SEVIS I-901 Fee Guide for F-1 Students: Cost, Payment & Validity

The Complete Guide to the SEVIS I-901 Fee: Cost, Payment & Validity

Smile Knowledge Base • Visa Essentials

Everything You Need to Know About the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Before you can step into the US Consulate for your interview, there is one critical payment you must make: the SEVIS Fee. It is different from your visa application fee, and missing it means an automatic rejection. Here is your complete guide.

1. What is the SEVIS Fee?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the US government database that tracks international students. The "I-901 Fee" covers the cost of maintaining this system.

The Golden Rule: You cannot get a visa issued without proof of this payment.

2. How Much Does it Cost?

Visa TypeCost (USD)Who is this for?
F-1$350Academic Students (Most Common)
M-1$350Vocational Students
J-1$220Exchange Visitors / Au Pairs

⏰ When Should You Pay?

You must pay the fee at least 3 business days before your consular interview. This ensures the payment is updated in the system when the officer checks your details.

3. Step-by-Step Payment Process

  1. Get your I-20 Form: You need the SEVIS ID (starts with N00...) and the School Code from your I-20.
  2. Visit the Official Site: Go to www.fmjfee.com.
  3. Fill the Form: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your Passport and I-20.
  4. Pay: Use a Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) that supports international transactions.
  5. Print the Receipt: Once paid, a receipt appears. Save it as a PDF immediately and print two copies.

⚠️ Common Mistake: SEVIS vs. MRV Fee

Do not confuse the SEVIS Fee ($350) with the Visa Application Fee ($185).

  • MRV Fee ($185): Paid to book your appointment slot.
  • SEVIS Fee ($350): Paid to the US DHS to activate your student status.

You must pay BOTH.

4. Validity & Transferring the Fee

How long is it valid?
The fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. If your visa is denied, you do not need to pay again if you reapply within 12 months.

Can I transfer it?
Yes! If you pay the fee for University A but decide to attend University B, you can transfer the payment to the new SEVIS ID online at fmjfee.com. You do not need to pay $350 again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pay the SEVIS fee at the US Consulate?

No. You must pay this fee online at fmjfee.com before you arrive for your interview. The consulate does not accept SEVIS payments.

Q: Do my dependents (F-2 Visa) need to pay the SEVIS fee?

No. The SEVIS I-901 fee is only required for the primary F-1 applicant. Dependents on F-2 visas do not need to pay a separate SEVIS fee, though they must have their own I-20s.

Q: What if I made a mistake in my name or DOB on the payment form?

You can email fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov with a detailed explanation and a copy of your passport to request a correction. Do not pay again unless instructed.

Q: Is the receipt really mandatory?

Yes. While officers can see your payment status digitally, systems can go down. A physical paper receipt is your only safety net.

Still confused about the payment portal?

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