The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government, computerized system that maintains and manages data about international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the U.S.
For more information, visit the U.S. Immigrant and Customs Enforcement website
From the time it was originally mandated in 1996, SEVIS, the international student tracking system, was required to be financed by a fee levied on international students. For F-1 students the fee is $200. For J-1 students & exchange visitors (EV), the fee is $180.
All new F-1/J-1s whose SEVIS record was created on or after September 1, 2004 must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for a visa, or entering the U.S. in the case of students/ EVs from Canada or Bermuda, who do not require F-1 or J-1 visas.
Must students and EVs who are currently here pay the fee?
If they maintain their legal status and remain in the U.S. other than for short (less than 5 months) trips abroad, F-1/J-1s who are currently here do not need to pay the fee.
F-1/J-1s would need to pay the fee in the following situations:
- After leaving the U.S. for more than 5 months (F-1).
- If applying for reinstatement after being out-of-status for more than 5 months (F-1) or 121 days (J-1).
- If entering the U.S. with a new I-20 (with a new SEVIS number) because of a break in status.
What if I want to change to F-1/ J-1 status in the U.S.?
You must pay the fee before submitting the I-539 application. You should include the receipt with the change of status application.
(1) If an F-1/J-1 visa is required:
The fee must be paid and processed at least three business days before going to the consulate to get a visa.
(2) If a visa is NOT required because (i) the student/ EV is a national of Canada or Bermuda, or (ii) the student/ EV has a current visa but has had a break in their status as described above:
The fee must be paid before attempting to enter the U.S.
Georgia Tech recommends you pay the fee on-line at www.FMJFee.com
What advice can be offered for those who must pay the SEVIS fee?
- Pay the fee on the I-20 from the school you will attend.
- Pay the fee on-line if possible, and print out the receipt.
- Take a paper receipt of the fee to the consulate and port-of-entry.
- Pay the fee as soon as possible.
- DO NOT apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa if you are subject to the SEVIS fee and you have not paid the fee.
If you have a problem paying the SEVIS fee, you can e-mail the Student and Exchange Vistor Program to resolve the issue: fmjfee.SEVIS@dhs.gov