the following details:
- Personal details
- SEVIS No. (Shared in your I-20)
- Your address
Step 5
Select the kind of receipt delivery you need. Either standard or expedited delivery of receipts.
Step 6
Select a Payment Method. An online Method of payment is recommended such as through a credit card. F-1 students with a country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, or Nigeria, must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank.
Step 7
Provide the required details for the payment.
Step 8
Pay the SEVIS Fee of USD 350.
Step 9
You will be provided with a receipt immediately. Remember to keep a printout of the receipt. Keep a copy of your receipt with your other important immigration documents.
After the payment of the SEVIS Fee, you can start with the Visa Application Process, DS- 160 Form!
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