Non-Immigrant Visas
F-1 Visas: Student Visas
SEVIS Registration & Fee
As student applications increase every year, the Department of State strives to keep the process as easy and transparent as possible for all applicants. In order to facilitate this service, all applicants for student visas will be required to provide proof of a new $100 processing fee which must be paid to DHS in the United States. No interview can be done without proof of fee payment.
The SEVIS fee will apply to students who hold I-20s issued after September 1, 2004. It will apply only to principal applicants, and not to their spouses or children. This is a non-refundable fee and is not contingent on visa issuance.
The SEVIS fee is good for the duration of their program of study unless the student falls out of status or changes status. A student will not be required to pay a new fee upon transfer to a new school, extension of stay, or change in educational level.
SEVIS payments may be made by mail or over the internet. The website, www.fmjfee.com, will accept all major credit cards. Non-immigrant student can also pay the I-901 SEVIS fee locally via the use of the Western Union quick pay service. The fee must be recorded at least 3 days prior to the applicant’s visa interview.
Additional information on the SEVIS program can be found on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program website, www.ice.gov. The SEVIS fee must be paid prior to the visa application.
Students may schedule their visa interviews as soon as they are accepted to a university. While visas may not be printed without the I-20 form, students can complete their interviews with only an acceptance letter.
In addition to establishing that he/she is not an intending immigrant, each student must also demonstrate that she/he is a bona fide student and has access to financial resources.
Bona Fide Student: In order to demonstrate that he/she is a bona fide student, applicants are encouraged to be prepared to tell the consular officer about the college search and application process, reasons for choosing a school, reasons for studying in the United States, commitment to completing the degree being pursued, etc. To this end, students are encouraged to bring school transcripts, copies of applications, TOEFL and SAT scores, etc.
Financial Assets: In order to qualify for a student visa, the applicant must show that he/she has funds available to pay for the first year of study and a continuing source of funds for the remaining years of study. Applicants should present full and complete financial documentation to show that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their educational fees and living expenses while in the U.S. Current bank statements for all accounts should be presented.
Effective immediately, all student visa applications will be refused if you are unable to show proof of ability to pay for all educational expenses at the time of your visa interview. Please come prepared for your interview by having all relevant financial information with you at the time of your assigned interview.
Intent to return: When applying for a student visa, applicants are applying for a nonimmigrant visa. Before a nonimmigrant visa may be issued, an applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that he/she is not an intending immigrant. Applicants can do this by showing evidence of their own family, economic, property and/or other social ties to a country outside the U.S. No relative, employer or friend can "guarantee" an applicant's return in place of such evidence. Regardless of who is sponsoring the trip, the consular officer must look at the individual situation and decide whether the applicant meets the requirements on his/her own merits. Please note that consular officers adjudicate visas on the basis of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This law states, "Whenever any person makes application for a visa...the burden of proof shall be upon such person to establish that he is eligible." U.S. immigration law requires consular officers to deny an applicant's application if he or she fails to present convincing evidence that he or she is not an intending immigrant.
Note: By signing the visa application form you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and correct. If you misrepresent any facts, you could be barred from entering the United States. Please double-check that all your answers are accurate and that every question is answered completely. Please inquire with the staff in the Consular Section if you do not understand any of the questions on the application form.
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