Dreaming of studying in the USA? Before you book your visa appointment, there’s an important document you can’t miss—the SEVIS Fee receipt also known as the I-901 Form. This fee is not included in the university tuition fee or the visa fee and therefore must be paid separately. Many students get caught off guard, but don’t worry! Here’s everything you need to know about this crucial payment and learn a simple way to save on exchange rates at the end.
Also Read: 11 Forex Cards for Students Travelling Abroad: Benefits & Features
What is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee funds the management of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), which ensures compliance with US immigration regulations and monitors student activities.
How Much is the SEVIS Fee?
Here are the amounts charged as SEVIS fee for different visa categories:1
| Visa Category | Fee Amount in USD | Fee Amount in INR (approx value) |
| F or M (students) | 350 | 30,289 |
| J (exchange visitor program participants) | 220 | 19,036 |
| Special J-visa categories | 35 | 2,855 |
| Government visitor | 0 | 0 |
How to Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee on FMJfee.com
FMJfee.com is the official website of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Students or study abroad agencies can make the SEVIS fee payment directly on this platform at bank exchange rates.
- Visit FMJfee.com and click the ‘Pay I-901 Fee’ button in the top-left corner.
- As you reach the ‘Applicant Validation’ page, enter your details such as SEVIS ID, name and date of birth as in your I-20 Form.
- A preview of the entered details will be displayed, followed by the option to select the form type. From the given options, choose I-20 as your form type.
- The application form drops down, and you are required to fill in your address and school information, referring to your I-20 Form.
- Click ‘I Agree’ for the terms and conditions and proceed by clicking the ‘Continue’ button.
- Further, you can see the Form I-901 review. Verify the details and select your payment method (credit card, check, money order, or Western Union).
- Enter your payment details and confirm your payment.
- Click the ‘View your Payment Status’ button and print the SEVIS Fee payment receipt.
Pro Tip: The most preferred payment method among Indian students is credit card payment. Remember that once you have entered your payment details and confirmed it, the fee amount is automatically deducted from your credit card.
Can you Pay Your I-901 SEVIS Fee Through ExTravelMoney?
Yes, according to the US Homeland Security, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) allows for SEVIS fee payments via third-party payment services.2
So, why choose Extravelmoney?
Paying with your credit card, check or through money order and money transfer companies can charge you high exchange rates and transaction charges.
ExTravelMoney helps you to pay the SEVIS fee at better exchange rates as we have tie-ups with RBI-authorised money transfer companies who can do the fee payment at wholesale exchange rates. Additionally, you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with our money transfer experts for prompt transfers before making your SEVIS fee payment.
Also Read: How To Open A Bank Account In USA For Indian Students
Steps to Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee Via ExTravelMoney
- Go to extravelmoney.com, select the USA as your destination, choose ‘Tuition Fee Payment’ as the purpose of remittance, and enter your applicable SEVIS fee amount in USD. The INR exchange rate will be displayed below instantly.
- Select your preferred location.
- Choose the most affordable exchange centre from the listed providers.
- Verify the order summary displayed. Then, opt for your convenient payment method (NEFT/RTGS or payment gateway) and click ‘Place the order’.
5. Upload the listed documents such as passport, PAN card and offer letter. Additionally, add the I-20 Form in the ‘Other KYC’ folder. Now, your order has been successfully placed. Your assigned forex specialist will contact you within 30 minutes to discuss your payment needs. Payment will only be initiated after the specialist verifies your documents, contacts you, and confirms the order.
- As soon as the payment is done on our behalf to the SEVP, you will receive the SWIFT copy as proof of payment. Finally, visit FMJfee.com and click the ‘View your Payment Status’ button to download your SEVIS fee receipt.
Time Taken to Process SEVIS Fee Payment
Be it direct payment or through Extravelmoney, both take the same time duration of 2-3 working days to process the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment.3
Importance of SEVIS Fee
- Visa Interview and Biometrics
The SEVIS fee receipt is mandatory for your US visa application. Therefore, you must bring the hard copy of your SEVIS Fee receipt to the embassy for visa procedures, even though the officials have an electronic copy. This shall speed up the verification process.
- Proof of Visa Issuance
Once you reach the USA, students are often asked for an I-901 SEVIS fee receipt at the airport or on the first day at university/college. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a hard copy of Form I-20 with you. This receipt is also necessary for your visa extension or status-changing process.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the SEVIS ID number in your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt and the I-20 form are the same.
When it comes to managing your expenses for moving closer to your dream study destination, the USA, every rupee counts. with ExTravelMoney, pay your SEVIS fee the smart way– with zero hidden charges, great exchange rates and expert support.
Also Read: 5 Tips To Avoid US Student Visa Rejection
Article Sources:
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Website ↩︎
- US Department of Homeland Security Guidelines ↩︎
- SEVIS Payment Instructions ↩︎
Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.