DHS Implements SEVIS Fee Collection for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas

The Department of Homeland Security requires many nonimmigrant visa seekers to pay a SEVIS fee prior to going to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for their visa. This applies to most new JMU students and J-1 scholars.

Persons Affected

This fee regulation applies to anyone entering JMU for the first time in F-1 or J-1 status, except for those participating in a U.S. government sponsored exchange visitor program which is fee exempt. In addition, it affects current JMU scholars and students who

• File an application for reinstatement when they have been out of status for more than 5 months or after a substantive violation;
• Apply for a new visa or return to the U.S. after an absence of 5 months or more that did not involve authorized overseas study;
• Apply for a change of exchange visitor category unless the new exchange visitor category is fee exempt.

Payment of Fee and Receipt

It is strongly recommended that this fee be paid electronically by credit card, after which you will print out a receipt immediately. The receipt is needed in order to process your request for a visa and must be obtained prior to attending your visa interview. If you are unable to pay by credit card you may pay with a money order or cashier's check through a mail service, but you must allow additional time for processing of the receipt which you must have in order to apply for your visa.

Additional Government Information

For additional information about this fee, see the official SEVIS instructions at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm