Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee for the O-1, like I would for the F-1?

No. The SEVIS fee is tied to student and exchange visitor visas, such as the F-1, and exists to maintain records in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). The O-1 is not part of that system, so that payment does not apply.

These are categories with different purposes: the F-1 is for students, with the educational institution tracking status through SEVIS. The O-1 is a work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, and its process relies on a different set of documentation and fees.

This does not mean the O-1 is cost-free: the process has its own fees and requirements, which can change over time. For that reason, it is best to always confirm with official sources:

• Which fees apply to your specific case.
• Where and how each payment must be made.
• Whether the rules have been recently updated.

For current fees and obligations, consult the USCIS and official immigration channels, or a trusted immigration specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.