What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which provides tracking, monitoring, and access to accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa) and exchange visitors (J visa). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit electronic information and event notifications via the Internet to the USICE and the Department of State throughout a student or exchange visitor’s stay in the United States. SEVIS allows for the printing of appropriate forms and provides reminders, alerts, and basic reporting capabilities. SEVIS is a source of timely and accurate information for educational institutions and government agencies which are tasked with assisting and overseeing the many international visitors who have chosen to pursue an education in this country.
• The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a Department of Homeland Security internet based electronic monitoring system for international students and scholars. Individuals seeking F-1 or J-1 status are subject to a SEVIS fee which must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security before the U.S. Consulate/Embassy interview for the initial visa. Please see “SEVIS Fee Instructions” for additional information regarding amounts and procedures for fee payment.
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS is an electronic (internet) database that United States colleges and universities use to communicate international student information with the USCIS. As of August 1, 2003 all colleges and universities were required to enter information in SEVIS for all F-1 students.
On February 15, 2003, the Department of State introduced the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in an effort to improve the tracking of J and F Visa holders during their stay in the U.S. When CICD approves sponsorship for you, we will issue to you the DS-2019 Form by registering you in SEVIS. When you submit your J Visa application to a U.S. consulate or embassy, the consular officer handling your application will have access to the data that CICD entered into SEVIS. Whenever there is a change in your U.S. contact information or in your program or visa status (e.g. when CICD approves a program extension or when you finish your program early), CICD updates your SEVIS record. If you are terminated from the J Program, your SEVIS record will reflect this and may have a negative impact on future visa applications. To maintain your visa status and SEVIS record, it is very important that you inform CICD in advance of any potential changes to your original program as well
