Understanding SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online database used to maintain information about non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. All students or exchange visitors who are granted an F-1 or J-1 visa have a record in SEVIS and are assigned a SEVIS number to identify them within the system.
The SEVIS database ensures that government agencies have access to essential data related to non-immigrant students and exchange visitors to preserve national security. SEVIS is administered by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), under the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The ISSS office is in charge of assuring proper reporting and record keeping in SEVIS during your time in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa. Authorizations such as Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, Academic Training, and reduced course loads are all reported in SEVIS, as well as any visa violations that may occur.
SEVIS Fee
All international students and exchange visitors who receive an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, which funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Program and SEVIS. This fee is separate from other visa fees and school tuition fees.
The fee can be paid online at the I-901 Fee website: www.fmjfee.com. The fee must be paid before your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Additionally, your SEVIS record cannot be activated or validated without payment of this fee.
It is important to remember to print your receipt after payment. This receipt can be used as proof of payment if necessary.
Note: If you are a continuing or transfer student, you may not need to pay the fee again when you transfer to a new school or program. Please check with the ISSS office if you are unsure.
What to Expect when Entering the United States
Traveling to a new country can be stressful, especially when you don’t know what to expect at the border. Read through these guidelines before you travel so you’ll be better prepared to enter the United States.
You can find the most updated information for international visitors at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and the Study in the States website.
If you are a new initial F-1 or J-1 student or scholar, you may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please plan to arrive no earlier than this, as you may be denied admission into the United States or admitted on an incorrect visa type.
You will pass through immigration and customs inspection at your first point of entry into the United States. If this is not Salt Lake City, make sure your flight itinerary allows for plenty of time between your arrival and connecting flight. Passing through immigration and customs can take an hour or more at busy airports, and you will need to collect your baggage and pass through security again before boarding your next flight.
Make sure that you have your immigration documents with you and available to show to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer. You will not have access to your luggage, so ensure all documents are in your carry-on bag. Be prepared to show:
- Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the U.S.)
- Valid visa for an F-1 or J-1 visa category (Note: Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a visa.)
- Immigration documents such as an I-20 or DS-2019
You may also want to have these additional documents available in case you are asked to present them:
- Admission letter to the University of Utah (F-1 students) or invitation letter from the department you’ll be working for (J-1 scholars)
- Proof of F or J SEVIS fee payment
- Original financial documents
- Recent transcript or proof of enrollment if you are a continuing student
Keep in mind that you are applying for admission to the United States on a non-immigrant visa, which implies that you are intending to return to your home country after your period of study.
If the CBP officer decides you are eligible for admission into the United States, he or she will stamp your passport and write in your visa status (F-1 or J-1) along with the notation “D/S”. (This stands for “duration of status” and means that you can remain in the United States for the amount of time it takes you to complete your program, provided you adhere to all visa regulations.)
Be sure to check your passport after you are admitted and ensure the correct visa type is recorded. If the officer has not recorded your F-1 or J-1 visa type correctly, respectfully alert the officer of the error and ask for a correction. Entering the United States in the wrong visa type can impact your immigration status, and in some cases you may need to exit and re-enter the country if the error is not corrected immediately.
Your visa status information is also available in your I-94 document, which can be printed and should be kept with your immigration documents.
Secondary Inspection
Sometimes students are sent to secondary inspection after presenting their documents to the CBP officer. This means that CBP wants more time to inspect your documents, look at your record, or ask you additional questions. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are in trouble or that anything is wrong with your record. You may wait for some time in secondary inspection, but try to remain calm and respond politely and honestly to any questions you are asked.
More information about secondary inspection can be found here.
After being admitted to the United States, you will also need to pass through customs. You were likely provided a form on the airplane that asks questions about what goods you are bringing to the United States. Answer these questions honestly.
It can be unlawful to bring certain items, such as fresh fruits, nuts, or meat, into the United States. Find out more about prohibited or restricted items here.
Once you have passed both immigration and customs inspections, you will be allowed to collect your luggage. If you have a connecting flight, you will need to follow signs that lead you back to the terminal’s gates. In some cases, you may need to re-check your baggage or go through security screening again.
When you arrive at the Salt Lake City airport, check out this video for what to expect on arrival and information on how to get to campus.