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What's New

New Guidance on the Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission of the Form I-20

On Nov. 1, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program published SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20. This guidance permits designated school officials to electronically sign and transmit the Form I-20 to initial and continuing international students and their dependents. Read the guidance.

Update to 2021-22 Academic Year Guidance

Nonimmigrant students and schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) should abide by SEVP guidance originally issued in March 2020 for the 2021-22 academic year. Learn more.

Update to Fall 2020 Guidance

Nonimmigrant students and schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) should abide by SEVP guidance originally issued in March 2020. Learn more.

COVID-19: Guidance for SEVP Stakeholders

Click here for latest guidance for nonimmigrant students

Updated Certification Expiration Date Process

Per regulation, all SEVP-certified schools must be recertified every two years. The certification expiration date (CED) is exactly two years from the date of initial certification or the date of previous recertification.

In response to the March 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendation for SEVP to more precisely establish a two-year recertification cycle, any school that is certified or recertified after March 1, 2020, will receive their next CED notice 180 days before the two-year deadline. Download Frequently Asked Questions: Updated Certification Expiration Date Process for answers to common questions about this change.

New Guidance on OPT Employment and Student’s Major Area of Study

On Sept. 30, 2019, SEVP published new policy guidance titled, “Practical Training: Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study.”

Visit the Schools page to view the full guidance.

Curricular Practical Training Reminders

Download the new Curricular Practical Training Fact Sheet for reminders about the federal regulations governing curricular practical training (CPT) and answers to frequently asked questions about CPT.

New and Increased SEVP Fees

On June 24, 2019, new and increased fees for nonimmigrant students, exchange visitors and SEVP-certified schools took effect.

Please read SEVP Final Fee Rule: Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions about the new fee rule.

Important Message for ACICS-Accredited Schools

On Nov. 21, 2018, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) permanently restored federal recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

SEVP accepts ACICS as an ED-recognized accrediting body for certification. If you have questions about how this development may impact your certification or nonimmigrant status, please contact the SEVP Response Center.

School Alerts

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools are subject to a review of their certification at any time based on federal regulation. Upon this review, SEVP can exercise its authority to withdraw schools and/or terminate certain initial and active student records for noncompliance with SEVP regulations. Visit the School Alerts page for a list of schools that have been withdrawn and instructions students should follow.

SEVP Spotlight

December 2019 – Volume 10, Issue 4: Read the latest SEVP Spotlight on Study in the States. (posted: Jan. 2020)

SEVIS by the Numbers

Read the latest SEVIS by the Numbers report. (posted Mar. 19, 2021)

Special Student Relief

F-1 Students from Hong Kong: On Nov. 24, 2021, DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Hong Kong F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of emergent circumstances in Hong Kong. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for Hong Kong F-1 nonimmigrant students. Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief.

F-1 Students from Haiti: On Jul. 30, 2021, DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Haitian F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship beginning Aug. 3, 2021, as a direct result of the current crisis in the country. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for Haitian F-1 nonimmigrant students. Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief.

F-1 Students from Somalia: On Jul. 21, 2021, DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Somali F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship beginning Sept. 18, 2021, as a direct result of the current crisis in the country. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for Somali F-1 nonimmigrant students. Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief. (updated: Jul. 2021)

F-1 Students from Yemen: On Jul. 8, 2021, DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Yemeni F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship beginning Sept. 4, 2021, as a direct result of the current crisis in the country. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for Yemeni F-1 nonimmigrant students. Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief. (updated: Jul. 2021)

F-1 Students from Venezuela: On Apr. 22, 2021, DHS announced employment authorization for certain Venezuelan F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for Venezuelan F-1 nonimmigrant students. Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief. (updated: Apr. 2021)

F-1 Students from Syria: On Apr. 22, 2021, DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Syrian F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of civil unrest in Syria since March 2011. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the extension of employment authorization for Syrian F-1 nonimmigrant students. Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief. (updated: Apr. 2021)

F-1 Students from Nepal: DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Nepali F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the Apr. 25, 2015, earthquake in Nepal. Visit Study in the States to learn more about the extension of employment authorization for Nepali F-1 students or read the full notice on the Federal Register. (updated: Sep. 2018)

Notice of Intent to Terminate

SEVP is sending a “Notice of Intent to Terminate” to nonimmigrant students (F-1/M-1), exchange visitors (J-1) and dependents (F-2/M-2/J-2) who fail to comply with the Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor,” directive by the specified deadline. Recipients of the “Notice of Intent to Terminate” have 14 days, from the date the notice is sent, to respond to the Form I-515A. Failure to respond will result in the termination of their SEVIS record. For more information, download the Form I-515A Noncompliance Termination Procedure and visit Study in the States.

Student and Exchange Visitor Response Center (SRC) Callback Assist Feature

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program Response Center has implemented a new callback feature for users to schedule a specific date and time for return calls from SRC. To learn more, read the blog post on the new feature on Study in the States.

