SEVIS Fee Increase Effective October 27, 2008

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an increase in the SEVIS Fee for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. The fees will increase from $100 to $200 for F-1 students and from $100 to $180 for J-1 students and scholars beginning October 27, 2008.

This new Fee will affect any prospective students or exchange visitors coming to Emory University who will be in either F-1 or J-1 status. Any new F-1 or J-1 who has already been issued the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, should submit the Form I-901 either by mail or online in a timely manner to avoid the fee increase and any potential server overload leading up to the effective date of the new fee (October 27, 2008).

If an F-1 or J-1 student or exchange visitor has not paid the SEVIS Fee, and plan to arrive on or after October 27, 2008, the SEVIS Fee will need to be paid prior to October 27, 2008 in order to avoid the increase. Paper Form I-901s sent by mail must be postmarked by October 26, 2008 if a student wishes to pay the old fee. Paper Form I-901s postmarked on or after October 27, 2008 must reflect the new fee.

This increase is applicable also to non-immigrants who are changing status to either F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor. A change of status application will include proof of the SEVIS Fee having been paid prior to the submission of the application to USCIS. Method of payment and other regulations pertaining to the SEVIS Fee remain the same. Please see the following website for detailed information: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/.