What is the SEVIS fee?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee is a fee that international students and exchange visitors must pay to the U.S. government in order to obtain an F, J, or M visa. The fee is intended to cover the costs of administering the SEVIS database, which is used to track international students and exchange visitors throughout their stay in the United States.

The SEVIS fee is $200 for most students and $180 for exchange visitors. The fee must be paid before the visa application is submitted. It can be paid using a credit card or debit card, or by check or money order. The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars, and it must be paid directly to the U.S. government.

The SEVIS fee is separate from the visa application fee and any other fees associated with the visa application process. It is also separate from the tuition and other fees associated with attending a school in the United States.

The SEVIS fee is a one-time fee that is valid for the duration of the student's or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. If the student or exchange visitor leaves the United States and returns for another program, a new fee must be paid.

For more information about the SEVIS fee, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website.