• Forms: Application for a J-1 exchange visitor visa is made with a valid passport, a Form DS 2019, issued by the US organization sponsoring the exchange visitor, and a Form I-901. Form I-901 is available for printing and downloading from the web at www.ice.gov/sevis/i901 . The form can also be filled out online at www.fmjfee.com .

• Personal Information: The applicant must use the SEVIS number from the Form DS-2019 to complete the Form I-901. Personal information used to fill out the form must be an exact match with information on the Form DS-2019 and with information on the applicant's passport.

• Fee and Fee Payment: Effective Sept. 1, 2004 , an applicant for a J-1 visa is required to pay a $100 student exchange visitor processing fee.

Options for paying the fee:

• Recommended method : Electronically, by completing Form I-901 through the internet and using a credit card.
• By mail, using Form I-901 together with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. dollars.

• Receipt: A receipt will be sent by mail to the address that the applicant indicates with the payment. If the applicant pays the SEVIS fee on-line, a payment confirmation can be printed out immediately after the payment is made, and can be used as a receipt un til the mailed receipt is received.

• Fee Payment prior to Consulate Appointment: The SEVIS fee must be paid and fully processed before the applicant arrives at the consulate for the visa interview. (Fee payment does not need to be completed prior to scheduling an interview.)

  In order to assure that fee payment can be verified by the consulate, the fee payment must be processed at least 3 business days prior to the date upon which the participant is reporting for the visa interview. If the application is made electronically, the printed receipt can be used for verification of payment. If the application is made by mail, the fee must be submitted in a manner that assures arrival at the DHS address listing on the Form I-901, at least 3 business days before the scheduled interview. If payment is made by mail, it can take as long as 6 weeks to receive the receipt. A receipt is not required but can be helpful in tracking fee payment.

• Visa Denial: Failure to pay the fee is gro un ds for denial of the J-1 non-immigrant visa.

A J-1 exchange visitor who is not granted a visa or who chooses not to come after visa is granted will not receive a ref un d of the SEVIS fee.

Non-immigrants do not have to repay the fee after an initial denial, if reapplying less than 12 months after the denial is issued, and if re-applying for the same category of visa.

• Questions: Questions about the SEVIS I-901 fee can be answered on the web at www.ice.gov/sevis/i901 by selecting “I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions.” This website is very helpful and user friendly. You will find answers to all your questions there.