J-1 students have to pay a SEVIS fee once per program. SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The fee funds operation of the U.S. government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which oversees SEVIS.
For J-1 students, the SEVIS fee is $220—unless you are participating in a federally sponsored exchange program.
You can pay the SEVIS fee online or by mail. We recommend paying online, because it is the fastest method. It can be paid by you or by a third party, from inside or outside the United States. No matter which method you choose, your payment must be accompanied by Form I-901.
Remember that paying the SEVIS fee is only the first step of the visa application process, so get it done as soon as possible.
If you are a J-1 student with a country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia, you must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a U.S. bank.
You can print your I-901 receipt online after it has been received by ICE. Keep these documents with your other important immigration documents.
A copy of instructions and sample forms can be viewed at and printed from the ICE website.
Fee payments should be entered into your permanent immigration (SEVIS) record but it is strongly recommended that you retain a copy of your fee receipt to use as needed.
Yes, the SEVIS fee is transferable. But you must take the DS-2019 form with the SEVIS ID number that you listed on the I-901 form to the U.S. consulate/embassy, in addition to the DS-2019 form from the school you wish to attend. Be sure to make your intentions clear to the consular officer.
For more information see these SEVIS I-901 Fee FAQsThe SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.
OIS is here to help, so if you have questions or concerns, please contact us.
