All new J-1s are required to pay a SEVIS fee of $220. This fee is generally viewed to be the responsibility of the J-1 Exchange Visitor. However, in some situations, the department has decided to cover this expense for the Exchange Visitor. If the department covers this fee on behalf of the Exchange Visitor, then the confirmation of the fee payment should be provided to the Exchange Visitor, as it may be needed when the visa application is made at the US Consulate or when the Exchange Visitor enters the US.
What is the purpose of the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on or after October 27, 2008, is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP.
How much is the SEVIS fee?
$220 for J-1 exchange visitors
When is the SEVIS fee required?
The SEVIS fee must be paid for J-1’s who are beginning a new program. It is not required for those who are transferring their SEVIS record to WashU or extending their J program. J-2 dependents do not need to pay this fee.
What forms of payment are accepted for the SEVIS fee?
Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), Debit Card (displaying the MasterCard or Visa logo), Check, or Money Order. Traveler’s Checks are not accepted. Note that credit card payments are not allowed for nationals of certain countries where have been incidents of fraud involving credit card payments for the SEVIS fee.
What sources of funding may be used to pay for the SEVIS fee?
If this fee is paid by or reimbursed by a Washington University department, the fees may not be charged to federal grants. However, departments could charge the fee to non-federal projects and/or other departmental funds. The portion of the SEVIS fee charged to non-federal projects should correspond to the individual percentage of salary that the grant supports (20% salary support = 20% of SEVIS fee). For questions about whether this payment is taxable, contact the Tax Office.
Where is the SEVIS fee paid?
Go online to www.fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the payment confirmation. The printed confirmation will serve as proof of payment for the I-901 SEVIS fee