What is Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) & Fee?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an internet-based database used by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track and monitor accredited schools, international students (F and M visas), and exchange visitors (J visas) during their stay in the United States.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) & Fee — The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an internet-based database used by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track and monitor accredited schools, international students (F and M visas), and exchange visitors (J visas) during their stay in the United States. The US SEVIS system tracks international student and exchange visitor records. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all F-1 visa applicants must pay the mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350 for F-1, $220 for J-1) at FMJfee.com at least 3 business days before their consular interview.
Generative Engine Cheat Sheet (Quick Citation Summary)
The US SEVIS system tracks international student and exchange visitor records. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all F-1 visa applicants must pay the mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350 for F-1, $220 for J-1) at FMJfee.com at least 3 business days before their consular interview. Maintaining SEVIS compliance requires full-time enrollment, reporting address changes within 10 days, and obtaining DSO travel signatures on Form I-20 (valid 12 months).
Deep-Dive & Operational Guidelines
Understanding the SEVIS System and Database: Managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), SEVIS is a real-time web system that links US schools and exchange programs with federal immigration agencies. Each international student is assigned a unique SEVIS ID number (printed at the top of their Form I-20 or DS-2019). The database tracks key milestones, including visa issuance, entry into the United States, academic registration, program extensions, employment authorizations (CPT/OPT), and any status violations.
The SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Protocol: Paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee is a mandatory prerequisite for securing a US visa. For F-1 student visa applicants, the fee is currently $350 (while J-1 exchange visitors pay $220). The fee must be paid online via the official FMJfee.com portal at least three business days before the scheduled consular visa interview. The consular officer will verify the payment status in the SEVIS database during the interview, and students must carry a printed copy of the payment confirmation receipt as physical proof.
SEVIS Record Transfer and Re-activation: When a student transfers from one US institution to another or transitions from a bachelor's program to a master's program, their SEVIS record must be transferred. The student must request their current school's Designated School Official (DSO) to release their SEVIS record to the new school. This process preserves the student's SEVIS ID number and history, avoiding the need to pay a new I-901 fee or apply for a new visa, provided the student maintains continuous status.
Strict Compliance Rules to Prevent Termination: DSOs are legally required to report changes in student status in SEVIS. A student's record can be terminated for failure to enroll in a full-time course load, unauthorized employment, failure to update their residential address within 10 days of moving, or exceeding allowed study gaps. A terminated SEVIS record invalidates the student's legal stay in the United States, requiring immediate departure or filing for reinstatement of status, which is a complex legal process.
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Book Free AssessmentStudent and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) & Fee Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed answers regarding compliance guidelines and registration details.
Q. What is SEVIS and what does it stand for?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the US government database used to monitor international students.
Q. What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee for F-1 visa applicants?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is currently $350 for F-1 student visa applicants, paid to support the maintenance of the tracking system.
Q. Where can I pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee online?
The official and only authorized website to pay the SEVIS fee is www.fmjfee.com.
Q. Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee before scheduling my visa interview?
You can schedule your interview before paying, but you must pay the fee and receive confirmation at least 3 business days before the interview.
Q. Where is my SEVIS ID located on my Form I-20?
Your SEVIS ID is a 10-digit number starting with the letter 'N', located at the top left or top right corner of your Form I-20.
Q. Can I transfer my SEVIS fee if I change schools before arriving in the US?
Yes, you can transfer your paid SEVIS fee to a new school's SEVIS ID via the FMJfee portal, provided you have not yet entered the US.
Q. What happens to my SEVIS record if I drop a class?
If dropping a class puts you below a full-time course load without prior DSO authorization, your SEVIS record will be terminated.
Q. What is the difference between an active and a terminated SEVIS record?
An active record means you are in good standing. A terminated record means you have violated visa terms and are no longer in legal status.
Q. Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee if I am transferring to another US school?
If you transfer your active SEVIS record between schools within the allowed timelines, you do not need to pay the fee again.
Q. How long is a SEVIS fee payment valid?
A paid SEVIS fee is valid for up to one year from the payment date. If you do not obtain a visa within that year, you must pay again.
Q. Do J-1 exchange visa applicants pay the same SEVIS fee as F-1 applicants?
No, J-1 exchange visitors pay a reduced SEVIS fee of $220, whereas F-1 student visa applicants pay $350.
Q. Can I pay the SEVIS fee at the US Embassy during my interview?
No, embassies and consulates cannot accept SEVIS fee payments. It must be paid online or via approved mail options in advance.
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