SEVIS Fee Payment 2026: I-901 Fee Cost & How to Pay

SEVIS Fee Payment 2026: I-901 Fee Cost, Payment Steps & Receipt Guide

SEVIS Fee Payment 2026 how to pay? I-901 fee in 2026. Check the latest fee cost, step-by-step payment process, and download your payment receipt for F1 visa.

SEVIS fee payment is one of the most overlooked steps in the U.S. student visa process, yet skipping or delaying it can derail an entire application regardless of how strong every other document in the file may be. International students who arrive at their visa interview without a confirmed I-901 SEVIS fee on record face immediate refusal, with no same-day remedy available. The consequences extend well beyond a rescheduled appointment: in peak application seasons, a missed payment may push enrollment back by an entire semester.

SEVIS, which stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based platform maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track international students and exchange visitors throughout their time in the United States. The SEVIS fee funds this infrastructure and must be paid before the visa interview, entirely separate from all other application fees, including the MRV visa application fee. Readers preparing their financial documentation alongside this step may find it useful to review Student Visa Financial Proof: Bank Statement Requirements, as both requirements are typically completed during the same preparation window.

Table of Contents

1. SEVIS Fee at a Glance: Key Facts for 2026
2. What Is the SEVIS Fee and Why Do International Students Pay It?
3. SEVIS Fee Cost in 2026: Exact Amounts by Visa Category
4. How to Pay the SEVIS Fee: Step-by-Step Process for 2026
5. What Happens If You Miss the SEVIS Fee Payment?
6. Is the I-901 SEVIS Fee Refundable? Complete Refund Rules for 2026
7. SEVIS Fee for Transfer Students, Program Changes, and Reapplicants
8. Common SEVIS Fee Payment Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
9. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the SEVIS Fee and Why Do International Students Pay It?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a component of DHS, operates the SEVIS platform to monitor every international student and exchange visitor holding nonimmigrant student status in the United States. SEVP works alongside U.S. embassies and consulates, SEVP-approved universities, and other government agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to verify that every enrolled student maintains a valid, active SEVIS record for the duration of their program. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles certain downstream immigration benefits such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization, the SEVIS fee itself is administered exclusively by SEVP under DHS.

The I-901 SEVIS fee is the mandatory charge that funds this tracking infrastructure. It is not a visa fee and it is not paid to a U.S. embassy or consulate. It is paid directly to DHS through the official payment portal, and it serves one specific purpose: activating the student’s SEVIS record so that it registers as confirmed when a consular officer checks it during the visa interview.

International students who are still comparing destinations before committing to a U.S. application may find a broader breakdown helpful in USA vs UK vs Canada vs Australia 2026: Study Abroad Guide.

Who Must Pay the SEVIS Fee?

F1 Academic Student Visa Applicants

All applicants for the F1 student visa pay a SEVIS fee of USD 350. This applies to every academic program at any SEVP-approved school in the United States, from short-term English language programs through doctoral research degrees.

M1 Vocational Student Visa Applicants

The SEVIS fee for M1 visa applicants is USD 350, identical to the F1 rate. The M1 designation covers vocational and non-academic programs at SEVP-certified institutions, including technical training schools and flight programs.

J1 Exchange Visitor Visa Applicants

Most applicants for the J1 exchange visitor visa pay USD 220. The reduced rate reflects the exchange visitor program structure rather than any difference in how the SEVIS record functions.

F2, M2, and J2 Dependents

Dependents accompanying a primary visa holder on F2, M2, or J2 status do not pay a separate SEVIS fee. The primary applicant’s single payment covers all accompanying dependents named in the application. Each dependent does have an individual SEVIS record, but the fee obligation rests entirely with the primary applicant and is assessed only once.

Who Is Exempt from the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS fee waiver does not exist for F1 or M1 applicants under any circumstances. Exemptions apply only within narrow J1 categories and only when the sponsoring entity has confirmed the exemption in writing before the visa application is submitted.

U.S. Government-Sponsored J1 Participants

Participants in J1 exchange programs fully funded by the U.S. government are typically exempt from the SEVIS fee. This includes participants in programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies where the sponsoring body is directly funding the placement.

