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International Student and Scholar Services
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)


What is SEVIS?
SEVIS Fee
Transfer the SEVIS Fee

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is a web-based technology system used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for tracking international students and scholars, as well as their dependents, while in the United States.

Federal law requires that Georgetown University report certain personal, academic and employment-related data information on international students and scholars, via SEVIS, on an on-going basis to both DHS and the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This information includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Student, scholar and dependent names and current U.S. addresses
  • Visa classifications (F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2)
  • Dates visa issued or classification granted
  • Recent dates of entry and ports of entry
  • Current enrollment status (full-time, part-time or not enrolled) as well as hours enrolled
  • Academic majors 
  • Beginning and ending dates of studies, research or teaching
  • Sources of funding
  • Program extensions (if a student/scholar does not finish the program by the anticipated completion date on the Form I-20/DS-2019)
  • Terminations
  • Dates of approved practical training
  • School transfers
  • Any academic disciplinary action taken against international students due to criminal conviction

Consequences of Non-Compliance 
SEVIS requires that all students and scholars be informed of F-1 or J-1 status rights and responsibilities. A violation of any visa-related regulation (intentional or unintentional) must be reported to DHS and DOS, and may result in the loss of F-1 or J-1 immigration status.  Loss of visa status could ultimately lead to deportation from the United States.  Georgetown University is required to report violations of status via SEVIS. 

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SEVIS Fee

What is the SEVIS fee?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charges a one-time SEVIS fee for every new F-1 student or J-1 program.  This fee is separate from the visa application fee. Detailed information on the fee can be found on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Who must pay the SEVIS fee?

  • An incoming student or scholar applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa, whose Form I-20 is marked for initial attendance or whose Form DS-2019 is to be used for initial participation in a program.
  • An incoming student or scholar applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 from another visa category inside the United States.
  • A current F-1 student in the United States who is filing for reinstatement after being out of status more than five months.
  • A J-1 Exchange Visitor applying for a change of category (J-1 researcher to J-1 student, etc.) within the United States.
  • A J-1 Exchange Visitor in a U.S. Government-sponsored program who is transferring to a non-U.S. Government-sponsored program.

    Who is exempt from paying the SEVIS Fee?

  • Students and scholars transferring their immigration status to Georgetown from another U.S. institution or outside J-1 exchange program (except those currently sponsored by the U.S. Government).
  • Dependents (spouses or children under the age of 21) of F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
  • F-1 students applying for reinstatement who have been out of status for less than five months.

    When do I pay the SEVIS Fee?

  • At least three business days prior to your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • At least three days before entering a U.S. port of entry if you are exempt from the visa requirement.
  • Prior to the submission of a change of status application.

    How do I pay the SEVIS Fee by credit card?

    1. Visit the SEVIS Fee processing website.
    2. Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information.  Please note: You must type your name exactly as it appears on your Form I-20/DS-2019.
    3. Print a copy of the online receipt.
    4. Keep one copy of the receipt with other important immigration documents.  Take a second copy of the receipt to the consulate or embassy for the interview. When applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1 within the United States, make a copy of the receipt to include with the application.

    How do I pay the SEVIS Fee in my local currency?
    This option is available in any country where Western Union offers its Quick Pay™ service. 

    1. Access the instructions, along with a completed Western Union form, on the SEVP website.
    2. Find the nearest Western Union location.
    3. Bring a printed copy of the instructions and the completed Western Union form to the nearest Western Union office to process payment.
    4. Use the completed Western Union receipt as immediate proof-of-payment for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy and for admission at a U.S. port of entry.

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    How do I transfer the SEVIS Fee?

    The SEVIS fee is transferable.  It is attached to the applicant's name, not the SEVIS number.  Save the receipt of payment with all important immigration documents.  If a student or scholar pays the SEVIS fee using another institution’s Form I-20 or DS-2019 and then decides to attend Georgetown University, s/he should save both the receipt and the unused immigration form for which the original SEVIS fee was paid and bring them to the visa interview.  To request a refund of the fee or assistance in transferring the fee from one institution to another, contact fmjfee.sevis@DHS.gov.

    More information about the SEVIS Fee can be found on the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement website or by contacting your IS Advisor.

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