The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a I-901 SEVIS fee in addition to the visa application fee that is charged by the US Embassy/Consulate. Please check www.fmjfee.com for current SEVIS fees. The fee is required by the DHS to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS. This is not an RIT fee; it is required by the US government. RIT is providing this notice to help you understand the visa application process.
The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three business days BEFORE you visit the US Embassy/Consulate for your F-1 or J-1 visa appointment.
You will find information on how to pay the fee on the USCIS SEVIS I-901 Fee website. While the fee may be paid either electronically or by mail, RIT recommends that you use the electronic option to ensure timely processing of your SEVIS fee payment.
IF YOU ARE CANADIAN, the SEVIS fee must be paid BEFORE you reach the US port of entry/border by one of the methods described on the above website.
You will be required to provide proof of payment to the US Embassy/Consulate in order to have your appointment. The proof of payment is the receipt that you will receive after you pay the fee.
The SEVIS fee is not required when transferring schools, changing to another degree program or level, requesting a program extension, renewing an F-1 visa or using F-1 program benefits such as practical training. If you are in status when you travel internationally and are not physically outside of the U.S. for more than five months, you will not have to pay the fee.