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We will explain the importance of the SEVIS number, how you can obtain it, the application process, and everything you need to know to enter the United States as a student.
What is the SEVIS Number?
The SEVIS number (which stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is part of a database that allows students staying in the United States to be legally registered with the country's Department of Homeland Security.
Every foreign-born citizen must be registered here, as it is a fundamental requirement for being granted the corresponding student visa.
Importance of the SEVIS Number for International Students
The importance of the SEVIS number for international students is that it is mandatory to obtain it in order to get a student visa, as well as to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before filling out the DS-160 form for the F-1 visa.
This applies to new students; if you have already studied in this country and wish to return to study at any school of your choice, you will not need another SEVIS number, as you are already in the database.
How to Obtain the SEVIS Number?
To obtain a SEVIS number, you must enroll in a school certified by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Once your admission is official, the school will send your information to the SEVIS database.
This is one of the most important requirements, as the school will be responsible for verifying your criminal background, your financial ability to pay for the course, and any other information required to study in the United States.
Another step is to obtain the I-20 form, which will be returned to your school as a PDF file. This document is necessary to fill out the DS-160 form for the F-1 student visa.
Once you receive the I-20 form, you will find your SEVIS number printed on it.
Paying the SEVIS Fee: Everything You Need to Know
It is necessary to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, as this must be done prior to applying for the F-1 student visa.
The cost of the SEVIS I-901 fee is 350 dollars.
Instructions for Paying the SEVIS Fee
To pay the SEVIS fee, you need an internet connection to access the I-901 SEVIS Fee website, where you will provide your credit or debit card details as prompted on the screen to cover the corresponding cost.
The payment must be made after receiving the I-20 form and before filling out the DS-160 form for the F-1 visa.
It is important to know that this fee payment is valid for 12 months, so if your F-1 visa application is denied, you can reapply without having to pay the fee again.
Exceptions and Special Cases for SEVIS Fee Payments
There are certain exceptions where you should not pay the SEVIS fee to the school, which apply in the following cases:
- Another requirement for this fee exemption applies to those who hold a tourist visa or an ESTA and are currently in the United States.
- Dependents (holders of F-2, J-2, and M-2 visas) of the primary student visa holder.
- Individuals traveling to the United States as guests or as part of a U.S. government-sponsored program.
**The Relationship Between the SEVIS Number and Form DS-160**
The relationship between the SEVIS number and the F-1 student visa Form DS-160 is that obtaining this number is a necessary step for the visa application, as you must include it on the aforementioned visa form.
**How to Complete Form DS-160 with Your SEVIS Number**
To complete the F-1 student visa Form DS-160 with your SEVIS number, follow these steps.
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, where you must submit this form to apply for your student visa.
- On this website, you must select your geographic location for the visa application.
- Keep the Application ID and security answer found in the top right corner of the screen handy to save them along with your security question response.
- Fill in the required information regarding your personal details, purpose of travel, and planned arrival and departure dates for the United States.
- List any travel companions, as well as any previous travel to the United States, visa denials, or immigration petitions filed.
- Provide the identifiers you have used on social media over the past five years.
- Enter your passport number and the organization that will be responsible for you in the United States.
- List any relatives you have in the United States.
- Specify your educational level and work history.
- Provide security background information and upload a photo that meets U.S. Department of State requirements.
You now know everything about the SEVIS number, its importance for the F-1 student visa, how to pay the fee, and its relationship to Form DS-160.
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