SEVIS Fee

If your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 is issued on or after September 1, 2004, you are required to pay a SEVIS fee. This SEVIS fee is in addition to the F-1 or J-1 visa application fee. Effective October 27, 2008, the SEVIS I-901 fee amounts are as follows:
        F-1 visa applications: $200
        J-1 visa applicants: $180

According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations [8 CFR 214.13(d)(1)], anyone seeking initial F-1 or J-1 from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance is subject to the new SEVIS fee. The fee must be processed at least 3 business days before the consular interview, unless the applicant has a printed receipt from Internet payment. Fees will not be payable at the consulate. For more information, go to the US Citizenship & Immigration Services web.

To pay the SEVIS Fee via the internet, follow the instructions below:

1. Go to the SEVIS I-901 Fee website.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and answer "YES" you hold a valid I-20 or DS-2019.
3. Fill out the next page on personal information.
4. If you have received a Form I-20 from California State University Fullerton, then enter the following information for School Code" : LOS 214F 00210 000.
   Note: This is required only for F-1 students.
   If you have received a Form DS-2019 from California State University Fullerton, then enter the following information for "Program Number": P-1-03438.
5. The form requires the SEVIS Identification Number on the I-20 or DS-2019. This number is in the upper right-hand corner of the I-20 or DS-2019 and begins with an "N", followed by 10 digits.
6. Check that the information is correct on the next page.
7. Choose First-Class Mail or expedited delivery. First-Class Mail is recommended because you will print the receipt at the end and this will be presented at your interview with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
8. The Credit Card Form has a place for Cardholder address. You do not need to fill this in. It is not a required field. The space is too small for most international addresses.
9. PRINT AT LEAST 2 COPIES OF THE RECEIPT.

UPDATE:  The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced that they are having credit card payment issues from the following countries:  Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Kenya.  F1 and J1 students from these countries will not be able to make online credit card payments for their SEVIS I-901 fee.  For more information on alternative payment methods, please visit www.fmjfee.com or www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/.