Paying the SEVIS Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a central computerized system that maintains and manages data about foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents during their stay in the United States. 

Since August 2003, all institutions in the United States that host foreign students and exchange visitors have been required by U.S. law to use SEVIS to maintain data about all F, J and M visa holders at their institutions.

What is the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS fee, implemented in October 2004 by the Department of Homeland Security, is used to cover the costs of operating the SEVIS program. The SEVIS fee is a separate fee in addition to any other visa application/processing fees.

Individuals will need to provide evidence that the SEVIS fee has been paid at the time of their visa interview.

We recommend paying the fee online at least 3 business days prior to entering the U.S. in F or J status.

Canadian Citizens: Although Canadian citizens are not required to apply for an F or J visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the United States, all Canadian citizens must still pay the appropriate SEVIS fee.  Canadian citizens will need to provide evidence that the SEVIS fee has been paid as they apply for F or J visa status at the U.S. Port-of-Entry.

SEVIS Fee Payment Options

Credit Card

The fastest and most convenient method of paying the SEVIS fee is by filling out the online I-901 form, which requires a credit card for payment. If you are able to pay the SEVIS fee by credit card, we recommend this method.

Check or Money Order

Fill out the online I-901 form, and choose the option to pay by check or money order and print a payment coupon.

Checks or money orders must be an international money order or a foreign draft drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. Checks must be from one of the following:

  • Banks chartered or operated in the United States
  • Foreign subsidiaries of United States banks
  • Foreign banks that have an arrangement with a United States bank to issue a check, money order or foreign draft that is drawn on a United States bank.

Checks and money orders should be made payable to "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee".

This fee CANNOT be paid until you have received your Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) from Brandeis University.

Make sure that your name on your SEVIS fee payment matches the name as it appears on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. This name should also match your passport.