SEVIS Fee Explained

The SEVIS fee is one of the first hurdles for international students heading to the US. Here's everything you need to know: what it is, how much it costs, and how to pay it.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It's a web-based system managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that tracks international students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J visa) in the United States.

Every international student and exchange visitor must be registered in SEVIS. Your school or program sponsor creates your SEVIS record when they issue your I-20 (for students) or DS-2019 (for exchange visitors).

What is the SEVIS I-901 fee?

The I-901 fee is a one-time payment that funds the SEVIS program. It must be paid before your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Without proof of payment, you cannot receive your student or exchange visitor visa.

How much is the SEVIS fee?

Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee?

You need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee if you are:

• A prospective F-1 or M-1 student attending a U.S. school for the first time

• A J-1 exchange visitor participating in a U.S. program

• A student whose SEVIS record was terminated and needs to be reinstated

• A student changing schools and receiving a new initial I-20

You do not need to pay if you are a dependent (F-2, M-2, J-2 visa holders) or certain government-sponsored exchange visitors.

How to pay from anywhere in the world

The easiest way for international students to pay the SEVIS fee is through Base. The Base SEVIS Fee Tool lets you pay your I-901 fee using a local bank transfer, mobile money, or card, without needing a U.S.-issued account. Payments are confirmed in under 24 hours.

Step 1: Download Base Get the Base app for iOS or Android.

Step 2: Create an account Sign up in a few minutes. No U.S. bank account needed.

Step 3: Open the SEVIS tool Find the SEVIS Fee Tool on your Base tools screen in your community or on the explore tab.

When should I pay?

Pay your SEVIS fee at least 3 business days before your visa interview. The payment needs time to process and appear in the SEVIS system. With Base, we recommend paying at least 3–5 days before your interview to be safe.

Is the SEVIS fee refundable?

The SEVIS fee is non-refundable once submitted to DHS. Even if your visa is denied, you cannot get the fee back. However, if your visa is denied and you apply again within 12 months, you do not need to pay again. Your existing payment is still valid.

Still have questions? Contact us

Base is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or any U.S. government agency.