Each J-1 Exchange Visitor who receives a new DS-2019 must pay the $180 SEVIS fee before she or he can schedule an appointment for an F-1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. (Only J-1 students or employees who are transferring an existing SEVIS record in the same J-1 category are exempt from paying the SEVIS fee.)
IMPORTANT: Please note that the I-901 Fee is changing from $180 to $220 on June 24, 2019. Plan accordingly to have this fee paid early so you won't pay the extra $40. To read the press release from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, .
You must pay the SEVIS fee online using a credit card at . Be sure to have these items with you when paying the SEVIS fee:
- Your credit card
- Your new DS-2019
- Your passport
After you have paid the fee online, a receipt page will appear on your screen. Be sure to print out that receipt! That receipt is proof of your payment, and you need to keep that receipt with your DS-2019. You will probably have to show the receipt at your J-1 visa interview and again when you are entering the U.S.
Sample Receipt:
