I-901 SEVIS Fee Increase

It’s been confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to officially increase their fees that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) charges to those needing to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status (minus J-1 au pairs). These fees are effective June 24, 2019.

I-901 Fees
F-1 J-1
Current New Current New
$200 $350 $180 $220

 

These fees are used to cover SEVP’s operational costs such as keeping their staff, adding those nifty new features to the Study in the States website, maintaining SEVIS, and enhancing other programs and future projects.

You might be wondering why SEVP needs these funds. “SEVP is funded entirely by fees, and does not receive any appropriated funding from Congress,” said Rachel Canty, SEVP program director. “SEVP’s fees have not changed since 2008, although our costs have continued to grow due to inflation, expanded program operations and enhancements to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The new and increased fees will enable the program to continue to provide oversight of international students and SEVP-certified schools.”

Now that we have a better understanding of the fee increase and the purpose behind it, you might be asking yourself how does this impact you? Great question! If you are currently in the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status and have been maintaining status, these fees don’t have any impact. Now, if in the future, you need a new I-20 (for reinstatement purposes or if you departed the U.S. and gain admission to a new program) or DS-2019 (beginning a new program objective or different category), then you would be required to pay the new I-901 SEVIS fee.

For any new incoming F-1 and J-1 international visitors that receive their I-20 or DS-2019 from UT Health San Antonio, you are required to pay the non-refundable SEVIS fee. The required fee amount will be determined by the date you pay the fee. The current fee stands up until June 24, 2019.

If you have any questions, reach out to your International Services Representative.

Article Categories: I-901 Fee, Immigration, News