SEVIS Information

SEVIS Fee Requirement

Beginning September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security rule went into effect. This rule requires F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of $200 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student Exchange Information System (SEVIS). This fee must be paid prior to applying for the visa. If you do not pay this fee prior to applying for the visa, you will not be issued an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa for admission to the United States.

The SEVIS fee can be paid to the Department of Homeland Security by mail or online and must be accompanied by a Form I-901. It can be paid by you or by a third party, inside or outside the US.

The rules covering the filing Form I-901 and much additional information are found at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm Please read the information carefully and understand the instructions. It is suggested that on this same website you click on the I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions to learn more. Please be sure to pay the SEVIS fee as soon as you receive your I-20 Form or DS 2019 Form from Bluegrass Community and Technical College.