SEVIS Fee Proposed Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the proposed rule for the implementation and collection of the SEVIS user fee. F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2 and certain J-1 visa holders will be required to pay a $100 fee prior to applying for the appropriate visa. Nonimmigrants applying for J-1 visas to participate in summer work/travel programs or to work as au pairs or camp counselors would be subject to a $35 fee. J-1 visa applicants who would be participating in an exchange program sponsored by the Federal government would have the fee waived.

DHS would be responsible for collecting the fee, which may be paid in two ways. Students may complete the I-901 form on the Internet (through the SEVIS website or at www.FMJfee.com, neither of which is operational at this time) and submit payment via credit card. The I-797 "Notice of Action" will then be immediately available for download and printing. The I-797 will serve as proof of payment, and is required for completing the visa application. Students may also complete a paper copy of the form and mail it, with a check, money order, or foreign draft drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. funds, to DHS at the address indicated on the I-901. Within three days of the fee payment being processed, DHS will mail the I-797 to the student; the receipt may be shipped to the student through a courier or other service that may enable it to be received more quickly for an additional fee.

At some point in the future, consular officials will be able to view the I-797 through the SEVIS system to verify student payment. Until the system is fully integrated, students will be required to submit a copy of the receipt with their visa application.

A complete analysis of the proposed regulations, including more detailed information regarding when payment is required and under what circumstances it will be waived, will be posted to the CCA website shortly. Please feel free to contact Tammy Zimmer at 202-336-6839 or by email at TammyZ@career.org if you have any questions in the meantime.

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