Pay your SEVIS I-901 fee at
FMJFee.com before you book your visa interview. F/M visa holders owe $350; J visa holders pay $220. Use a credit card and hang onto the receipt.
What’s Happening
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least three business days before your embassy interview, or the system won’t recognize it.
The SEVIS I-901 fee funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the U.S. If you don’t use the fee within 12 months, you’ll have to pay it again. As of 2026, the fee stays at $350 for F and M visa applicants and $220 for J visa applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS I-901 Fee Processing.
How do I pay the SEVIS fee?
Pay online at FMJFee.com using a credit card.
Visit FMJFee.com, click “Submit Form I-901,” and follow the prompts. You’ll need your SEVIS ID, personal details, and visa type. After payment, download your receipt right away.
When should I pay the SEVIS fee?
Pay it as soon as you get your I-20 or DS-2019—at least three business days before your visa interview.
Processing can take up to five business days to show up in SEVIS. If you wait too long, your interview could get delayed. Honestly, this is the best approach to avoid last-minute stress.
Which visa types need to pay the SEVIS fee?
F and M visa holders pay $350; J visa holders pay $220.
That’s it. No exceptions. If you’re applying for an F-1, M-1, J-1, or J-2 visa, you’ll need to pay this fee before your interview.
Where do I pay the SEVIS fee?
Pay only at FMJFee.com—it’s the official site for SEVIS I-901 payments.
Other websites might try to charge extra fees or scam you. Stick to the official portal to avoid trouble. The U.S. Department of State confirms this in their Student Visa Guidance.
How do I find my SEVIS ID?
Look at the top left corner of your I-20 (F/M) or DS-2019 (J)—it starts with “N” followed by 10 digits.
Right next to it, you’ll see your school or program code. Double-check the spelling—mistakes here can cause big headaches later.
What details do I need to pay the SEVIS fee?
You’ll need your SEVIS ID, full name, birth date, and visa type.
Enter everything exactly as it appears on your document. Even a small typo can mess up your payment. Take your time and verify each field before hitting submit.
Can I pay the SEVIS fee with a debit card?
No—only credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) are accepted.
Debit cards and bank transfers won’t work here. If you don’t have a credit card, borrow one or ask a friend to help. It’s a hassle, but it’s the only way.
What happens if my SEVIS fee payment fails?
Wait 24–48 hours before trying again.
If the problem persists, reach out to FMJFee support through their “Contact Us” link. Sometimes the issue is temporary—don’t panic if it takes a little while to resolve.
How do I get a copy of my SEVIS receipt if I lost it?
Log back into FMJFee.com and click “Check I-901 Status” to reprint it.
The system keeps records for up to five years as of 2026. Print a fresh copy and save it digitally—you’ll need it for your interview.
What if the wrong fee was charged for my visa type?
Double-check your visa type—F/M applicants owe $350; J applicants owe $220.
If the fee is wrong, contact DHS Study in the States to fix it. Don’t assume you can just pay the difference—get it corrected first.
Do dependents need to pay the SEVIS fee?
J-2 dependents don’t pay an extra fee if the primary J-1 holder already paid.
But check with your sponsor first. Rules can vary, so confirm before you assume anything.
What if I don’t pay the SEVIS fee on time?
Your embassy interview won’t go through—the system won’t recognize your application without the fee.
In most cases, you’ll have to reschedule. That’s why paying early is so important. Don’t cut it close—give yourself plenty of buffer time.
Can I get a refund for the SEVIS fee?
No refunds are issued once the payment is processed.
Even if you cancel your visa application or get rejected, you won’t get your money back. Budget carefully—this fee is final.
What documents do I need at my visa interview?
Bring your SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation, passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and proof of payment.
Some embassies ask for extra documents, so check their website ahead of time. Arrive prepared—missing paperwork can derail your whole application.
How long does it take for the SEVIS fee to process?
Up to five business days to appear in SEVIS.
That’s why paying early is key. If you wait until the last minute, your interview could get delayed. Don’t risk it—handle this step first.
Is the SEVIS fee the same every year?
As of 2026, the fee remains $350 for F/M visa holders and $220 for J visa holders.
Changes are rare, but always check the official site before you pay. You don’t want to overpay by accident.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