SEVP Reminders

  • Record of the most recent SEVIS updates can be found on the SEVIS Enhancements page on the SEVIS Help Hub on Study in the States.
  • Guide to Studying in the States: The Guide to Studying in the States allows users to create a customized guide with information on the nonimmigrant student life cycle, specific to their visa type (F-1 or M-1) and education level (kindergarten through grade 12, post-secondary or English Language Training). Each guide contains information about preparing to enter the United States, traveling, studying, student benefits, change of status and departing the United States. Users can access the Guide to Studying in the States on the Students page and Tools page.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: Study in the States launched the Frequently Asked Questions page. Users can view frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the nonimmigrant student life cycle and the SEVP-certification process. Questions are organized into categories, and users can navigate to a list of questions in a particular FAQ category by selecting one of the category anchor links at the top of the page. To view the list of FAQs, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. (posted: Dec. 2017)
  • ICE Protected Areas Policy: As a reminder to our stakeholders, ICE has a policy in place that advises against enforcement actions at schools or churches. With that said, SEVP personnel often visit SEVP-certified schools or those seeking SEVP certification. Many of these visits are required in order to maintain a school’s SEVP certification. Learn more about ICE’s protected areas policy. (posted: Mar. 2017)
  • School Appeal Status Tracker: Study in the States launched the SEVP School Appeal Status Tracker. This online tool allows SEVP-certified schools, in the appeals process, to proactively and securely check the status of their case on Study in the States. To learn more about the Appeals Process, visit the How to File an Appeal or Motion page and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Appeals and Motions on ICE.gov. (posted: Feb. 2017)
  • Form I-17 Filing Evidence: SEVP instituted a requirement for schools to submit minimal evidence upon filing a Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” and any updates to the Form I-17 Petition. Please visit the Schools section of ICE.gov/SEVP for more information.
  • The Trends and Improvements section on Study in the States was launched in October 2016 to make it easier for SEVP stakeholders to track and monitor the government’s progress on feedback received from the academic community. Users can access the section through the Conferences page of the Study in the States website. If stakeholders have issues they would like to include in the Trends and Improvements section, please email SEVP@ice.dhs.gov.

SEVP Data Library

When an individual enrolls at a U.S. school as an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant student or participates in the Visa Exchange Visitor Program, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) captures certain information about that individual in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The data included on this page has been extracted from SEVIS. It provides an overview of SEVP-certified schools, as well as active nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors during a specific calendar year. This data is updated annually.

For reference, F-1 students pursue academic studies and M-1 students pursue vocational studies in the United States. J-1 exchange visitors participate in the Visa Exchange Visitor Program, which is managed by the U.S. Department of State.

A nonimmigrant student or exchange visitor is deemed active once they enter the U.S. and engage in their program of study or exchange visitor program. Their status is designated as “active” in SEVIS.

Nonimmigrant students can participate in various types of practical training related to their field of study.

  • Pre-completion optional practical training (OPT) takes place prior to a student’s program end date.
  • Post-completion OPT takes place after a student’s program end date.
  • Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT for qualifying students with STEM degrees.
  • Curricular practical training (CPT) takes place prior to a student’s program end date and is integral to the school’s established curriculum.

Note: To participate in OPT, an nonimmigrant student must receive employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

For more information about the different types of practical training available to nonimmigrant students, please read the SEVP Practical Training Overview.

For detailed requests of SEVP data, please visit the SEVP section of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Library. For information on nonimmigrant student trends, please visit the SEVIS by the Numbers report and the interactive SEVIS Data Mapping Tool on Study in the States.

More information about the Exchange Visitor Program can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

2020 Data

School Data for 2020

International Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2020

2019 Data

School Data for 2019

Nonimmigrant Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2019

Employer Data for 2019

  • 2019 Top 200 Employers for OPT and STEM OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in OPT and STEM OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar year 2019. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer.
  • 2019 Top 200 Employers for CPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in CPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar year 2019. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer.
  • 2003 – 2019 Top 200 Employers for Pre- and Post-Completion OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in pre‐ and post‐completion OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar years 2003 through 2019. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer. *Prior to 2016, designated school officials were not required to enter a student's OPT employment information in SEVIS.
  • 2008 – 2019 Top 200 Employers for STEM OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in STEM OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar years 2008 through 2019. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer. *STEM OPT program originated in 2008. *Prior to 2016, designated school officials were not required to enter a student's OPT employment information in SEVIS.
  • 2003 – 2019 Top 200 Employers for CPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in CPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar years 2003 through 2019. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer. *Prior to 2016, designated school officials were not required to enter a student's OPT employment information in SEVIS.
  • Top 500 Program Sponsors of New Exchange Visitors in Calendar Year 2019
    Top 500 institutions or organizations designated to sponsor exchange visitors ranked by the total number of exchange visitors. The number of exchange visitors reflects those individuals who began a new exchange program in 2019. The number may include multiple program categories (e.g., sponsors may be designated to administer multiple categories. The total represents a tally of the multiple designations.)"

