Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): A Guide by Yellow Law Group
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a part of the National Security Investigations Division. It serves as a bridge for government organizations interested in information about nonimmigrant students whose primary purpose for coming to the United States is to study.
What is SEVP?
SEVP is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees schools and nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa classifications and their dependents. It works alongside the Department of State (DoS), which manages exchange visitor programs for J visa holders and their dependents. Both SEVP and DoS use the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to track and monitor these individuals during their stay in the United States.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is a web-based system used to maintain information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. It is a crucial technology for the DHS, implementing Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This system continuously collects information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors, ensuring that data is current and accurate. The USA PATRIOT Act mandated the implementation of SEVIS before January 1, 2003.
Purpose of SEVIS
SEVIS tracks and monitors nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. It maintains records of nonimmigrant admissions and their participation in educational programs. This system ensures proper reporting and record-keeping by schools and exchange visitor programs, maintaining data integrity. SEVIS also identifies status violators to ensure appropriate enforcement actions are taken, such as denial of admission or benefits, or removal from the United States.
Who are F and M Nonimmigrant Students?
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.