What the SEVIS fee is and who pays it

The SEVIS fee is a payment you make directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if you are an international student or exchange visitor coming to the United States. SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database that tracks your status while you are in the country. The fee funds the operation of this system.

You pay the SEVIS fee separately from your visa process fee and your school tuition. The amount is currently $350 for most F-1 students (those pursuing academic study) and J-1 exchange visitors. Some categories, such as certain dependents or participants in specific programs, may pay a different amount or no fee at all. You must pay this fee before your school can issue your I-20 or DS-2019 form — the documents you need to explore for your visa.

Your school's international student office will tell you whether you owe the fee and provide instructions specific to your situation. Payment is non-refundable once processed.

Key Takeaways

  • The SEVIS fee of $350 must be paid to U.S. Homeland Security before your school can issue your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
  • You pay online through the official SEVIS website using a credit or debit card, and you receive a receipt when ready after payment.
  • Your school verifies your payment in the SEVIS system before issuing your visa documents, which typically takes one to three business days.
  • The fee is separate from your visa process fee and tuition, and it is not refundable once your payment is processed.

How to pay online through the SEVIS website

You pay the SEVIS fee through the official SEVIS website at sevis.ice.gov. You will create an account, enter your personal information, and provide payment details. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay using a debit card if it carries one of these logos.

When you log in, you will enter your name, date of birth, passport number, and the name of your school or exchange program. The system will calculate your fee based on your visa category. After you review the amount and confirm your information, you will be directed to enter your card details. Payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email.

Keep your confirmation number and receipt. You will need to show these to your school's international student office so they can verify payment in the SEVIS database before they issue your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

Timeline from payment to receiving your visa documents

After you pay, the SEVIS system updates within a few hours, though it can take up to one business day. Your school's international student office monitors the system and will see that your fee has been received. Once they confirm payment, they can generate and issue your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors).

Most schools issue these documents within one to three business days of confirming your payment. Some schools process faster if you pay early in the week. If your school has not issued your documents within three business days, contact your international student office to confirm they received your payment confirmation number.

You cannot explore for your visa until you have your I-20 or DS-2019 in hand. Plan to pay the SEVIS fee at least one week before your visa appointment to allow time for payment processing and document issuance.

What to do if your payment does not go through

If your card is declined, the SEVIS website will display an error message when ready. Check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are correct. If the problem persists, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has sufficient funds. Some banks block international transactions by default — you may need to call your bank and authorize the payment before trying again.

If you paid but did not receive a confirmation number or email receipt, do not pay again. Log back into your SEVIS account and check your payment history. If the payment appears there, take a screenshot and send it to your school's international student office. If the payment does not appear in your account after 24 hours, contact SEVIS customer support through the website or call the SEVIS Help Line at 703-603-3400.

Refund and fee waiver information

The SEVIS fee is non-refundable once it has been processed and your payment confirmation is issued. This applies even if you later decide not to attend the school or cancel your visa process. However, if your payment was processed in error — for example, if you were charged twice — you may request a refund by contacting SEVIS customer support with documentation of the duplicate charge.

Some students may be exempt from the SEVIS fee based on their visa category or program type. Your school's international student office will inform you during the admission process if you do not owe the fee. If you believe you should be exempt but were told to pay, ask your international student office to review your category before you submit payment.

Using the SEVIS payment receipt for your visa interview

Bring your SEVIS payment receipt and confirmation number to your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The consular officer will verify that your fee has been paid and that you are properly registered in the SEVIS system. This is a routine check and does not require any action on your part — the officer will look it up electronically.

If you cannot locate your receipt, log into your SEVIS account before your interview and print a copy of your payment confirmation. You can also request a new receipt from SEVIS customer support if needed. Having this document ready shows the consular officer that you have completed this required step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the SEVIS fee before I receive my acceptance letter from my school?

No. You must have been admitted to a school and have your I-20 or DS-2019 number before you can pay. Your school provides this number when you enroll. If you try to pay without it, the SEVIS system will not process your payment.

What if I am bringing my spouse or children as dependents?

Dependents have their own SEVIS records and may owe separate fees depending on their visa category. Your school's international student office will provide fee information for each dependent. You pay each fee separately through the SEVIS website using each person's information.

Can I pay the SEVIS fee by bank transfer or check?

No. The SEVIS website only accepts credit and debit cards. If you do not have a card, ask your school or a family member if they can pay on your behalf using their card. You will still receive the receipt under your name and SEVIS record.

How long is my SEVIS fee receipt valid?

Your payment is valid indefinitely once processed. You can use your receipt and confirmation number at any point during your visa process and entry to the United States. There is no expiration date on the fee itself.

What happens if I pay but my school does not issue my I-20 or DS-2019?

Contact your school's international student office when ready. They should issue your documents once they confirm your payment in the SEVIS system. If there is a delay beyond three business days, ask the office for a specific timeline and the reason for the hold. Your payment is separate from document issuance, so a delay in one does not affect the other.