Certain International Organization-Sponsored Participants

J1 applicants sponsored by certain designated international organizations may also qualify for a SEVIS fee exemption. The sponsoring organization is responsible for notifying the applicant in writing and providing exemption documentation before the application process begins. The applicant cannot self-certify this status under any circumstance.

How to Confirm Exemption Status

Exemption status must be verified through the sponsoring organization or the designated school official (DSO) at the host institution. F1 and M1 applicants told by any third party that a SEVIS fee waiver applies should verify that claim in writing with the DSO before skipping payment.

SEVIS Fee vs. U.S. Visa Application Fee: Key Differences

The most common point of confusion in the student visa USA requirements process is the distinction between the I-901 SEVIS fee and the MRV fee. These are two completely separate charges paid to two separate government entities. Paying one does not satisfy the requirement for the other.

MRV Fee (Visa Application Fee) is paid directly to the U.S. embassy and consulate in the applicant’s home country to schedule the visa interview appointment. The amount varies by country and visa category. This fee funds consular processing infrastructure and has no connection to DHS or SEVP systems.

I-901 SEVIS Fee is paid directly to DHS through the payment portal. It activates the applicant’s SEVIS record and signals to the consular officer that the student is registered in a valid SEVP-certified program.

Payment order: Pay the SEVIS fee before visa interview scheduling, then present the SEVIS fee receipt at the appointment. An applicant who pays only the MRV fee and schedules an interview without confirmed SEVIS payment may be refused at the interview. An applicant who pays only the SEVIS fee cannot schedule the visa interview. Neither fee replaces the other under any circumstance.

Does the SEVIS Fee Cost Vary by School, Program Length, or Country?

Uniformity Across Institutions

The SEVIS fee is the same at all SEVP-certified institutions regardless of ranking, program cost, or location. A student admitted to a community college pays the same USD 350 as a student at a research university. The fee is assessed by visa category, not by the institution’s tuition level or program type.

Uniformity Across Countries and Program Lengths

The SEVIS fee does not vary by country of citizenship or country of residence, and it does not scale with program length. A student on a one-year program pays the same amount as a student on a four-year program in the same visa category. The only variable that determines the fee is the visa type. Any website or agent claiming otherwise is providing inaccurate information.

How to Pay the SEVIS Fee: Step-by-Step Process for 2026

Step 1: Gather Required Information Before You Start

SEVIS ID Number: The most critical item for payment. It appears on Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 applicants) or DS-2019 (for J1 applicants) in the upper right corner of the document. The SEVIS ID begins with the letter N followed by 10 digits, for example N0001234567. Enter this number exactly as printed, with no spaces, hyphens, or formatting changes. A single transposed digit causes the payment to fail to associate with the correct SEVIS record.

Supporting documents needed before starting the session: passport (full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship); school name and SEVP school code printed on the I-20 or DS-2019; and a qualifying payment method (credit card, international debit card, or international money order).

Step 2: Access the Official Payment Portal

The only authorized site for SEVIS fee payment, operated directly by DHS. Third-party websites that claim to process SEVIS payments are not authorized by SEVP or DHS. These sites charge additional service fees of USD 20 to USD 80 on top of the mandatory amount and may introduce processing errors that prevent proper SEVIS record activation.

Step 3: Select the Correct Visa Category

On the portal, select the visa category that matches the type shown on the I-20 or DS-2019: F1, M1, or J1. Selecting the wrong category is one of the most commonly reported errors in the how to pay SEVIS fee process.

An F1 applicant who selects J1 underpays by USD 130, and the SEVIS record may not activate correctly under the mismatched category. The correct category must always match the document issued by the institution.

Step 4: Enter Personal Details Accurately

SEVIS ID entry: Enter the SEVIS ID number exactly as it appears on the I-20 or DS-2019. Even a single digit transposition causes the payment system to fail to match the entry against the correct SEVIS record, leaving the record inactive after the charge is processed. Do not enter any characters beyond the N and 10 digits.

