SEVIS News
Since August 1, 2003, SEVIS, the inter-agency tracking system of international
students and J-1 visitors, has been fully implemented. This means that all
persons in F, M and J status (as well as dependents) must be entered into
the system, and government agencies are now able to retrieve current information
regarding the whereabouts and academic progress of more than half a million
international students and J visitors in the United States.
Items of interest for J-1 sponsors and employers hiring F-1 students:
- · All F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 visitors must now be in possession
of a SEVIS -generated form I-20 or DS-2019 respectively.
- · The ISEAS notification program is no longer in place as SEVIS is
up and fully operational.
- · New incoming F, M, and J visitors may enter the United States as
early as 30 days prior to the beginning of their program as stated on
the I-20 or DS-2019.
- · F-1 students who wish to take advantage of Optional Practical Training
(OPT) must apply prior to the end of their academic program. The window
of opportunity for OPT closes after completion of their program.
- · U.S. consulates do not have access to SEVIS directly, but are provided
SEVIS information that is sent on a regular basis to the DOS Consolidated
Consular Database (CCD). This process experienced some data transmission
problems in July, and caused problems for some visa applicants. The glitch
has since been fixed, according to DOS.
SEVIS Fee Collection
SEVIS will be funded through a fee to be paid by incoming F, M and J
visitors. The method of fee collection has not been settled or implemented
yet. The fee will be approximately $100. Sponsors will be allowed to pay
the fee on the visitor’s behalf if they wish to do so.
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