2018 Data

School Data for 2018

Nonimmigrant Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2018

Employer Data for 2018

  • 2018 Top 200 Employers for OPT and STEM OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in OPT and STEM OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar year 2018. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer.
  • 2018 Top 200 Employers for CPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in CPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar year 2018. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer.
  • 2003 – 2018 Top 200 Employers for Pre- and Post-Completion OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in pre‐ and post‐completion OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar years 2003 through 2018. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer. *Prior to 2016, designated school officials were not required to enter a student's OPT employment information in SEVIS.
  • 2008 – 2018 Top 200 Employers for STEM OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in STEM OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar years 2008 through 2018. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer. *STEM OPT program originated in 2008. *Prior to 2016, designated school officials were not required to enter a student's OPT employment information in SEVIS.
  • 2003 – 2018 Top 200 Employers for CPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in CPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar years 2003 through 2018. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer. *Prior to 2016, designated school officials were not required to enter a student's OPT employment information in SEVIS.
  • Top 500 Program Sponsors of New Exchange Visitors in Calendar Year 2018
    Top 500 institutions or organizations designated to sponsor exchange visitors ranked by the total number of exchange visitors. The number of exchange visitors reflects those individuals who began a new exchange program in 2018. The number may include multiple program categories (e.g., sponsors may be designated to administer multiple categories. The total represents a tally of the multiple designations.)"

2017 Data

School Data for 2017

Nonimmigrant Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2017

Employer Data for 2017

  • 2017 Top 200 Employers for OPT and STEM OPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in OPT and STEM OPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar year 2017. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer.
  • 2017 Top 200 Employers for CPT Students
    Top 200 employers for students participating in CPT, by the number of students employed at each employer, in calendar year 2017. Please note: If a student is employed at the same employer while in a different program, he/she will be counted multiple times for that employer.
  • Top 500 Program Sponsors of New Exchange Visitors in Calendar Year 2017
    Top 500 institutions or organizations designated to sponsor exchange visitors ranked by the total number of exchange visitors. The number of exchange visitors reflects those individuals who began a new exchange program in 2017. The number may include multiple program categories (e.g., sponsors may be designated to administer multiple categories. The total represents a tally of the multiple designations.)"

SEVIS by the Numbers

SEVIS by the Numbers

View the latest annual SEVIS By the Numbers report, which uses SEVIS data from calendar year 2019 and compares that to data from calendar year 2020. The report includes relevant information about nonimmigrant students studying in the United States and the schools that enroll them. The report highlights where nonimmigrant students come from, what they study and where they go within the United States to study.

Visit Mapping SEVIS by the Numbers on Study in the States to explore some of the raw SEVIS data that the report uses. This information is viewable at the continent, region and country level and includes information on gender and education levels for nonimmigrant students from geographical areas across the globe. You can review the information from a global or U.S. perspective.

You can find previous SEVIS by the Numbers reports in the Freedom of Information Act Library, under Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

SEVIS by the Numbers Media Kits

2020 Annual Report

2019 Annual Report

  • Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) 2019 SEVIS by the Numbers Report (PDF | 610 KB)

2018 Annual Report

  • Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) 2018 SEVIS by the Numbers Report (PDF | 689 KB)
  • 2018 Annual SEVIS by the Numbers Media Kit (PDF | 273 KB)
  • 2018 Annual SEVIS by the Numbers Social Media Images (ZIP | 24.2 MB)

April 2018

  • April 2018 SEVIS by the Numbers Report (PDF | 5 MB)
  • April 2018 SEVIS by the Numbers Media Kit (PDF | 752 KB)
  • April 2018 SEVIS by the Numbers Social Media Images (ZIP | 3.3 MB)
  • High-Resolution Infographics

June 2017

  • June 2017 SEVIS by the Numbers Report (PDF | 5 MB)
  • June 2017 SEVIS by the Numbers Media Kit (PDF | 301 KB)
  • June 2017 SEVIS by the Numbers Social Media Images (ZIP | 4.5 MB)
  • High-Resolution Infographics

Broadcast Messages

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Resource
SEVIS Fact Sheets

SEVIS Fact Sheets

Further related information

Resource
Privacy Impact Assessment

Privacy Impact Assessment

SEVP's published PIA and SORN

Resource
SEVIS Access Instructions

SEVIS Access Instructions

For ICE and Other Agency End Users

OPT Policy Guidance

Note: This SEVP OPT Policy Guidance remains in effect. However, after May 10, 2016, wherever the 17-month STEM extension information within that guidance contradicts the 24-month final rule then the final rule should be followed. For more information about the new STEM OPT final rule, visit the STEM OPT Hub.

STEM-Designated Degree Program List

Updated: 11/29/2021