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ICE will propose to adjust fees that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) charges individuals and organizations. In 2017, SEVP conducted a comprehensive fee study and determined that current fees do not recover the full costs of the services provided. ICE has determined that adjusting fees is necessary to fully recover the increased costs of SEVP operations, program requirements, and to provide the necessary funding to sustain initiatives critical to supporting national security. ICE will propose to adjust its fees for individuals and organizations to establish a more equitable distribution of costs and to establish a sustainable revenue level. The SEVP fee schedule was last adjusted in a rule published on September 26, 2008.

Statement of Need:

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) conducted a comprehensive fee study in 2017 and determined that current fees, most recently adjusted in 2008, do not recover the full costs of the services provided. ICE has determined that adjusting fees is necessary to fully recover the increased costs of SEVP operations, program requirements, and to provide the necessary funding to implement and sustain initiatives critical to supporting national security. ICE will propose to adjust its fees for individuals and organizations to establish a more equitable distribution and sustainable level of costs relevant to services.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Alternatives:

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

ICE is in the process of assessing the costs, benefits, and transfers of this rule. In order to recover the full cost of its budget for the services it provides, SEVP proposes to increase the amounts of its fees for SEVP certified schools and for those schools that will seek SEVP certification, for F and M nonimmigrant students, and for J nonimmigrant exchange visitors. The fee adjustment would allow to continue to maintain and improve SEVIS in order to uphold the integrity of the U.S. immigration laws regarding student and exchange visitors.

Risks: