Dong, et al. v. Johnson, et al., No. 2:17-2092-ES-JSA (D.N.J. filed Mar. 30, 2017)
January 28, 2022
Plaintiffs in this class action are current and former F-1 and F-2 nonimmigrants who previously enrolled at the University of Northern New Jersey (UNNJ), an undercover school set up by the Department of Homeland Security. On November 22, 2021, the Parties reached a Preliminary Settlement Agreement. On May 3, 2022, the Court granted the Parties’ Joint Motion for Final Class Certification and Final Settlement Approval.
In its order, the Court certified a class consisting of “[a]ny noncitizen who, for any period of time, enrolled (or was found by Defendants to have enrolled) in the University of Northern New Jersey (‘UNNJ’) or the spouse or child of such a noncitizen who was accorded derivative student (F-2 nonimmigrant) status by virtue of the principal spouse or parent’s enrollment in UNNJ. The Final Settlement Agreement affects you if you are a member of this class. If you are a member of this class, you should read this “Notice of Proposed Class Actions Settlement” (“Notice”) carefully as it explains certain time-limited opportunities you may qualify to pursue. This Notice also explains certain obligations you will be required to comply with due to approval of the Final Settlement Agreement.
To see the Notice and the Final Settlement Agreement, please click the links below. If after reviewing the Settlement Agreement you still have questions, you can contact Plaintiffs’ Counsel (see contact information in the Notice).
- Settlement Agreement and Release
- Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement
Important Message for ACICS-Accredited Schools
On Aug. 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education terminated federal recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). SEVP will directly communicate with impacted SEVP-certified schools, either through a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Broadcast Message or a Request for Evidence. As these notices are issued in the coming weeks, schools are instructed to monitor their emails for SEVIS-generated messages. Any questions can be directed to SEVP with the subject line “ACICS Question” to sevp@ice.dhs.gov.
Update to 2022-23 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 2022-23 academic year. Learn more.
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.
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 Sep. 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.
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
September 2022 – Volume 12, Issue 3: Read the latest SEVP Spotlight on Study in the States.
SEVIS by the Numbers
Read the latest SEVIS by the Numbers report. (posted Apr. 6, 2022)
Special Student Relief
Visit Study in the States to learn more about Special Student Relief.
- F-1 Students from Burma: On Sept. 27, 2022, DHS announced an extension and redesignation of employment authorization for certain Burmese F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Burma. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the extension and redesignation of employment authorization for Burmese F-1 nonimmigrant students.
- F-1 Students from Venezuela: On Sept. 7, 2022, DHS announced an extension of employment authorization for certain Venezuelan F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Venezuela. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the extension and redesignation of employment authorization for Venezuelan F-1 nonimmigrant students.
- F-1 Students from Syria: On Aug. 1, 2022, 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.
- F-1 Students from Cameroon: On June 6, 2022, DHS announced employment authorization for certain Cameroonian F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the crises in Cameroon. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Cameroon.
- F-1 Students from Afghanistan: On May 19, 2022, DHS announced employment authorization for certain Afghan F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current situation in Afghanistan. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Afghanistan.
- F-1 Students from Ukraine and Sudan: On April 18, 2022, DHS announced employment authorization for certain Ukrainian and Sudanese F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the humanitarian crises in both countries. Read the full notices on the Federal Register for Ukraine and Sudan to learn more about the employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Ukraine and Sudan.
- F-1 Students from South Sudan: On March 2, 2022, DHS announced employment authorization for certain South Sudanese F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students from South Sudan.
- F-1 Students from Hong Kong: On Nov. 24, 2021, DHS announced 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.
- 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.
- 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 Sep. 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.
- 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 Sep. 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.
- F-1 Students from Burma: On May 24, 2021, DHS announced employment authorization for certain Burmese F-1 nonimmigrant students who are facing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Burma. Read the full notice on the Federal Register to learn more about the employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Burma.
- 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.
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.
2021 Data
School Data for 2021
- 2021 Top 500 F-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 500 schools by F-1 student population in calendar year 2021 - 2021 All M-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Schools certified by SEVP to enroll M-1 students by M-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2021 - 2021 Top 200 Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) Public and Private Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 200 K-12 schools by F-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2021. *Per regulation, F-1 students cannot enroll in public elementary schools. - 2021 Top 100 School Campuses with OPT (Pre- + Post-) Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in OPT in calendar year 2021. - 2021 Top 100 School Campuses with STEM OPT Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in STEM OPT in calendar year 2021.
International Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2021
- 2021 All Countries of Citizenship by Total Number of Active SEVIS Records
Number of student records by country of citizenship in calendar year 2021. - 2021 All Countries of Citizenship by Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in STEM OPT
Number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in STEM OPT by country of citizenship in calendar year 2021. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. **If a student transferred to another program of study in calendar year 2021 and was authorized to work, he/she is not double counted. - 2021 Total Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT
Total number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT in calendar year 2021. STEM OPT is not a subset of OPT. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. - 2007 to 2021 Annual Growth in OPT, STEM OPT and CPT Authorizations and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Issuances
Total number of annual OPT, STEM OPT and CPT authorizations with employment start dates during an indicated calendar year and a employer name from 2007 to 2021. Total number of students issued an EAD for OPT or STEM OPT from 2007 to 2021. - 2021 Top Five Countries of Citizenship for Secondary F-1 Students Engaged in High School Education (Grades 9-12)
Top five countries of citizenship by number of F-1 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in calendar year 2021.
2020 Data
School Data for 2020
- 2020 Top 500 F-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 500 schools by F-1 student population in calendar year 2020 - 2020 All M-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Schools certified by SEVP to enroll M-1 students by M-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2020 - 2020 Top 200 Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) Public and Private Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 200 K-12 schools by F-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2020. *Per regulation, F-1 students cannot enroll in public elementary schools. - 2020 Top 100 School Campuses with OPT (Pre- + Post-) Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in OPT in calendar year 2020. - 2020 Top 100 School Campuses with STEM OPT Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in STEM OPT in calendar year 2020.
International Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2020
- 2020 All Countries of Citizenship by Total Number of Active SEVIS Records
Number of student records by country of citizenship in calendar year 2020. - 2020 All Countries of Citizenship by Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in STEM OPT
Number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in STEM OPT by country of citizenship in calendar year 2019. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. **If a student transferred to another program of study in calendar year 2019 and was authorized to work, he/she is not double counted. - 2020 Total Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT
Total number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT in calendar year 2020. STEM OPT is not a subset of OPT. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. - 2007 to 2020 Annual Growth in OPT, STEM OPT and CPT Authorizations and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Issuances
Total number of annual OPT, STEM OPT and CPT authorizations with employment start dates during an indicated calendar year and a employer name from 2007 to 2020. Total number of students issued an EAD for OPT or STEM OPT from 2007 to 2020. - 2020 Top Five Countries of Citizenship for Secondary F-1 Students Engaged in High School Education (Grades 9-12)
Top five countries of citizenship by number of F-1 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in calendar year 2020.
2019 Data
School Data for 2019
- 2019 Top 500 F-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 500 schools by F-1 student population in calendar year 2019 - 2019 All M-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Schools certified by SEVP to enroll M-1 students by M-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2019 - 2019 Top 200 Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) Public and Private Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 200 K-12 schools by F-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2019. *Per regulation, F-1 students cannot enroll in public elementary schools. - 2019 Top 100 School Campuses with OPT (Pre- + Post-) Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in OPT in calendar year 2019. - 2019 Top 100 School Campuses with STEM OPT Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in STEM OPT in calendar year 2019.
Nonimmigrant Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2019
- 2019 All Countries of Citizenship by Total Number of Active SEVIS Records
Number of student records by country of citizenship in calendar year 2019. - 2019 All Countries of Citizenship by Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in STEM OPT
Number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in STEM OPT by country of citizenship in calendar year 2019. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. **If a student transferred to another program of study in calendar year 2019 and was authorized to work, he/she is not double counted. - 2019 Total Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT.
Total number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT in calendar year 2019. STEM OPT is not a subset of OPT. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. - 2007 to 2019 Annual Growth in OPT, STEM OPT and CPT Authorizations and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Issuances
Total number of annual OPT, STEM OPT and CPT authorizations with employment start dates during an indicated calendar year and a employer name from 2007 to 2019. Total number of students issued an EAD for OPT or STEM OPT from 2007 to 2019. - 2019 Top Five Countries of Citizenship for Secondary F-1 Students Engaged in High School Education (Grades 9-12)
Top five countries of citizenship by number of F-1 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in calendar year 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
- 2018 Top 500 F-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 500 schools by F-1 student population in calendar year 2018 - 2018 All M-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Schools certified by SEVP to enroll M-1 students by M-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2018 - 2018 Top 200 Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) Public and Private Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 200 K-12 schools by F-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2018. *Per regulation, F-1 students cannot enroll in public elementary schools. - 2018 Top 100 School Campuses with OPT (Pre- + Post-) Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in OPT in calendar year 2018. - 2018 Top 100 School Campuses with STEM OPT Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in STEM OPT in calendar year 2018.
