What is the SEVIS System, and How Does It Affect International Students?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online system used by the U.S. government to track and monitor international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents while they are in the U.S.

It is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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🔹 How SEVIS Affects International Students (F-1 & J-1 Visa Holders)

1️⃣ SEVIS is Required for Studying in the U.S.

✅ Before getting an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must:

• Be accepted by a SEVP-approved school.

• Receive a Form I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) from your school.

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview.

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2️⃣ SEVIS Tracks Your Immigration Status

✅ SEVIS monitors important aspects of your student visa status, including:

• Your school enrollment and full-time student status.

• Any changes in address, major, or program.

• Work authorization (CPT, OPT, or Academic Training).

• Your travel, visa status, and legal stay in the U.S.

📌 If you fail to follow F-1/J-1 visa rules, SEVIS can terminate your record, making you out of status!

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3️⃣ You Must Pay the SEVIS Fee Before Entering the U.S.

✅ The SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid before your visa appointment and before you enter the U.S.

Visa Type	SEVIS Fee Amount
F-1 Visa	$350
J-1 Visa	$220
F-2/J-2 Dependents	❌ No fee required

📌 Payment Link: FMJFee.com

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4️⃣ SEVIS Manages School Transfers & Program Extensions

✅ If you transfer to another school, your SEVIS record must be transferred to your new school.
✅ If you need more time to complete your degree, you must apply for an I-20 extension before your program end date.

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5️⃣ SEVIS Tracks Work Authorization (CPT & OPT)

✅ SEVIS must be updated before you start any off-campus work:

• CPT (Curricular Practical Training) – Paid internships or work related to your major.

• OPT (Optional Practical Training) – Work after graduation.

🚨 If you work without proper authorization, your SEVIS record may be terminated, leading to visa issues or deportation.

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6️⃣ SEVIS Terminates Your Record If You Violate Visa Rules

🚨 Common Reasons for SEVIS Termination:
❌ Dropping below full-time enrollment without approval.
❌ Unauthorized employment.
❌ Failing to update your address within 10 days of moving.
❌ Overstaying your I-20 expiration date without applying for an extension.

📌 If your SEVIS record is terminated, you may have to leave the U.S. immediately or apply for reinstatement.

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🔹 What Should International Students Do to Stay Compliant?

✔ Stay enrolled full-time at a SEVP-approved school.
✔ Report any changes (address, major, employer, etc.) to your DSO (Designated School Official).
✔ Follow all work authorization rules (CPT, OPT, on-campus jobs).
✔ Keep your I-20 valid and apply for extensions on time.
✔ Maintain a valid passport and visa for travel.

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🟢 Summary: Why is SEVIS Important for International Students?

✔ SEVIS tracks your visa status, school enrollment, and legal stay.
✔ You must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa.
✔ SEVIS monitors work authorizations (CPT, OPT, AT).
✔ Violating visa rules can result in SEVIS termination and loss of legal status.

Would you like help with SEVIS transfer, reinstatement, or work authorization? 😊