The Ultimate Guide to the
SEVIS I-901 Fee
Your comprehensive roadmap to understanding, paying, and verifying your SEVIS status for your U.S. internship. Don’t let paperwork stall your career.
Start Payment Guide Read FAQsWhat is the SEVIS Fee?
“SEVIS” stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the central digital database that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on international students and exchange visitors while they are in the United States.
The I-901 Fee (or SEVIS Fee) is what funds this system. It is a mandatory, one-time fee for each program you participate in. It is separate from your visa application fee (MRV fee) and separate from any program fees you pay to Bridge Aspire.
Why is it important?
Simply put: No fee, no visa. The U.S. Consular Officer cannot issue your J-1 Visa unless they can verify in their system that your SEVIS fee has been paid. Paying this fee “activates” your unique SEVIS ID number.
Who Needs to Pay?
Most Bridge Aspire participants are required to pay the I-901 fee. However, the amount depends on your specific visa category. Check the table below to find your fee.
| Visa Category | Fee Amount | Details & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| J-1 Interns & Trainees | $220 | This is the standard fee for most Bridge Aspire participants. |
| J-1 Au Pair / Summer Work Travel | $35 | Reduced fee category for specific short-term programs. |
| J-2 Dependents | FREE ($0) | Spouses and children of J-1 holders do not pay a separate fee. |
| F-1 Students (Academic) | $350 | (Shown for comparison only – not for J-1 programs). |
*Note: Some government-sponsored programs (Program codes starting with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7) are exempt from this fee.
Before You Pay: Required Information
Accuracy is critical. Before you log in to pay, ensure you have the following documents physically in front of you. Do not guess on any of these details.
- Form DS-2019: You cannot pay without this form.
- SEVIS ID Number: Found at the top right of your DS-2019 (Starts with N, e.g., N0012345678).
- Program Number: Also found on your DS-2019 (e.g., P-1-00000).
- Passport: You must enter your name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone of your passport.
- School Code: For Trainees/Interns, this is the Program Number mentioned above.
SEVIS Fee vs. Visa Fee – What’s the Difference?
| Fee Type | Amount | Purpose | Paid To |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEVIS Fee | $220 USD | Tracks international participants | U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
| Visa Fee | $160 USD | Visa application (DS-160) | U.S. Embassy or Consulate |
Video Guide: How to Pay
A quick visual walkthrough on navigating the official FMJFee.com website.
Step-by-Step Payment Process
Visit FMJFee.com
Go to www.fmjfee.com. This is the ONLY official US government site for this fee. Click “PAY I-901 FEE”.
Enter Your Details
Enter your SEVIS ID, Last Name, and Date of Birth exactly as they appear on your DS-2019. Select “J-1” as your visa type.
Payment Method
Credit/Debit Card: Recommended (Visa, MasterCard, Amex). Instant processing.
Western Union: Requires printing a coupon first, then paying cash at a store location.
Print the Receipt
Do not skip this! You need a physical paper copy for your interview and for Customs at the airport. Save a PDF backup to your phone.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Paying for the wrong ID (e.g., from a previous program or a typo) means your current status remains unpaid. Fixing this requires a manual transfer request.
Do not use nicknames. If your passport says “Jonathan,” do not write “Jon.” The data must match your passport exactly.
Avoid third-party “visa service” websites. They often charge unnecessary processing fees or may be fraudulent. Stick to FMJfee.com.
Never dispute the credit card charge after paying. This will immediately invalidate your SEVIS payment and could lead to visa revocation.
Special Considerations
Canadian Citizens
You may not need a visa interview at an embassy, but you must pay the SEVIS fee. You will present the physical receipt to the CBP officer at the border or airport upon entry.
Visa Denials
If your visa is denied, your SEVIS fee is generally valid for 12 months. If you re-apply for the same visa category within that year, you do not need to pay the $220 again.
Transfers
Changing Host Companies before arrival? You can transfer your payment to your new SEVIS ID by emailing [email protected] with your old and new SEVIS IDs.