Personal information: Enter the full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, and country of citizenship exactly as they appear in the passport being used for the visa application. Any discrepancy between information submitted on FMJfee.com and the passport or SEVIS record may delay record activation or trigger a manual review that extends the standard processing window.

Step 5: Complete the Payment

Accepted Payment Methods

• Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards
• International debit cards bearing a Visa or MasterCard logo
• International money order sent by mail (may take up to three weeksto process)

If You Do Not Have a U.S. Credit Card

A parent, guardian, or family member with an eligible card may complete the payment on the applicant’s behalf. The name on the payment card does not need to match the applicant’s name. Only the SEVIS ID and personal details entered during the session must reflect the applicant’s own records accurately.

Step 6: Download and Save the SEVIS Fee Receipt

The SEVIS fee receipt generated after successful payment is the official DHS proof that the I-901 SEVIS fee has been paid and is tied to the specific SEVIS record. It includes the applicant’s SEVIS ID, payment amount, payment date, and a unique confirmation reference number.

Download and save the receipt immediately after the payment confirmation screen appears. Do not rely solely on email delivery, as confirmation emails may be delayed or filtered as spam. Bring a printed copy of the I-901 fee receipt to the visa interview appointment. Consular officers at some U.S. embassy and consulate locations request it during document review. Maintain a digital backup in a cloud storage account or email folder as a secondary copy.

SEVIS Fee Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

SEVIS fee processing time depends on the payment method selected. Credit and debit card payments typically activate the SEVIS record within three to five business days from the date of submission. International money order payments sent by mail may take up to three weeks to process and should never be used within four weeks of a scheduled interview appointment.

Minimum payment deadline: Pay at least three business days before the visa interview. This is the absolute floor, not a buffer. Paying within the final three business days before the interview creates an unacceptable risk of an unconfirmed record on the day of the appointment.

Recommended window: Pay one to two weeks before the interview to allow adequate buffer for banking holds on international card transactions, data discrepancies that trigger manual reviews, or any system-level processing delays. This window provides time to identify and resolve any issue before the interview date.

Do not pay too early: Do not attempt payment before receiving the official I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution. The SEVIS ID printed on that document is a required input for the payment form. Without it, no valid payment can be submitted.

How to Verify That Payment Was Processed

Return to portal after three business days and enter the SEVIS ID to check the current payment status. A confirmed status indicates that the SEVIS record has been activated and may be verified by a consular officer during the interview.

If no confirmation appears after five business days, contact SEVP through the official DHS inquiry channels rather than relying on third-party verification services. Applicants finalizing their interview preparation at this stage may also find it useful to review F-1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers 2026, as interview readiness and SEVIS confirmation run on the same pre-departure timeline.

What Happens If You Miss the SEVIS Fee Payment?

Consequence 1: Visa Interview Refusal

What the Consular Officer Sees

During the visa interview, the consular officer accesses the applicant’s SEVIS record in real time through the DHS system. A SEVIS record activation confirmation tied to a processed I-901 SEVIS fee is a standard verification item checked alongside the passport, I-20, and financial documents. If the record shows as inactive or unconfirmed, the officer has no mechanism to override or defer this check on the day of the interview.

Outcome and Cost

If the I-901 SEVIS fee has not been paid or has not yet processed, the consular officer may refuse the visa application on this basis alone. The MRV visa application fee paid to schedule the interview is not refunded. The applicant must pay the SEVIS fee, wait the full three to five business day processing window, and reschedule the interview at full MRV cost. In countries where visa appointment demand is high, this effectively means restarting the wait from the beginning.

Consequence 2: Rescheduling Delays and Enrollment Risk

Processing Time After Late Payment

After paying the SEVIS fee, the applicant must wait the full three to five business day processing window before the SEVIS record activates. This window is fixed by DHS and cannot be accelerated by contacting the institution or the embassy. A late payment made the day after an interview refusal means at minimum one additional week before a new interview can be attended with a confirmed SEVIS record.

