The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days prior to submitting the application for a U.S. visa. Canadian citizens, who are exempt from the visa requirement, must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days prior to applying for admission to the U.S. at a U.S. port of entry. Dependents applying for F-2 or J-2 visas do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.

You may pay this fee with a credit card online at www.fmjfee.com, or by mail in the form of a check or Western Union money order to DHS. Third party payment is permitted. For payment information, see the SEVIS I-901 fee website.

When paying the SEVIS fee, make sure to complete all questions on the form, and make certain that your name appears exactly as it is listed on the I-20 form. The SEVIS ID# is the number which begins with "N00" located in the upper right hand corner of the I-20 form above the bard code.

If paying online, print out the electronic receipt for your records. You will also need this receipt for the visa interview as proof of payment. Canadians will need to present the receipt at the U.S. port of entry. Once the payment has been processed, whether online or by mail, you are able to reprint confirmation of payment at anytime on the SEVIS I-901 fee payment website.