SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

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SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System an electronic system by which student and scholar data is transmitted directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

There are three main components of SEVIS:

  1. Creating F-1 and J-1 student and scholar records
  2. Production of the Certificate of Eligibility [Forms I-20 and DS-2019]
  3. Reporting events to comply with SEVIS regulations

Reportable SEVIS Events

UCI is required by law to notify SEVIS of certain “events” during a student or scholar’s stay in the U.S. Students and scholars are urged to make note of these reportable events and keep the International Center updated with information important for the maintanance of your SEVIS record.  

F-1 and J-1 Student Event Information: 

  • All information on the I-20 (F-1) or a DS-2019 (J-1)
  • Confirmation of arrival at UCI through SEVIS registration process
  • Enrollment information every quarter (including summer enrollment in certain situations where full-time summer enrollment is required)
  • Foreign Address
  • Local, residential address
  • A change of major or degree level
  • A withdrawal from the study program before completion
  • Completion of the study program
  • Extensions of the I-20 or DS-2019 to complete the study program
  • F-1 CPT employment
  • F-1 OPT employment, including employer information
  • J-1 on-campus employment and Academic Training
  • J-1 site of activity (location of study site)
  • Departure from UCI

J-1 Scholar Event Information

  • All information on the DS-2019  
  • Confirmation of arrival at UCI through SEVIS validation process
  • Local, residential address
  • Extensions of the program
  • Completion of the program before the end date of the DS-2019
  • Travel outside of the U.S. over 30 days
  • Departure from UCI

SEVIS Fee:

The SEVIS fee is paid by F-1 and J-1 students and scholars to cover the cost for the operation of SEVIS. This is a government fee that is paid directly to the U.S. government through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program [SEVP].  The fee is not a UCI fee. Generally those with an initial I-20 or DS-2019 issued after September 1, 2004 are subject to this fee.