"Retention and Reporting of Information for F, J and M Nonimmigrants; Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)" became effective on January 1, 2003. This rule amends the regulations governing the retention and reporting of information regarding F, J, and M nonimmigrants. This rule also implements the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS), establishing a process for electronic reporting by designated school officials (DSO) of information required to be reported.

After February 15, 2003, the use of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) will become mandatory for the issuance of any new Form I-20. A student or dependent who presents a non-SEVIS Form I-20 issued after February 15, 2003, will not be accepted for admission to the United States. Non-SEVIS Forms I-20 issued prior to January 30, 2003, will continue to be acceptable until August 1, 2003.

However, schools must issue a SEVIS Form I-20 to any current student requiring a reportable action (e.g., extension of status, practical training, and requests for employment authorization) or a new Form I- 20, or for any aliens who must obtain a new nonimmigrant student visa. As of August 1, 2003, the records of all current or continuing students must be entered in SEVIS.

A school that has implemented SEVIS may be called a SEVIS school; compared with a Non-SEVIS school that has not yet implemented SEVIS.

For more information on F-1, please click on the following links:
Description
SEVIS
Application for an F-1 Visa
Obtaining an F-1 Status at the port of entry
Change into F-1 Status in the U.S.
Eligibility for change into F-1 Status in the U.S.
Maintaining F-1 Status
Change Name and Address
Transfer of School
Time limitation of F-1 Status
Extension of F-1 Status
Grace Period
F-1 Status reinstatement
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Change from F-1 Status to H-1B
Change from F-1 Status to immigrant status
Spouse and Children of F-1
Attorney and filing fees
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The Impact of I-140 Filing on F-1 Students
Memo: Be Aware of Abandonment of COS and AOS Applications