When must I pay my SEVIS fee before my F1 visa interview, and how do I pay it from India?
10 Nov 2026 · Answered by Chaithrakala P L · 2 min read
Quick Answer
verified
You should pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before your F1 visa interview. You can pay online by credit card, by cheque or money order with Form I-901, through Western Union Quick Pay or by courier. Carry your receipt to the interview and check official ICE instructions.
You should pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before your visa interview appointment. You can pay it yourself or a third party can pay it, and DHS provides the payment instructions.
SEVIS Payment Methods
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Credit card | Pay online through the official ICE I-901 page, print the receipt and carry it to your interview |
| Cheque or money order | Drawn on a financial institution based in the USA, payable to "I-901 Student or Exchange Visitor Processing Fee" and sent with a completed Form I-901; the receipt comes by mail from DHS |
| Western Union Quick Pay | Fees can be collected in local currency at some participating locations, using the ICE instructions |
| Courier | Send the I-901 form and the payment to the I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee address given on the official ICE page |
Timing and Receipt
- Pay at least three days before your interview, and earlier if you use mail or courier.
- Carry the receipt to the visa interview.
- Rules and payment options can change, so check the official ICE page before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
My Advice
Pay early rather than at the last minute, since mailed payments and receipts take time. Print or save the receipt in a folder with your other interview documents.
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