Understanding Sevis: International Student Monitoring System

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 international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas. SEVIS is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. All international students have a SEVIS record, which is updated with any changes to their academic program, major, degree field, residential address, employment authorization, and anticipated graduation date. A SEVIS fee must be paid before applying for a student visa or changing one's status to F or J student status.

SEVIS is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on international students and exchange visitors in the US

SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States. It is a critical tool in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission to protect national security while supporting the legal entry of nonimmigrants to the United States for education and cultural exchange.

SEVIS was established to address national security and public policy concerns. It was authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which required the collection of information on F, M, and J nonimmigrants to address the issue of those who remain in the country without authorization. The system was intended to support efforts to determine the number of F, M, and J nonimmigrants in the country, their locations, and their areas of study.

SEVIS is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a part of the DHS. SEVP acts as a bridge for government organizations interested in information on nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students. SEVP-certified schools use SEVIS to update school information and apply for recertification, enabling them to offer programs of study to nonimmigrant students.

SEVIS maintains information on SEVP-certified schools, exchange visitor program sponsors, and their representatives. It also keeps records on F, M, and J nonimmigrants and their dependents, including their addresses, courses of study, enrollment, employment, and compliance with the terms of their status. International students have a SEVIS "record" that is updated as needed with any changes to their academic program, major, degree field, residential address, employment authorization, and anticipated graduation date. This record is crucial for maintaining legal status and future ability to enter the United States.

It is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that collects, tracks, and monitors information on international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas. The system is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

SEVIS is a critical tool in the mission to protect national security and support the legal entry and stay of over one million international students and exchange visitors in the United States. It was established to address the issue of nonimmigrants remaining in the country without authorization and to determine the number of F, M, and J nonimmigrants, their locations, and their fields of study.

The SEVP, as part of the National Security Investigations Division, acts as a bridge between government organizations with an interest in information on nonimmigrants whose primary purpose for entering the United States is to pursue an education. The SEVP manages schools, nonimmigrant students with F and M visa classifications, and their dependents.

The Department of State (DoS), on the other hand, manages Exchange Visitor Programs, nonimmigrant exchange visitors with J visa classifications, and their dependents. Both the SEVP and the DoS utilize SEVIS to track and monitor schools, exchange visitor programs, and F, M, and J nonimmigrants during their time in the US education system.

SEVIS is also used by schools to petition the SEVP for certification, which allows them to offer programs of study to nonimmigrant students. Designated school officials of SEVP-certified schools are responsible for updating school information, applying for recertification, and issuing Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." International students must pay a SEVIS fee before applying for a student visa or changing their status to F or J student status.

SEVIS maintains records on F, M, and J nonimmigrants and their dependents

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 who attend those schools, U.S. Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsors, and J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program participants.

SEVIS was deployed in January 2003 to meet the mandate from Congress to use an electronic system to collect information on all F, M, and J nonimmigrants and their dependents. This mandate was issued after the events of September 11, 2001, to address national security concerns and track nonimmigrants in the country.

SEVIS enables SEVP to ensure proper reporting and record-keeping by schools and exchange visitor programs, maintaining data currency and integrity. It also helps identify status violators, allowing for appropriate enforcement actions, such as denial of admission or removal from the U.S. Additionally, SEVIS facilitates the transfer of student SEVIS records to other institutions, ensuring a seamless continuation of the student's record-keeping.

International students must pay a SEVIS fee to apply for a student visa

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, F-1 and M-1 students who come to the United States to attend those schools, US Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsors, and J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program participants.

To pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, students will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, and email address, as well as their country of birth and country of citizenship. They will also need their School Code and SEVIS Identification Number as listed on the Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." After completing the payment, students should print a receipt of payment and keep a copy with their other immigration documents. This receipt will serve as proof of payment for the I-901 SEVIS Fee and must be presented at the visa interview.

SEVP-certified schools use SEVIS to update school information and apply for recertification

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain 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. SEVIS is a critical tool in the mission to protect national security while supporting the legal entry of more than one million F, M, and J nonimmigrants to the US for education and cultural exchange.

Schools are required to report and update various student and program details in SEVIS, including student addresses, courses of study, enrollment, employment, and compliance with student status terms. Additionally, SEVIS enables SEVP to ensure proper reporting and record-keeping by schools, maintaining data currency and integrity. Schools must also transfer student SEVIS records to other institutions if a student changes their educational program or institution.

It is important for schools to stay compliant with SEVIS requirements and maintain their SEVP certification to continue hosting nonimmigrant students. By using SEVIS to update school information and apply for recertification, schools can ensure they meet the necessary standards for offering educational programs to international students.

Frequently asked questions