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This message is a special update from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You are receiving this message because you have subscribed to receive News and Updates from SEVP, which provides useful information for the international student and academic communities.

Adjusted, New Fees for International Students, Exchange Visitors and SEVP‑certified Schools

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to adjust fees charged by SEVP to international students, exchange visitors and SEVP-certified schools.

SEVP is funded entirely by fees charged to international students and SEVP-certified schools. Although the program’s fees have not changed since 2008, operating costs have increased because of inflation, expanded program operations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) enhancements.

If the program continues to operate at current fee levels, SEVP anticipates it will experience an average annual shortfall of $68.9 million beginning in 2019. The proposed fees help eliminate this risk and allow SEVP to continue to achieve its priorities—enhancing national security and preventing immigration fraud.

To read the complete fee rule, which is available for public comment until Sept. 17, 2018, visit the Federal Register.

Read the Rule

Fee Adjustments

DHS proposes an increase in the:

• SEVP school certification petition fee for initial certification from $1,700 to $3,000.
• I-901 SEVIS Fee for F and M international students from $200 to $350.
• I-901 SEVIS Fee for most J exchange visitors from $180 to $220.

DHS will maintain the $35 I-901 SEVIS Fee for J exchange visitors in the au pair, camp counselor, and summer work or travel program participant categories.

New Fees

DHS proposes introducing a:

• $1,250 fee for SEVP-certified schools filing a petition for recertification.
• $675 fee when schools file the Form I-290B, “Notice of Appeal or Motion.”

DHS will maintain the $655 fee for an initial school site visit but proposes also applying this fee when an SEVP-certified school changes its physical location or adds a new physical location to its Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.”

Program Priorities and Fee Analysis

The proposed fee adjustments included in this rule would provide additional funding for three SEVP-identified key program priorities: SEVIS modernization efforts, increased SEVP adjudication personnel and additional investigatory support.

SEVP is required to review its fee structure every two years. By tracing the cost of program activities, SEVP forecasted fee payments to determine an appropriate amount for each fee proposed in the rule.

For more information about the fees, read the full proposed fee rule on the Federal Register. 

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