SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a central computerized system implemented in 2004 to track international students and exchange visitors during their stays in the United States. The SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who come to the United States for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities, and language training programs. It is payable one time for each single educational program in which an F-1 or F-3 student participates, extending from the time the student is granted F-1 or F-3 status to the time the student falls out of status, changes status, or departs the U.S. for an extended period of time. SEVIS fee payments will be used by the United States Department of Homeland Security to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

SEVIS Fee
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charges a $200 USD fee to all initial entry international students and exchange visitors/scholars with forms I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1.) Dependents and students transferring directly from U.S. institutions are exempt from paying the fee unless there are extenuating circumstances. The SEVIS fee is a nonrefundable fee even if you are denied a visa. If you applied for an F-1 visa and paid the SEVIS fee within the last year but were denied a visa, you do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again as long as you re-apply for the same kind of program with 12 months of the initial denial.

The I-901 fee should be paid using the SEVIS ID listed in the top right corner of form I-20, and at least 3 business days prior to your visa interview. Online payments are the most efficient method; a copy of the payment receipt (I-797) is required at your interview. The SEVIS fee cannot be paid at a U.S. consular office, embassy or port of entry. Harrisburg Area Community College's SEVIS code for I-20 issuance is PHI214F00882000.

To pay by mail

1. Obtain a Form I-901 (pdf)
2. Complete the I-901. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on the I-20.
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on U.S. banks only) in the amount of $200 USD, made payable to "The I-901 Student/ Exchange Visitor Processing Fee."
4. Mail the completed I-901 and payment to:

   I-901 Student/ Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
   P.O. Box 970020
   St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
   USA

5. A receipt notice (I-797) should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

To pay online

1. Find the Form I-901 at www.FMJfee.com.
2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard, or American Express information. Be sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.
3. Print a copy of the online receipt - make copies of it and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

A third party such as a friend or family member can pay the fee on your behalf through the same means described above. If you pay the SEVIS fee by the Internet, you can print a receipt directly from your computer. This computer-generated receipt can be used to verify that you have paid the fee at an embassy, consular post, or port-of-entry. Mailing the SEVIS fee does not constitute payment. The fee is processed when it is received by the DHS. If you mail your payment rather than pay on the Internet, it can take a considerable amount of time for payment to be received and for you to receive a receipt by return mail. It is highly recommend that you pay the fee via the Internet.

Whether you choose to pay the fee by the Internet or by mail, a paper receipt will be mailed to the address you provide on Form I-901. You may choose to have this receipt sent to you either by regular mail or, at an additional charge, by express delivery.