Dhiraj Kandel
Managing DirectorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee payment is a compulsory step in your F-1 visa process, but many Nepali students feel confused about how and when to pay it correctly. A small mistake, such as entering the wrong SEVIS ID or delaying payment, can affect your visa interview and cause unnecessary stress.
Understanding the SEVIS fee, its amount, payment options in Nepal, and how to get the receipt can make your entire visa process much smoother. In this guide, you’ll learn everything in simple steps so you can complete your SEVIS fee payment confidently and stay on track for your USA study journey.
What is the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee (officially called the I-901 SEVIS fee) is a mandatory, one-time payment that international students must pay to the U.S. government before their visa is approved. The SEVIS system tracks your student information, and the fee is required for most F1 visa applicants from Nepal. You must pay the SEVIS fee before booking or attending your visa interview.
When you pay the SEVIS fee, your student record becomes active, and you can proceed with your US visa application. This payment is linked to your SEVIS ID on your I-20 form, which connects your fee to your visa application.
SEVIS Fee Amount for Different Types of Visas
The SEVIS fee amount varies based on the type of visa you are applying for. For most Nepali students, this will be the F-1 student visa, which requires a SEVIS fee of $350. The SEVIS fee is set by the U.S. government and must be paid in full before your visa interview. Banks may charge extra fees (1–3%).
Here is a quick breakdown:
- F-1 visa (academic students): $350 ( NPR 51,000 – 52,000)
- M-1 visa (vocational students): $350 ( NPR 51,000 – 52,000)
- J-1 visa (exchange visitors): $220( NPR 32,000 – 33,000)
- J-1 short-term programs (e.g., camp, summer work): $35 ( NPR 5,000 – 5,500)
Note: Conversions to Nepali Rupees shown above are subject to change.
When Should You Pay the SEVIS Fee?
You should pay the SEVIS fee only after you receive your I-20 form from your university and before your visa interview. Do not pay the SEVIS fee before receiving your I-20, as your SEVIS ID is required for the payment.
👉 Correct timing:
- After getting your I-20
- Before booking or attending your visa interview
- At least 3–5 days before your interview (this time gap is important because the payment needs to be updated in the system before your interview).
How to Pay SEVIS Fee in Nepal (Step-by-Step)?
You can pay the SEVIS fee ($350 for an F-1 visa) from Nepal via the official DHS website by completing Form I-901 with your I-20 details. The payment can be made using an international debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), through Western Union Quick Pay.
After payment, you must download and print your SEVIS fee receipt and take it to your visa interview.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Before you pay the SEVIS fee, keep your passport, I-20 form, SEVIS ID (starting with “N”), and school code ready. These details are required to complete the SEVIS fee payment form correctly.
Step 2: Visit the Official SEVIS Website
Go to 👉 www.fmjfee.com and click on “Pay I-901 Fee” to begin the process.
Step 3: Fill Form I-901 Carefully
Enter your personal details and your school or university information carefully. Make sure everything matches exactly with your passport and I-20 form to avoid errors or delays in your visa process.
Step 4: Choose Payment Method
There are a few main SEVIS fee payment methods available for Nepali students. You can choose the one that is easiest for you:
- Online Payment (Most Recommended): You can pay the SEVIS fee on the official website, fmjfee.com, using an international debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX). This is the fastest and easiest method, with instant confirmation.
- Western Union Quick Pay: Fill out the I-901 form online, generate a payment coupon, and visit a Western Union agent in Nepal to pay in cash; the payment usually takes 2–3 days to process.
- Third-Party Payment: A friend, family member, or consultancy (in Nepal or abroad) can pay the SEVIS fee on your behalf, but they must use your exact details, such as your SEVIS ID, name, and school information.
- Bank / Consultancy Support: Consultancies or banks like NIMB may assist with SEVIS fee payment, but you will need to provide copies of your passport and I-20 form for processing.
