The term "sevis fee" refers to the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is a mandatory fee that international students must pay to the U.S. government to maintain their status as an F-1 or J-1 student. This fee is required for:
- F-1 and J-1 student visa applications
- F-1 and J-1 student visa renewals
- F-1 and J-1 student visa changes (e.g., changing status, changing school, etc.)
Key Details:
- Fee Amount: $465 per student
- Payment Deadline: The fee must be paid within 15 days of receiving the visa or admission notice.
- Payment Method: Pay via a SEVIS fee payment form (usually through the U.S. government's official website or through a financial aid office).
- Payment Portal: SEVIS Fee Payment Portal
Important Notes:
- The fee is not included in your tuition or other fees.
- You must pay this fee before you can be admitted to the U.S. or renew your visa.
- If you fail to pay the fee, your visa may be denied or your status may be revoked.
For Students in Canada or Other Countries:
- If you're a Canadian student applying for a study permit (like a J-1 or F-1 visa), you may also need to pay the SEVIS fee.
- The fee is not included in the study permit fee, and you must pay it separately.
How to Pay the SEVIS Fee:
- Go to the official SEVIS Fee Payment Portal.
- Select your country (e.g., United States, Canada, etc.).
- Choose the appropriate fee type (e.g., F-1, J-1).
- Complete the payment form and submit it.
- Print a receipt or keep a record of your payment.
If you're a student applying for a visa or changing your status, make sure to pay the SEVIS fee on time to avoid delays or rejection.
Let me know if you need help with the payment process or with your visa application!