Interview Wait Times by Season

At U.S. embassy and consulate locations worldwide, interview appointment availability fluctuates sharply by season. During peak periods from May through August, wait times in many countries extend to four to twelve weeks. A missed SEVIS fee payment during this window may result in an applicant missing a program’s enrollment deadline entirely, making a full semester deferral the only option. The financial and personal costs of this outcome extend well beyond the SEVIS fee amount itself.

Consequence 3: Inactive SEVIS Record and Enrollment Impact

Impact on Enrollment and Institutional Access

Without a confirmed SEVIS fee payment, the SEVIS record remains inactive at the institutional level. An inactive record means the DSO cannot confirm active enrollment status with DHS, which may affect the applicant’s ability to complete program registration, access student portals, or receive enrollment confirmation documentation required for housing, banking, or health insurance setup ahead of arrival.

Timeline to Resolution

Once the correct SEVIS fee is paid and the record shows as confirmed on FMJfee, the institution may proceed with standard enrollment processes. There is no permanent penalty applied to the SEVIS record from a prior unpaid or inactive status, provided the correct fee is paid and confirmed before the rescheduled visa interview takes place.

Late Payment and Reapplication Scenarios

If the Visa Was Denied for Unrelated Reasons

If a visa application was denied for reasons unrelated to SEVIS status, such as insufficient financial documentation or failure to demonstrate ties to the home country, the SEVIS fee payment already made remains valid under the same SEVIS ID. No additional payment is required for the reapplication, provided the same I-20 and SEVIS ID are used.

If the Visa Was Denied Because the Fee Was Unpaid

Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee immediately after the denial decision is issued. Wait for full processing confirmation before scheduling a new interview appointment. Applicants reconsidering whether to reapply for the United States or exploring alternative study destinations may find detailed guidance in Apply to Another Country After Visa Rejection: Complete Guide.

Can You Pay on the Day of the Interview?

No. Same-day SEVIS fee payment is not valid at the visa interview because processing requires a minimum of three business days. Even if payment is submitted on the morning of the interview, the SEVIS record may not reflect confirmation in the DHS system in time. The interview may not proceed, and the MRV fee paid to book the appointment is not refunded. Plan at least one full week in advance to eliminate this risk entirely.

Is the I-901 SEVIS Fee Refundable? Complete Refund Rules for 2026

When Is the SEVIS Fee Refundable?

The SEVIS fee refund is available in two specific circumstances only. Outside of these two exceptions, the I-901 SEVIS fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the visa application or the applicant’s plans after payment.

Exception 1: Fee Paid, No Interview Scheduled or Attended

If the SEVIS fee was paid but no visa interview was ever scheduled or attended, a refund request may be submitted through FMJfee.com. This scenario typically arises when a student decides not to pursue U.S. study before the interview stage, or when the program offer is withdrawn before the interview was booked. The refund request must be submitted through the official portal, not through the institution or the embassy.

Exception 2: Wrong Visa Category Selected at Payment

If the fee was paid under the incorrect visa category, for example if an F1 applicant accidentally selected the J1 rate of USD 220 instead of the correct USD 350, a correction or refund request may be submitted through FMJfee.com. The applicant typically pays the correct amount separately under the correct category, then requests a refund of the incorrect payment. Processing the refund does not affect the SEVIS record associated with the corrected payment.

When Is the SEVIS Fee Non-Refundable?

Visa Denied After Attending the Interview

If the applicant attended the visa interview and the visa was denied for any reason, the SEVIS fee is not refunded. The fee is considered earned by DHS upon interview attendance regardless of outcome. Denial on any ground, including incomplete documents, financial insufficiency, or administrative processing, does not create a basis for a SEVIS fee refund.

Changed Plans After Interview Attendance

If the applicant attended the interview, received a visa, and subsequently decided not to study in the United States, no SEVIS fee refund applies. Interview attendance closes refund eligibility in all remaining scenarios, including visa approval followed by cancelled plans, enrollment withdrawal, or program deferral initiated by the student after the interview.

Refund Scenarios at a Glance

SEVIS Fee for Transfer Students, Program Changes, and Reapplicants

Transfer Students Within the USA

Transferring Between SEVP-Certified Schools

International students transferring between SEVP-approved school institutions within the United States do not pay a new SEVIS fee for transfer students. The existing SEVIS record follows the student to the new institution, and the DSO at the receiving school initiates the transfer within the SEVIS system. The original SEVIS ID remains the student’s identifier and does not change as a result of the institutional transfer.

