ICE Proposes Student and Exchange Visitor Fee Increase

At a glance

If the proposal is implemented, the fee for F-1 and M-1 students would increase to $350, from $200. The fee for most J-1 exchange visitors would increase to $220, from $180. The SEVP school certification petition fee for initial certification would increase to $3,000, from $1,700.

A closer look

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking to raise individual student and exchange visitor application fees in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). If the proposed increase takes effect, the fee for F-1 and M-1 students would increase to $350, from $200. The fee for foreign nationals seeking to participate in most J-1 exchange programs would increase to $220, from $180. U.S. educational institutions would also see an increase in Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school certification petition fees for initial certification to admit foreign students to $3,000, from $1,700; as well as a new fee of $1,250 for recertification requests. ICE is accepting public comments on the proposal until September 17, 2018.

About the SEVIS fee

U.S. schools and exchange programs are required to enter foreign students and exchange visitors in SEVIS, but foreign nationals are responsible for paying the SEVIS registration fee, either online or manually using ICE Form I-901. The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days before (1) traveling to a U.S. port of entry, if the foreign national is from a visa-waived country; (2) appearing for a visa interview; or (3) submitting a change of status application within the United States. Only principal F, M and J nonimmigrants are subject to the fee; F-2, M-2 and J-2 dependents are not subject to the fee.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.