If you’re an international student planning to study in the United States, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee before you can apply for a student visa.
The SEVIS fee is a one-time payment that supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which manages the records of international students and exchange visitors in the US.
While there are several ways to pay the SEVIS fee, one popular option is through Western Union.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to pay the SEVIS fee through Western Union, so you can get one step closer to starting your academic journey in the US.
what is sevis?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is a web-based system used by the U.S. government to maintain accurate and current information on non-immigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents while they are in the United States.
The SEVIS program was established in 2003 and is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The SEVIS fee is a fee that international students and exchange visitors must pay to the DHS to cover the cost of administering the SEVIS program.
The fee is $350 and is non-refundable. The SEVIS fee can be paid by mail, online, or by Western Union QuickCollect.
By paying the SEVIS fee, international students and exchange visitors can obtain their Form I-20 or DS-2019, which is necessary to apply for a student visa.
It is important to note that the SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days before the visa interview, so it is important to plan ahead and pay the fee in a timely manner.
how to pay sevis fee through Western Union?
To pay the SEVIS fee through Western Union Quick Pay, follow these steps:
1. Fill out the Form I-901 online
Before making the payment, you must first complete the Form I-901 online. This form collects your personal information and the details of your visa application.
2. Print a copy of the payment coupon
After completing the Form I-901, you will receive a payment coupon. Print a copy of the coupon as you will need to take it to your local Western Union agent.
3. Visit a Western Union agent
Find your nearest Western Union agent and take the payment coupon with you. You will also need to bring cash or a debit card to make the payment.
4. Fill out the Quick Collect/Quick Pay form
When you arrive at the Western Union agent, fill out the Quick Collect/Quick Pay form with the following information:
- Pay to: SEVP
- Code City: SEVISPAY
- State: VA
You will also need to provide your name, SEVIS ID number, and the amount of the fee in US dollars.
5. Receive a receipt
After making the payment, you will receive a receipt from the Western Union agent. Keep this receipt as proof of payment.
6. Wait for confirmation
It may take up to three business days for the DHS to confirm your payment. Once your payment has been confirmed, you can proceed with your visa application.
