Step 3: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
F-1 and J-1 students are required to pay a fee (the I-901 SEVIS fee) directly to the Department of Homeland Security prior to their visa appointment and traveling to the US. Students should pay the SEVIS fee at least three business days before their visa interview. The fee cannot be paid at the consulate. The US government's Study in the States website offers a step-by-step video guide on their I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Video page to help students to pay this mandatory fee.
Procedure
To pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee students must follow these steps:
- Find the SEVIS number on their Emory issued Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Submit the SEVIS fee payment online or via Western Union Quick Pay.
- Print the receipt, and keep a copy for their records.
Note: Students will need to submit a copy of the receipt when they complete the online visa application and at their visa interview.
Payment Methods
Students can pay by either of these methods:
- Submit Form I-901 Online Using a Credit Card
- Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted.
- Paying online allows students to print a receipt instantly.
- Western Union Quick Pay
- Allows an electronic payment directly to DHS.
- Students can take cash payment in local currency to any Western Union location offering Quick Pay service.
- Print out the instructions from the website and take them to a Western Union agent.
- Ask for and fill out the blue form. Within minutes, DHS will receive confirmation of the payment.
- After three business days, students can check FMJfee.com to view their payment status and print out the confirmation page.
Refunds
DHS will not refund the SEVIS fee to:
- students who are not granted a visa
- students who choose not to come to the United States after their visa is granted.
However, the fee is transferable if a student decides to attend another US institution.