SEVIS Fee for J-1 Visa: What It Is and How Much It Costs
Table of Contents
What Is the SEVIS Fee?
The I-901 fee for the US exchange visitor database. For J-1 applicants it is $220.
Key Takeaways
- $220 for J-1 applicants.
- Paid separately from the visa application fee.
- Some special J programs pay $35, government visitors nothing.
- Form
- I-901
- J-1 applicants
- $220
- Special J programs
- $35
- Government visitors
- $0
- Database
- SEVIS
Amounts
| Who | Fee |
|---|---|
| J visa applicants (full payment) | $220 |
| Special J visa categories (subsidized) | $35 |
| Government visitors | $0 |
| For comparison: F and M students | $350 |
Source: ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee
Not the Same as the Visa Fee
The SEVIS fee goes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The visa application fee is a separate payment for your consular appointment.
The US embassy or consulate where you apply explains on its website how to pay the visa application fee. For all costs at a glance, see J-1 Costs.
Source: ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee · J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
FAQs
How much is the SEVIS fee for a J-1 Visa?
$220 for J visa applicants. Some special J programs pay $35, and government visitors pay nothing.
Source: ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee
What does SEVIS stand for?
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the electronic database that collects information on F, M and J visa holders and their accompanying spouses and dependents. See SEVIS.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
Who tells me how to pay the SEVIS fee?
Your sponsor. Before you arrive, sponsors must give you clear information on paying SEVIS fees and getting your visa, including the documents you need for the Visa Interview. Questions about your SEVIS registration also go to your sponsor.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.10: Program administration · J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
The Bottom Line
For J-1 interns and trainees the I-901 SEVIS fee is $220, paid separately from the visa application fee. Your sponsor tells you how to make the payment.
Related Terms
- SEVISThe US government database that holds the records of F, M and J visa holders and their families.more
- J-1 CostsWhat a J-1 internship or traineeship costs besides the trip, from the SEVIS fee to living costs in the US.more
- Visa InterviewThe appointment at a US embassy or consulate where you apply for your J-1 Visa with your DS-2019.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
Sources
- ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
- 22 CFR § 62.10: Program administration