Non-Immigrant Visas
SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States. Administered by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). SEVIS is designed to keep our nation safe while facilitating the entry and exit process for foreign students in the United States and for students seeking to study in the United States.
Students and exchange visitors applying for F, M and J visas are required to pay a special SEVIS fee, also known as the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Starting October 27, 2008 the following fees apply:
• USD 200.00 for students (F & M visas)
• USD 180.00 for most exchange visitors (J visas)
• USD 35.00 for participants in Au-Pair, Summer Work and Travel, and Camp Counselors programs (J visas).
Exempt from the fee payment are:
• U.S. government-sponsored exchange visitors
• Students’ and exchange visitors' dependants
Student and exchange visitor visa applicants who paid their fees before October 27, 2008 DO NOT need to pay the higher amount, even if they have not traveled or applier for a visa by that date.
This fee is generally a one-time fee for as long as the student or exchange visitor maintains the status for which he or she was initially admitted.
The fee can be paid in two ways:
Use a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) and make the payment through the Internet site www.fmjfee.com. You will be able to print out a receipt immediately. Please save this document as proof of payment.
Pay through the use of Western Union Quick Pay service. Latvijas Krājbanka and Latvian Post offices are able to process Western Union payments.
If you encounter problems settling the SEVIS fee, please contact DHS SEVP directly at fmjfee.sevis@dhs.gov.