Visa Application Steps and SEVIS I-901 Fee

SEVIS I-901 Fee

Before applying for a visa, you are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if you have a new (Initial) I-20 or DS-2019.  Students who receive a “transfer pending" I-20 or DS-2019 from Penn State do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee as long as they begin classes within 5 month of their last enrollment.  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has more information available about this fee.  

Watch the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS Fee tutorial, and then Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee on-line.

Be careful and avoid SCAMS! FMJFee.com is the ONLY site certified to collect I-901 SEVIS Fee Payments.

You Must Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee If:

  • You are seeking an initial F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. consulate.
  • You are a Canadian citizen seeking admission at a port-of-entry to begin initial attendance.  (Canadian citizens are visa exempt, but the SEVIS fee must be paid before going to the border.)
  • You are currently in the U.S. as a J-1 applying for a change of category-such as a change from J-1 scholar to J-1 student.
  • You are in the U.S. in J-1 status and are applying for reinstatement after a substantive violation or you have been out of status for more than 120 days but less than 270 days.
  • You are in the U.S. in F-1 status and are applying for reinstatement after failing to maintain status.
  • You were in F-1 status but left the U.S. more than five (5) months ago.

Instructions for Visa Applications

  1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least 3 days before the visa interview (or earlier if you are not paying with a credit card)
  2. Complete the DS-160 visa application
  3. Pay the Visa Application fee (MRV)
  4. Schedule the visa appointment with the Embassy/Consulate closest to your location.
  5. Read important visa application tips from this NAFSA WEBSITE.
  6. Go to the visa appointment with:
  • your DS-160 bar code receipt
  • the MRV receipt
  • the SEVIS fee receipt
  • original I-20/DS-2019
  • passport
  • financial guarantee
  • photos, and any other information the U.S. Consulate website indicates

You will find more information regarding locations and visa wait times on the individual Embassy websites.