How Can I Pay For My SEVIS Fee?

What’s Happening

This fee isn’t just some bureaucratic box to check. It directly supports the system that keeps tabs on your status while you study or train in America. F and M visa applicants typically pay $350, while J visa holders owe $220. Dependents on F-2, M-2, or J-2 visas get a free pass. Just remember: process the payment at least three days before your embassy interview, or the system won’t recognize it. Left unused for 12 months? You’ll need to pay again. Good news though—through 2026, the fee stays the same as recent years, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Find your SEVIS ID and school code: Flip to the top left of your I-20 (F/M) or DS-2019 (J). You’ll see an ID starting with “N” followed by 10 digits—that’s your SEVIS number. Right next to it sits your school or program code.
2. Head to FMJFee.com: Fire up a secure browser and land on FMJFee.com. Click “Submit Form I-901” to begin.
3. Fill in your details: Type your SEVIS ID, last name, first name, and birth date exactly as they appear on your document. Double-check your visa type (F/M or J) and program info while you’re at it.
4. Review the fee: F and M students pay $350; J visitors pay $220. The site calculates the right amount automatically based on your visa category.
5. Pay with a credit card: Stick to Visa, MasterCard, or American Express—debit cards and bank transfers won’t cut it here. Once paid, grab your receipt right away—either save the PDF or print a copy.
6. Never lose that receipt: Keep a digital backup (screenshot or PDF) and a printed version in your bag. You’ll need it at your visa interview alongside your DS-160 confirmation and other paperwork.

If This Didn’t Work

• Payment got declined: Wait a day or two before trying again—payments can lag. Still stuck? Hit up FMJFee support through the “Contact Us” link on their site.
• Can’t find your receipt: Log back into FMJFee.com, click “Check I-901 Status,” and reprint it. The system keeps records for up to five years as of 2026.
• Wrong fee showed up: Double-check your visa type—F/M applicants owe $350; J applicants owe $220. If it’s wrong, reach out to DHS Study in the States to straighten it out.

Prevention Tips

Timing matters here. Submit early—it can take up to five business days for the fee to show up in SEVIS. Keep both digital and paper copies of your receipt somewhere safe. Changing schools or visa status? Check if you need a new SEVIS fee—only fresh SEVIS numbers trigger a new payment. J-2 dependents should ask their sponsor whether the $220 fee was already covered by the primary J-1 holder. Before hitting submit, triple-check your name, SEVIS ID, and program details to dodge processing headaches. And don’t fall for sketchy third-party sites—FMJFee.com is the only official portal as of 2026, says U.S. Department of State.