Lana Oconnell
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to collect, track, and monitor information on international students, scholars, and exchange visitors who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas. Managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), SEVIS is a critical tool in maintaining national security and supporting the legal entry and stay of nonimmigrants in the United States for education and cultural exchange. Before applying for a student visa, international students must pay a SEVIS fee, which is separate from the US embassy visa application fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System |
| Managed by | Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security |
| Purpose | To collect, track, and monitor information regarding exchange visitors, international students, and scholars who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas |
| Users | Schools, Exchange Visitor Program sponsors, Designated School Officials, Responsible Officers, Alternate Responsible Officers, etc. |
| Fee | $350 for F-1 students; transferable; payable online or by mail; can be paid by a third party |
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What You'll Learn
- SEVIS is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on exchange visitors, international students, and scholars entering the US on F, J, or M visas
- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages SEVIS through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
- SEVP-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students, and their dependents are maintained in the SEVIS database
- SEVIS requires a fee, separate from the US embassy visa application fee, to be paid before applying for a student visa or changing to F or J student status
- Designated school officials, responsible officers, and sponsors can access and update student information in SEVIS
SEVIS is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on exchange visitors, international students, and scholars entering the US on F, J, or M visas
SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on exchange visitors, international students, and scholars entering the US on F, J, or M visas. The system is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
SEVIS was established to address national security and public policy concerns, specifically regarding F, M, and J nonimmigrants who remain in the United States without authorization. It was first deployed in 2003 by the DHS and the Department of State to meet the mandate for an electronic system to collect information on these nonimmigrants.
F and M visas are for academic and vocational students, respectively, while J visas are for Exchange Visitor Program participants. All international students on these visas have a SEVIS "record" that is managed by the responsible office within their educational institution. This record includes information such as the student's academic program, major or degree field, residential address, employment authorization, and anticipated graduation date.
Schools that wish to accept nonimmigrant students must apply for SEVP certification through SEVIS by submitting a Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student." Once certified, designated school officials can use SEVIS to update school information and apply for recertification. They can also issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective students.
Exchange Visitor Programs must also petition the Department of State through SEVIS to be designated as a sponsor for educational and cultural exchange programs. Responsible officers of these programs can use SEVIS to update sponsor information, issue Forms DS-2019 for J-1 status, and fulfill their legal reporting responsibilities.
Overall, SEVIS plays a critical role in supporting the legal entry and stay of international students and exchange visitors in the United States, while also addressing national security concerns.
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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages SEVIS through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on international students, exchange visitors, and scholars who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages SEVIS through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is a part of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
SEVIS was deployed in January 2003 by the DHS and the Department of State to meet the mandate for an electronic system to collect information on all F, M, and J nonimmigrants. This mandate was issued by Congress in updated legislation after September 11, 2001, to address national security and public policy concerns. The system is critical to the SEVP's mission of protecting national security while supporting the legal entry and stay of F, M, and J nonimmigrants for educational and cultural exchange.
SEVP-certified schools are subject to review of their certification at any time based on federal regulation. Schools use SEVIS to petition SEVP for certification, allowing them to offer programs of study to nonimmigrant students. Designated school officials of SEVP-certified schools are responsible for updating school information and applying for recertification. They also issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to nonimmigrants to obtain F or M status while enrolled at the school.
Responsible officers of designated exchange visitor programs use SEVIS to update sponsor information and apply for redesignation every two years. They also issue Forms DS-2019, "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status," to specific individuals to obtain J status. Additionally, SEVIS maintains records on schools, exchange visitor program sponsors, and their representatives, including designated school officials, responsible officers, and alternate responsible officers.
All international students have a SEVIS "record," which is managed by the SEVP office. This record includes information such as the academic program, major or degree field, residential address, employment authorization, and anticipated graduation date. It is important to update this record as changes occur to avoid losing legal status and facing consequences for future entry into the US.
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SEVP-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students, and their dependents are maintained in the SEVIS database
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students, and their dependents. SEVP-certified schools are those that have been approved by SEVP to offer programs of study to nonimmigrant students. F-1 and M-1 students are nonimmigrant students who come to the United States to attend SEVP-certified schools. These students and their dependents are typically required to obtain F or M visas prior to entering the United States.
SEVIS is a critical tool in SEVP's mission to protect national security while supporting the legal entry and stay of nonimmigrants coming to the United States for educational and cultural exchange programs. It allows SEVP to ensure proper reporting and record-keeping by schools and exchange visitor programs, thereby ensuring data currency and integrity. SEVIS also helps identify student and exchange visitor status violators so that appropriate enforcement actions can be taken, such as denial of admission, denial of benefits, or removal from the United States.
