According to a memorandum from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to all academic institutions and program sponsors, the office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have approved a rule that states that upon implementation on September 1, 2004, students and exchange visitors, unless exempted, will be required to pay the appropriate fee prior to obtaining their visa.  Specifically, all individuals receiving Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 or DS-2019 with an issuance date of September 1, 2004 or later will be required to pay the SEVIS fee.

This rule amends the DHS regulations to provide for the collection of a fee to be paid by certain aliens who are seeking status as F-1, F-3, M-1 or M-3 nonimmigrant students or as J-1 nonimmigrant exchange visitors.  The rule levies a fee of $100, although applicants for certain J-1 exchange visitor programs will pay a reduced fee of $35 and certain other aliens will be exempt from the fee altogether.

According to the memorandum, the purpose of the fee is to cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program including the administration and maintenance of SEVIS, compliance activities and the establishment of SEVIS Liaison Officers.

Students and exchange visitors will have the option to pay with a check by mail or with a credit card visa the Internet.  Additionally, exchange visitor sponsors can pay for an entire group of individuals through a batch payment process.