What is SEVIS and what is the SEVIS fee?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor’s stay in the United States. The SEVIS fee is non-refundable fee, which is separate from the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Most students or exchange are responsible for paying this fee. There are limited exceptions for applicants who are attending government sponsored programs and certain returning students. For mo
