Persons wishing to enter the United States with an F-1 student visa must pay a $100 fee prior to their visa application appointment.  The fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether the visa is issued.  There are several options available for paying the SEVIS I-901 fee including online payment using a credit card, payment by check or money order in U.S. dollars, or payment at a Western Union office in your local currency.  Detailed information on paying the SEVIS I-901 fee can be found on the I-901 fee section of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement web site.