Pay the I-901 Fee

If you are a student outside of the U.S., first you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Students already in the U.S. who have their SEVIS records transferred to Rowan University do not have to repay the fee. 

You must pay the SEVIS fee prior to visiting the U.S. embassy. 

To pay the fee, go to fmjfee.com. We recommend that you watch the included video tutorial here. The tutorial will guide you through each step of the I-901 SEVIS fee payment process. 

Please note: 

• The I-901 SEVIS fee is different from the visa application fee  
• You must pay the fee in order to study in the U.S. 
• You must print the payment confirmation receipt for your visa interview and to enter the U.S. – digital copies are not sufficient 
• The SEVIS ID on the receipt must always match the SEVIS ID on your most current I-20 
• If there is a discrepancy, please email sevis@ice.dhs.gov to confirm if you have to repay the fee 
• You must have a Rowan University I-20 to complete the I-901. Be sure to enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your most recent I-20!  
• You must enter the Rowan University school code to complete the I-901 – the correct school code can be found on your I-20

Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application

After you pay the SEVIS fee, you must submit a completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application to apply for an F-1 visa. Visit this website to read about student visas. 

• You should have your passport number and SEVIS ID on-hand when completing the DS-160 
• All answers must be in English, using the English alphabet only – failure to do so will result in the denial of your application 
• Enter your information on the DS-160 exactly as it appears on your I-20 
• Your DSO is the International Student Advisor who issued and signed your I-20 
• Your DSO’s contact information can be found here 
• Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more details 

After you have completed the DS-160, print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

Make an Appointment at the U.S. Embassy

You should schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible to assure you get your visa in time! 

• Locate a U.S. Embassy 
• Regulations require that you apply for an F-1 visa within your home country 
• Read through all the information provided by your local Embassy or Consulate prior to your interview 
• Information on visa appointment wait times 
• Please read information about visa application fees here – applicants must pay these fees prior to the visa interview, and must bring the receipts to the interview

Please carefully read all of the details on required and additional documentation here. At your interview, you will need:  

• Rowan University acceptance letter 
• Rowan University I-20 (signed at the bottom of page 1) 
• Supporting financial documentation 
• A valid passport 
• DS-160 confirmation page 
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt 
• Passport-style photo 

Additional documentation may also be required, such as:  

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended 
• Standardized test scores required by Rowan University 
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of your program  
• How you will pay for your educational, living, and travel expenses  

Be sure to present original documents, NOT copies! 

To best prepare for your interview, we strongly encourage you to read the information provided by NAFSA here: 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa 

NOTE:  

• You must NOT use your F-1 visa and I-20 to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start of your program!   
• DO NOT enter the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1 or B-2), as that is considered fraudulent entry!