SEVIS Fee Information 
Beginning on September 1, 2004, the United States government will require all Exchange Visitors to pay an additional fee in order to complete their training programs in the U.S.
CDS has put this page together to assist our participants and partners in completing the new procedures. Please carefully read through the following information to ensure that you understand the steps you need to take to comply with the new regulations.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the SEVIS fee, please contact the CDS Program Officer for your program. Be sure to include your full name and the name of the CDS program you are participating in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this fee used for?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is part of the government's automated process for collecting, maintaining and managing information about international foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents during their stay in the United States. Congress has mandated that the Department of Homeland Security collect the $100 SEVIS fee to help support the costs associated with this system.
When does the fee go into effect?
The SEVIS fee goes into effect on September 1, 2004. Due to processing times for Form DS-2019, applicants submitting materials to CDS after August 25, 2004 will be subject to the SEVIS fee. Please consult with the Program Officer for the specific deadline of your program.
Who must pay this fee?
All J-1 visa holders are subject to the SEVIS fee. Spouses and dependent children who enter on a J-2 must NOT pay this fee.
How do I pay this fee?
Electronically, by completing Form I-901, Fee Remittance for Certain F, M, and J Non-immigrants, through the Internet at www.FMJfee.com using a credit card. We recommend this procedure as it is the fastest way to complete the fee payment and provides an immediate proof of payment (see receipts below) needed to continue with the visa application process.
Through the mail, by submitting Form I-901, together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency.
When do I pay the fee?
To ensure electronic verification of the fee payment at the consular office, non-immigrants paying the fee electronically must submit the fee at least three business days before the scheduled visa interview to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) address listed on Form I-901. If you submit the fee by mail, you must send it so that it arrives at least three days before your interview. This will allow time for the fee ot be deposited and payment recorded in SEVIS. If your fee has not been received prior to your interview, you will not be able to proceed with the application process.
***Canadian citizens: You must pay the fee at least three days prior to entering the U.S., as you do not need to go to the consulate to obtain the J-1 visa.
The SEVIS fee can only be paid once you have received Form DS-2019 from CDS International. Once you have received the DS-2019, CDS recommends that you pay the fee as soon as possible.
How do I prove that the fee has been paid?
Receipts: DHS will issue an official paper receipt (I-797) acknowledging every payment regardless of payment method. Express delivery service for the I-797 receipt may be requested at an additional cost. Anyone who submits an individual fee electronically will be able to print out and electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment for use in advance of the mail delivery of the official paper receipt.
Your SEVIS profile, accessible by the Consulate of Embassy officials, will also show that the $100 fee has been paid. This is a backup method for the paper receipt, so you still must bring your paper receipt to your visa interview.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the SEVIS fee, please contact the CDS Program Officer for your program. Be sure to include your full name and the name of the CDS program you are participating in.
