SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1 $350 · J-1 $220)
Before an F-1 or J-1 visa can be issued, the student must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security: $350 for F-1 students and $220 for most J-1 exchange visitors, including J-1 secondary school students. It is paid online at fmjfee.com using the SEVIS ID from the I-20 or DS-2019.
Who issues / uses itPaid by the student (or by a parent, school or other third party on the student's behalf) to DHS / ICE SEVP. Consular officers and CBP check the payment.
When in the processAfter you receive the I-20 or DS-2019 and before the visa is issued — bring proof of payment to the visa interview.
CostF-1 (and M-1): $350. J-1: $220. Reduced J-1 rate of $35 only for au pairs, camp counselors and summer work/travel participants. No fee for F-2/J-2 dependents or for J-1 participants in certain federal-government-sponsored programs (G-1, G-2, G-3, G-7).
Last checked2026-10-10
Steps
- Have your I-20 or DS-2019 ready (you need the SEVIS ID and the school or program code).
- Go to the official payment site fmjfee.com and choose the I-901 form for F or J.
- Enter the information exactly as on your I-20 / DS-2019.
- Pay by card (a parent or other third party may pay).
- Print or save the payment confirmation and bring it to the visa interview.
Amounts (checked on the official sources)
| Category | I-901 fee |
|---|---|
| F-1 student (including private and public high schools) | $350 |
| J-1 exchange visitor (including secondary school students) | $220 |
| J-1 au pair, camp counselor, summer work/travel | $35 |
| F-2 / J-2 dependents; J-1 in federal-government programs (G-1, G-2, G-3, G-7) | no fee |
The amounts are set in federal regulation (8 CFR 214.13) and listed by ICE. Fees can change — check the official page on the day you pay.
When
The rule says the fee must reach DHS before the visa is issued; in practice you pay before your interview and bring the receipt. Students from visa-exempt countries pay before they seek admission at the U.S. port of entry.
Common mistakes
- Paying on an unofficial website — use only fmjfee.com (linked from ice.gov).
- Typing the name or SEVIS ID differently from the I-20 / DS-2019.
- Paying the $35 reduced J fee for a high-school J-1 program — secondary school students pay $220.
- Not keeping the receipt.
Questions
Is the SEVIS fee the same as the visa fee?
No. The I-901 SEVIS fee ($350 F-1, $220 J-1) goes to DHS. The visa application fee ($185 for F and J visas) is paid separately to the Department of State.
Can my parents or the school pay it?
Yes, a third party can pay on the student's behalf on fmjfee.com.
Official sources
- I-901 SEVIS Fee (fee amounts) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement · checked 2026-10-10
- 8 CFR 214.13 — SEVIS fee for certain F, J, and M nonimmigrants — eCFR · checked 2026-10-10
- Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee — U.S. DHS, Study in the States · checked 2026-10-10
Information, not legal advice. We summarize public U.S. government sources in our own words; rules and fees change. Confirm with the school’s DSO (F-1), your sponsor’s Responsible Officer (J-1) or the U.S. embassy or consulate before you act.
Cite as: USAnaru™ — https://usanaru.com/documents/sevis-i-901-fee