S3 Q&A Do I need to pay the SEVIS fee now?

 Only Initial and change-of-status students pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and only after the I-20 is issued - transfer students don't pay it again. So if you're transferring from another school or from OPT, there's nothing to pay here. If you're coming from abroad or changing status, you'll pay it once your I-20 is ready.