Fee Increase Implemented for F, M, and J Applicants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented an increase in application fees charged by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for both students and schools. The changed fees relate to the payments students must submit with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) form I-901. Generally, all new applicants for student status, including F-1 (full-time students), F-3 (commuter students from Canada or Mexico), M-1 (vocational students), or M-3 (commuter students in a vocational program from Canada or Mexico), and certain J-1s (international exchange visitors), must pay the form I-901 SEVIS fee.

Increased Fees for Applicants

Under the new rules, the I-901 SEVIS fee for F and M international students has increased from $200 to $350. In addition, the I-901 SEVIS fee for most J-1 exchange visitors has increased from $180 to $220. The I-901 SEVIS fee for J exchange visitors here under the au pair, camp counselor, and summer work or travel program has remained $35.

Changed Fees for Schools / Universities

In addition to increasing the fees for F, M, and J applicants, the DHS has increased the fee that a school must pay to petition for SEVP certification from $1,700 to $3,000, and introduced new fees. These new fees include a $1,250 application fee for SEVP-certified schools filing a petition for recertification, a $675 fee for the filing of an appeal of the denial of a certification request, and $655 in fees for a change or addition to a school’s physical location.

Effective Date for Fee Increase

Anyone applying for initial F-1, J-1, or M-1 status as of June 24, 2019 generally is subject to the increased SEVIS fees. In most circumstances, the increased fees do not apply to those already in F-1, J-1, or M-1 status.

 

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific or particular circumstance. It is not to be construed as legal advice nor presumed indefinitely up to date.