Effective September 1, 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began requiring a one-time fee payment for new J-1 Exchange Visitors. The fee is $180 for J-1 students and scholars. The fee helps cover operational costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Every international student or exchange visitor who wishes to begin an “initial” program of study or research is required to pay a SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This fee must be paid before the visa interview.
Please review the SEVIS Fee webpage to find more details on the SEVIS Fee and fee payment procedures.