SEVIS Information (J-1 Scholars only)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires the collection of a one-time SEVIS Fee of $180 from certain J-1 Exchange Visitor students and scholars. This fee is collected to fund operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program Office, which oversees SEVIS – the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Form I-901 (SEVIS Form)
You can read more detailed information about this required fee and instructions for the Form I-901 by clicking here.
Applicability
If you are applying for a J-1 visa for initial participation in an Exchange Visitor Program, you are required to pay the fee. If you are applying for a change of status to J-1, you are required to pay the fee. If you are repeating participation as a J and have a new DS-2019 form with a new SEVIS ID number, you must pay the fee.
A J-1 student or scholar who is required to pay the SEVIS Fee must remit the fee directly to DHS by completing Form I-901 electronically using the internet or by mail. The SEVIS Fee should be processed by DHS at least 3 business days prior to the consular interview. Fees will NOT be payable at the consulate.
Payment Options
You can pay the SEVIS Fee in one of three ways:
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On-line submission of Form I-901 Go to the DHS website to pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), OR
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Mail-in Submission of Form I-901 Go to the DHS website for the Form Complete the Form I-901 and mail to the DHS address on the Form; include a check (or a money order or foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the U.S. and payable in U.S. currency) for the fee ($180). OR
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Western Union Quick Pay. Go to the nearest Western Union Agent. To find the nearest Western Union Agent location, go to the following website: http://www.paymentp-solutions.com/agent.asp. Select a country or call the telephone number of the Western Union Commercial Services network Agent in your country as listed in your phone book. You must request a Blue Form at the participating local Western Union Agent location. This form may show words such as “Payment Services” or “Quick Pay” printed in the applicable local language. However, please note that all Quick Pay forms will be blue. Once you have obtained the Blue Form from the Western Union Agent location, you must fill out all appropriate information. Please bring a copy of these instructions and sample forms to the Western Union Agent location.
Receipt of SEVIS Registration
DHS will issue and mail an official paper receipt (I-797) acknowledging your payment regardless of payment method. Express delivery services for the I-797 Receipt may be requested at an additional cost. If you pay your fee electronically, you will be able to print out an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment to use while you are waiting for mail delivery of the official paper receipt.
Refunds
DHS will not refund the SEVIS Fee if you are not granted a visa or choose not to come to the U.S. after your visa is granted. For more information on refunds, please refer to the DHS Website