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What is SEVIS?


SEVIS stands for STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM.

SEVIS was introduced by the US Government in January 2003 effectively as a way of making sure they know who is entering the US - and when! It is the database in which your programme record is recorded. From the time you are issued a Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Status, Form DS-2019, you are "in" the SEVIS database.

The cost of registering in SEVIS in included in your programme fee, and a ‘print out’ receipt is sent out to you in the same pack as your DS-2019 Certificate


For all CIEE Participants:

Once you are in the SEVIS database, there are TWO things you MUST remember to do when you get to the USA. First, you must confirm the start of your programme within 20 days of the start date listed on your DS-2019 Form by notifying CIEE of your US address. Second, anytime you change your US address you must update this information in the SEVIS database. It is absolutely imperative that you follow these regulations; failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the program, which may have an adverse effect on your record and may prevent you from obtaining future US visas.

CIEE provides three easy ways for you to fulfill your SEVIS requirements - remember you can only register once you have ARRIVED IN THE USA:

For Camp Counselor participants, please follow the information on registering in SEVIS provided in your programme materials, or contact info@istplus (make sure you let us know you are on the Camp Programme!)
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