US department hikes ‘SEVIS’ fee payable by International students

MUMBAI: Studying in the US got a tad more expensive, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to increase the fees charged by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) system.
The rise in ‘SEVIS’ fee for international students on an F or M visa (for degree and vocational courses respectively) will increase by 75% from $ 200 to $ 350. Given today’s exchange rate, students from India will have to cough up approximately Rs. 10,500 more. The new fees will take effect on June 24, 2019.
As of March 2019, there were nearly 2 lakh Indian students studying in the US, the majority of them were studying for their Masters. This figure was a slight drop of 1% over the previous year.
The ‘SEVIS’ fee, funds the SEVP system, that was launched in 2003, which records data of international students. An official release by DHS quoted Rachel Canty, SEVP, program director as saying: “ “SEVP is funded entirely by fees, and does not receive any appropriated funding from the Congress (government).”
“These fees have not changed since 2008, although our costs have continued to grow due to inflation, expanded program operations and enhancements to the SEVIS system. The new and increased fees will enable the program to continue to provide oversight of international students and SEVP-certified schools,” her statement added.