Studying in the United States offers numerous benefits for international students, including top-tier research programs, fully-funded academic opportunities, and the chance to network with people from diverse cultures. The USA, often dubbed the “land of opportunities,” has been a launchpad for many students achieving significant academic and career milestones.
However, one of the essential requirements for obtaining a student visa is the payment of the SEVIS Fee. Curious about what the SEVIS Fee is? This article will provide all the information you need to know.
What is the SEVIS Fee?
SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The SEVIS Fee, also known as the I-901 Fee, is used to finance the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Mandated by the United States Congress in 2004, this fee is required for all non-immigrant students and exchange visitors. The funds are primarily used to maintain the Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS operations.
How Do I Pay My SEVIS Fee?
The most secure and convenient way to pay the SEVIS Fee is through a trusted online payment platform like Sevpay. Sevpay provides a seamless payment infrastructure that helps international students from Africa make their SEVIS Fee payments without the hassle of credit or debit card declines. Simply visit the Sevpay website, choose your preferred payment package, enter the required details, and complete the payment process. It's an online, hassle-free experience.
Alternatively, you can use Western Union, though this method is more time-consuming and requires you to physically go to a location to make the payment. After paying via Western Union, you must email fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov with “INFO CHANGE” as the subject.
Is It Compulsory to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
Yes, the SEVIS Fee is mandatory for all non-immigrant students and exchange visitors planning to study in the United States. When paying the fee, you'll need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, email address, country of birth, country of citizenship, school code, and SEVIS identification number (found on the I-20 form). These details are recorded in a web-based system managed by the Department of Homeland Security. The fee helps cover the operational costs of maintaining this system, and failure to pay it can result in delays or denials of your visa application.
Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
Three categories of applicants are required to pay the SEVIS Fee: those applying for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas. However, dependents of F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa applicants do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
When Should I Pay the SEVIS Fee?
You must pay the SEVIS Fee before your visa interview. It’s advisable to complete the payment at least three business days before the interview to ensure the system records it. Paying the fee too close to your interview could result in delays that might affect your visa application.
Can I Get a Refund if My Visa Application is Denied?
No, the SEVIS Fee is non-refundable if your visa application is denied. However, the payment is valid for 12 months, meaning you can use the same SEVIS Fee receipt for another visa application within that period.
How Long is the SEVIS Fee Payment Valid?
The SEVIS Fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. If you do not obtain a visa within this period, you will need to pay the SEVIS Fee again.
Conclusion
Paying the SEVIS Fee is a crucial step in obtaining a student visa. Unfortunately, making SEVIS Fee payments from Africa can be challenging due to frequent credit card declines and the hassle of using Western Union. Sevpay offers a reliable solution by accepting payments in local currencies (Naira, Cedis, CFA franc, Dalasi, and Kenyan Shilling) and facilitating the SEVIS Fee payment process. With Sevpay, you can avoid common difficulties and ensure a smooth payment experience.
Interested in learning more about SEVIS Fee payment? Visit Sevpay.