The F-1 student visa is a must for international students, including Nepalese, who want to pursue education in the US. One of the key steps in the F-1 visa process is paying the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. Here’s everything you need to know about the SEVIS fee and how to pay it as a Nepalese student.
What is the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee is a one-time, mandatory payment required by the US Department of Homeland Security for international students applying for an F-1 visa. This fee funds the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), which manages the SEVIS database to monitor international students and exchange visitors while they are in the US.
Why Do You Pay the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS fee supports two key functions:
- Maintaining the SEVIS Database: This database tracks student details like visa status, school enrollment, and even movements in and out of the US.
- Supporting SEVP Operations: It also funds efforts to monitor schools, prevent visa fraud, and ensure policy compliance.
In short, the SEVIS fee helps maintain the safety and integrity of the US immigration system for students.
Key Facts About the SEVIS Fee
- Applies to F1, F3, M1, and M3 visa categories.
- Non-refundable in most cases.
- Valid for 12 months from the date of payment.
- Helps support the SEVP for overseeing international students.
Why is the SEVIS Fee Important for Nepalese Students?
For Nepalese students, paying the SEVIS fee is a crucial step in the F-1 visa application process. Without proof of payment, the US embassy will not issue your student visa. This fee also ensures that your information is securely tracked and monitored during your stay in the US.
How to Pay the SEVIS Fee in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide
Nepalese students can pay the SEVIS fee through the official DHS portal, FMJfee.com. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Starting the Process
Visit FMJfee.com and click on “Pay I-901 Fee” to begin. As of 2024, the SEVIS fee for the F-1 visa is $350.
Step 2: Application Validation
- Enter your SEVIS ID (found on your Form I-20).
- Enter your Last Name and Given Name (Given Name means your first name).
- Enter your Date of Birth.
- Click on Submit to proceed.
Step 3: Fill Out Applicant Information
Next, the form will ask for the type of application. Choose:
- Form I-20 for F-1/M-1 or F-3/M-3 Visa.
- Form DS-2019 for J-1 Visa.
For the F-1 visa, select Form I-20, since this is the form you will need for your F1 Visa application.
Then, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your email address.
- Country of citizenship.
- Country of birth.
Step 4: Enter Your Address Information
Provide your current address, which in most cases will be your home country address in Nepal.
Step 5: School Information
Enter the School Code, which can be found on your Form I-20.
Step 6: Review and Submission
Once all the details are filled in, agree to the terms by clicking I Agree. The system will now show you a review of your application.
Carefully verify that all the details are correct. If you find any mistakes, you can go back and make changes.
Note: If you’re paying the SEVIS Fee from a bank in Nepal
Visit your local bank branch.
Fill out the form with the required information (as mentioned above).
Pay the fee at the bank.
Wait up to 24 hours for the payment to be processed.
After processing, you can access the SEVIS Fee portal online.
Step 7: Choose Payment Method
- Payment can be made using a debit/credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
- In Nepal, some banks facilitate international payments for the SEVIS fee at a nominal charge of NPR 500 to 750. You can contact NIMB Bank, which offers this service in various branches inside and outside the Kathmandu Valley.
SEVIS Fee Payment Services NIMB Bank Branch in Nepal
In Nepal, NIMB Bank provides SEVIS fee payment services. Here are the branches that provides the SEVIS or other US Embassy payment services:
Inside Valley:
- Battisputali Branch
- Card Center, Lazimpat
- Jawalakhel Branch
- Lagankhel Branch
- Maharajgunj Branch
- New Baneshwor Branch
- Newroad Branch
- Putalisadak Branch
- Bagbazar
- Gyaneshwor
- New Baneshwor I
- New Baneshwor III
- Battisputali Branch
- Anamnagar Branch
Outside Valley:
- Bhairahawa Branch
- Birtamod Branch
- Lakeside Branch
- Narayangarh Branch
- Pokhara Branch
- Biratnagar
- Birgunj
- Bagar Branch
- Bardaghat Branch
- Bhadrapur Branch
Step 8: Submit the Payment
- After reviewing the form, submit the payment through the secure portal. Make sure all your details are correct before proceeding.
Step 9: Print Your Receipt
- Once the payment is complete, you can view and print your SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt. This receipt is critical for your F1 visa interview, so keep it safe.
What if I Forgot to Download the SEVIS Payment Confirmation?
If you forgot to download your SEVIS payment confirmation, don’t worry! Simply follow these steps:
- Visit FMJfee.com.
- Click on the “Check I-901 Status” link.
- Enter your SEVIS ID, Last Name, and Date of Birth.
- Click on “Check Status”.
This will open your SEVIS portal, where you can view your current status, download the receipt, or even transfer the fee to a different institution.
FAQs
1. What is the SEVIS fee for the F1 visa?
The SEVIS fee is a mandatory, one-time payment required by US immigration for international students applying for an F1 visa. It helps fund the SEVP, which monitors student visa holders in the US.
2. What happens if I don’t pay the SEVIS fee?
You cannot schedule your F-1 visa interview without paying the SEVIS fee. It’s a mandatory part of the visa process.
3. Can I pay the SEVIS fee online?
Yes, the SEVIS fee must be paid online through the FMJfee.com portal.
4. How long is the SEVIS fee valid?
The SEVIS fee is valid for 12 months from the date of payment.
5. How much is the SEVIS fee for Nepalese students?
As of 2024, the SEVIS fee is $350 per applicant, and it must be paid before the F1 visa interview.
6. Where can Nepalese students pay the SEVIS fee?
Nepalese students can pay the SEVIS fee online through the DHS portal FMJfee.com using debit or credit cards. NIMB Bank in Nepal facilitates payments with a nominal fee.
7. What documents are needed to pay the SEVIS fee?
You will need your Form I-20, passport details, and the SEVIS ID number when filling out Form I-901 on FMJfee.com.
8. How can I transfer my SEVIS Fee to another school?
Use the “Check I-901 Status” option on FMJfee.com. Enter your SEVIS ID, last name, and date of birth to retrieve and you can transfer your SEVIS fee to a different college within 12 months of payment.
9. How can I download the SEVIS receipt if I forgot to download it?
Use the “Check I-901 Status” option on FMJfee.com. Enter your SEVIS ID, last name, and date of birth to retrieve and download your receipt.
10. How can I check if my SEVIS status is correct?
Log in to the SEVIS portal via FMJfee.com using your SEVIS ID, last name, and date of birth. Your status will be displayed, ensuring all information is up-to-date and accurate.
