Immigration/SEVIS

Beginning September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security rule requires F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a one time fee of $100 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student Exchange Information System (SEVIS). This fee must be paid prior to applying for the visa. If you do not pay this fee prior to applying for the visa, you will not be issued an F or J non-immigrant visa for admission to the United States.

The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three (3) business days prior to applying for your visa. The fee can be paid by mail or online and be accompanied by a Form I-901. It can be paid by you or a third party, inside or outside the United States.

To Pay Online

1. Complete the online Form I-901.
2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, Mastercard or American Express information. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20.
3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay By Mail

1. Download Form I-901 or request by form by phone at 800-870-3676 (inside the United States).
2. Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on the I-20.
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on U.S. banks only) in the amount of USD $100, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security.” Sources for such checks and money orders include banks chartered or operated in the United States, foreign subsidiaries of U.S. banks, or foreign banks that have an arrangement with a U.S. bank to issue a check, money order or foreign draft that is drawn on a U.S. bank.
4. Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the P.O. Box listed on Form I-901.
5. A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

For more information or to receive personal assistance, please contact the College's international student advisor at 937/328-7936.