A visa refusal is hard enough without paying the SEVIS fee twice. The good news: in most cases you don't have to pay it again if you reapply soon.
The 12-month rule
You don't pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again if you reapply for a visa within 12 months of the date of your first SEVIS fee payment, and:
- Students (F or M): your first application was also for a student visa.
- Exchange visitors (J): you're reapplying in the same exchange visitor category as before.
The 12 months count from the date you paid, not from the date of your interview or refusal.
New SEVIS ID? If your school issues a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a different SEVIS ID, ICE says an I-901 fee transfer is needed.
The SEVIS ID on your payment confirmation must always match your latest form. If it doesn't, email ICE at fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov to confirm whether you need to pay again.
When you must pay again
- More than 12 months have passed since your first payment.
- You're applying for a different type: for example, you paid as a J-1 and now apply as an F-1 student.
- You're changing to a different J-1 category, unless the new one is fee-exempt.
Can I get a refund?
Not because of a denial. ICE does not refund the SEVIS fee if your visa is denied, if you are refused entry to the U.S., or if you simply decide not to go. ICE does refund:
- A duplicate payment (you, or someone else, paid twice for the same SEVIS ID), and
- A payment made in error when no fee was due,
as long as the refund request reaches SEVP within 90 days of the payment. Only the student or exchange visitor can ask for it.
Before your next interview
- Check your payment on fmjfee.com and print a fresh confirmation. See how to print your confirmation.
- Compare the SEVIS ID on it with your current I-20 or DS-2019.
- If more than 12 months have passed, or the category changed, pay again. You can do it in cedis through us.