As of September 1, 2004 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires a $100 fee of all foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to begin a new program in F-1 or J-1 status. The fee is used to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program which administers and maintains the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Who must pay the fee:
F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors beginning a new program are required to pay the $100 fee before applying for an entry visa, applying for entry if exempt from the visa requirement or applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 status. The fee cannot be paid at the port of entry and is in addition to other visa application fees.

Who is exempt from the fee?
• F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors who are continuing in their academic programs;
• F-2 and J-2 dependents;
• J-1 Exchange Visitors whose DS-2019s are issued by the U.S. Government.

When must the fee be paid?
• At least 3 days before the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate;
• At least 3 days before entering the U.S. if exempt from the visa requirement;
• Before filing an application for a change of status with Citizenship & Immigration Services.

Can a Department or other 3rd party pay on behalf of a student or exchange visitor?
Yes, a third party can pay on behalf of a student or exchange visitor. Payment instructions are below. Please note that the fee is transferable by the student or exchange visitor. Therefore, if the student or exchange visitor decides not to come to DU, he or she may transfer the SEVIS fee to another institution. Some universities offer to reimburse the student or exchange visitor after he or she arrives.

Does DHS keep a record of the payment?
Although DHS (Department of Homeland Security) enters payment of the fee into the student or exchange visitor’s SEVIS record, you and the student or exchange visitor should keep a copy of the receipt.

What if the student or exchange visitor’s visa application is denied?
The SEVIS is not refunded. If the student or exchange visitor reapplies for a F-1 or J-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, he or she does not have to pay the fee again.

[ To Pay By Mail ]
1. Obtain a Form I-901 “Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants.”
- Download the form from http://www.fmjfee.com/
- Request the form by phone at 1-800-870-3676 (inside the US)
2. At the bottom of the page, answer “YES” and select “I-20 “or “DS-2019”on the next page.
3. Complete the information on the next two pages. Enter the name exactly as it appears on the I-20 or the DS-2019.
- The SEVIS Identification Number is in the upper right hand corner of the I-20 or DS-2019. It begins with an N and has 10 digits.
- The “Exchange Visitor Program Number” is on the DS-2019. The number for DU is: P-1-00069
- The “School Code” is on the I-20. The code for DU is: DEN 214F 00135 000.
4. Prepare a check in the amount of $100 USD, made payable to “The Department of Homeland Security”.
5. Print the completed I-901 and mail it and the payment to the address listed on Form I-901.
6. A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Choose expedited delivery if the student’s or exchange visitor’s visa interview is very soon. He/she must have the receipt to apply for the visa.
7. Make a copy of the receipt and forward the original to the student or exchange visitor.

[ To Pay Online ]
1. Find the Form I-901 at http://www.fmjfee.com/.
2. At the bottom of the page, answer “YES” and select “I-20 “or “DS-2019”on the next page.
3. Complete the information on the next two pages. Enter the name exactly as it appears on the I-20 or the DS-2019.
- The SEVIS Identification Number is in the upper right hand corner of the I-20 or DS-2019. It begins with an N and has 10 digits.
- The “Exchange Visitor Program Number” is on the DS-2019. The number for DU is: P-1-00069
- The “School Code” is on the I-20. The code for DU is: DEN 214F 00135 000
4. Choose first class mail for your receipt. Expedited delivery is not necessary, because you will print a receipt at the end.
5. Complete the credit card information.
6. Make a copy of the receipt and forward the original to the student or exchange visitor.

For more information regarding the new SEVIS fee requirement or other visa-related matters, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at 303-871-4912 or isss@du.edu

Helpful Links:

U.S Embassies Abroad
http://usembassy.state.gov/

USICE Special Registration
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0305.shtm

Special Visa Processing for citizens of Countries with Limited or No Visa Services
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1302.html

Visa Wait Times
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php

Visas for Third Country Nationals in Canada or Mexico
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1260.html#TCN

Fees for Visa Services
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html

Visa Photo Requirements
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html

Visa Denials
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html

Airport Status
http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp

What to expect upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_exchng_fs.htm