Can I apply for f1 visa before paying SEVIS fee?

Can You Apply for an F-1 Visa Before Paying the SEVIS Fee? No.

The short answer is no. You cannot apply for an F-1 student visa before paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee. This fee is a non-refundable, mandatory payment required by the U.S. Department of State before you can even begin the F-1 visa application process.

Think of the SEVIS fee as the key that unlocks the door to your visa application. It’s not merely a formality; it’s a critical step that allows your information to be entered into the SEVIS system. This system is the central database that tracks all international students and exchange visitors in the United States. Without your information in SEVIS, the U.S. embassy or consulate processing your visa application simply cannot proceed.

The SEVIS fee is paid through the official website, FMJfee.com. This secure online platform facilitates the payment and provides you with a crucial SEVIS I-901 receipt number. This number is essential; you’ll need it to complete your DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form, which is the next step in the F-1 visa process.

Attempting to submit your DS-160 or scheduling a visa interview without the SEVIS I-901 fee already paid will result in delays, rejection of your application, and wasted time and effort. The system will flag your application as incomplete, and processing will halt until the fee is paid and your information is properly registered within SEVIS.

In short, paying the SEVIS fee is not optional. It’s the foundational step in obtaining your F-1 visa. Ensure you pay the fee well in advance of your intended travel date to allow ample time for processing both the SEVIS fee and the subsequent visa application. Failing to do so could significantly impact your ability to begin your studies in the United States on time.