USA Form I-20 and SEVIS I-901 Fee Guide for Nepali Students 2026–2027

From admission to Form I-20

1. Apply to and receive admission from an SEVP-certified school.
2. Accept the offer using the school’s official process.
3. Submit financial and identity information requested by the international office.
4. The designated school official creates the SEVIS record and issues Form I-20.
5. Review and sign the form as instructed.
6. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at FMJFee.com and retain proof.
7. Complete the visa application and interview steps using official instructions.

Use the DHS School Search before relying on a school or campus for F-1 sponsorship.

Form I-20 review checklist

Compare the form with the passport, offer and financial record immediately. Corrections should come from the school’s designated school official, not from the student editing the document.

I-901 SEVIS fee workflow

Study in the States says prospective F and M students pay the I-901 fee at FMJFee.com after receiving Form I-20. Enter the SEVIS ID and personal details exactly as shown. Confirm the current amount and payment options on the official site rather than relying on an old screenshot or agent message.

• Use the official site address directly.
• Match the name and SEVIS ID to Form I-20.
• Save the confirmation and payment status.
• Do not pay a second time without checking transfer or correction guidance.
• Contact the DSO or official SEVP support if the record appears wrong.

I-20 and SEVIS problems to prevent

Common issues include paying against the wrong SEVIS ID, using a spelling different from the passport, missing a changed programme start date, confusing a dependent record with the student record and trusting a non-government payment website. If the student changes school before visa issuance or receives a new record, ask the DSO which record and fee guidance applies.

Do not make travel plans using only the I-20. Complete the USA F-1 visa process and follow official entry timing. The State Department says new students cannot enter more than 30 days before the programme start date.

After visa issuance and arrival

Carry the valid I-20 and required travel documents; do not place the only copy in checked baggage. After arrival, report to the school and follow DSO instructions for registration, address updates, programme changes, employment authorisation and travel signatures. SEVIS is a continuing student-status record, not a one-time visa payment system.

Tests and programme details

The I-20 should reflect the actual programme selected through the admissions process. SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo scores may have helped satisfy university requirements, but they do not replace the I-20, SEVIS fee or visa application. Keep official score and academic records available if requested in the visa process.

Contact the DSO before acting

A deferral, programme change, campus change, funding update or delayed arrival can affect the I-20 or SEVIS record. Contact the designated school official and follow the written instruction before paying again, scheduling travel or submitting inconsistent information. Do not modify the PDF yourself.

If several schools issued I-20s, choose the school you will actually attend and make sure the visa and SEVIS fee process uses the correct active record. A prior payment may sometimes be transferable under official rules, but eligibility depends on the situation; verify it through FMJFee.com or SEVP rather than guessing. Retain all confirmation numbers and correspondence.

Dependents need their own I-20s and visa applications. Check their names and relationships carefully and keep the family’s records connected to the principal student’s chosen school.