Step 5: Review and Submit Payment
Before submitting the payment, carefully double-check your SEVIS ID, name, and school details to ensure everything is correct, as mistakes cannot be easily corrected after payment.
Step 6: Download SEVIS Fee Receipt
After payment is successful, download your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, save a digital copy, and print at least two copies, as this receipt is required for your U.S. Embassy visa interview.
How Long Is the SEVIS Fee Valid?
The I-901 SEVIS fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment, and it must be valid at the time of your visa interview. If you do not use the payment for visa approval or entry into the USA within 1 year, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
However, if you receive a new I-20 with a different SEVIS ID (for example, due to changing your university or starting a new application after visa rejection), you will be required to pay the SEVIS fee again, as each SEVIS ID is linked to a specific USA university and program.
Is the SEVIS Fee Refundable?
The SEVIS fee is non-refundable, meaning you cannot get the money back under any circumstances. Even if your visa is rejected, you cancel your plans, or decide not to travel, the fee will not be returned. If you apply again with a new SEVIS ID, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
What Happens After SEVIS Fee Payment?
After you complete your SEVIS fee payment, your payment is recorded in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and you can download your receipt as proof. Once this step is complete, you can proceed to the next stages of your visa process, such as completing the DS-160 form and scheduling your visa interview for studying in the USA. The SEVIS fee receipt confirms your payment status and must be shown during your visa interview.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Paying the SEVIS Fee?
You should avoid mistakes such as entering the wrong SEVIS ID, using incorrect passport details, paying too late, or failing to save your receipt, as these errors can cause problems during your interview and lead to your application being rejected.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Entering the wrong SEVIS ID: Your SEVIS ID (from the I-20) connects your payment to your visa application. An incorrect ID can cause record mismatches.
- Using incorrect passport details: Even small spelling errors in your name or date of birth can lead to issues during verification.
- Paying before receiving the I-20: You must use the correct SEVIS ID from your I-20, so paying early can result in an invalid payment.
- Paying too late before the interview: SEVIS payment needs time to update in the system, so late payment can affect your interview.
- Not saving or printing the receipt: The SEVIS fee receipt (I-901) is required for your visa interview and entry to the USA.
Tips to Avoid Errors
- Double-check all details before payment.
- Match information with your passport and I-20.
- Pay at least 5–7 days before your interview.
- Save both digital and printed copies of the receipt.
Complete Your SEVIS Fee Payment the Right Way
Paying the SEVIS fee is a mandatory step in your US student visa process. If you understand the process, check your details carefully, and follow the correct steps, the payment is simple and stress-free. Make sure you pay on time, download your receipt, and keep all documents ready for your visa interview.
If you’re unsure about SEVIS fee payment in Nepal or any step of your US visa process, working with trusted education counsellors can make everything easier and help you feel more confident. Book a free consultation today and take your next step toward studying in the USA.
FAQs
The SEVIS fee for an F1 visa is $350, which is approximately NPR 51,000–52,000 depending on the exchange rate. This is a mandatory one-time payment that all students must pay to the U.S. government before attending their visa interview. The fee helps maintain your record in the SEVIS system and is required for your F1 visa process.
You can pay the SEVIS fee in Nepal through the official website, fmjfee.com, by completing the I-901 form with your I-20 details. The most common method is using an international debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX), which provides instant confirmation. You can also pay through Western Union Quick Pay or seek help from a consultancy, but you must ensure all your details, such as your SEVIS ID and name, are correct.
You should pay the SEVIS fee only after receiving your I-20 form from your university. It must be paid before booking or attending your visa interview, ideally at least 3–5 days in advance, so the payment is reflected in the system. Paying too late can create issues during your visa interview.
The SEVIS fee is generally valid for 12 months from the date of payment. It remains valid as long as your SEVIS ID does not change. If you change your university or receive a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
No, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Even if your visa is rejected or delayed, or if you decide not to travel, the fee will not be refunded. If you reapply with a new SEVIS ID, you will have to pay the SEVIS fee again.
