Lori Meadows
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 students and exchange visitors in the United States. Each student has a unique SEVIS ID number, which can be found in the upper left corner of their Form I-20. This number is used by the US government to track and manage immigration records. In this article, we will discuss where international students can find their SEVIS ID, what it is used for, and why it is important.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is SEVIS? | 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 and students who come to the United States to attend those schools. |
| Who does it apply to? | F-1, M-1, and J-1 students and exchange visitors. |
| Where to find the SEVIS ID? | The SEVIS ID number is located in the upper left corner of your Form I-20. It begins with the letter “N” followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N0012345678). |
| What is the SEVIS ID used for? | The U.S. government uses the SEVIS ID to track and manage your immigration record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) throughout your stay in the United States. |
| What if I have multiple SEVIS IDs? | If you apply to more than one school and receive multiple I-20s, each I-20 will have a different SEVIS ID number. You must use the I-20 from the school you plan to attend when applying for your visa, as the visa you receive will be tied to the SEVIS ID number and school listed on that specific I-20. |
| How to search for a student's SEVIS record? | Designated school officials (DSOs) can search for a student's SEVIS record using the SEVIS ID Search field on the Navigation Bar or the Search page. |
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What You'll Learn
SEVIS ID on Form I-20
The SEVIS ID is a unique identifier that matches your SEVIS database record. It is located in the upper left corner of your Form I-20 and begins with the letter "N," followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N0012345678). The SEVIS ID is used by the U.S. government to track and manage your immigration record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) throughout your stay in the United States.
The Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility, is a document issued by universities to show that a student has been admitted to a full-time program of study. It contains biographical information, degree or educational objectives, the school's address and contact information, the program start and end dates, estimated expenses associated with the program, financial resources, and other details, including employment and practical training authorizations.
The I-20 is a vital document for international students as it is needed to apply for an F-1 student visa and enter the U.S. as an F-1 student. It is also required for identification purposes when entering the U.S., opening a bank account, applying for employment authorization, or other instances when proof of non-immigrant student status is required.
It is important to note that if you apply to multiple schools and receive more than one I-20, each I-20 will have a different SEVIS ID number. You must use the I-20 from the school you plan to attend when applying for your F-1 visa, as the visa will be tied to the SEVIS ID number and school listed on that specific form.
Additionally, your SEVIS ID will remain the same throughout your stay in the U.S. as long as your SEVIS record remains active and your studies continue without interruption. However, if you stop your studies and more than five months pass before you restart, you will be assigned a new SEVIS ID upon resuming your studies or starting a new program.
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SEVIS ID on Form DS-2019
The Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant)”, is a Department of State-controlled document that can only be produced through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a database developed by the Department of Homeland Security to maintain information on F, M, and J visa holders.
The Form DS-2019 is used to administer the Exchange Visitor Program, which allows international students to study at US colleges or universities as part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The program has 15 categories, including a student category, and aims to increase cross-cultural understanding through educational exchanges.
The Form DS-2019 identifies the exchange visitor (J-1) or their accompanying spouse or dependents, if any (J-2). It also provides details about the sponsor, including the program number and category, the beginning and end dates of the program, and the total estimated financial support for the exchange visitor.
The SEVIS ID number is printed in the top right corner of the Form DS-2019 and consists of an "alpha" character (usually "N") followed by a series of up to 10 numerical characters (e.g., N0001234567 or N0012345678). This unique identifier matches the student's SEVIS database record and is used by the US government to track and manage their immigration record throughout their stay in the United States.
The SEVIS ID number is required when paying the SEVIS fee and completing the DS-160 Visa Application. It is also important to ensure that the biographical and personal information on the form is correct, including the student's surname and given name, which should match their passport information.
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SEVIS ID on check or money order
To pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, you can use a check or money order. This fee must be paid before the Department of State issues you a visa. Here is a step-by-step guide to filling out the check or money order with the correct information:
Filling out the Check or Money Order
- Write your name and SEVIS ID number on the check or money order: Your SEVIS ID number can be found in the upper left corner of your Form I-20. It begins with the letter "N" followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N0012345678). This number is unique to you and is used to track and manage your immigration record while you are in the United States.
