Most visa problems don’t start at the embassy.
They start with a payment that didn’t go through.
If you’re applying for a U.S. student or exchange visa, the SEVIS fee is one of the first things you must pay. It sounds simple. Go online. Enter your details. Pay.
In reality, this is where many applicants get stuck, especially outside the U.S.
This guide explains exactly how to pay the SEVIS fee, why payments fail, and how students from any country can pay successfully.
What the SEVIS Fee Is
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
The SEVIS fee is a mandatory payment to the U.S. government. It funds the system that tracks international students and exchange visitors while they study or train in the U.S.
You pay it before your visa interview.
No SEVIS payment, no visa approval.
Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee
You must pay the SEVIS fee if you’re applying for:
- F-1 visa (academic students)
- M-1 visa (vocational students)
- J-1 visa (exchange visitors — most categories)
You do not pay it:
- For B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- If your J-1 program sponsor covers the fee (rare)
How Much Is the SEVIS Fee?
| Visa Type | SEVIS Fee |
|---|---|
| F-1 | $350 |
| M-1 | $350 |
| J-1 | $220 |
The amount is fixed and paid in US dollars.
Where You Pay the SEVIS Fee
There is only one official website:
The SEVIS I-901 fee payment portal is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
If you’re paying anywhere else, stop.
Accepted SEVIS Payment Methods
On the official SEVIS website, you can pay with:
- International debit card
- International credit card
- U.S. bank transfer (not useful for most applicants)
This is where problems begin.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay the SEVIS Fee Online
Here’s the exact process:
- Go to the official SEVIS I-901 website
- Enter your SEVIS ID (from your I-20 or DS-2019)
- Confirm your personal details
- Choose card payment
- Enter your card details
- Submit payment
- Download and save your SEVIS payment receipt
That receipt is important.
You’ll need it for your visa interview.
Why SEVIS Fee Payments Fail (Very Common)
Most failed payments have nothing to do with the applicant.
They fail because:
- Local bank cards are restricted from international payments
- The card does not support USD online billing
- The bank blocks government or foreign transactions
- Daily or monthly card limits are too low
- The payment gateway flags the card as “high risk.”
This happens a lot in:
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
When this happens, applicants panic.
They shouldn’t, but they do.
How to Pay SEVIS Fee From Any Country (What Actually Works)
The simplest solution is to use a USD-based virtual card that works globally.
This is why many students use EverTry Virtual Dollar Cards.
Why this works:
- The card is issued in USD
- It supports international government payments
- No local bank restrictions
- No foreign transaction blocks
- Works for SEVIS, visa fees, exams, and subscriptions
Instead of fighting your bank, you switch tools.
How to Pay SEVIS Fee Using EverTry (Simple)
- Create an EverTry account
- Complete identity verification
- Fund your wallet (local currency or USDT)
- Create a virtual dollar card
- Use the card on the SEVIS I-901 website
- Download your SEVIS receipt
That’s it.
No back-and-forth with your bank.
No “transaction failed” messages.
Can Someone Else Pay My SEVIS Fee?
Yes.
The cardholder does not have to be the visa applicant.
What matters is that the SEVIS ID and applicant details are correct.
Parents, sponsors, or relatives can pay on your behalf.
Is the SEVIS Fee Refundable?
No.
Once paid, the fee is non-refundable, even if:
- Your visa is denied
- You change your plans
Double-check your details before paying.
What to Do After Payment
After payment:
- Save the SEVIS receipt (PDF)
- Print at least one copy
- Bring it to your visa interview
Without it, you may be turned away.
Final Checklist Before Your Visa Interview
- Fee paid
- Receipt downloaded and printed
- Details match your I-20 or DS-2019
- Payment made successfully (not pending)
One Last Thought
Most people think visa problems are about documents.
They’re not.
They’re about small steps done late or done wrong.
The fee is one of those steps.
Pay it early.
Use a payment method that works.
Move on to the things that actually matter.
Disclaimer
EverTry is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the SEVIS program. Visa requirements and fees may change. Always confirm details on the official SEVIS website.