Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee to study?

When we think about studying in the United States, there are many details to be considered, and a common question is about paying the SEVIS fee. This fee is usually applied to international students intending to study with an F or M visa, or to exchange program participants with a J visa.

However, if you are referring to the process related to the U visa, the scenario is a bit different. The U visa, created to protect victims of certain crimes who cooperate with investigations, is not part of the traditional student visas and, therefore, does not require the payment of the SEVIS fee to study.

In other words, if you have received or are processing your U visa, the obligation to pay the SEVIS fee- which is a requirement for applications for F, M, or J visas-does not apply to this type of visa.

It is worth remembering that, while under U visa status, you may have the opportunity to attend courses, but it is always important to verify the specific rules of your status with immigration authorities.

It is essential to strictly follow United States immigration regulations and seek information directly from official sources, such as the Department of Homeland Security website or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Given the complexity of immigration rules, it is advisable to exercise caution when dealing with information from third parties, avoiding scams or promises of guaranteed results that often appear in marketing campaigns.

Each case has its particularities, so it is always recommended to consult reliable sources to confirm the specific requirements for your situation and ensure that all legal obligations are properly fulfilled. This way, you will be safeguarding your rights and complying with immigration laws safely.

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.