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How much is the SEVIS I-901 fee I need to pay as an F or M student?

24 Sept 2026 · Answered by Soundarya M · 1 min read
Quick Answer verified

You currently need to pay USD 350 as your SEVIS I-901 fee if you are applying on an F or M student visa. This is separate from your visa application fee and must be paid and confirmed before you schedule your visa interview, so budget for it in your process.

Soundarya M
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As an F or M student, you currently need to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee of USD 350. This fee is separate from your visa application fee and funds the system that tracks your student record, so you cannot skip it before your interview.

Current US Student Visa Fee Snapshot

FeeWho PaysAmount
SEVIS I-901 FeeF and M studentsUSD 350
SEVIS I-901 FeeJ-1 exchange visitorsUSD 220

When You Need To Pay It

You should pay the SEVIS fee only after your school issues your Form I-20 and activates your SEVIS record, and well before your visa interview date, since you need the payment receipt as part of your interview documents.

My Advice

Pay this fee directly through the official government portal and save your electronic receipt in both digital and printed form. Carrying a backup copy has saved many students from delays when the online system was slow to reflect payment on interview day.

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