SEVIS Fee Guide
SEVIS Fee 2026: What It Is, How Much It Costs & How to Pay from Ghana
If you're a Ghanaian student or exchange visitor heading to the United States, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview. This comprehensive guide explains everything: what the fee is, how much it costs, who needs to pay, and how to pay from Ghana in Cedis.
What is the SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS fee (officially the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee) is a mandatory payment required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for all international students and exchange visitors entering the United States on F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas.
The fee funds the SEVIS database, which the U.S. government uses to monitor and track international students and exchange visitors throughout their stay in America. Without paying this fee, you cannot attend your visa interview or enter the United States.
How much is the SEVIS fee in 2026?
F-1 / M-1 Visa (Students)
Academic and vocational students
J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitors)
Research scholars, au pairs, work & travel
These amounts are set by the U.S. government. With SevisGo, you pay the equivalent in Ghana Cedis (GHS) at the day's exchange rate plus a service fee. Check our pricing page for today's rate.
Who needs to pay the SEVIS fee?
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if you are:
- •An F-1 student attending a U.S. college, university, or language program
- •An M-1 student enrolled in a vocational or technical school
- •A J-1 exchange visitor (research scholar, professor, au pair, intern, work & travel)
- •Changing from one visa category to another (e.g., J-1 to F-1)
- •Transferring to a new SEVP-certified school and need a new SEVIS record
Who is exempt from the SEVIS fee?
- •J-1 participants in U.S. federal government-sponsored programs
- •J-1 participants funded by USAID
- •Dependents (F-2, M-2, J-2 visa holders) — only the primary applicant pays
Most Ghanaian students are not exempt. If you're unsure, check with your school or sponsor organization.
When should you pay the SEVIS fee?
Pay the SEVIS fee as soon as you receive your I-20 or DS-2019. The payment must be confirmed in the SEVIS system before your visa interview. Recommended timelines:
Standard processing
Pay at least 5-7 business days before your interview
SevisGo Express
Receipt within 30 hours — ideal if your interview is soon
SevisGo Standard
Receipt within 3-5 business days
How to pay the SEVIS fee from Ghana
The official SEVIS payment website (fmjfee.com) only accepts U.S.-compatible credit cards, which most Ghanaian bank cards are not. This is the core problem SevisGo solves.
With SevisGo, you can pay using:
After you pay in Ghana Cedis, our US-based team processes your SEVIS fee payment on fmjfee.com and uploads your official I-901 receipt to your SevisGo dashboard. See how it works →
How long is the SEVIS fee valid?
A paid SEVIS fee is valid for 12 months. If your visa is denied, you can reapply within that period without paying again. After 12 months, or if you receive a new SEVIS ID, you must pay again.
Is the SEVIS fee refundable?
No. The SEVIS fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including visa denial. This is a U.S. government policy.
Frequently asked questions about the SEVIS fee
What happens if I don't pay the SEVIS fee?▾
You will not be able to attend your visa interview. The U.S. Embassy requires proof of SEVIS fee payment.
Can I pay the SEVIS fee with cash?▾
Not on fmjfee.com. However, with SevisGo you can pay via MTN Mobile Money, which effectively lets you use cash deposited into your mobile money account.
Do I need to print my SEVIS receipt?▾
Yes. Bring a printed copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt to your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Accra.
What is the difference between the SEVIS fee and the visa fee?▾
They are different payments. The SEVIS fee ($350/$220) goes to DHS. The visa application fee (MRV fee, $185) goes to the U.S. Department of State. You must pay both.
Related guides
Ready to pay your SEVIS fee?
Pay in Ghana Cedis. Express: 30 hours, Standard: 3-5 days.