I paid the SEVIS fee, but I changed schools. Do I have to pay again?

Whenever there is a change of school under the F‑1 visa, it is crucial to closely monitor the progress of your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to ensure your immigration status remains in good standing.

The SEVIS fee you have already paid is an administrative fee intended to keep the system updated and, in many cases, it remains valid for your record even with an institution transfer. In most situations where a student transfers schools – without terminating the student status or creating a new SEVIS record – the previously paid fee continues to be valid.

That is, if your previous school properly coordinated the transfer of your record to the new institution, it will not be necessary to pay the fee again. However, if your record is terminated or a new record is created for some specific reason, payment of a new fee may be required.

It is essential to maintain close communication with the new school to confirm that all procedures are being carried out according to United States regulations. Additionally, keep in mind the importance of seeking information directly from official sources and consulting qualified specialists, so as to avoid scams or promises of simplistic solutions on social media and marketing campaigns.

Maintaining the regularity of your status and following immigration laws is fundamental for the success of your studies and to avoid future complications. Therefore, if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to seek guidance through official channels, ensuring that your academic journey remains in compliance with the rules established by the U.S. government.

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.