SEVIS Fee For F1 & J1 Visa: Purpose & Application Process

The most overwhelming part of pursuing education in the U.S. for an international student is fulfilling the unending visa-related formalities. You will encounter various expenses during the application process. The one fee that is most important, but also relatively confusing, is the SEVIS fee.

Understanding the meaning of SEVIS fee is important as it is mandatory for Indian students applying for an F1 or J1 visa to complete higher studies or participate in an exchange programme.

What is SEVIS fee?

SEVIS refers to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based information system regulated by the U.S. government that tracks information about international students and exchange visitors in the country.

When you join a university or college, they report your information to the immigration authorities through the SEVIS.

The F1 and J1 Visa SEVIS fee you pay supports the maintenance and operations of SEVP, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which helps the authorities to track the academic progress and ensure your compliance with the visa regulations.

Who is required to pay the SEVIS fee?

Not everyone applying for a U.S. visa needs to pay the visa SEVIS fee. Only certain non-immigrants must pay it. This includes individuals applying for F1 (academic studies), J1 (exchange programmes) or M1 (vocational studies) visas for the first time. It also applies to those switching from a tourist or dependent visa to F1 or J1, M1/M3 students changing to J1 or F1/F3 students transitioning to J1.

Additionally, those who have been outside the U.S. for over five months without maintaining visa status or participating in authorised overseas study must repay the fee with a new I-20 or DS-2019 form. Dependents and family members need not pay the J1 and F1 visa SEVIS fee.

Details required to pay the SEVIS fee

To pay the SEVIS fee for international students, international students must have specific information ready. This includes the SEVIS ID number (starting with ‘N’and found on the 1-20 or DS-2019 form), full name, birth date, email address, programme/course details, sponsoring school information, contact details and address in India and the country of birth.

Payment can be made using a valid debit/credit card, money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified cheque drawn from a U.S. bank.

SEVIS fee payment duration & validity

You need to pay the SEVIS fee for student visa right before appearing for the visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in India. You can schedule the interview first and then make the payment.

Pay the fee at least twelve weeks before taking the interview. This will give the authorities enough time to verify and approve the payment amidst a high volume of fee transfers.

Once you pay the fee, it is valid for 12 months or 365 days. This means you must enter the U.S. before the validity expires.

SEVIS fee amount for a US VISA

Here’s a quick breakdown of the current SEVIS fee structure for Indian students (2025):

Note that the visa SEVIS fee can change, so check the official SEVIS website for updated information.

Steps to pay the SEVIS fee

In order to pay the fee, you need to be either currently enrolled in an approved school or exchange programme in the U.S. or have been accepted into one. Only then can you generate the form I-20 or DS-2019.

Paying the fee with a credit/debit card is the fastest way, as you can print the receipt immediately. Here’s how to:

1. Visit the official SEVIS website.
2. Click on Pay 1-901 Fee. The application form will open.
3. Enter the required information exactly as it appears on form I-20 or DS-2019.
4. Click ‘Submit’.
5. Pick a credit/debit card as the payment method.
6. Review all details and confirm payment.
7. Download and print the SEVIS fee payment receipt immediately.

Pay the fee by cheque or money order:

• You need the printed coupon from the online form 1-901 or the paper version of the form.
• Write the name and SEVIS ID, and the control number printed on top of the coupon on the cheque or money order.
• Write your mailing address on the payment envelope.
• Courier/mail it to I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee, 3180 Rider Trail S, Earth City, MO 63045, United States, Phone Number: 1-800-495-4981 (United States Country Code 011) (P.O. Box 970020 for mail only).

Conclusion

There are a lot of steps involved in paying the SEVIS fee. Therefore, go through all the official websites and read the SEVIS 1-901 fee FAQs before processing.

While planning for studies in the U.S., it’s also wise to prepare for other aspects of international travel. One important step is to look for travel insurance online. It is an often-overlooked safeguard that can cover baggage delays or losses, flight cancellations, medical emergencies and other unexpected expenses, helping ensure peace of mind and uninterrupted focus on academic goals.

FAQs

• Is the SEVIS fee refundable?

No, it is not, unless it was paid more than once for the same student or visitor.

• Can my relative from the U.S. pay the SEVIS fee on my behalf?

Yes, a family member or friend can pay the fee on your behalf as long as all the details match.

• A few particulars are wrong in my receipt. What should I do?

If you want to make corrections in your J1 or F1 visa SEVIS fee receipt, you must email a detailed request to FMJfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov or call the SEVP Response Centre at 703-603-3400.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.