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SEVIS (The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 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.

Is SEVIS new?
Yes. And no. The requirement that schools provide the federal government with information about each student’s status is not new. Most of the information that will be reported to SEVIS has been required by the USCIS for many years. But the existing paper-based system precluded widespread coordination amongst schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the USCIS to move to an electronic data collection system. This program would come to be known as SEVIS—the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Technical challenges and lack of funding delayed the program for several years. However, in October 2001, Congress passed the USA Patriot Act that authorized additional SEVIS funding and required nationwide compliance by January 30, 2003.

How does SEVIS work?

1. After the University of California, Irvine admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the USCIS/ICE approves the University’s request to issue an I-20. The University transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.
2. The student visits the U.S. consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa.
3. A USCIS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student’s entry into the U.S.
4. When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to the International Center, and the school confirms through SEVIS the student’s enrollment. The University continues to provide regular electronic reports to USCIS throughout the student’s academic career.
5. Finally, SEVIS records the student’s departure from the United States.

What data does SEVIS collect?
UCI must report:

• Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll.
• A change of the student or dependent’s legal name or address.
• Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.
• Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
• Whether the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the DSO (Immigration regulations refer to international student advisers as “designated school officials”—DSO’s).
• Termination date and reason for termination.
• Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatements.
• Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.

**Please note that the information needed for J-1 visa holders has not been decided by the Department of State. At this time, we are unable to give you information on what data will be required for J-1 visa holders.

Will SEVIS benefit students in any way?
Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. Students can expect that USCIS forms will be produced faster, applications for benefits such as Practical Training will be approved more quickly, and visas will be granted without the usual long delays.

What should students do to prepare for SEVIS?

1. Read any email updates from the University or the International Center. Periodically check the IC web site: http://www.ic.uci.edu. Changes in immigration or visa procedures sometimes happen quickly. Information is posted as soon as we have reliable facts.
2. Understand the immigration regulations and learn how to maintain lawful status in the U.S., and refer any questions or problems immediately to the experts at the International Center. Do not assume that the information provided to you by well meaning friends is reliable. Please always check with the International Center.
3. Be proactive. Students should plan their course schedules carefully so that they maintain full-time enrollment. Make travel arrangements early, and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings. Keep all documents up-to-date—changes in degree level, extensions, and travel validations must be done in a timely manner and on SEVIS documents. Allow time for processing new forms.
4. Feel free to come to the International Center for assistance.

Are there other resources about SEVIS?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Services, has a good web site: http://www.bcis.gov/graphics/shared/sevis/index.htm

If you have specific questions about your visa, please call (949) 824-7249 or you may visit the International Center at 611 Administration Building (6th Floor), Irvine, CA 92697-5255, Monday to Friday between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or send us an e-mail at intl@uci.edu. Please note that some issues may be complicated and we may need to schedule an appointment for you.

For additional information, PLEASE REVIEW: SEVIS Workshop Presentation.
(Acrobat Reader is required to view the presenation, download now: Acrobat Reader)

*Information subject to change. Please check USCIS web site for more immigration updates.