Returning After Time Outside the USA

Students who have departed the United States after completing or withdrawing from a program and are re-entering on a new visa application for a new program may be required to pay a new SEVIS fee. Whether a new fee applies depends on whether the previous SEVIS record remains active or has been terminated by the prior institution. The DSO at the new institution is the correct point of contact to confirm fee status before a new I-20 is issued.

Program Level Changes Within the Same Institution

Same Degree Level, Continuing Enrollment

A student continuing within the same degree level at the same SEVP-certified institution does not require a new SEVIS fee payment, provided the SEVIS record remains continuously active. The institution updates program details and enrollment status in SEVIS without requiring a new I-901 payment from the student.

Moving Across Degree Levels

A student moving from one degree level to another at the same institution, for example from a master’s program to a doctoral program, typically does not require a new SEVIS fee if the SEVIS record remains active throughout the transition. The institution handles the program update in SEVIS internally. Confirmation from the DSO is advisable before assuming continuity, particularly when there is a gap between programs.

Reapplicants After Visa Denial

Same SEVIS ID, Same Program

If a student’s visa application is denied and the student reapplies within the validity window of the same I-20 under the same SEVIS ID, the original SEVIS fee payment remains valid. No second I-901 SEVIS fee payment is required.

New I-20 Issued After Denial

If the denial resulted in a program deferral and the institution issued a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, a new I-901 SEVIS fee payment is required. The previous payment under the old SEVIS ID is not transferable and cannot be applied to the new SEVIS record.

J1 Visa Holders Changing Programs or Sponsors

When a New DS-2019 Is Issued

J1 exchange visitors who change sponsoring organizations during their program may receive a new DS-2019 document with a new SEVIS ID. When a new SEVIS ID appears on the new DS-2019, a new SEVIS fee for J1 visa applicants is typically required before the new visa application proceeds.

Confirming Fee Obligation With the Responsible Officer

Whether a new payment is required depends on whether the new DS-2019 carries a new SEVIS ID or retains the original. The sponsoring organization’s responsible officer (RO) at the host institution is the authoritative source for confirming this in any specific program change scenario. Do not assume fee continuity or fee obligation without written confirmation from the RO.

Common SEVIS Fee Payment Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Errors When Entering Information

Mistake 1: Entering the Wrong SEVIS ID

The most frequently reported error in the how to pay SEVIS fee process is submitting an incorrect SEVIS ID. Students sometimes confuse the SEVIS ID with other reference numbers on the I-20, such as the SEVP school code or the institution-assigned student ID. The SEVIS ID is always 11 characters: the letter N followed by 10 digits. Confirm the number character by character against the I-20 or DS-2019 before submitting.

Mistake 2: Selecting the Wrong Visa Category

Selecting J1 on the payment portal when the I-20 specifies F1 status results in an underpayment of USD 130 (the difference between USD 220 and USD 350). The SEVIS record may not activate correctly under a mismatched category, and the applicant may need to submit a correction request and complete a new payment before the interview can proceed. Always match the visa category to the type printed on the official I-20 or DS-2019.

Errors in Timing and Payment Method

Mistake 3: Paying Too Close to the Interview Date

Paying the SEVIS fee one or two days before the interview is among the most consequential timing errors applicants make. Standard SEVIS fee processing time is three to five business days, and banking systems in some countries apply additional holds that can extend this window further. Pay at minimum one full week before the interview appointment, and ideally two weeks in advance.

Mistake 4: Using a Third-Party Website

Fraudulent third-party websites charge service fees of USD 20 to USD 80 on top of the mandatory DHS amount and have no relationship with SEVP or DHS. Payment through an unauthorized site does not guarantee that the official SEVIS record activation occurs in the DHS system. Always access payment exclusively through FMJfee.com.

