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SEVIS fee and US student visa

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The USA makes for one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. The country boasts of an excellent education system, globally recognised institutions, a culturally diverse environment, and a lucrative job market. The fact that it is the country with the highest student visa acceptance rate adds to all its other benefits and motivates students to study in the US every year.

In the process of applying for a US student visa, you are likely to come across a term called SEVIS. For first-time students, it is common to get confused about SEVIS. So, we decided to create this comprehensive guide for you to sail smoothly through the process.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System in the USA. It is a web-based system that records and maintains information related to all international students visiting and staying in the country.

How does it work?

When your university accepts your application and offers you admission, it also notifies the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) of your SEVIS information. You are then provided with the SEVIS number by your university. This number reflects on your I-20 form.

Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee?

You must pay the SEVIS Fee if you wish to visit the US because of the reasons mentioned below:

If you are applying to modify your non-immigrant status to F-1 while residing in the US.
You have applied for reinstatement despite being ineligible for more than five months while inside the country.
If you are requesting a visa as a new student commencing an IUPUI programme with an I-20.
If you are visiting the US in F-1 status as a Canadian citizen.

Required details needed to pay the SEVIS fee

To pay the SEVIS Fee, you must submit the following information:

Country of citizenship and country of birth.
Date of birth, name, and email address.
Form I-20's SEVIS Identification Number is used.
School Code as it appears on the "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status" section of Form I-20.

How much does the SEVIS fee cost?

For F-1 students, the SEVIS cost is USD 350 (INR 26,571). Before submitting a visa application, you must pay the SEVIS fee.

Steps to pay the SEVIS fee

Remember that paying the SEVIS fee is only the first step in applying for a visa, therefore you must do it as soon as you can. The SEVIS fee can be paid online or by mail. It is advised to pay the SEVIS fee online since this is the quickest way to send money over the world. A simple tutorial on how to pay the SEVIS Fee is provided below:

Step 1: Log in to the official website of the Department of Homeland Security

Step 2: Go to ‘Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment’

Step 3: Go through the mentioned instructions carefully and select the radio button for I-20 and click

Step 4: Complete the form with the necessary information. Keep in mind that the information must match your I-20 exactly. You would have to supply the following information:

Individual information
SEVIS No (Shared in your I-20)
Your address

Step 5: Choose the type of receipt delivery that you require. Receipts can be delivered in standard or expedited.

Step 6: Choose a method of payment. It is advised to use a credit card or another online payment method. F-1 students who were born in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, or Cameroon must pay by certified check drawn on a U.S. bank, money order, or Western Union Quick Pay.

Step 7: Mention the required details for the payment.

Step 8: Pay the SEVIS fee as per the requirement - USD 350.

Step 9: A receipt will be given to you right away. Keep a copy of the receipt's printout, don't forget. A duplicate of your receipt should be kept with your other crucial immigration paperwork.

Studying in the USA can be a life-changing experience. It will help you gain a degree and a global perspective and open the doors to a whole new world of opportunities for you. The right time to start applying for the next intake is now. In case you have any queries or need expert advice, connect with our international education experts at IDP and we will be more than happy to help you.