INS made several major concessions on the fee issue, notably on who qualifies for reduced or fee-exempt status, to ensure its success. INS hopes to have both of these items completed by early 2001, at which time it can begin collecting the fee from new students and exchange visitors. The fee is non-refundable, even if the applicant fails to obtain a visa. They may pay by credit card, bank draft, or even cash. This fee receipt will be mailed to the applicant at the address designated on the I-901.
Many issues relating to the fee payment requirements have yet to be worked out.
For example, INS and Bank One are still deliberating on how best to replace lost or misdirected I-797 receipts. The system is designed to work best for those with internet access, but for students not connected to the web, paying the fee may be more problematical. And educating the international student and exchange visitor community about the new fee will be a major undertaking which will fall mostly on INS but with which posts, and other stakeholders in the program, may be called on to assist. We are confident that the program ultimately will achieve all these ends. We will keep posts closely apprised of any new developments, particularly as they relate to our role in fee collections in the coming months.