SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based system for keeping track of students and exchange visitors and their husbands, wives and children (who have F-2, M-2, or J-2 status). Designated School Officials (DSOs), exchange-visitor programs. Responsible Officers (ROs) and government agencies use SEVIS to keep track of when foreign participants and their family members are accepted, receive visas, arrive in the United States, enroll, complete their programs, leave and hit other milestones. SEVIS also provides notice of certain events and reports.

The idea for SEVIS dates back to at least the mid-1990s, but it actually was fully implemented only after some of the September 11, 2001 hijackers were discovered to have come to the United States on student visas, then to have not actually attended the schools they had said they were attending.

What Information Is Stored in SEVIS?

The program or school that an F, M or J visitor attends must be enrolled in SEVIS. The information for a student will include the alien's:

  • Name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Country of citizenship
  • Current residential address
  • Current academic status
  • Date studies began
  • Degree program and field of study
  • Practical training beginning and end dates, if applicable
  • Termination date and reason
  • Credits completed each semester
  • A photocopy of the I-20
  • Copies of applications, transcripts, proof of financial responsibility and other supporting documents

When information changes, updates must be made within set periods. SEVIS also can be used to apply to be an exchange-visitor sponsor, then to keep the sponsor's information current with the U.S. Department of State’s office in charge of exchange-visitor programs.

Questions for Your Attorney

  • How do schools or programs become approved to sponsor an alien?
  • Who can see all the information SEVIS has about me?
  • What can happen if I fail to update my information on SEVIS?