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SEVIS Fee Payment Form I-901 Fact Sheet
F-Nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System – SEVIS
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an Internet-based system, which maintains current academic and immigration information on non-immigrant students (F/J visas) and their dependents. SEVIS enables schools to transmit electronic information and event notifications, via the Internet, to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Department of State (embassies and consulates) throughout a student’s stay in the U.S.
Is SEVIS new?
Yes, and no. Most of the information required by SEVIS has been reported to the INS for many years. But the paper-based system precluded widespread coordination between schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the INS to move to an electronic data collection system. Lack of funding delayed the implementation until the USA Patriot Act in October 2001 authorized funding and required nationwide compliance by January 30, 2003.
How does SEVIS work?
For new international students:
· After VT admits an international student, VT notifies SEVIS and the INS approves the issuance of an I-20/DS-2019. The form is mailed to the student.
· The student visits a U.S. consulate or embassy, where the document is verified and the visa issued.
· An INS officer at the port of entry reports to SEVIS the student’s entry into the U.S.
· When the student arrives on campus, the school notifies SEVIS of the student’s enrollment. Each semester, enrollment as well as event updates are entered into SEVIS.
· Finally, the student’s departure is recorded in SEVIS
For continuing international students:
· A new SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 will be issued for each continuing student (F-1/J-1) and each F-2/J-2 dependent by August 1, 2003
· Each semester, enrollment as well as event updates will be provided to INS via SEVIS
· Finally, the student’s departure will be recorded in SEVIS
What data does SEVIS collect?
· Whether a student enrolled or failed to enroll in classes (each semester)
· A change in the student’s (or their dependent’s) legal name or address
· Whether a student drops below full time enrollment (12 credit hours, effective Fall 2003) without prior authorization from a Designated School Official (DSO)
· Changes of major or academic level
· Program extensions
· Premature termination of study – date and reason
· Employment authorizations (Curricular or Optional Practical Training)
· School transfers
· Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction
· Information regarding any student who fails to maintain status or complete their program
What other immigration changes should I know about?
· Students must report address changes within 10 days to the Graduate Student Services or Cranwell International Center
· Students must apply to the INS for Optional Practical Training (OPT) prior to completion of studies
· Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT after each higher education level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph. D.)
· Only one on-line/distance education course (3 credit hours) may count toward full-time enrollment
· Any reduced course load must be pre-approved by a Designated School Official (see below)
· An F2 dependent may not enroll in a full course of study/degree program.
· The grace period for students who resign or withdraw has been reduced to 15 days.
· New international students may enter the United States to begin studies only 30 days prior to the start date on their I-20
How should I prepare for SEVIS?
· Bring your immigration documents (I-20/DS-2019 forms, passport, I-94) and financial information (if your most recent form was issued prior to June 1, 2002).
o Bring to our attention any change in your major, academic level, or the completion date of your program.
o Inform us if you intend to apply for an extension, transfer, or employment authorization (Optional or Curricular Practical Training)
· Carefully read all email from the Graduate School and the Cranwell International Center.
· Stay informed. Don’t rely on your friends or the media for accurate information regarding immigration issues. As well meaning as they may be, they may not be aware of recent developments and practices. Remember, you are responsible for maintaining your F/J status. Check with a DSO if you have any questions/concerns.
Where can I find more information?
Graduate Students: International Student & Scholar Support Office
Graduate School, Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown, 111/112
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8:00- 12:00 and 1:00 – 5:00
Email Phone: 540 231 9561 Fax: 540 231 3714
Designated School Officials: Ruth Athanson, Zelma Harris, Monika Gibson
Undergraduate students: Cranwell International Center
West End of Clay Street
Email Phone: 540 231 6527 Fax: 540 231 3808
Designated School Officials: Kim Beisecker, Belinda Pauley, Holly Hatton
Check the following web sites:
SEVIS Fee Payment Form I-901 Fact Sheet
To submit an online application, download a paper form, or get instructions on how to do either of these can be found at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website .
Who is required to pay the fee?
Anyone seeking a visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance (F1) at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), or for initial participation in an exchange visitor program (J1) designated by the Department of State (DOS) must pay the fee.
How much is the fee?
For students (F1) and for exchange visitors (J1) |
$100 |
For spouses and dependent children of students (F2) or exchange visitors (J2) |
No fee |
How can the fee be paid?
- Electronically, by completing Form I-901 through the Internet and paying with a credit card. The Internet is fastest. It also speeds the processing step because the online form minimizes the chances for error. If you file your Form I-901 online and pay with a credit or debit card, you can print a receipt immediately. You also will receive a receipt printed on a Form I-797 in the mail.
- By mail, using Form I-901, and including a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. dollars. Mail service varies throughout the world, so we suggest allowing at least 2 weeks for delivery.
- By someone else. If you want to have someone in the U.S. pay the fee on your behalf, send them either a copy of your completed Form I-901 or provide the correct personal and school or exchange visitor program information to the person who completes the I-901 for you. The person who pays the fee must attach the copy of the I-901 to the payment they submit; otherwise the payment cannot be processed and will be returned based on the address provided. You also may have someone else pay your fee on line. The person may complete the I-901 and pay by credit card or check.
- By using Western Union. This option is available in any country where Western Union offers its Quick Pay service. The instructions along with a completed sample of the Western Union form can be found on the internet. The website is: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm
When can I get the visa?
The SEVIS fee must be paid and fully processed before the applicant arrives at the consulate for the visa appointment. Allow at least 3 days for payment processing before going to the consulate.
For those nonimmigrants who do not need a visa to enter the U.S. as a student or exchange visitor (e.g., Canadian citizens), the fee must be paid and fully processed before applying for entry at a U.S. port of entry.
A receipt will be sent by mail to the address that you indicate with your payment. For those who pay the SEVIS fee online, a payment confirmation can be printed out immediately after the payment is made, and used as a receipt until the mailed receipt is received. We recommend that you take your receipt to the visa interview.
Having a receipt for the SEVIS fee payment will make the visa process easier. However, if you are unable to print a receipt from an online payment, and/or do not receive your mailed receipt in time for the visa interview, you can still go to your interview as long as your fee has been processed by the Department of Homeland Security.
How long is the fee valid?
The SEVIS fee is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of the initial application. If the applicant is unsuccessful in obtaining a visa, he/she may apply again for the same or different program within 12 months without having to pay the SEVIS fee again, as long as the fee payment for the program is the same as the amount initially paid.
- Call the Form I-901Customer Service Hotline in the U.S. at 1-785-330-1048 (Available from 8 am to 6 pm Central time Monday through Friday). If you do not have internet access, they can mail the I-901 form to you.
- Visit the SEVIS website. This website offers fact sheets and Frequently Asked Questions about the fee process.
- Email. Use this email ONLY when you have a question that cannot be answered by checking the website or calling the Customer Service Hotline.
F-Nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit
This portion of the page is under development.
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