Also known as: SEVIS
Definition
The government database that tracks international students and exchange visitors in the U.S. — your school updates it, and it affects your visa status.
SEVIS is the electronic system the U.S. government uses to track international students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas). Your school's international student office updates your SEVIS record with information about your enrollment, address, employment authorization, and program status.
Every international student and exchange visitor has a SEVIS ID number (starts with N followed by 10 digits). This number appears on your I-20 or DS-2019 form and follows you throughout your time in student or exchange visitor status.
Your SEVIS record is essentially your lifeline as an international student. If your record is terminated — because you dropped below full-time enrollment, worked without authorization, or didn't report a change of address — you're immediately out of status. That means you'd need to leave the U.S. or face serious immigration consequences.
related terms
An extra 24 months of work authorization for F-1 graduates with STEM degrees — on top of the standard 12-month OPT period.
A visa that lets you stay in the U.S. for a limited time for a specific reason — like tourism, work, or school. It doesn't lead to a green card on its own.
How long you're allowed to stay in the U.S. under your visa or status — check your I-94 to see your specific date.
The federal agency that handles green cards, citizenship, work permits, and most other immigration applications — they're who you're filing with.
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