Effective September 1, 2004, all new F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must pay a one-time fee to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is the U.S. government database from which immigration documents are issued. Most new students will be responsible for paying the SEVIS Fee prior to their visa interview. There are some exceptions and some additional categories of continuing students who must pay the fee. To view this information see the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Web site.
To pay the SEVIS fee, select the visa status you will be applying for below:
F-1 Students Using Form I-20
All new F-1 Students using I-20 must pay a $200 SEVIS fee prior to applying for a U.S. visa. F-2 dependents do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.
When should I pay the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days prior to submitting the application for a U.S. visa. Canadian citizens, who are exempt from the visa requirement, must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days prior to applying for admission to the U.S. at a U.S. port of entry.
How do I pay the SEVIS fee?
You may pay this fee with a credit card through an internet connection or by mail in the form of a check or money order to DHS. Third party payment is permitted. To pay the fee on-line, go to www.fmjfee.com. Complete the form supplying the necessary information. Be certain that your name appears exactly as it appears on the I-20 form.
The SEVIS ID# is the number which begins with N000 located in the upper right hand corner of the I-20 form.
The School Code is: BOS 214 F 10162000
On the second screen you will provide the payment information. If you pay by credit card, you will immediately receive a receipt of the payment. Print out the receipt (the print button is at the bottom of the receipt page.) A receipt (I-797) will also be mailed to you. If you are paying by mail, you will print out the I-901 form and send it to the address indicated with a check or money order in US dollar for $200. A receipt (I-797 form) will be mailed to you at the address you provided.
The receipt is proof you have paid the fee. You will need to present the fee receipt with your application for a visa. (Canadians will need to present the fee receipt at the U.S. port of entry.)
All new J-1 Exchange Visitors using DS-2019 must pay a $180 SEVIS fee prior to applying for a U.S. visa. J-2 dependents do not have to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
When should I pay the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days prior to submitting the application for a U.S. visa. Canadian citizens, who are exempt from the visa requirement, must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days prior to applying for admission to the U.S. at a U.S. port of entry.
How do I pay the SEVIS fee?
You may pay this fee with a credit card through an internet connection or by mail in the form of a check or money order to DHS. Third party payment is permitted. OISS recommends that you pay this fee online. To pay the fee online, go to www.fmjfee.com. Complete the form supplying the necessary information. Be certain that your name appears exactly as it appears on the DS-2019 form.
The SEVIS ID# is the number which begins with N000 located in the upper right hand corner of the DS-2019 form.
The Exchange Visitor Program Number is: P-1-00160
The Exchange Visitor Category can be found on the DS-2019 form in section 4.
On the second screen you will provide the payment information. If you pay by credit card, you will immediately receive a receipt of the payment. Print out the receipt (the print button is at the bottom of the receipt page.) A receipt (I-797) will also be mailed to you. If you are paying by mail, you will print out the I-901 form and send it to the address indicated with a check or money order in U.S. dollars for $180. A receipt (I-797 form) will be mailed to you at the address you provide.
The receipt is proof you have paid the fee. You will need to present the fee receipt with your application for a visa. (Canadians will need to present the fee receipt at the U.S. port of entry.)
For more information about the SEVIS fee, refer to this Web site.
