Undergraduate Checklist and Timeline - SEVIS Fee

Step 6 – SEVIS Fee

Websites

• For information about the SEVIS fee, see: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq2.htm
• For questions about who pays the SEVIS fee: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq3.htm#_Toc81222004
• For instructions on how to pay the fee: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq4.htm

E-mail

• Not applicable.

Instructions With Regard to the Visa Process

• Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 after September 1, 2004 is responsible for paying the SEVIS fee.
  • There are exceptions, example: “You do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if you are an F-1 … who is changing educational levels. Examples are: …You graduated from high school and are going directly into college.” http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq3.htm#_Toc81222004
• The fee is paid on-line: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq4.htm
• The fee receipt is required at the Consulate for purposes of obtaining the visa and at the port of entry.

Questions

• Review the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, above.

Time Frame

• The SEVIS fee is paid
  • after the student receives the I-20 or DS-2019 and
  • before the student goes to the Consulate for a visa and to the U.S. port of entry

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