What countries can I study in?

Students can study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, and Ireland. We provide expert support with university admissions, scholarships, student visas, application preparation, and course selection to help students choose the best country and university for their academic and career goals.

Is your counseling service free?

Yes! Our initial counseling is completely free. We assess your profile, suggest the best countries and universities, and guide you through the entire process at no charge.

What documents do I need for a student visa?

Generally you need your passport, university acceptance letter, financial proof, academic transcripts, language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL), and visa application forms. Requirements vary by country.

How long does the admission process take?

The process typically takes 3 to 6 months from application to visa. We recommend starting at least 6 months before your intended intake.

Can I work while studying abroad?

Yes! Most countries allow international students to work part-time. USA allows 20 hrs per week on campus, UK allows 20 hrs per week, Canada allows 20 hrs per week off-campus.

How do you help with the visa?

We prepare every student carefully for the visa interview and check all documents before submission.

When should I start preparing for Fall 2026 USA admission?

Students should ideally start preparing 10–15 months before the intake. Early planning gives you more time for university research, document preparation, and application submissions.

What documents are required for USA university admission?

Most universities require academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), a resume, and a valid passport. Additional requirements may vary by university and program.

SEVIS Fee for F-1 Students 2026: $350 I-901 Guide

Quick answer (as of November 11, 2026): The I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350. You pay it once per SEVIS record, online at fmjfee.com, before your US visa interview. It is separate from the visa application (MRV) fee and from any university fees, and it is not refunded if your visa is refused.

What is the SEVIS fee?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the US government database that tracks every international student on an F-1 or M-1 visa. When your university issues your Form I-20, it creates your SEVIS record and gives you a SEVIS ID (a number starting with "N", printed at the top right of your I-20).

The I-901 SEVIS fee pays for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is run by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Paying it is one of the first steps in your F-1 visa process.

How much is the SEVIS fee in 2026?

F-1 and M-1 students: $350
J-1 exchange visitors: $220 (lower amounts apply to some short J-1 programmes)
F-2 dependents (spouse or children): no SEVIS fee

The $350 amount has applied since June 24, 2019. Always confirm the current amount on the official ICE I-901 page before you pay.

When should you pay it?

Pay the SEVIS fee after you receive your I-20 and before your visa interview. The consular officer checks that your fee is paid, and your visa cannot be issued without it. Online card payments usually show up quickly, but pay early and allow at least 3 business days before your interview so there is time for the payment to be verified.

How to pay the SEVIS fee: step by step

Keep your I-20 ready. You will need your SEVIS ID and your school code exactly as printed.
Go to fmjfee.com and choose to pay the I-901 fee.
Fill in Form I-901 online. Your name and date of birth must match your I-20 and passport exactly.
Pay $350 by credit or debit card. A third party, such as a parent, can pay for you.
Download and print the payment confirmation (your I-901 receipt).

Keep your receipt

Carry a printed copy of your I-901 receipt to your visa interview and again when you travel to the US. If you lose it, you can reprint it at any time on fmjfee.com using your SEVIS ID, last name and date of birth.

What if your visa is refused?

The SEVIS fee is not refunded if your visa is denied. However, if you reapply for an F-1 visa within 12 months of the refusal for the same SEVIS record, you usually do not have to pay again. If your university issues a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, check with ICE (fmjfee.SEVIS@ice.dhs.gov) whether your earlier payment can be transferred or whether you need to pay again.

Common SEVIS fee mistakes Indian students make

Typing the SEVIS ID or school code wrongly, so the payment does not match the I-20.
Paying the day before the interview and not having a receipt to show.
Thinking the MRV visa fee covers SEVIS. They are two separate payments.
Paying through an unofficial website. Use only fmjfee.com.

Next steps

Once your SEVIS fee is paid, focus on interview preparation. Read our US F-1 visa interview questions and answers guide and our step-by-step US student visa 2026 guide.

Sources: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ice.gov/sevis/i901), Study in the States (studyinthestates.dhs.gov), fmjfee.com. This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Fees and rules can change, so always check official sources.

Planning your F-1 visa for Spring or Fall 2027? Book a free call with Studies Abroads: 📞 346-381-4680 | 910-871-3003 | 910-871-3005.

Frequently Asked Questions

About SEVIS Fee for F-1 Students (2026): The $350 I-901 Guide for Indian Students

The I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350. It is paid once per SEVIS record at fmjfee.com and is separate from the visa application (MRV) fee.

Pay it after you receive your I-20 and before your US visa interview. Pay early and allow at least 3 business days so the payment can be verified, and carry the printed receipt to the interview.

No, it is not refunded. But if you reapply for an F-1 visa within 12 months of the refusal using the same SEVIS record, you usually do not need to pay again.

Go to fmjfee.com and check your I-901 status using your SEVIS ID, last name and date of birth. You can print the payment confirmation from there at any time.