Do you need to pay the SEVIS fee again?

Re-Applying for the Same Visa Type Within A Year? Avoid Paying the SEVIS Fee Twice!

If you find yourself in the position of re-applying for the same type of visa within a year, you're in luck. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, known as the I-901 fee, remains valid for one year from the date of payment. This means that you can re-apply without having to pay the fee again, as long as your previous payment is still within that 12-month period.

Eligibility for Fee Waiver

This fee waiver applies specifically to instances where you are re-applying for the same type of visa within a year. If you are applying for a different type of visa, or if more than 12 months have passed since your previous payment, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee again.

Benefits of the Fee Waiver

The fee waiver for re-applicants provides significant savings of $350. This can be a substantial cost reduction, especially if you are re-applying for a student visa or other long-term visa type.

How to Claim the Fee Waiver

When you re-apply for your visa, simply indicate on the application that you have already paid the SEVIS fee within the past twelve months. You should provide the date of your previous payment and the receipt number if possible.

Example

Let's say you paid the SEVIS fee on January 1, 2023. If you re-apply for the same type of visa on December 15, 2023 (within the 12-month period), you would qualify for the fee waiver.

Conclusion

If you are re-applying for the same visa type within a year, it's important to be aware of the SEVIS fee waiver. This can save you a considerable amount of money and make the re-application process more efficient and less costly.