Do you have to pay Sevis fee before visa appointment?

Understanding SEVIS Fee Payment for Visa Appointments

Students applying for an F-1 or M-1 student visa must pay a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. This fee is used to maintain the SEVIS database, which tracks information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States.

SEVIS Fee Payment Timeline

It is important to note that SEVIS fees do not need to be paid before your visa appointment. However, it is crucial to ensure that payment is made at least three business days prior to your scheduled U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview.

Steps for Paying SEVIS Fee

To pay the SEVIS fee, follow these steps:

1. Create an SEVIS Form I-901 Fee Payment Account: Visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website (https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html) and create an account.

2. Complete the SEVIS Form I-901: Provide your personal and visa information.

3. Pay the Fee: Choose a payment method and submit the required fee. The current SEVIS fee is $350.

Confirmation of Payment

Once the payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation receipt. Keep this receipt for your records and bring it to your visa appointment.

Consequences of Late Payment

Failure to pay the SEVIS fee before the deadline will delay the processing of your visa application. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate may not schedule your interview until the fee has been received and verified.

Conclusion

By understanding the SEVIS fee payment process, you can ensure a timely and successful visa application. Remember to pay the fee at least three business days before your scheduled visa appointment and keep your confirmation receipt for future reference.