What is SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)?
SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student’s academic career in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS. How does SEVIS work? There are several steps: • After Linfield admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and BCIS approves the College’s request to issue an I-20 for F-1 or DS-2019 for J-1. The student is required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee. For payment information, see www.ice.gov/sevis. The College transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student. • The student visits the U.S. consulate abroad and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the student is carrying a valid I-20. If all is in order, the consulate issues the visa. The best information regarding consulate procedures is on each consulate’s web
