Is the SEVIS fee the same as the visa application fee?

Is SEVIS Fee Equivalent to Visa Application Fee?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is often mistaken for the visa application fee. However, the SEVIS fee is distinct from visa application fees and serves a different purpose.

What is SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS fee is a mandatory payment required by international students and exchange visitors. It was established by Congress in 2004 to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS itself.

SEVIS is a database that tracks the status of international students and exchange visitors in the United States. It is used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor compliance with immigration regulations and ensure the safety and well-being of international students and exchange visitors.

Purpose of SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee contributes to the following:

• Maintenance and administration of SEVIS
• Funding for SEVP, which provides support and resources to international students and exchange visitors
• Enforcement of immigration regulations

Visa Application Fee

In contrast to the SEVIS fee, the visa application fee is charged by the U.S. Department of State for processing visa applications. This fee varies depending on the type of visa being sought. The visa application fee is not used to fund SEVIS or SEVP.

Conclusion

The SEVIS fee and the visa application fee are two separate and distinct payments. The SEVIS fee is used to support the administration of SEVIS and the SEVP, while the visa application fee is used to process visa applications. International students and exchange visitors are required to pay both fees as part of their immigration journey to the United States.