Errors After Payment Is Submitted

Mistake 5: Failing to Save the I-901 Receipt

The SEVIS fee receipt is the official proof of payment and the document most likely to be requested at the visa interview. Students who fail to download the receipt immediately risk losing access if the email confirmation is delayed or filtered as spam. Save the receipt as a PDF immediately after the confirmation screen appears and keep a digital backup in a separate location.

Mistake 6: Assuming the SEVIS Fee Covers the Visa Fee

Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee does not create, fund, or substitute for the MRV visa application fee owed to the U.S. embassy and consulate. Both fees are mandatory, paid to entirely separate government entities, and serve distinct functions. Paying only one means the visa application cannot proceed to the interview stage.

Mistake 7: Not Verifying Payment Status Before the Interview

Completing the payment and assuming it has processed is a risk that takes only minutes to eliminate. Return to FMJfee.com three to five business days after payment and confirm that the SEVIS record shows as active. If any discrepancy appears, contact SEVP immediately through official DHS channels while there is still time to resolve the issue before the interview date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the SEVIS fee after my interview?

No. SEVIS fee payment must be confirmed at least three business days before the visa interview. Same-day payment does not process quickly enough to appear in the DHS system, and the interview may not proceed without a confirmed active SEVIS record.

How long does SEVIS fee processing take?

SEVIS fee processing time is three to five business days for credit and debit card payments. International money order payments sent by mail may take up to three weeks. Never pay by money order within four weeks of a scheduled interview.

What if I did not receive my payment confirmation?

If SEVIS fee payment confirmation not received within five business days, log into FMJfee.com and check status using the SEVIS ID directly. Email confirmations may be delayed. If the portal also shows no confirmed record, contact SEVP through official DHS channels immediately.

Is the SEVIS fee refunded if my visa is denied?

Is the SEVIS fee refundable if visa is denied depends on whether the interview was attended. If the visa was denied after attending the interview, no SEVIS fee refund is available. If the interview was never attended, a refund request may be submitted through FMJfee.com.

Do transfer students pay the SEVIS fee again?

SEVIS fee for transfer students moving between SEVP-certified schools within the United States is not required when the existing SEVIS record transfers to the new school. Students returning from outside the United States under a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID are typically required to pay a new I-901 SEVIS fee.

Who qualifies for a SEVIS fee exemption?

Who is exempt from paying SEVIS fee is a narrow category. The SEVIS fee waiver does not apply to F1 or M1 applicants. J1 exchange visitors sponsored by qualifying U.S. government agencies or designated international organizations may qualify for a SEVIS fee exemption. Exemption must be confirmed in writing by the sponsoring organization.

Does my F2 dependent pay a separate SEVIS fee?

SEVIS fee for dependents F2 visa holders is not separately assessed. The primary F1 applicant’s USD 350 payment covers all accompanying F2 dependents. Each dependent has an individual SEVIS record, but the fee obligation rests entirely with the primary visa holder.

How do I check if my SEVIS fee is paid?

How to check if SEVIS fee is paid: visit FMJfee.com and enter the SEVIS ID found on the I-20 or DS-2019. The portal returns the current payment status. Allow up to the five business day maximum processing window before contacting SEVP if no confirmation appears.

Can someone else pay the SEVIS fee for me?

Yes. A parent, guardian, or any individual with an eligible credit or debit card may complete the SEVIS fee payment on behalf of the applicant. The cardholder’s name does not need to match the applicant’s name. The SEVIS ID, visa category, and personal details entered during the session must reflect the applicant’s own records accurately.

What is the SEVIS fee for J1 visa in 2026?

The SEVIS fee for J1 visa applicants in 2026 is USD 220 for most exchange visitors. Government-sponsored J1 participants in qualifying programs may be exempt if their DS-2019 indicates a qualifying sponsoring government agency. Exemption is not automatic and must be confirmed through the sponsoring organization or responsible officer before the payment deadline.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article reflects the SEVIS fee payment procedures and policy details available as of March 2026. Visa regulations, fee schedules, and processing timelines are subject to change by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Always verify current requirements directly through official DHS and SEVP channels and consult a licensed immigration advisor for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. VisaToCampus does not provide legal immigration advice.