Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is an electronic system by which F-1 and J-1 student data is transmitted directly to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security throughout the student’s U.S. academic career.
An electronic record is created in SEVIS for you after you are admitted at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Kearney Center will issue an I-20 or DS-2019, which you will use to apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa. When you apply for your student visa and arrive at a U.S. port of entry, the Customs and Border Patrol Officer may review your I-20, SEVIS record, and supporting documents to verify your eligibility for F-1 or J-1 status. The Kearney Center will update your SEVIS record throughout your studies.
The SEVIS program is partially funded by your SEVIS fee ($350 for F-1 students, $220 for J-1 students) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
It’s important for you to understand the immigration regulations regarding your student visa. Maintaining your status is critical for you to continue your studies and achieve your goals.
SEVIS Registration
Each fall and spring semester the Kearney Center must determine if every active F-1 and J-1 is eligible for SEVIS registration. The following information is required for ALL F-1 and J-1 students for SEVIS registration:
- I-901 fee payment
- U.S. Physical Address
- Email address
- Telephone number OR a confirmation that you do not have a telephone
- Appropriate academic course load registration
SEVIS registration must be completed within 30 days of the start of each semester per IIRIRA 641(a)(4), 8 USC 1372(a)(4).
U.S. federal regulations require Minnesota State University, Mankato to update and maintain the SEVIS records of our F-1 and J-1 students. Certain “automatic functions” will occur on your record in the SEVIS database if these updates are not made within the proper timeframe. A students record must show enrollment each semester, and if not, that record will automatically “terminate”. A terminated record means the student is “out-of-status”. It is extremely important that you keep your email, telephone, and address updated in E-services.
