• What is the SEVIS Fee?
• What is the SEVIS Program?
• Who must pay the SEVIS Fee?
• SEVIS Fee Payment Instructions

As of September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charging a one-time $100 SEVIS Fee for every new F-1 visa issued to a student and J-1 visa issued to an exchange visitor.  The revenue generated from this fee will help fund the SEVIS Program.

SEVIS is an internet-based method for keeping track of international students and scholars, as well as their dependents, in the United States.  As of January 30, 2003, all U.S. colleges and universities are required to use SEVIS to issue I-20s to F-1 students and DS-2019s to J-1 students and scholars.

As part of SEVIS, schools are also required to report certain personal, academic, employment-related data on international students and scholars to the United States Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).  SEVIS links Georgetown University's data on international students and scholars electronically to SEVP, USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and other relevant government agencies.

All students entering into F-1 or J-1 status must pay the SEVIS Fee before applying for that visa status.  This includes:

• New, incoming F-1 and J-1 Students: 
  You must pay the SEVIS fee prior to your Visa Interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country.  Go to SEVIS Fee Payment Instructions.

• Non-immigrants already in the U.S. in another status, who want to change to F-1 or J-1 status
  You will have to pay the fee before applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 and include a copy of the receipt with your application.  Go to SEVIS Fee Payment Instructions.

• Students Who Have been Out-of-Status, and are applying for Reinstatement
  You will have to pay the fee before applying for reinstatement and include a copy of the receipt with your application.  Go to SEVIS Fee Payment Instructions.

If you think you might have to pay the SEVIS Fee, or are not sure, please visit the following Immigration & Customs Enforcement site for more information.  Or, contact the Visa Coordinator.

When you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form from us, you will find detailed instructions on paying the SEVIS Fee.  This information is also available on the “admitted students” website.

We recommend you pay the SEVIS Fee online using a credit card.  However, if you have difficulties doing so, please contact the Visa Coordinator immediately.

For New, Incoming F-1 and J-1 Students, to Pay the SEVIS Fee*:

1. Find Form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com.

2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information.  Write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

3. Print a copy of the online receipt.

4. Make a copy of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.  You will need to take the receipt with you to the consulate or embassy when you have your interview.

*Citizens of Canada or Bermuda should pay the SEVIS Fee at least 3 days prior to entering the U.S.  Keep a copy of your receipt of payment with your immigration documents, as you will be required to present it at the border upon entry to the U.S.

For non-immigrants already in the U.S.:

1. Find Form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com.

2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information. Write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

3. Print a copy of the online receipt.

4. Make a copy of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.  A copy of your receipt will need to be sent with your application for immigration benefits (change of status application or reinstatement).

Revised September 12, 2005 (MD)