SEVIS Fee
United States regulations require all nonimmigrant students, scholars, and exchange visitors to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, which funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS, and is separate from visa fees.
For current fees, visit I-901 SEVIS Fee on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. Information on how to pay this fee can be found on that page.
All new students and scholars except those transferring from another school or institution have to pay the SEVIS fee prior to submitting the application for the visa. This includes students who have been absent from the U.S. for more than five months. Your dependents (with F-2 or J-2 visas) do not need to pay the fee.
After paying the fee, make and keep a copy of the receipt as proof of payment. You must present the receipt with your visa application. (Canadians show the receipt at the port of entry.)