Understanding the Student and Exchange Visitor Program: A Legal Perspective

Definition & Meaning

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a U.S. government initiative managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State. Its primary purpose is to monitor and regulate foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States. SEVP utilizes an online system called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to track the status of schools, students, exchange visitors, and their dependents while they are enrolled in U.S. educational programs. This program was previously known as the Coordinated Interagency Partnership Regulating International Students (CIPRIS).

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A foreign student on an F-1 visa enrolls in a U.S. university. The university must report the student's enrollment status to SEVP to maintain compliance.

Example 2: An exchange visitor on a J-1 visa participates in a cultural exchange program. The program must ensure that the visitor's information is accurately recorded in SEVIS to confirm their legal status in the U.S.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
SEVP Program to monitor foreign students and exchange visitors. Focuses on tracking and compliance of students and exchange visitors.
SEVIS System used to collect and maintain information about students. SEVIS is the tool used by SEVP for data management.
CIPRIS Former name of SEVP. SEVP is the current program, while CIPRIS is outdated.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a foreign student or exchange visitor, ensure that your school or program is SEVP-certified. Regularly check your SEVIS status and report any changes in your enrollment or personal information. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to find the necessary templates to manage your documentation. If you face complex issues, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Program Name: Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
  • Monitoring System: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • Visa Categories: F, M, J
  • Managed By: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

SEVP helps monitor and regulate foreign students and exchange visitors in the U.S. to ensure compliance with immigration laws.