When an individual enrolls at a U.S. school as an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant student, SEVIS captures certain information about that individual. This information includes their residential address, courses of study, enrollment status, employment, and compliance with the terms of their student status. Schools are responsible for updating SEVIS with any changes to a student's information and must also maintain records on their own representatives, such as designated school officials.
International students and their dependents are required to pay a SEVIS fee in addition to the U.S. embassy visa application fee. This fee is paid directly to SEVP and helps fund the management of the SEVIS system. By maintaining accurate and up-to-date information in SEVIS, schools and exchange visitor programs play a crucial role in supporting national security and public policy goals while facilitating educational and cultural exchange.
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SEVIS requires a fee, separate from the US embassy visa application fee, to be paid before applying for a student visa or changing to F or J student status
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to manage information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students who attend those schools, US Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsors, and J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program participants. It is a critical tool in the mission to protect national security while supporting the legal entry of F, M, and J nonimmigrants to the United States for education and cultural exchange.
SEVIS requires a fee, known as the SEVIS I-901 fee, to be paid before applying for a student visa or changing to F or J student status. This fee is separate from the US embassy visa application fee and must be paid by all international students and exchange visitors. The SEVIS fee funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and helps support national security and public policy concerns. It is important to note that failure to update your SEVIS record with any changes to your academic program, residential address, employment authorization, or other relevant information can result in a loss of legal status and impact your future ability to enter the US.
The SEVIS fee must be paid before the visa interview or filing an application for reinstatement, change of status, or exchange visitor status. The receipt of payment is useful during the visa interview as it assures that the payment was processed correctly and speeds up the verification process. The current SEVIS fees can be found on the SEVP fee website, and the payment confirmation receipt can be printed from www.fmjfee.com. It is recommended to bring the receipt to the visa interview, although the embassy or consulate should be able to electronically verify the payment.
It is important to note that there are some instances where a SEVIS fee payment is not required. For example, continuing students who have maintained their status and have not completed their program of study using the same SEVIS ID are exempt from paying the fee. Additionally, students from visa-exempt countries may not need to pay the fee, depending on their specific circumstances. It is always recommended to check the latest information and requirements on official government websites to ensure compliance with the applicable rules and regulations.
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Designated school officials, responsible officers, and sponsors can access and update student information in SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to collect, track, and monitor information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students who attend those schools, U.S. Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsors, and J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program participants. SEVIS is also used to maintain current information on nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents.
Designated school officials (DSOs), responsible officers (ROs), and sponsors play a crucial role in updating and accessing student information in SEVIS. Here's an overview of their responsibilities:
Designated School Officials (DSOs):
DSOs are representatives of SEVP-certified schools who are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date information in SEVIS. They have access to student records and can update school information, including any changes to academic programs, degrees offered, or residential addresses. DSOs can also issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to nonimmigrant students, enabling them to obtain F or M status while enrolled at the school. Additionally, DSOs ensure that their schools comply with federal regulations and SEVP guidelines.
Responsible Officers (ROs):
ROs are responsible for managing information related to Exchange Visitor Programs. They update sponsor information and apply for re-designation every two years. ROs issue Forms DS-2019, "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status," to individuals seeking J status. They also fulfil the sponsor's legal reporting responsibilities, including providing information on exchange visitor addresses, sites of activity, program participation, and compliance with J status terms. ROs play a vital role in facilitating educational and cultural exchange programs for exchange visitors.
Sponsors:
Sponsors, typically associated with Exchange Visitor Programs, use SEVIS to petition the U.S. Department of State for designation. They provide updated information on exchange visitors, including changes in domestic addresses and program studies. Sponsors collaborate with ROs to ensure compliance with legal reporting requirements and facilitate cultural exchange opportunities for participants.
It is important to note that SEVIS users should be aware of planned changes to the system, as it constantly evolves to address national security and public policy concerns. These changes can impact schools and programs, and details can be found on the SEVIS Enhancements page on the SEVIS Help Hub.
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Frequently asked questions
SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on international students, scholars, and exchange visitors who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas.
The SEVIS fee is a mandatory payment that all international students must make before applying for a student visa or changing their status to F or J student status. This fee is separate from the U.S. embassy visa application fee and is non-refundable.
The SEVIS fee can be paid online or by mail. It can be paid by the student or a third party, either from inside or outside the United States. The payment must be accompanied by Form I-901, and it is recommended to pay online as it is the fastest method.
