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Services - J1-VISA - New SEVIS fee required for J-1 Visa holders

What is the SEVIS fee and how can I pay it?

The SEVIS fee is used to register J-1 Visa applicants (among others) in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS is a nationwide registration program for international visitors in the US. It is a web-based program for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors and their dependents in the United States. For more information, please check www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/sevisfactsheet.htm.

Once you receive the DS- 2019 form, you can make an appointment for a Visa application interview at the US Embassy. The SEVIS fee (180 USD) must be paid at least 3 business days before your actual interview. It can be paid electronically (with credit card number) through the Internet on www.fmjfee.com.

Do I need special insurance to train in the U.S.?

U.S. Federal Regulations require that, before arriving in the United Sates, all J-1 interns/trainees (and any accompanying dependents) obtain health insurance covering them for the entire length of training/insternship.


All insurance coverage must meet the following limits:

U.S. regulations also require that all insurance policies must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having one or more of the following ratings:

When an application is submitted, the trainee or company must provide the BACC with proof of coverage meeting all above-noted minimum requirements. The company’s insurance plan or private insurer may be used. The BACC provides applicants with information on our recommended insurer (Seabury & Smith’s Gateway USA plan), if neither the trainee’s nor company’s insurance meets the above requirements.