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SEVIS Full Form: What, Purpose, For whom, How it works, Termination, Fees, Sevis ID, Data collection

Anubha Singh

Updated on 09th January, 2024 , 3 min read

SEVIS Full Form Overview

The full form of SEVIS is Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based system maintained by schools and government agencies to maintain information about nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. SEVIS under Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, requires the US Department of Home Security to collect updated and accurate data from nonimmigrants ( F and M Visa); exchange visitors (J visa); and their dependents (F-2, M-2, J-2) as long as they stay in the United States. In the case of students, through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), DHS manages SEVIS to ensure national security .

 

SEVIS Full Form: Highlight 
 

 

Details

Description

Full Form of SEVIS

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

Maintained by

USA

Department

Department of Homeland security

Mode of work

Internet Based System

Purpose

Track and monitor Nonimmigrant students

For Whom

F and M non-immigrant students; Exchange visitor (J visa)

 

SEVIS Full Form: Purpose

The main purpose of SEVIS is to track and monitor the status and activities of international students (F and M visa holders) and exchange visitors (J Visa) in the United States. SEVIS helps the US government regulate immigrants and enhance national security by providing accurate information about individuals on these visas. The key purpose of this is as follows  

Monitoring students and exchanging visitors' information: It keeps track of enrollment status, academic progress, and personal details 

Ensuring compliance with Visa Requirements: SEVIS helps immigration officials and educational institutions to ensure that individuals meet the regulations associated with their visas. 

Communication between Government and Educational Institute: SEVIS ensures that relevant information is shared promptly between the US Government, Designated school officials, and other responsible officers.  

National Security: By identifying potential risks associated with international students and exchange visitors, SEVIS plays a vital role in national security.  

Who are F and M, non-immigrant students?

If an international student is seeking full-time admission in the United States, they are given 2 non-immigrant visa options - 

  • F 1 Visa for full course Academic studies in SEVP-approved schools.
  • M 1 visa for full course Vocational studies in SEVP-approved institutions and other non-academic institutions.

SEVIS Full Form: How does it work?

  • After getting admission to an educational institute in the United States, Form I-20 is issued by the university to the students.
  • The student then visits the US embassy in his/her Home country. The embassy consulate confirms through SEVIS that the student carrying Form I - 20 is a valid document. Then a visa is issued
  • DHS officer reports in the SEVIS about the student’s entry into the US
  • When the student arrives on the university campus, the school confirms the student's enrollment through SEVIS. It further keeps giving updates about the student's stay, stay extension and academic progress throughout the academic year.
  • When the student leaves the US, SEVIS records the departure.

SEVIS Full Form: Termination

SEVIS can be terminated. And if it gets terminated then students will have to file a reinstatement if they wish to continue the program. The reason for the termination of the SEVIS record is listed below:

  • Not enrolling in class on time
  • Dismissed for any reason
  • If you work off campus

SEVIS Full Form: Fees

F and M non-immigrant students have to pay a fee before applying for a US entry visa. The fee is applicable only once for the new students who are receiving I- 20. Failure to pay the SEVIS fees can result in denial of entry into the United States.  

Category

Fee Amount

F and M Visa Applicants

$ 350

J Visa Applicants

$ 220


SEVIS Full Form: SEVIS ID ?

SEVIS identification number is a unique identification number assigned to each individual who participates in the SEVIS through SVEP. SEVIS ID is a combination of alphabets and numbers and is found on Form I-20 for F and M visa holders or DS - 2019 for J visa holders. It is an important document for individuals to maintain their immigration status and is used for various official documents and communications related to their stay in the U.S.

 

International students need to keep SEVIS ID handy as it will be required for various purposes including visa applications, entry into the U.S., and interaction with DSOs or ROs. 

 

SEVIS Full form: Data Collection

SEVIS collects a variety of data on non-immigrants for national security. Some of the key information includes:

 

  • Biographical Information: Personal details such as name, date of birth, gender, etc.
  • Contact information: Address, phone number, and email address to maintain communication with the individuals 
  • Academic or Program Information: enrollment status. Educational institution details, degree program, and completion date.
  • Employment information: SEVIS keeps the details of authorized employment for F and M visa holders.
  • Financial information: Information about funding sources.
  • SEVIS ID: each individual is assigned a unique number
  • Visa Information: Details about category, issuance, expiration date
  • Entry and Exit Record: SEVIS may keep information about an individual’s entry and exit information from the United States.  

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Full form of SEVIS?

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

What is the validity of SEVIS ?

Validity of SEVIS is for 12 months from the date of payment

Do I need to pay for SEVIS repeatedly ?

No, one does not need to pay the SEVIS fees again if they are re-entering the United States for academic purposes as long as one maintains status with the same SEVIS ID and has not completed your program.

Is there a grace period for SEVIS?

An automatic grace period of 60 days is given to students on completion of the program to take a departure from the US.

What happens if SEVIS Expires ?

Overstaying in the United States after the expiration of SEVIS leads to unlawful presence in the country. They may result in arrest and deportation of an individual.

Can SEVIS be transferred ?

SEVIS can be transferred only once as the record should be maintained by one institution at one time.

How to check if SEVIS is active ?

Students can contact the DSO or RO to check the current status of their SEVIS. Or they can email at SEVIS@ice.dhs.gov. for more information.

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