SEVIS I-20 & F1 Visa Guide
Getting a USA F1 Student Visa takes time — give yourself plenty of time to complete the process and allow for postal and appointment delays.
Total Fee Summary (Australian Applicants)
SEVIS I-901 Fee
May be paid by your school — check with your DSO
US$350
mandatory
DS-160 Application
No fee to complete the online form
Free
MRV Visa Application Fee
Increased from US$160 in April 2023
US$185
mandatory
Border Security Fee
Paid at Consulate on approval — applies to all approved nonimmigrant visas
US$250
mandatory
F‑1 Reciprocity Fee (AU)
Australian issuance fee per State Dept reciprocity schedule — paid at Consulate on approval
US$380
mandatory
Estimated Total
Excluding any exchange rate variations
~US$1,165
The 5 Steps
Once you have applied and been accepted to your chosen school/college/university, the educational institution will apply for SEVP-certification and provide you with Form I-20. This will be posted to you directly from your institution.
⚠️ You cannot apply for your F1 Visa until you have received your SEVIS ID located on the Form I-20.
The Form I-20 acts as proof of acceptance and contains information necessary to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Keep this document safe — you will need it throughout your entire stay in the USA and must present it upon arrival.
If you are under 18, your parents must sign the Form I-20 for you.
More Information
More information about the I-20 — Study in the States (DHS)Pay I-901 Fee or Check Status (Mandatory — US$350)
🎓 The student pays this fee — NOT the school. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mandates that all F‑1 students pay the I‑901 SEVIS fee themselves.
You must pay the I‑901 SEVIS fee after receiving your I‑20 but before your visa interview. You cannot book or attend your consulate interview without the SEVIS fee receipt.
❌ Schools do NOT pay this
U.S. schools only pay their own SEVP certification fees — not the student's I‑901 fee. This applies even for scholarship athletes.
✅ Exception: Scholarships
Some schools may reimburse the fee or include it in a full-ride package — but only if explicitly stated in your award letter. If your offer letter doesn't mention it, assume you pay it yourself.
USA Embassy Visa Application Contact (Australia)
Need Help With Your Visa?
Our team can assist with urgent applications and faster turnarounds. We also provide student athlete insurance cover for your entire stay in the USA.
Updated 5 August 2026 — F‑1 visa fee breakdown confirmed (US$815 total for Australian applicants)
Fees current as of August 2026. Always verify fees at official government websites before payment. USA College Cover provides this guide for informational purposes only.