Paying the SEVIS Fee
SEVIS is a U.S. government system that manages data and application processes for nonimmigrants on F-1 or J-1 visas. To obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to pay a one-time SEVIS fee. Additional visa fees may be required at a U.S. consulate or embassy. While it is not required to pay the fee before scheduling your visa appointment, you will be required to bring the payment receipt to your visa interview.
Students who had to take a break in their studies or exchange program and will return to the U.S. with a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 and with a new SEVIS ID number will need to pay the fee.
Who does NOT need to pay the SEVIS Fee:
- Students and exchange visitors who complete multiple programs and maintain F-1 or J-1 status by transferring their SEVIS record
- Students who already paid the fee when they started their program
- F-2 or J-2 dependents do not pay a separate fee, only F-1/J-1 principal visa holders
To pay your SEVIS fee, please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website:
- Complete the online SEVIS I-901 form
- Type in your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Enter the SEVIS ID number from your I-20 or DS-2019 (N000XXXXXXXX)
- Print a copy of the online payment receipt. You will need to bring the SEVIS fee receipt to your visa interview and for entry to the U.S.
Payment options
The only option for paying by credit or debit card is when you fill in Form I-901. When you have filled in the online form, you will be asked if you want to pay by credit or debit card or by check or money order. Choose the credit card option. See the section on credit/debit cards on the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. See the Payment Overview for more details on the payment process. Watch the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment video to learn about each step of the payment process.
SEVP is currently unable to accept SEVIS I-901 fee payments by credit card on behalf of students from the following countries:
- Cameroon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
If an individual attempts to make a credit card payment for a student or exchange visitor from one of these countries, s/he will receive the following message when a credit card payment is attempted:
"The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is not accepting credit card payments at this time. Please remit your payment by cashier's check, money order or Western Union transfer. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation. If you wish to continue submitting a new payment please click here."
If you come from a country unable to process credit card payments:
- Visit The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I-901 Fee Processing Website and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more information on how to pay using alternative methods.
- If the Western Union Quick Pay is an option available in your country, be sure to print and follow the instructions from the Payment by Western Union Quick Pay.
- Note: The I-901 Helpline advises that SEVP is not notified instantly about payment through Western Union, so the student/exchange visitor should wait a few days after paying before making a visa appointment or traveling to the United States.
