Paying the SEVIS Fee from Nigeria in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Nigerian students applying for US F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before their Embassy interview. In 2026, that means $350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 exchange visitors. Due to CBN forex restrictions and international card limitations, many Nigerian students struggle to complete this payment directly on fmjfee.com.

Common Problems Nigerian Students Face

• Card Declined: Most Nigerian Naira debit cards are blocked for international transactions or have low USD limits.
• CBN Restrictions: The Central Bank of Nigeria has at various points restricted international card spending, making direct USD payments unreliable.
• Exchange Rate Uncertainty: Fluctuating NGN/USD rates make it hard to know how much to load on a dollar card.

Your Options in 2026

• SEVISmate (Recommended): Pay in Naira using your local bank transfer or card. We handle the USD submission to DHS on your behalf. No dollar card needed.
• GTBank or Access Bank Dollar Card: If you have a dollar-denominated card, ensure it has at least $360 loaded and is enabled for international transactions.
• Grey or Chipper Cash: Some Nigerian students use fintech dollar wallets to pay directly on fmjfee.com.
• Family Member Abroad: A relative in the US, UK, or Canada can pay on your behalf using your SEVIS ID.

How Much Is $350 in Naira?

At current 2026 parallel market rates, $350 USD is approximately ₦420,000–₦470,000 NGN. SEVISmate shows you the exact NGN amount at checkout based on the live rate.

Step-by-Step: Pay via SEVISmate

1. Visit sevismate.com and start your SEVIS fee submission
2. Enter your details from your I-20 (or DS-2019)
3. Choose your processing speed
4. Pay in NGN via bank transfer or card
5. Get your SEVIS payment confirmation within 1 business day