Do I need to repay the SEVIS fee?

Do I Need to Repay the SEVIS Fee? Navigating the Nuances of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Fee

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is a significant expense for international students and exchange visitors seeking to study in the United States. Understanding the nuances surrounding this fee, particularly whether you need to pay it repeatedly, is crucial for effective financial planning.

The straightforward answer is: the SEVIS fee is generally non-refundable. Once paid, you won’t receive a refund regardless of whether your visa application is approved or denied. This holds true regardless of the reason for denial, be it insufficient documentation, an interview issue, or any other factor.

However, a crucial exception exists for applicants whose visa applications were denied and who are reapplying within one year. In these situations, you may be able to reuse your previous SEVIS fee payment. This means you won’t need to pay the fee again, saving you a substantial amount of money.

The Key to Avoiding Duplicate Payments:

The ability to reuse a previous SEVIS payment hinges on several factors. Crucially, it’s not automatic. You must actively verify your eligibility with the relevant SEVIS-designated school official (DSO) at your chosen institution. They have access to the SEVIS system and can confirm whether your prior payment remains valid and applicable to your new application.

What to Do:

1. Contact your DSO: This is the most important step. Before paying the SEVIS fee again, contact your DSO at the educational institution you plan to attend. Provide them with your previous I-797 confirmation number (if available), your SEVIS ID, and the date of your previous payment.

2. Check your previous application: Carefully review the documentation from your previous visa application. This will help you provide accurate information to your DSO and expedite the verification process.

3. Understand the implications of reusing the fee: While reusing the fee is possible, it doesn’t guarantee visa approval. The reasons for your previous denial must be addressed before reapplying.

4. Only pay if necessary: Only pay the SEVIS fee again after explicitly confirming with your DSO that your previous payment is no longer valid.

In conclusion: While the SEVIS fee is non-refundable in most cases, reapplying within a year doesn’t automatically necessitate a second payment. Proactive communication with your DSO is paramount to determine whether you can reuse your previous payment, potentially saving you significant expense and streamlining the reapplication process. Don’t assume you need to pay again – always verify your eligibility first.