Why International Students Matter

🌍 Why International Students Matter for Education and the U.S. Economy

U.S. higher education thrives not only because of academic excellence but also because of the global talent and economic value international students bring with them.

Impact by the numbers:

🎓 In the 2024–2025 academic year, international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed approximately $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy through tuition, living expenses, and other spending and supported over 355,000 American jobs across education, housing, dining, retail, transportation, and healthcare sectors.

They represent about 6 % of total U.S. college enrollment, bringing diverse perspectives and strengthening the global competitiveness of American institutions.

Beyond revenue, international students enable broader economic activity. For example, international student spending accounts for a significant share of overall U.S. travel exports, contributing tens of billions to the national trade balance.

And the ripple effects go deeper international students help sustain academic programs, contribute to research and innovation (especially in STEM fields), and fuel workforce entry via programs like OPT.

This isn’t just about tuition dollars it’s about jobs, innovation, and long-term global leadership. When we promote policies and services that support and retain international talent, we’re investing in stronger campuses, communities, and economies.

🎯 Let’s continue championing international education strategically, ethically, and collaboratively for the benefit of all learners and for the future of U.S. higher education.

SEVIS I-901 Fee & Reinstatement

SEVIS I-901 Fee & Reinstatement (Important)

If you are applying for F-1 reinstatement, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again, even if you already paid it in the past.

Reinstatement requires a new or reactivated SEVIS record, and that record cannot be processed without a new I-901 payment.

If the SEVIS I-901 fee is not paid:

Your reinstatement application can be delayed USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) In rare cases, the application can be denied

To avoid delays, always confirm that the correct SEVIS ID listed on your reinstatement I-20 matches the I-901 payment receipt.

👉 Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at: fmjfee.com

SEVIS I-901 Fee: What You Need to Know

SEVIS I-901 Fee: What You Need to Know

Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview is not mandatory. You can pay the fee after your F-1 visa is approved. That said, paying it early signals that you’re serious about your education and committed to the school you’ve chosen.

Once your F-1 visa is approved and you travel to the United States, paying the I-901 fee becomes mandatory before your program start date. If the fee is not paid, your DSO cannot register your SEVIS record.

No registration = no active status.

If the I-901 fee remains unpaid, your SEVIS record will automatically cancel, and you will be considered out of status even if you are physically in the U.S.

Where to pay your I-901 fee:

👉 fmjfee.com

This step is non-negotiable. Handle it on time and protect your status.

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