Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

The SEVIS system will collect information on nonimmigrants and exchange visitors in the country via the internet-based system. The SEVIS system will track students in F-1 status as well as trainees in M-1 and J-1 status. The dependents of these individuals will also be tracked. The system will monitor the individuals from the time they initially receive their visa documentation up to and including the time they graduate from their degree program or finish the training program.

The system will begin on July 1, 2002 as a voluntary program for schools and training sponsors. On January 30, 2003, the program will be mandatory for all academic institutions. Prior to the voluntary implementation date, several schools and training sponsors have tested the system.

During the testing phase, the participating organizations were issued special forms that were distributed to the students so they could apply for the proper visas. As the program begins in the voluntary stages, different forms will used for both the F-1, M-1 and J-1 programs. Until the program is mandatory, the Department of State has indicated to all consular posts that all previous versions of the form are to be accepted. Exchange visitor sponsors should use their entire allotment of forms before switching to the new forms. The IAP-66 form for the J-1 programs will be replaced by the DS-2019. The DS-2019 will be a one-page form with a unique bar code. The DS-2019 for the principle will contain an addendum that lists the dependents. The I-20 will have only one page rather than two. The single sheet will contain a unique identifying bar code. For both academic students and training participants, the dependents will receive a separate dependent form.

At the present time, the Department of State is not yet linked to the SEVIS system nor is there a time frame indicated for the Department of State to begin using the SEVIS system. However, prior to the Department of State using the SEVIS system, all the consular posts will be given guidance on the use of the system.

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