Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee again?

Do You Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee Again?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a database used by the United States government to track foreign students and exchange visitors. All non-immigrant students and exchange visitors are required to pay a SEVIS fee when they first enter the United States.

However, there are certain circumstances under which you may be exempt from paying the SEVIS fee again. One of these circumstances is if you are maintaining your exchange visitor status in the United States.

What is Exchange Visitor Status?

Exchange visitor status is a non-immigrant visa status that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to participate in educational, cultural, or training programs. Exchange visitor visas are typically issued for a period of one to two years.

Maintaining Exchange Visitor Status

To maintain your exchange visitor status, you must:

• Be enrolled in a full course of study at an accredited educational institution
• Be actively participating in the program for which you were admitted
• Comply with all the terms and conditions of your visa

If You Maintain Exchange Visitor Status

If you maintain your exchange visitor status, you will not be required to pay the SEVIS fee again. This is because you have already paid the fee when you first entered the United States.

If You Change Status

If you change your status from exchange visitor to another non-immigrant status, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee again. This is because you are now considered a new non-immigrant entrant.

Conclusion

If you are maintaining your exchange visitor status in the United States, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again. However, if you change your status to another non-immigrant status, you will need to pay the fee again.