Generally, a student requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa is required to pay a SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and keep proof that the fee has been paid to show during visa appointment and/or arrival in the U.S. The SEVIS fee is separate from the visa fee you will pay to the embassy or consulate to receive your F-1/J-1 visa.
Canadian citizens must also pay the SEVIS fee and show the receipt when arriving in the U.S.
The SEVIS Fees are: $350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students.
The DS-160 Visa Fee is $160.
You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee a second time if you are a SEVIS transfer student who is transferring your existing F-1/J-1 record to UCSC.
Paying the SEVIS Fee
DHS accepts three methods of payment:
NOTE: Using a credit card or Western Union to pay the fee online is much faster than mailing it in. You’ll get a receipt immediately, and you’ll be able to move through the process much faster.
How to Pay the SEVIS Fee
- Use the I-901 SEVIS fee FAQs for guidance regarding payment method, frequently asked questions, and more.
- Visit the SEVIS Fee Payment website and follow the instructions.
- Bring your printed receipt with you to your visa appointment and when you arrive in the U.S. and make a copy for your records.
Additional SEVIS Fee Information
- F-2 and J-2 dependents do NOT have to pay the fee. The FAQ on the DHS website includes a list of others who do not have to pay the fee.
- Anyone can pay the fee on behalf of any student or exchange visitor.
- ISSP does not pay the SEVIS fee for you.
- The SEVIS fee only has to be paid once per initial F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record (i.e. once per SEVIS number)
- An additional visa application fee will be charged at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Printed confirmation of the SEVIS fee from http://fmjfee.com serves as proof of payment.