What is SEVIS?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented the web-based Student & Exchange Visitor Information System ("SEVIS") in 2003. Colleges and universities that admit and host international students and scholars on F, J or M visas are required to use SEVIS to issue Forms I-20 and DS-2019 and to inform SEVIS of any change to the student or exchange visitor's personal information or to the program of study or research.
Each international student and scholar will be given a unique SEVIS identification number at the time the initial Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is issued and can use that SEVIS ID to schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consular post.