For J-1 Scholars Using Form DS-2019
All new J-1 Scholars using DS-2019 must pay a $220 SEVIS fee prior to applying for a U.S. visa. J-2 dependents do not have to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
When should you pay the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days prior to submitting the application for a U.S. visa. Canadian citizens, who are exempt from the visa requirement, must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days prior to applying for admission to the U.S. at a U.S. port of entry.
How do you pay the SEVIS fee?
You may pay this fee with a credit card online (recommended) or by mail in the form of a check or money order to DHS. Third party payment is permitted. To pay the fee online, go to www.fmjfee.com. Complete the form supplying the necessary information. Be certain that your name appears exactly as it appears on your DS-2019 form.
- Your SEVIS ID# is the number that begins with “N00” and is located in the upper right hand corner of the DS-2019 form.
- The Exchange Visitor Program Number is found on your DS-2019 in section 2.
- The Exchange Visitor Category is found on your DS-2019 form in section 4.
On the second screen you will provide the payment information. If you pay by credit card, you will immediately receive a payment receipt. Print out the receipt (the print button is at the bottom of the receipt page.) If you are paying by mail, you will print out the I-901 form and send it to the address indicated with a check or money order in U.S. dollars for $220.
The receipt is proof you have paid the fee. You will need to present the fee receipt with your visa application and at the U.S. port of entry.
(Canadians will need to present the fee receipt at the U.S. port of entry.)
For more information about the SEVIS fee, see the FMJ I-901 Fee website.