On March 1, 2003, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (Service) transferred from the Department of Justice to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) (Public Law 107-296). The Service's adjudications functions transferred to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) of DHS, and the Service's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) functions transferred to the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of DHS. For the sake of simplicity, any reference to the Service has been changed to DHS, even when referencing events that preceded March 1, 2003. This rule proposes to amend the regulations of DHS to provide for the collection of a fee to be paid by certain aliens who are applying for F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 student visas or for a J-1 visa as an exchange visitor. Generally, the rule proposes a fee of $100, although applicants for certain J-1 exchange programs will pay a reduced fee of $35, and certain other aliens will be exempt from the fee altogether. This proposed rule explains which aliens will be required to pay the fee, describes the consequences that an alien seeking an F, J, or M nonimmigrant visa faces upon failure to pay the fee, and specifies which aliens are exempt from the fee. This fee is levied on students applying for F, J, or M nonimmigrant visas to cover the costs of administering and maintaining the SEVIS system and ensuring compliance by individuals, schools, and organizations with the system's requirements. The fee imposed under this proposed rule will pay for the continued operation of the SEVIS program and will also include the funds to hire SEVIS Liaison Officers and other ICE officers to ensure compliance with the SEVIS requirements.
Read the full text on the Federal Register
This page is a structured index entry, not a substitute for reading the rule. This is not legal advice.