Can I pay the SEVIS fee before DS-160?

Can I Pay the SEVIS Fee Before Submitting the DS-160 Form?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is a mandatory payment that international students must make before applying for an F-1 or M-1 student visa. This fee helps fund the SEVIS system, which is used to track and maintain information about students and exchange visitors in the United States.

When Should I Pay the SEVIS Fee?

It is essential to pay the SEVIS fee before attending your visa interview. The timing of your SEVIS fee payment is not dependent on when you submit your DS-160 form, the online application for a nonimmigrant visa.

How to Pay the SEVIS Fee

To pay the SEVIS fee, follow these steps:

1. Visit the SEVIS fee payment website: https://www.fmjfee.com/
2. Select the “Student Visa Applications” tab and click on “Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee.”
3. Enter your personal information and follow the instructions on the website.
4. Pay the SEVIS fee using a credit card or debit card.

After Paying the SEVIS Fee

Once you have paid the SEVIS fee, you will receive a confirmation receipt. This receipt must be printed and brought to your visa interview.

Importance of the SEVIS Fee

Paying the SEVIS fee is crucial for your student visa application. Without a valid SEVIS fee receipt, your visa application may be rejected. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you pay the SEVIS fee on time and keep the receipt for reference.