SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) describes SEVIS as the web-based system DHS uses to maintain information on SEVP-certified schools, certain student and exchange visitor categories, and designated exchange visitor sponsors. Schools and sponsors keep each person's record up to date in it.

Schools use SEVIS to issue Form I-20 to F and M students. For exchange visitors, the Department of State designates the sponsors. Sponsors' responsible officers use SEVIS to issue Form DS-2019 and to meet their reporting duties. The Intealth guide for J-1 physicians says SEVIS is informed of status events such as entry and exit, changes of US address, program extensions and employment notifications.

• J-1 physicians in residency or fellowship, sponsored by ECFMG. See J-1 visa for physicians.
• J-2 spouses and children, who are recorded under the J-1's sponsorship.
• F-1 students, for example people studying nursing in the US.

Nurses on the EB-3 green card route and doctors on an H-1B are not in SEVIS for that status.

The State Department says each DS-2019 carries a unique SEVIS ID number in the top right-hand corner: the letter N followed by up to 10 digits, for example N0001234567. You need it to pay the fee, book a visa interview and contact your sponsor. Your I-901 payment must be made against the SEVIS ID on your current DS-2019.

ICE lists the I-901 SEVIS fee as $220 for J visa applicants, $350 for F and M applicants, $35 for certain special J categories (summer work travel, au pair and camp counselor) and $0 for government visitors. The ECFMG guide says DHS requires all initial J-1 physician applicants to pay $220 before the visa interview.

1. Get your DS-2019 from your sponsor.
2. Pay online at fmjfee.com, using the SEVIS ID. Anyone, including the sponsor, can pay for you.
3. Allow at least three business days for the payment to be received and verified before your interview.
4. Print the payment confirmation, which ICE says replaced the mailed receipt in 2013.

ICE says J-2 dependents do not pay, an extension of stay to complete the same program does not need a new fee, and refunds are given only in limited cases such as duplicate payments, requested within 90 days. There is no refund if your visa is refused. The ECFMG guide adds that Canadian citizens, who do not need a J visa stamp, must still pay the fee and show the receipt at the port of entry.

• Paying against an old SEVIS ID after a new DS-2019 is issued for a new program.
• Not reporting an address change. The ECFMG guide asks J-1 physicians to report it within ten days.
• Forgetting the record moves with you. Training changes, early completion and resignation are all reported in SEVIS and can end your status.

See our H-1B vs J-1 guide.