What Is the US-901 SEVIS Fee

Introduction:

The US-901 SEVIS fee, also known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, is a fee that international students and scholars must pay to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before they apply for a student visa to study in the United States. This fee is mandatory for anyone who is applying for an F or J visa to pursue education or research in the US. But what is the fee, and why is it necessary? This article will explain everything you need to know about the US-901 SEVIS fee.

What is the US-901 SEVIS Fee?

The US-901 SEVIS fee is a fee that international students and scholars must pay to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support the SEVIS program. The SEVIS program is a web-based system that tracks the status of international students and exchange visitors in the United States. The program was established by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in 2003 and is now administered by the DHS.

The SEVIS program requires all international students and exchange visitors to be registered and monitored while they are in the United States. The program collects and maintains information on the students’ and exchange visitors’ non-immigrant status, academic progress, and location in the United States. This information is used by the DHS to track and monitor the students and exchange visitors, as well as to maintain national security.

Why is the US-901 SEVIS Fee necessary?

The US-901 SEVIS fee is necessary to support the SEVIS program. The program is costly to operate, and the fee helps to offset the costs associated with maintaining and updating the system. Additionally, the fee ensures that international students and exchange visitors are contributing to the costs associated with managing their immigration status in the United States.

The US-901 SEVIS fee is also necessary to help fund the US government’s efforts to maintain national security. The SEVIS program allows the government to monitor the activities of international students and exchange visitors, ensuring that they are complying with the terms of their visas and not engaging in activities that are harmful to national security.

How much is the US-901 SEVIS Fee?

The US-901 SEVIS fee is $350 for F and M visa applicants, and $220 for J visa applicants. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before the applicant applies for their visa.

How do I pay the US-901 SEVIS Fee?

The US-901 SEVIS fee can be paid online by credit card or by mail with a check or money order. To pay the fee online, applicants must complete the Form I-901 and submit it online, along with payment by credit card. To pay by mail, applicants must complete the Form I-901 and mail it, along with payment by check or money order to the address specified on the form.

When should I pay the US-901 SEVIS Fee?

The US-901 SEVIS fee must be paid before applicants can apply for their visa. The fee cannot be paid at the embassy or consulate where the visa application is made. Applicants should pay the fee as soon as possible after receiving their Form I-20 or DS-2019, as they will need the fee receipt to apply for their visa.

Is the US-901 SEVIS Fee refundable?

No, the US-901 SEVIS fee is non-refundable. Once the fee is paid, it cannot be refunded, even if the visa application is denied.

What do I do if I have paid the US-901 SEVIS Fee, but my visa application is denied?

If an applicant has paid the US-901 SEVIS fee but their visa application is denied, they can use the fee receipt to reapply for a visa within 12 months of the initial payment. They will not need to pay the fee again if they are reapplying within this timeframe.

Conclusion:

The US-901 SEVIS fee is a mandatory fee that international students and scholars must pay to support the SEVIS program. The fee helps to maintain the system, ensures that international students and exchange visitors are contributing to the costs of managing their immigration status, and supports the US government’s efforts to maintain national security. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before applicants apply for their visa. Applicants should pay the fee as soon as possible after receiving their Form I-20 or DS-2019, as they will need the fee receipt to apply for their visa.

FAQs:

Q. Who needs to pay the US-901 SEVIS Fee?
A. International students and exchange visitors who are applying for an F, M, or J visa to study or conduct research in the United States need to pay the fee.

Q. Can the US-901 SEVIS Fee be paid at the embassy or consulate where the visa application is made?
A. No, the fee must be paid before applicants apply for their visa.

Q. Is the US-901 SEVIS Fee refundable?
A. No, the fee is non-refundable.

Q. How do I pay the US-901 SEVIS Fee?
A. The fee can be paid online by credit card or by mail with a check or money order. Applicants must complete the Form I-901 and submit it online or by mail, along with payment.

Q. How much is the US-901 SEVIS Fee?
A. The fee is $350 for F and M visa applicants, and $220 for J visa applicants.