This page is intended to keep UC Davis international students and scholars in F and J status updated about the development of SEVIS II. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is developing the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System II (SEVIS II) as a modernization effort to address limitations in the original SEVIS immigration benefits tracking tool. SEVIS II will be used to track and monitor students and scholars in F, M and J status throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system or designated exchange visitor program. SEVIS also maintains information on the schools, exchange visitor program sponsors, and their representatives
How is SEVIS II different from SEVIS?
- A Unique Identifier System: SEVIS II introduces a “one-person, one-record” system that will help reduce data inconsistencies and duplications and reduce document fraud through the use of biometric identifiers. Every student and exchange visitor will need to apply online through a U.S. government web site for a unique Immigration Identification Number (IIN), which will be a lifetime number that is used for all future visa transactions.
- A Paperless System: SEVIS II decreases reliance on paper forms and allows for the real-time update of all forms, moving users toward a paperless environment. This means no more paper I-20 or DS-2019 forms.
How will transitioning to SEVIS II affect me?
- Students and scholars will be asked to set up a SEVIS "customer account" and receive an Immigration Identification Number. You will need to check your emails regularly to ensure that you can respond to messages with SEVIS account set up instructions.
- Data will be entered into SEVIS II by students, scholars and international advisors. Students and scholars will therefore have more responsibility for SEVIS II reporting than in the current system. Under SEVIS II, students and scholars will be responsible to enter and update certain information, such as addresses and Optional Practical Training employer information. Specific details are still under consideration. It is expected that current F-1 and J-1 regulations will be updated to reflect new reporting requirements by students and exchange visitors in the beginning of 2010.
- Students and scholars will no longer carry a paper I-20 or DS-2019 form for immigration purposes. The creation of a paper "domestic" I-20 or DS-2019 is optional for I-9, driver license and social security number applications.
- Students and scholars, who are outside of the United States, will be able to check their SEVIS II record to view the "SEVIS Admissibility Indicator," which will tell you whether or not you are admissible in F or J status.
When will SEVIS II be implemented?
Implementation is expected in late summer or early fall 2010. However, the transitioning from SEVIS to SEVIS II will start in fall of 2009.
More SEVIS II information
