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SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is the US government database that tracks international students (F-1 and M-1) and exchange visitors (J-1) and their dependents from admission through graduation or program end.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

How it works

SEVIS is run by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of ICE. Your school or program sponsor creates your SEVIS record and issues a Form I-20 (F and M) or DS-2019 (J). Your SEVIS ID starts with "N" and appears on that form.

Before the visa interview, you pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Your school's designated official updates your record with enrollment, address, OPT or CPT work, and program changes. If your record is terminated, you may lose status, so contact your school immediately. See our F-1 visa and J-1 visa pages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the I-901 SEVIS fee?

A fee paid to SEVP before your F, M, or J visa interview. Check the current amount on the official I-901 site.

Where is my SEVIS ID?

At the top of your Form I-20 or DS-2019, starting with the letter N.

What happens if my SEVIS record is terminated?

You may be out of status. Talk to your school's designated official and an immigration lawyer right away.

Official sources

  1. ICE: SEVISice.gov
  2. DHS: Study in the Statesstudyinthestates.dhs.gov

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.