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Updated for 2025 · U.S. SEVIS Fee Guide

I-901 SEVIS Fee: Complete Guide for F, M & J Visa Applicants in 2025

The I-901 SEVIS fee is a mandatory payment for most F, M, and J visa applicants. This guide explains what it is, who must pay it, how to pay it correctly, and the mistakes that can delay or harm your visa process.

What Is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

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The I-901 SEVIS fee is a U.S. government fee paid by international students and exchange visitors before applying for certain visas. It funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks F, M, and J visa holders while they are in the United States.

You pay the I-901 fee only once per SEVIS record (per SEVIS ID), usually before your first visa interview or status change.

Who Needs to Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee if you are:

  • An F-1 student applying for a new student visa
  • An M-1 student in a vocational or technical program
  • A J-1 exchange visitor (intern, trainee, researcher, au pair, etc.)

In some cases, J-1 program sponsors may pay the fee on behalf of the applicant, but most students pay it directly themselves.

I-901 SEVIS Fee Amounts in 2025

Current standard I-901 SEVIS fee amounts are:

  • F-1 visa: $350 USD
  • M-1 visa: $350 USD
  • J-1 visa: $220 USD (most categories)

Always verify the latest amounts on the official SEVIS I-901 payment site, as fee policies can change.

When Should You Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee:

  • After receiving your Form I-20 (for F/M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas)
  • Before scheduling or attending your visa interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate
  • Before applying for a change of status inside the U.S. (if applicable)

If you arrive at your visa interview without proof of payment, your application may be delayed or refused.

How to Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee Online

1. Go to the Official I-901 SEVIS Payment Site

Access the official SEVIS I-901 payment portal. Avoid third-party or unofficial websites that may be scams.

2. Enter Your SEVIS ID and School/Program Info

Your SEVIS ID starts with “N00...” and is printed on your:

  • Form I-20 (for F and M students)
  • Form DS-2019 (for J exchange visitors)

3. Provide Personal Details

Enter your name, date of birth, and other personal information exactly as shown on your passport and I-20/DS-2019.

4. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee

Pay using:

  • Credit or debit card
  • Accepted international payment methods

5. Print the I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt

After payment, you will receive a confirmation. Print multiple copies and also save a digital copy (PDF) for backup.

Visa officers often ask for a printed I-901 receipt. A printed copy is safer than relying only on a phone screenshot.

Documents Needed to Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee

You typically need:

  • Your I-20 (F/M) or DS-2019 (J)
  • Your SEVIS ID number
  • Your passport details
  • A valid payment method (card)

Common I-901 SEVIS Mistakes to Avoid

  • Paying on unofficial or scam websites
  • Typing the SEVIS ID incorrectly
  • Using a different SEVIS ID than the one on your I-20/DS-2019
  • Not printing the receipt before going to the visa interview
  • Paying for the wrong visa category

Do You Need to Pay the I-901 Fee Again?

In some cases, you might need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again, for example:

  • If you receive a new SEVIS ID due to school transfer before arriving
  • If your SEVIS record is terminated and a new record is created
  • If too much time passes between previous payment and new visa attempt (depending on rules)

Always check with your school’s international office about whether a new payment is needed.

I-901 SEVIS Fee vs Visa Application Fee

Many applicants confuse the I-901 fee with the visa application fee. They are separate:

  • I-901 SEVIS fee: Supports SEVIS, paid on the I-901 site
  • Visa application (MRV) fee: Paid to book your U.S. visa interview

You must usually pay both to complete your student or exchange visa process.

Opinion

Why the I-901 SEVIS Fee Deserves Your Full Attention

The I-901 SEVIS step is often treated as “just a payment,” but it is one of the most critical parts of your visa journey. A mistake here can delay your interview, create confusion in your SEVIS record, or even force you to reschedule your entire trip.

The smartest approach is simple:

  • Pay only through the official website
  • Double-check your SEVIS ID and personal details
  • Print and store your receipt safely

When this step is handled correctly, the rest of your F, M, or J visa process becomes more predictable and less stressful.