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SEVIS Information

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) 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 is reported to SEVIS has been required by CIS for many years. But the existing paper-based system precluded widespread coordination amongst schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing CIS 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?

• After Portland State University admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and CIS approves the University's request to issue form I-20 (form DS-2019 for J-1 students). The University transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.
• The student pays a $100 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• 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.
• A CIS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S.
• When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to the International Services Office (ISO), and the school confirms through SEVIS the student's enrollment. The University continues to provide regular electronic reports to SEVIS throughout the student's academic career.
• Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.

What data does SEVIS collect?

PSU 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 reinstatement.
• Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.

What happens if the PSU fails to comply with the SEVIS regulations?

CIS is required to audit the University's compliance with these new requirements every two years. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of the University's ability to accept international students.

Will SEVIS benefit students in any way?

Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. Students can expect that CIS 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?

• Read any email updates from the University or the International Student and Scholar Services Office. Changes in immigration or visa procedures sometimes happen quickly.
• 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 in the ISO. The four words we hate to hear are: "But my friend said..."
• 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.
• Feel free to come to the ISSS for assistance. PSU is a better place because you are here, and we are committed to your success!

Are there other resources about SEVIS?

SEVIS - The SEVIS home page can be found at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/index.htm
CIS - Citizenship and Immigration Services. www.cis.gov

Thank you to University of Washington for the use of the above SEVIS text.

These Peace Poles are a gift from the 2001-2002 Portland State University Student Ambassadors in hopes of creating an environment of peace that celebrates diversity throughout PSU and the world.
"May Peace Prevail on Earth."