- Make the check or money order payable to "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee": Ensure that the payment is made in United States currency. If you are an F-1 student from Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, or Nigeria, you must pay using a money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or a certified check drawn from a U.S. bank.
- Include the control number on your check or money order: If you are filling out the Form I-901 online, you will be able to print a payment coupon with a control number at the top. Write this control number on your check or money order, along with your name and SEVIS ID number. If you are using a paper Form I-901, attach this form to your check or money order before sending it in.
- Send your payment to the correct address: Ensure that your payment envelope has your correct return address. Include your payment, coupon (if applicable), and Form I-901. Send it to the address provided on the official I-901 website.
Additional Information:
- If you are applying to multiple schools, each I-20 form will have a different SEVIS ID number. Be sure to use the I-20 form from the school you plan to attend when applying for your visa, as your visa will be tied to the SEVIS ID number on that specific form.
- If you are paying the SEVIS fee for one school but decide to attend a different one, your paid SEVIS fee is transferable. Bring the I-20 form with the SEVIS ID number listed on the I-901 form, along with the I-20 form from the school you wish to attend, to the U.S. consulate or embassy.
- You can pay the I-901 SEVIS fee by credit card on FMJfee.com. You can also pay by Western Union Quick Pay, following the instructions on the SEVP website.
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SEVIS ID on Form I-901
The SEVIS ID is a unique number assigned to each international student or exchange visitor in the United States. The number is used by the U.S. government to track and manage immigration records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) throughout the individual's stay in the country. The SEVIS ID number is located in the upper left corner of Form I-20 and begins with the letter "N," followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N0012345678).
If you apply to multiple schools and receive more than one I-20, each form will have a different SEVIS ID number. It is crucial to use the I-20 from the school you plan to attend when applying for your student visa, as the visa will be tied to the SEVIS ID number and school listed on that specific form.
The SEVIS ID is also required when paying the I-901 SEVIS fee. All prospective F and M students must pay this fee before the Department of State issues their visa. The fee can be paid online at FMJfee.com, or by mailing in the SEVIS Form I-901 with a check or money order. The printed confirmation serves as proof of payment and must be presented during the visa interview.
It is important to note that the SEVIS ID on the payment confirmation receipt must match the SEVIS ID on the student's most current Form I-20 or DS-2019. If an individual receives a different SEVIS ID, an I-901 fee transfer will be required. Additionally, if an individual is a continuing exchange visitor and has maintained their status using the same SEVIS ID, they do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again.
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SEVP and SEVIS fees
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a US government program that tracks and manages student and exchange visitor records. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a tool that maintains current information on nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. SEVP is responsible for collecting the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is mandated by Congress to support the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors. The fee is $350 for F-1 students and must be paid before the Department of State issues a visa.
The SEVIS ID number is located in the upper left corner of your Form I-20. It begins with the letter "N" followed by a series of numbers and is used by the US government to track and manage your immigration record. If you apply to multiple schools and receive multiple I-20s, each will have a different SEVIS ID number. You must use the I-20 from the school you plan to attend when applying for your visa, as the visa you receive will be tied to the SEVIS ID number and school listed on that specific form.
To pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, prospective F and M students will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, email address, country of birth and citizenship, school code, and SEVIS identification number. Students from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a US bank. All other prospective F or M students can pay by credit card on FMJfee.com, and SEVP will also accept third-party payments.
If you have paid a foreign student fee to your school, you should check with an official to clarify if this was the I-901 SEVIS fee paid to SEVP. Schools and exchange visitor programs have the option of paying the fee on behalf of prospective students, but they are not required to do so. If the fee is paid on your behalf, you will receive a copy of the receipt, and you can also print a copy from www.fmjfee.com.
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Frequently asked questions
Your SEVIS ID number is located in the upper left corner of your Form I-20. It begins with the letter “N”, followed by a series of numbers.
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to maintain information on students and exchange visitors in the U.S.
Your SEVIS ID is used by the U.S. government to track and manage your immigration record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) throughout your stay in the United States.
If you apply to more than one school and receive multiple I-20s, each I-20 will have a different SEVIS ID number. You must use the I-20 from the school you plan to attend when applying for your visa.
