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  1. Homeland Security Investigations
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  3. Our Offices
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  5. National Security
  6. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

SEVP manages foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) collects, maintains, analyzes and provides information so only legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry to the United States. SEVP also ensures that the institutions accepting nonimmigrant students are certified and follow the federal rules and regulations that govern them.

SEVP manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a web-based information system that maintains and allows monitoring of the following records:

  • SEVP-certified schools
  • F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant students and their dependents
  • Exchange visitor program sponsors
  • J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents

SEVIS enables SEVP to assure proper reporting and record keeping by schools and exchange visitor programs, thereby ensuring data currency and integrity. SEVIS also provides a mechanism for student and exchange visitor status violators to be identified so that appropriate enforcement is taken (e.g., denial of admission, denial of benefits or removal from the United States).

SEVP works closely with its government partners involved in the international student process, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of State. Working with partner law enforcement agencies, SEVP administratively enforces federal rules and regulations governing schools certified to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students.

  • Students

    Students working together on a assignment in front of a laptop.

    Prospective and current F or M students can use information and resources on this page to learn about the process for becoming an international student and the rules for studying in the United States as an international student.

  • Schools

    John W. Weeks vintage Bridge with clock tower over Charles River in Harvard University campus Boston.

    Designated school officials can use this page to learn about all aspects of SEVP regulatory requirements to enroll F or M students.

Content Organization & URL Changes

We are in the process of redesigning SEVP's webpages and moving them to HSI.gov. The organization of content and URLs will change throughout this process. Links will automatically redirect once migrated.

Last Updated: 09/25/2024
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