SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a central computerized system that maintains and manages data about foreign students and scholars (in F-1 or J-1 status) and their dependents (F-2 and J-2) during their stay in the United States. The SEVIS program was implemented in January 2003 for all international students and scholars. The fee is required under SEVIS and is to be used to cover the costs of operating the program.

*Please note the following SEVIS fee increases effective October 27, 2008:

Who must pay the fee?
F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors beginning new programs with documents (I-20 forms for F-1s, DS-2019 forms for J-1s) issued on or after September 1, 2004, will be required to pay the SEVIS fee ($200 for F-1 or M-1 Students, $180 for J-1 Exchange Visitors) before applying for a visa. Canadians will be required to pay before going to US Port of Entry. The fee can not be paid at the port of entry. The SEVIS fee is in addition to any other visa or consulate application fees. F-2 and J-2 dependents are exempt from the fee.

When do prospective students or exchange visitors pay the SEVIS fee?

• Applicants needing a visa to enter the U.S. should pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 business days before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interview.
• Applicants who are citizens of Canada or Bermuda or residents of certain other islands described in 8CFR 212.1a wishing to apply for F-1 or J-1 status should pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 business days before entering the U.S. at a Port of Entry into the U.S.
  
  

How does one pay the fee?

To Pay Online

1. Find the Form I-901 online at www.FMJfee.com.
   
2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information. *Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay By Mail

1. Obtain a Form I-901 "Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants."
   • Download the form: www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/I-901.pdf
     
2. Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on the I-20 or DS-2019.
   
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on US banks only) in the amount of $200 USD for F-1 or M-1 students or $180 USD for J-1 Exchange Visitors , made payable to "The I-901 Student/ Exchange Visitor Processing Fee."
   
4. Mail the completed I-901 and payment to:

   I-901 Student/ Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
   P.O. Box 970020
   St. Louis, MO 63197-0020

   If you wish to have it couriered, send it to:

   I-901 Student/ Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
   1005 Convention Plaza
   St. Louis, MO 631

5. A receipt notice (Form I-797) should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay By Western Union Quick Pay®

1. To find the Western Union office closest to you, visit Western Union's "Find Agent Locations Worldwide" site or call the Western Union Commerical Services Network agent in your local phone book.
2. Fill out a BLUE FORM, which may be called "Payment Services" or "Quick Pay" in English or in your local language.
3. Be sure to take a copy of the instructions found at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm before going to the Western Union office. This is VERY IMPORTANT as the blanks on the form may or may not correspond to the information required by Immigration.
4. Your receipt is immediate proof of the SEVIS fee (I-901) payment and, as such, is the quickest option.

For more information about the SEVIS fee, please go to: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.htm

For more information, contact
internationalprograms@coastal.edu