SEVIS Fee

Beginning September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule went into effect. This rule requires F-1 student visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of $100 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS). The following questions and answers specifically address SEVIS fee issues for F-1 students.

Prospective students with initial attendance I-20s dated on or after September 1, 2004 who are applying for an initial F-1 visa from outside the US. F-2 dependents (spouse and children under age of 21) do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.

No. If you plan to transfer your current SEVIS record to Golden Gate University, you will not need to pay the fee.

The fee must be paid at least three business days prior to applying for your visa and attending your interview. For Canadians, applying for admission at a US port of entry, the fee should also be paid three business days in advance.

The fee can be paid to the DHS online, at a Western Union that offers Quick Pay service, or by mail and must be accompanied by a Form I-901. It can be paid by you or by a third party, inside or outside the US. GGU strongly recommends that you pay the fee online.

To Pay Online (Recommended)

1. Download Form I-901.
2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information. Be sure to enter your last name, first name, date of birth, and SEVIS ID exactly as it appears on your I-20 form (located in the upper right corner of page 1).
3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
4. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

To Pay By Mail

1. Download Form I-901.
2. Complete the Form I-901. Be sure to write your last name, first name, date of birth, and SEVIS ID exactly as it appears on your I-20 form.
3. Prepare a check, international money order or foreign draft (drawn on US banks only) in the amount of $100 USD, made payable to "The Department of Homeland Security."
4. Mail the completed Form I-901 and payment to the address listed on Form I-901.
5. A Form I-797 receipt notice should be mailed within 3 days of processing the fee. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

Golden Gate University SEVIS School Code: SFR214F00623000 The SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.