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SEVIS Information & I-901 SEVIS Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, also known as SEVIS, is a web database system that contains information on the demographics, academic programs, and financial sponsorship of all non-immigrants on an F-1, J-1 or M-1 visa and their dependents.

How does SEVIS work?

  • After UP admits an international student, ISS notifies SEVIS and requests an I-20 or DS-2019. The USCIS approves the request and transmits a bar-coded I-20 or DS-2019 to UP. UP sends you the new SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019.
  • At the US consulate abroad, the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 or DS-2019 is a valid document. The consulate then issues a student visa.
  • A USCIS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS your entry into the U.S.
  • When you arrive on campus, ISS notifies SEVIS of your arrival and enrollment. UP is then required to provide regular electronic reports to the USCIS through SEVIS during your academic career.
  • A USCIS officer at the airport records your departure from the United States.

Note: If you are transferring from an educational institution in the U.S. your current international student advisor will need to transfer you within the SEVIS system before we can create a new SEVIS I-20 for you. Please review the transferring section for more information.

Who is required to pay the SEVIS fee?

If you are applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before applying for your visa at the consulate. The I-901 SEVIS fee is $350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students. If you already have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, but have requested a new initial I-20 because you have been out of the U.S. for more than 5 months, then you need to pay the fee.

Who is not required to pay this fee?

F-2 and J-2 visa applicants are not required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

How and where can I pay this fee?

You can pay this fee online, through Western Union Quick Pay, by check, or money order. We do not recommend paying by check or money order unless you have sufficient time to mail in your payment and wait to receive a receipt.

For more information about whom pays, when to pay, and how to pay, please go to the SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment website.

SEVIS Web Resources:

Questions?
503.943.7367, iss@up.edu

The Office of International Student Services is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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