2004 Press Releases
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Introduces New Student Fee
Bratislava, August 25, 2004
Beginning September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security will collect a Congressionally mandated fee to cover the costs for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. It will also fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the automated system for collecting, maintaining and managing information about foreign student and exchange visitors during their entry to, stay in, and exit from the United States.
Applicants who wish to enter the United States either as a student or an exchange visitor who has a Form I-20 or DS-2019 dated on or after September 1, 2004, must pay the fee at least one week prior to the scheduled visa interview to ensure that the payment can be deposited and recorded in SEVIS. Applicants with I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued before September 1, 2004, do not have to pay the SEVIS fee, even if they apply for a visa after September 1, 2004.
Applicants can pay the fee through several methods including:
- the Internet at http://www.FMJfee.com by using a credit card and completing the online Form I-901.
- mail by submitting a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a US Bank and payable in US currency. The mailing address is on the form, which can be downloaded from the Internet at the site mentioned above.
- through a third party such as a school, sponsor, friend or family member.
- through selected sponsors of an exchange program who can submit a group payment.
Please note that the website http://www.FMJfee.com will not be accessible until September 1, 2004.
DHS will issue an official paper receipt (I-797) for every payment received. Individuals who pay electronically will be able to print an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment. Applicants should bring the I-797 or the Internet-generated receipt to the visa interview. The SEVIS fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied or the applicant decides not to study in the United States after the visa is issued.
The I-901 SEVIS Fee for each applicant category is as follows:
- For students (F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3) -- $100
- For spouses and dependent children (F-2, M-2, or J-2) of students or exchange visitors -- None
- For exchange visitors (J-1) -- $100 unless participating in:
- Federally sponsored exchange visitor program (program codes starting with G-1, G-2, or G-3) -- None
- Summer work/travel program -- $35
- Au pair program or camp counselor program -- $35
Further information regarding the SEVIS fee is available at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsreleases/articles/SEVISFactSheet.htm
In addition, the NAFSA Association of International Educators has placed information about SEVIS on its website, http://www.nafsa.org
More information on the visa application process in general is available on the embassy website, http://slovakia.usembassy.gov