This is the peak time for student visa applicants aspiring to begin their studies in fall 2012. We at Murthy Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd. have received inquiries from several prospective students who have already paid the SEVIS I-901 fee to attend one school but, for some reason, have to choose a different school. In this article, we discuss the procedure to transfer the SEVIS fee, as well as another option available to such students.
What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
The I-901 fee is mandated by Congress to support the SEVIS program, the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor who received an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on or after October 27, 2008, is responsible for paying this fee to the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). There are some exceptions. More information on exemptions can be found here.
Evidence of Payment of the SEVIS I-901 Fee Required for Visa Interview
Students or exchange visitors seeking F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad are required to present evidence that they paid the SEVIS I-901 fee at the time of their visa application, unless s/he is specifically exempted from this requirement. Students or exchange visitors should bring to their visa interview a copy of the online receipt, or the physical receipt, to prove they have paid the SEVIS fee, as required. Applicants who appear for a visa interview without this evidence may be required by the consular officer to return to the consulate, with the same.
Transfer of SEVIS I-901 Fee Possible Before Interview Is Scheduled
If a student has already paid the SEVIS I-901 fee to one school, and received an I-20 or DS-2019 from the same, but has not yet scheduled a visa interview, s/he can request the SEVP to transfer the SEVIS Fee to another school. SEVP can transfer the SEVIS Fee at its discretion, if the following conditions are met:
- The SEVIS I-901 fee must be moved between SEVIS ID numbers for the same individual;
- Only the student or exchange visitor may request the move;
- The SEVIS I-901 fee amount for the new school or program must be less than or equal to the SEVIS I-901 fee already paid; and
- An additional SEVIS I-901 fee is not required in the case.If the above conditions are met, the student can request the SEVIS I-901 fee transfer by an eMail with all relevant information to fmjfee.SEVIS@DHS.gov.
Transfer of SEVIS Fee After Visa Interview Is Scheduled
If a student or exchange visitor discovers, after the visa interview is scheduled, that s/he needs to transfer the SEVIS fee to a different school or program, s/he may opt to keep the interview appointment, provided that s/he gives notice of the change in school/program at the time of the visa interview, notifying both the officials at the pre-screening counter and the consular officer. However, in such cases, it often is preferable for students/exchange visitors to cancel their visa interview and schedule a new one, to avoid any confusion.
Transfer of SEVIS Fee After the Visa Has Been Approved
If the student or exchange visitor’s visa already has been approved, and the visa holder has not travelled to the U.S., but opts to attend a different university or institution, s/he can still request a transfer of the SEVIS fee, but s/he needs to apply for a fresh visa.
We wish all students the best with their academic aspirations. We at Murthy Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd. have helped many student visa applicants to present an honest and transparent application, contributing to their success, even after several prior visa refusals.
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