The dream of studying in the United States excites thousands of Nepali students every year. But before you can even schedule your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. This fee is a critical part of your student visa process and must be handled carefully.
Many students are unsure how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal, facing confusion over payment methods, timing, and documentation. In this guide, we’ll break down everything into 5 easy steps that will help you pay the SEVIS fee quickly and accurately, right from Nepal.
Step 1: Understand What SEVIS and SEVIS Fee Mean
Before diving into how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal, it’s important to understand what the SEVIS system is. SEVIS is an online database maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It keeps track of international students and exchange visitors while they’re in the U.S.
Who Needs to Pay the SEVIS Fee?
- F-1 Visa Applicants (academic students)
- M-1 Visa Applicants (vocational students)
- J-1 Visa Applicants (exchange visitors)
How Much Is the SEVIS Fee?
- F-1 and M-1 visa applicants: $350
- J-1 visa applicants: $220
- Special programs: Varies
You must pay this fee before scheduling your visa interview, as the confirmation is required during the process.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents and Information
Once you’ve received your Form I-20 (for F-1/M-1 visas) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visas), you’re ready to begin. To successfully proceed with how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal, you need the following:
Documents Needed:
- Passport: Valid and updated
- Form I-20 or DS-2019: Make sure it’s signed and all details are correct
- SEVIS ID Number: Found on the top of your I-20 or DS-2019 (starts with “N00…”)
- School Code or Program Number
- Email Address: To receive payment confirmation
- Payment Method: Credit/debit card or other approved method
Having all these documents and information beforehand will make the process smoother and error-free.
Step 3: Complete the SEVIS I-901 Form Online
The actual SEVIS fee is paid through a U.S. government website: www.fmjfee.com. This is where you’ll fill out the Form I-901. Let’s walk through this process:
1. Visit the Official SEVIS I-901 Website
- Go to: https://www.fmjfee.com
- Click on “Submit Form I-901 and Pay Fee”
2. Enter Your Information
- SEVIS ID (from I-20 or DS-2019)
- Name (must match your passport exactly)
- Date of birth
- Country of citizenship
- School code (found on the I-20)
- Visa category (F, M, or J)
3. Double Check for Errors
- Ensure every detail matches your documents. Any mismatch can delay or void your payment.
- If you’re focused on how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal without issues, accuracy is key at this stage.
Step 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee from Nepal
This is the core step of how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal. There are several payment options available, depending on what’s accessible to you:
1. Credit or Debit Card
- Most convenient method if you have an international card (Visa, MasterCard)
- Enter card details securely on the FMJFee portal
- Get instant confirmation if the transaction succeeds
2. Third-Party Payment
- If you don’t have a card, ask a friend or relative (in Nepal or abroad) to pay on your behalf
- They must enter your details correctly, not theirs
3. Western Union Quick Pay (Available in Nepal)
- Select this option during the I-901 process
- A payment instruction form will be generated
- Visit any authorized Western Union agent in Nepal
- Provide the instruction form and pay the fee in local currency
- Processing time: 2–3 business days
Tip: Use a method that provides a confirmation receipt instantly. This helps if you’re applying close to your visa appointment.
Step 5: Print and Store the Confirmation Page
After the payment is processed, a confirmation page will be generated. This page is extremely important for the visa process and acts as proof that you’ve paid the SEVIS fee.
How to Use the Confirmation Page
- Submit it during your U.S. visa interview
- Carry a printed copy of your I-20/DS-2019 and other documents
- Some embassies may ask for a digital copy too
Lost Your Confirmation?
- Visit www.fmjfee.com
- Click “Check I-901 Status”
- Enter your details and download the confirmation again
Extra Tips for Nepali Students
As many students struggle with how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal, here are some bonus tips that could make your experience even smoother:
Plan Early
- Avoid paying last minute, especially if using Western Union
- Schedule your payment at least 1 week before your visa interview
Double-Check Everything
- A wrong SEVIS ID or name spelling may invalidate your payment
- Confirm that your SEVIS ID matches the one on your I-20
Save Copies Digitally
- Store a PDF of your confirmation in Google Drive or Dropbox
- Print multiple copies just in case
Know Where to Get Help
- U.S. Embassy Kathmandu: https://np.usembassy.gov
- Your university’s admissions or international office can also guide you
Don’t Get Scammed
- Only use the official FMJFee website
- Do not pay through unofficial agents or shady payment portals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Pay the SEVIS Fee After Booking My Visa Interview?
- Technically, yes. But it’s highly recommended to pay it before booking your appointment.
2. Is the SEVIS Fee Refundable?
- No. The SEVIS fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
3. Do I Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee Again if I Reapply?
- If your visa was denied but you’re reapplying within 12 months using the same SEVIS ID, you don’t need to pay again.
4. What if I Enter the Wrong Information While Paying?
- You may need to repay the fee. Always double-check before submitting.
Paying your SEVIS fee is a vital step on your path to studying in the United States. For Nepali students, knowing how to pay SEVIS fee in Nepal ensures you’re not stuck in a stressful situation days before your visa interview.