SEVIS
What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an internet-based system allowing universities and other academic programs to exchange data on the visa status of international F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). PSU’s compliance with SEVIS regulations is audited every two years. SEVIS benefits students and scholars by improving the speed and accuracy of their application processes.
How does SEVIS work?
- PSU uses SEVIS to notify USCIS when it admits a new international student or invites a new J-1 scholar. USCIS approves the University’s request to issue form I-20 (for F-1 students) or form DS-2019 (for J-1 students or scholars) through SEVIS. The University sends the form to the student or scholar.
- If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student then you will pay a SEVIS fee of $200 (for F-1 students) or $180 (for J-1 students) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.New J-1 scholars will pay $180 SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For information on paying the SEVIS fee, please see the US government SEVIS I-901 fee website
- A new F-1 or J-1 student or J-1 scholar visits a US Consulate abroad, which uses SEVIS to confirm the validity of the student’s or scholar’s I-20 or DS-2019. The consulate issues the student or scholar visa. For a list of US Consulates in your home country, please see the US Embassies website.
- At the airport, a USCIS officer reports the F-1 or J-1 visa holder’s entry into the U.S. to SEVIS.
- Upon arrival at PSU, the student or scholar checks in with ISSS, who confirms the student’s or scholar’s arrival at PSU through SEVIS.
- The University provides regular reports to SEVIS throughout the student’s academic career or scholar’s research or teaching program.
- The student’s or scholar’s departure from the U.S. is recorded in SEVIS.
What data does PSU report to SEVIS?
- F-1 and J-1 student enrollment or failure to enroll
- Student’s or scholar’s change of legal name or address
- Early graduation of a student prior to end date on the I-20 or DS-2019
- Disciplinary action taken due to criminal conviction
- Student’s un-authorized drop below a full course of study
- Student or scholar termination date and reason for termination
- Student’s failure to maintain status or complete program of study
- Other data such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations and reinstatement
SEVIS Information Resources
Visit the SEVIS homepage or Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for more information. Also see the SEVIS/I-901 fee website and US Embassies website.