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What are the application fees?

Studying in the USA with an F visa requires mandatory fees, such as the visa application fee and the SEVIS fee. Consult official sources for updated amounts and avoid fraud.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on September 3, 2025
2 min read
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When considering studying in the United States with an F visa, it is important to understand that there are some mandatory financial charges during the visa application process. Among these costs are the fees charged by the Department of State and the SEVIS system.

As always, I advise you to consult official sources to confirm the most recent amounts, as these fees may be periodically adjusted. Generally speaking, most students applying for the F-1 visa initially need to pay two main fees: the visa application fee and the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.

Currently, the non-immigrant visa application fee is approximately US$ 160 – this amount must be paid directly to the Department of State and is considered non-refundable, even if the application is not approved. In parallel, there is the SEVIS fee payment, which for F-1 students is usually about US$ 350. This fee is essential because it allows the SEVIS system to monitor and record the students” data during the course period.

Remember that these costs are only some of the possible charges during your immigration journey. Other costs may include consular processing fees, documentation costs, and possible banking expenses. Therefore, it is crucial to follow updates on the official websites of the United States embassy or consulate, since any changes in fees may affect the previously informed amounts.

I emphasize the importance of following all the rules and regulations of the American immigration process, avoiding scams or marketing approaches that promise guaranteed results. Seeking guidance from official sources, as well as obtaining information from reliable entities, is essential so the whole process is conducted safely and effectively. This way, you will protect yourself against fraud and have a clearer understanding of what the initial investments will be to study in the United States.

Learn more about F-1 Visa

Duration
Duration of studies
OPT (STEM)
Up to 3 years of work
CPT
Work during studies
Processing
2-8 weeks
All about F-1 Visa
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.

Victoria's tips

What are the application fees?

Studying in the USA with an F visa requires mandatory fees, such as the visa application fee and the SEVIS fee. Consult official sources for updated amounts and avoid fraud.

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