SEVIS and the I-20 Form

Two of the most important elements of the US international student system are the SEVIS database and the I-20 form. Understanding both will help you stay in legal status throughout your studies.

What Is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based system maintained by the US government (specifically, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE) that tracks and monitors information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States.

Every SEVP-certified school is required to report information about its international students to SEVIS, including enrollment status, program start and end dates, major field of study, physical address, and any changes in enrollment or program. This information directly affects your legal status in the US.

The SEVIS Fee

Before applying for your F-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The fee for F-1 students is currently $350. Pay at fmjfee.com and retain your payment receipt — you will need it at your visa interview.

What Is the I-20 Form?

The I-20 (officially the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status") is a government-issued form that your school's Designated School Official (DSO) prepares for you after you have been admitted and have provided proof of financial support. You cannot apply for an F-1 visa without a valid I-20.

Your I-20 shows your program of study and start date, the expected end date of your program, your school's SEVIS ID, your personal information, and the amount of money you have demonstrated is available for your studies.

Keeping Your I-20 Current

Your I-20 has a program end date — the expected date of your graduation. If your studies extend beyond that date, your DSO must issue you a program extension in SEVIS, which generates a new I-20 with an updated end date. This must be done before your original program end date.

Travel and the I-20

When you travel internationally and re-enter the US, you will present your valid passport with your F-1 visa stamp and your current, valid I-20 with your DSO's travel signature. Your DSO must sign your I-20 before international travel. Signatures are valid for one year for continuing students. Never travel internationally without a valid travel signature.

Your DSO (Designated School Official)

Your DSO is the person at your school's International Student Office who manages your SEVIS record. Your DSO is one of your most important contacts throughout your time in the US. They can authorize travel, approve exceptions to full-time enrollment, process OPT applications, and help you navigate any immigration questions.