Can I cancel the F-1 and request a SEVIS refund?

Let”s start by understanding that the F-1 visa is intended for students who wish to enroll in educational institutions in the United States, and as part of this process, it is necessary to pay a fee known as the SEVIS fee – which is used to fund and maintain the system that tracks international student records.

This step is fundamental, and thus, its refund rules are quite restrictive. Generally, the SEVIS fee is considered non-refundable once the payment is processed and the registration in the system is created.

In other words, if you decide to withdraw from the F-1 program on your own initiative, the chance of receiving this amount back is extremely low. The process was designed to cover the operational costs of the system, and U.S. regulations determine that, except in very specific situations – such as if the educational institution cancels your Form I-20 for administrative or eligibility reasons – refunds are not provided.

It is important to remember that any decision related to withdrawal or change of your status should be made with caution, as these changes may have implications for future visa attempts or other entry requests to the United States. For this reason, it is recommended that you seek information directly from official sources and, if necessary, seek assistance from professionals or consultancies specializing in immigration.

This way, you avoid falling victim to scams or marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed solutions, which can end up compromising your future immigration processes.

Always respect immigration laws and verify all information with the competent government agencies. In doing so, you make well-informed decisions and avoid troubles that could affect your future academic and professional planning.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.