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SEVIS Fee

SEVIS Fee Requirement

Before applying for your J-1 visa, you are required to pay a $180 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. J-2 dependents do not pay a SEVIS fee.

You can schedule an appointment for the visa interview before paying the fee. However, you must pay the fee and complete form I-901 at least three business days prior to the visa interview. Be sure to print your receipt when you pay the fee online. Not all U.S. consulates and embassies have access to the SEVIS database to verify that you paid, so it is essential that you show the receipt at the time of your visa interview.

Note: If you do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, then your visa application will be denied by the U.S. Department of State. Canadians and other foreign nationals who do not need J-1 visa stamps will be required to pay before going to the U.S. port of entry. The fee CANNOT be paid at the port of entry.

SEVIS Fee Requirement

Pay Online:

  • Complete form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com. Be sure to write your name and other information exactly as it appears on your DS-2019 form.
  • Pay the fee using Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
  • Print a copy of the online receipt. You cannot return to the screen that asks you if you would like to print a receipt so it is important to print the receipt as soon as possible.
  • Make a copy of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents, including the second receipt of the I-901 that you will receive in the mail.
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