What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for "Student Exchange Visitor Exchange Information System". SEVIS is an internet-based system designed to allow schools and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students.

The requirement that schools provide the federal government with information about students in F-1 and J-1 visa status is not new. Much of the information which must now be reported through SEVIS had also been required by the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (now BCIS). However, the paper-based reporting system did not lend itself to good communication between schools and government agencies. 

In 1996, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) directed the INS to establish a nationwide electronic system to collect information pertaining to foreign students and scholars. In October 2001, Congress passed the USA Patriot Act which required nationwide compliance by January 2003. 


What information is reported through SEVIS?

All U.S. universities and colleges are required to report certain information about international students who have been issued SEVIS I-20 (F-1) and SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1) Forms. For example, a school is required to report to SEVIS regarding an international student when a student:

• Fails to enroll 
  
  

• Drops below a full-time course load without prior authorization from the Designated School Official
  
  

• Changes his/her legal name and/or address
  
  
• Applies and is authorized for off-campus employment
  
  
• Transfers to another school
  
  
• Completes degree requirements

What role does the international student have in SEVIS?

It is critical that an international student maintain his/her status at all times. The International Student Office (ISO) is committed to educating you about U.S. federal regulations affecting your non-immigrant student status. Failure to maintain lawful student status may lead to serious immigration-related problems, ranging from loss of the opportunity to engage in Optional Practical Training / Academic Training, to deportation and/or ineligibility to re-enter the U.S. upon return from traveling abroad. The following is a list of things you can do to allow us to help you:

• Learn more about SEVIS by attending our SEVIS Information Sessions.
  
  

• Always enroll for a full-course load during each academic term (12 credit hours for undergraduates / 8 credit hours for graduates).
  
  

• Update your address changes via Campus Connection.
  
  
• Follow the rules for maintaining student status.

Updated 06.2005