What Is SEVIS
SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that tracks all international students and exchange visitors in the United States. If you're on an F-1 visa or J-1 visa, your school or exchange program sponsor must register you in SEVIS before you can enter the country. The system maintains real-time information about your enrollment status, school location, employment authorization, and immigration status.
How SEVIS Affects Your Status
Your SEVIS record directly determines your legal immigration status. If your school fails to update your enrollment information or marks you as terminated, you can fall out of status immediately, regardless of your visa validity. USCIS and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) access SEVIS data at ports of entry and when you apply for work authorization or status changes. A gap in your SEVIS record can jeopardize future green card applications, as it creates evidence of unlawful presence.
Schools must report several events within specific timeframes: your arrival in the U.S., changes to your program or major, employment on or off campus, medical leave, and departure. Most changes must be reported within 10 days. If you change schools, your original school's designated school official (DSO) must electronically release you in SEVIS, and your new school must accept you. This transfer process typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
What You Must Do
- Obtain your Form I-20 from your school before arriving in the U.S., which is generated from your SEVIS record
- Bring your I-20 to your port of entry interview with CBP
- Pay the SEVIS fee ($350 as of 2024) to activate your record before traveling
- Notify your school's DSO of any address changes, employment changes, or breaks in attendance within the required timeframe
- Maintain full-time enrollment each semester unless your school approves reduced coursework for valid reasons
- Keep your I-20 current by having your DSO sign it each term
Common Questions
- Can I travel while on an F-1 visa if my SEVIS record is terminated? No. If you leave the U.S. after your SEVIS termination, you cannot return without reinstatement or starting a new visa petition. You would need to file Form I-539 for reinstatement if you left due to circumstances beyond your control, or reapply for a new F-1 Visa through consular processing.
- Does SEVIS data affect my green card application? Yes. USCIS reviews your SEVIS history to confirm continuous lawful status throughout your F-1 period. Any gaps, terminations, or periods of unauthorized employment can complicate adjustment of status or consular processing. Your DSO can provide an official SEVIS record summary as evidence of compliance.
- What happens if my school doesn't update SEVIS after I complete my program? Your school must release you from SEVIS within a specific grace period (usually 60 days after program completion). If they don't, contact the DSO immediately. An outstanding SEVIS record can prevent you from changing to another visa category or adjusting status to permanent resident.