I-20 Processing Fee FAQ’s

I-20 Fee for F-1 Visa Applicants

All prospective F-1, M1 and most J-1 exchange students must pay a processing I-901 fee before US Embassy will issue a Student Visa. The Department of Homeland Security will collect the processing fee for those students who wish the United States as a student or exchange visitor with a Form I-20 or DS-019 dated on or after June 24, 2019.

How much is the fee?

  • The fee for processing an I-20 for a F-1 Student Visa after June 24, 2019 is $350.00.

How do I pay the fee?

  • The $350 fee can be paid through the Internet at www.FMJfee.com.  Use a credit card and complete the online Form I-901.
  • The $350 fee can be paid through the mail.  Submit a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency.
  • The fee can also be paid through a sponsor.

Note: You must have your I-20 from RCTC before completing the I-901 Form.

  • The $200 fee can paid through the Internet at www.fmjfee.com. Use a credit card and complete the online Form I-901.
  • The $200 fee can be paid through the mail. Submit a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency
  • The fee can also be paid through a sponsor.

When must I pay this fee?

  • Applicants who seek a F-1 visa to enter the United States must pay the fee at least 3 days before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interview.
  • Applicants who are citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Bahamas and residents of certain other islands must pay the fee before appearing at the Port of Entry.
  • Nonimmigrants currently in the United States who apply for student or exchange visitor status must pay the fee prior to filing their change of status application.

How will the government know I have paid?

  • Your payment will be recorded in SEVIS. You should also bring paper I-797 or the Internet-generated receipt to your visa interview.

Do continuing students have to pay the $350 fee?

Continuing students must pay the $350 fee when:

  • They file an application for reinstatement when they have been out of status for more than five months
  • They apply for a new visa or return to the United States after an absence of five months that did not involve authorized overseas study
  • They file an application for a change of status to an F, M, or J classification (except for changes between F-1 and F-3, or M-1 and M-3)

For additional information, please visit:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/i-901-sevis-fee-payment-video