WHAT IS SEVIS FEE?

The SEVIS fee, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee, is a payment required from international students and exchange visitors who wish to study or participate in exchange programs in the United States. This fee supports the maintenance and operation of the SEVIS, which tracks and monitors non-immigrant students and exchange visitors throughout their stay in the U.S. Payment of the SEVIS fee is mandatory before applying for a visa and is typically non-refundable. It is essential for obtaining the Form I-20 or DS-2019, which are necessary for the visa application process.