Paying the SEVIS Fee and Completing Form I-901
- SEVIS I-901 fee
- $350 for F-1s
- $220 for J-1s
- You must pay the SEVIS fee when you initially apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa. Form I-901 is the form used to pay this fee.
- Bring your SEVIS payment receipt with you to your scheduled visa interview and when you enter the U.S. The fee cannot be paid at the consulate.
- If you are a current student who has already paid the fee and your SEVIS record has been continuously active (i.e. no leaves of absence, no withdrawals, etc), you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
- If you have transferred your SEVIS record from your previous school, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
- Refer to SEVP's I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
Form I-901
F-1s: Completing Form I-901
- Access form I-901 online.
- List your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 document. Your SEVIS Identification Number is in the top left corner of your I-20; it begins with an "N" and has 10 digits.
- You will need the "School Code," which is also on your I-20. The code for the W&M campus: WAS214F10684000. The code for VIMS: WAS214F10684001.
- Check that the information is correct.
- Print at least 2 copies of the receipt.
- Keep your receipt with your other important immigration documents.
J-1s: Completing Form I-901
- Access form I-901 online.
- List your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019 document. Your SEVIS Identification Number is in the upper right corner of your DS-2019; it begins with an "N" and has 10 digits.
- You will need our Program Number: P-1-02647.
- Check that the information is correct.
- Print at least 2 copies of the receipt.
- Keep your receipt with your other important immigration documents.
Payment Methods
It is most common to pay the SEVIS fee by credit card. Students from certain countries may be required to pay through Western Union or by mail.
Applying by Mail
If paying by mail, you can either complete the I-901 application online, and print a payment coupon at the end or your application, which you will mail, or you can apply completely by mail.
To apply by mail
- Complete Form I-901 (pdf). List your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 (for F-1 visas) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visas).
- Prepare a check or money order (drawn on U.S. banks only) made payable to "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee." If paying by check, write the date in the American style (month/day/year).
- Mail the completed I-901 and payment to the address indicated on Form I-901.
- Once your I-901 fee has been received, later access the online receipt (use "Check Status" option). Print 2 copies of the online receipt, and keep them with your important documents.