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⇒ Student & Scholar Advising ⇒ Students ⇒ J-1 Students ⇒ SEVIS Fee Information for J Status Students and Dependents

SEVIS Fee Information for J Status Students and Dependents

** for F student information click here **

Effective September 1, 2004, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began requiring the collection of a one-time fee of US $180 from visiting scholars and students in J status.  The fee helps cover operational costs of SEVIS.  SEVIS is a central computerized system that maintains and manages data concerning international students (F-1 status), exchange visitors (J-1 status), and their dependents (F-2 and J-2) during their stay in the United States.

Who must pay the fee?

• J-1 Students beginning new programs with immigration documents (DS-2019s) issued on or after September 1, 2004, will be required to pay the fee before applying for a visa.
• Non-immigrants already in the United States who want to change to J-1 status will have to pay the fee before applying for a change of status.
• Canadian citizens must pay the fee before traveling to the US as it will not be possible to pay the fee at the port of entry.

Who does not have to pay the fee?

• J-1 students continuing a program on a DS-2019 issued before September 1, 2004.
• J-1 students in lawful status transferring between schools in the US.
• J-2 dependents.
• J-1 students in lawful status transferring between schools in the same exchange visitor category (except for those exchange visitors whose current DS-2019 was issued by the US government).
• J-1 visitors with a DS-2019 issued by the US government.

To pay the SEVIS fee, follow these steps:

1. Contact your local US Consulate or Embassy to inquire about specific requirements for obtaining a J-1 student visa in your home country.  A list of Consulates and Embassies can be found at the US Embassy Website.
2. As soon as you receive a DS-2019 from Indiana University, follow the US Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an interview for your J-1 student visa and pay your SEVIS fee (see below).  Apply for your student visa as far in advance as possible.
3. Pay the $180 SEVIS fee well in advance of your visa interview.  The fee can be paid to DHS by mail or online and must be accompanied by Form I-901.  If possible, we strongly encourage you to pay using the online option as discussed below.  The fee can be paid by you or by a third party, inside or outside the US.
4. Bring your SEVIS payment receipt with you to your scheduled visa interview.

Online Payment of the SEVIS Fee:

1. Obtain Form I-901 at FMJfee.
2. Complete Form I-901 online (be sure to insert your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019) and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information.
3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
4. We suggest that you make a copy of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

Note: On-line payment is the easiest and fastest method by which to pay the SEVIS fee.  Be sure to print your receipt!

Paying the SEVIS Fee by Mail:

1. Obtain Form I-901 (Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Non-immigrants).  Download the form from FMJfee; or Request the form by phone at 1-800-870-3676 (inside the US).
2. Complete Form I-901.  Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019 form.
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on US banks only) in the amount of $180, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security.”
4. Mail the completed Form I-901 and payment to the address indicated on Form I-901.
5. A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed to you within 3 days of processing the fee.  Be sure to make copies of your fee application and receipt when it arrives by mail, and keep these documents with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay By Western Union Quick Pay:

1. Print out and bring a copy of these instructions along with a copy of the sample form to a local participating Western Union Agent location.  To find the nearest Western Union Agent location go to the Payment Solutions Website and select a country or call the telephone number of the Western Union Commercial Services Network Agent in your country as listed in your phone book.
2. Request and fill out the blue form.  This form is available only from a participating local Western Union Agent location.  This form may show words such as “Payment Services” or “Quick Pay” printed in the applicable local language.  However, please note that all Quick Pay forms will be blue.
3. Once you have obtained the Blue Form from the Western Union Agent location, you must fill out all appropriate information.  Be sure to make your intentions clear to the Consular Officer.  For additional information, see the SEVIS FAQ.

What do I need to do to apply for an J-1 visa or change of status?

• Obtain the appropriate Form DS-2019 from Indiana University.
• Pay the SEVIS fee by mail or online.
• Make a copy of the I-797 (mail) or computer receipt (online) for your records.
• Submit a copy of the I-797 or computer receipt with your visa or change of status application or
• Exchange visitors who are exempt from visa requirements, such as Canadian citizens, should take a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt to present at the port of entry with the appropriate DS-2019.  It will not be possible to pay the fee at the port of entry.
• For change of status or reinstatement applications, if you previously paid the SEVIS fee while attending a different school, you should submit a copy of that school’s DS-2019 form with your application.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will the DHS keep a record of my payment on file?

Fee payments should be entered into your permanent immigration (SEVIS) record but it is strongly recommended that you retain a copy of your fee receipt (form I-797 and/or electronic receipt?) to use as needed.

I applied to more than one school, and have more than one DS-2019 form.  What happens if I pay the SEVIS fee for one school, and then change my mind and decide that I want to attend a different school?  Is my paid SEVIS fee transferable?

Yes.  But you must take the DS-2019 form with the SEVIS ID number that you listed on the I-901 form with you to the US consulate/embassy, in addition to the DS-2019 form from the school you wish to attend.

What if my J-1 visa application is denied?

The SEVIS fee will not be refunded.  However, if you reapply for a new J-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.

For additional information:

Additional questions or concerns should be directed to the Office of International Services, 306 Franklin Hall, 812-855-9086.