Once an I-20 or DS 2019 is issued to the student, the student must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee prior to a visa interview.
All F-1 an J-1 student are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee prior to obtaining visa status. The SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350.00. The SEVIS fee for J-1 Students is $220.
I-901 SEVIS fees can be paid directly on the SEVIS fee website at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html# You can also watch an how-to video on paying the I-901 SEVIS fee at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/i-901-sevis-fee-payment-video
For more information on the SEVIS fee please visit Study in the States at Study in the States - Paying the I-901 Fee