SEVIS fee and US student visa

Learn what is SEVIS and how it helps you in your US education journey

The USA stands out as a top choice for international students seeking to study abroad due to its exceptional education system, globally recognized institutions, cultural diversity, and promising job opportunities. With the highest student visa acceptance rate, the country continues to attract students worldwide year after year.

During the US student visa application process, you may encounter the term “SEVIS,” which can be perplexing for first-time applicants. To ease your journey and provide clarity, we have prepared this comprehensive guide, ensuring a smooth experience as you navigate through the SEVIS-related aspects of your study abroad plans.

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system utilized in the USA to collect and manage information pertaining to international students visiting and residing in the country. This system serves as a comprehensive database, recording essential details of all students from abroad to ensure efficient tracking and compliance with visa regulations.

How does it work?

Once your application is accepted, and you receive an offer of admission from the university, they inform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about your SEVIS information. Subsequently, the university provides you with your unique SEVIS number. This number is essential for tracking and managing your student visa status during your stay in the USA.

Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee?

You must pay the SEVIS Fee if you wish to visit the US because of the reasons mentioned below:

1. If you are currently residing in the US and seeking to change your non-immigrant status to F-1, you will need to go through the appropriate application process.
2. If you have been ineligible for more than five months while inside the country and have applied for reinstatement, you will need to follow the appropriate procedures for your application.
3. If you are a Canadian citizen planning to start an IUPUI program as a new student in F-1 status and have an I-20, you will need to go through the necessary steps for your visit to the US.

Required details needed to pay the SEVIS fee

To pay the SEVIS Fee, you must submit the following information:

• Country of citizenship and country of birth.
• Date of birth, name, and email address.
• Form I-20’s SEVIS Identification Number is used.
• School Code as it appears on the “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status” section of Form I-20.

How much does the SEVIS fee cost?

The SEVIS cost is USD 350 (INR 26,571). Before submitting a visa application, you must pay the SEVIS fee.

Steps to pay the SEVIS fee

Please note that paying the SEVIS fee is the initial step in the visa application process, and it is crucial to do so promptly. The SEVIS fee can be paid either online or by mail, but opting for online payment is recommended due to its speed and global accessibility. Below is a straightforward tutorial guiding you through the process of paying the SEVIS fee online:

Step 1: Log in to the official website of the Department of Homeland Security

Step 2: Go to ‘Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment’

Step 3: Go through the mentioned instructions carefully and select the radio button for I-20 and click

Step 4: Complete the form with the necessary information. Keep in mind that the information must match your I-20 exactly. You would have to supply the following information:

• Individual information
• SEVIS No (Shared in your I-20)
• Your address

Step 5: Choose the type of receipt delivery that you require. Receipts can be delivered in standard or expedited.

Step 6: Choose a method of payment. It is advised to use a credit card or another online payment method. F-1 students who were born in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, or Cameroon must pay by certified check drawn on a U.S. bank, money order, or Western Union Quick Pay.

Step 7: Mention the required details for the payment.

Step 8: Pay the SEVIS fee as per the requirement – USD 350.

Step 9: A receipt will be given to you right away. Keep a copy of the receipt’s printout, don’t forget. A duplicate of your receipt should be kept with your other crucial immigration paperwork.

Studying in the USA can be a life-changing experience. It will help you gain a degree and a global perspective and open the doors to a whole new world of opportunities for you. The right time to start applying for the next intake is now. In case you have any queries or need expert advice, connect with our international education experts at IDP and we will be more than happy to help you.