Student And Exchange Visitor Program

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a part of the National Security Investigations Division. It connects government organizations with information about nonimmigrant students studying in the United States.

What is SEVP?

SEVP is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees schools and nonimmigrant students with F and M visa classifications. It works alongside the Department of State (DoS), which manages exchange visitor programs for J visa holders. 

Here is a key breakdown of what SEVP does;

• Oversight of Nonimmigrant Students: Monitoring students with F, M and J visa classifications
• Certification: Certifies schools and programs that are eligible to enroll international students. (Note, only these institutions are able to provide the documentation needed for these visa categories). 
• Data Management: Collects data on international students and exchange visitors, this includes personal, educational and visa information. 
• Regulation: Ensures that institutions and students follow the regulations of their visa. 

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is a web-based system used to maintain information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. Here is a key breakdown of what SEVIS does;

• Track Students and Exchange Visitors: Collects information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors, ensuring that data is current and accurate. 
• Schools: Schools report various information such as enrollment numbers, retainment and visa status.
• Exchange of Information: Allows agencies to exchange information regarding students and exchange visitors ensuring a safe and secure immigration process. 

Which students does SEVIS AND SEVP apply to? 

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows for the admission of various classes of nonimmigrants based on their intended purpose in the United States.

• F-1 Students: Foreign students coming to the U.S. to pursue academic studies at SEVP-approved schools.

• F-2 Dependents: Spouses or unmarried children under 21 of F-1 students.

• M-1 Students: Foreign nationals pursuing vocational or nonacademic studies (excluding language training programs) at SEVP-approved institutions.

• M-2 Dependents: Spouses or unmarried children under 21 of M-1 students.

Summary:

• SEVP: Oversees schools and nonimmigrant students in F and M visa categories.
• SEVIS: A web-based system for tracking nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors.
• F-1 and M-1 Visas: For academic and vocational students respectively, along with their dependents.

For detailed guidance on navigating SEVP and SEVIS processes, Yellow Law Group is here to help. Contact us for expert assistance as you apply for your visa and navigate through this process to achieve your higher education goals.