One of the most well-liked study abroad locations for international students is the United States. The nation is proud of its top-notch educational system, internationally renowned establishments, multicultural atmosphere, and prosperous labor market. In addition to all of its other advantages, the fact that it has the best acceptance rate for student visas encourages students to study in the US each year.
When applying for a student visa to the United States, you may probably encounter the acronym SEVIS. It’s normal for new students to be perplexed by SEVIS. Therefore, we made this thorough guide to help you navigate the process with ease.
What is SEVIS?
In the United States, SEVIS is an acronym for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based system that keeps track of and documents data about all foreign students who come to the country and remain there.
How does it work?
Your university notifies the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of your SEVIS information when it accepts your application and extends an admission offer. After that, your university gives you the SEVIS number. Your I-20 form shows this number.
Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee?
For the following reasons, you must pay the SEVIS Fee in order to enter the United States:
- if you’re living in the US and requesting to change your non-immigrant status to F-1.
- Despite being ineligible for almost five months while in the nation, you have requested for reinstatement.
- if you have an I-20 and are applying for a visa as a new student starting an IUPUI program.
- if you are a Canadian citizen traveling to the US with F-1 status.
Required details needed to pay the SEVIS fee
You need to provide the following details in order to pay the SEVIS Fee:
- Country of citizenship and country of birth.
- Date of birth, name, and email address.
- Form I-20’s SEVIS Identification Number is used.
- School Code as it appears on the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” section of Form I-20.
How much does the SEVIS fee cost?
The SEVIS fee is USD 350 (INR 26,571) for F-1 students. The SEVIS fee must be paid prior to filing for a visa.
Steps to pay the SEVIS fee
You must pay the SEVIS fee as soon as possible because it is merely the first stage in the visa application process. You can pay the SEVIS charge by mail or online. Since paying the SEVIS charge online is the fastest way to transmit money internationally, it is recommended. Below is a brief guide on how to pay the SEVIS Fee:
Step 1: Access the Department of Homeland Security’s official website.
Step 2: The second step is to select “Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment.”
Step 3: Carefully read the instructions provided, then choose the I-20 radio button and click
Step 4: Fill out the form with the relevant data. Remember that the details must be exactly the same as those on your I-20. You would need to provide the following details:
Details about yourself, including your SEVIS number (included in your I-20),
Your address,
Step 5: Decide what kind of receipt delivery you need. Standard or expedited delivery options are available for receipts.
Step 6: Select a payment option. Using a credit card or another online payment option is recommended. F-1 students who were born in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, or Cameroon are required to pay using Western Union Quick Pay, a money order, or a certified check made on a U.S. bank.
Step 7: Bring up the information needed to make the payment.
Step 8: Make the required USD 350 SEVIS fee payment.
Step 9: You will immediately receive a receipt. Remember to save a copy of the printout of the receipt. Keep a copy of your receipt with your other important immigration documents.
Studying in the United States can have a profound impact on one’s life. Gaining a degree and a global perspective will let you access a whole new range of prospects. Now is the time to begin applying for the upcoming intake. Get in touch with our foreign education specialists if you have any questions or require professional guidance; we would be pleased to assist you.