Nonimmigrant Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2018
- 2018 All Countries of Citizenship by Total Number of Active SEVIS Records
Number of student records by country of citizenship in calendar year 2018. - 2018 All Countries of Citizenship by Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in STEM OPT
Number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in STEM OPT by country of citizenship in calendar year 2018. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. **If a student transferred to another program of study in calendar year 2018 and was authorized to work, he/she is not double counted. - 2018 Total Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT.
Total number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT in calendar year 2018. STEM OPT is not a subset of OPT. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. - 2007 to 2018 Annual Growth in OPT, STEM OPT and CPT Authorizations and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Issuances
Total number of annual OPT, STEM OPT and CPT authorizations with employment start dates during an indicated calendar year and a employer name from 2007 to 2018. Total number of students issued an EAD for OPT or STEM OPT from 2007 to 2018. - 2018 Top Five Countries of Citizenship for Secondary F-1 Students Engaged in High School Education (Grades 9-12)
Top five countries of citizenship by number of F-1 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in calendar year 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
- 2017 Top 500 F-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 500 schools by F-1 student population in calendar year 2017 - 2017 All M-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Schools certified by SEVP to enroll M-1 students by M-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2017 - 2017 Top 200 Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) Public and Private Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records
Top 200 K-12 schools by F-1 student population at each school in calendar year 2017. *Per regulation, F-1 students cannot enroll in public elementary schools. - 2017 Top 100 School Campuses with OPT (Pre- + Post-) Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in OPT in calendar year 2017. - 2017 Top 100 School Campuses with STEM OPT Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records
Top 100 schools by campus with the highest number of students authorized to participate in STEM OPT in calendar year 2017.
Nonimmigrant Student and Exchange Visitor Data for 2017
- 2017 All Countries of Citizenship by Total Number of Active SEVIS Records
Number of student records by country of citizenship in calendar year 2017. - 2017 All Countries of Citizenship by Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in STEM OPT
Number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in STEM OPT by country of citizenship in calendar year 2017. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. **If a student transferred to another program of study in calendar year 2017 and was authorized to work, he/she is not double counted. - 2017 Total Number of SEVIS Records with Authorizations to Participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT.
Total number of SEVIS records with authorization to participate in CPT, OPT or STEM OPT in calendar year 2017. STEM OPT is not a subset of OPT. *Authorizations may be from a previous calendar year. - 2017 Top Five Countries of Citizenship for Secondary F-1 Students Engaged in High School Education (Grades 9-12)
Top five countries of citizenship by number of F-1 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in calendar year 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
View the latest annual SEVIS By the Numbers report, which uses SEVIS data from calendar year 2020 and compares that to data from calendar year 2021. 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
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report
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
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
- Submit CIP Code Nominations for the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by Aug. 1, 2022
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Afghan Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
- ICE Clarifies Continuation of March 2020 Guidance for the 2022-23 Academic Year
- SEVIS Notice – SEVIS Release 6.62
April 2022
- School Officials-Verify Employment Data for Active F-1 Students on Post-Completion OPT and M-1 Students on Practical Training
- F-1 and M-1 Students Previously Engaged in OPT or Practical Training-Contact SRC to Verify Your Employment Data
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Ukrainian and Sudanese Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
- ICE Continues March 2020 Guidance for the 2022-23 Academic Year
March 2022
January 2022
2021
November 2021
- Upcoming PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification
- SEVP Policy Guidance - Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20
- Reminders for Designated School Officials to Assist F-1 Students with Applying for Optional Practical Training
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Hong Kong Resident Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
October 2021
September 2021
- Response to Hurricane Ida Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students in Affected Jurisdictions
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.60
August 2021
July 2021
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Yemeni Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
- SEVP Continues to Discuss International Student Athlete Compensation
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Somali Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
- SEVIS Notice - Scheduled Maintenance and Outage for BETA Test Environment
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Haitian Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
June 2021
- Fraud Advisory-Scammers Using SEVP and HSI Phone Numbers to Target International Students
- SEVP Monitoring Student Athlete Legislation
- SEVP Portal Release 3.4 and SEVIS Release 6.59
May 2021
- SEVIS Notice - Scheduled Maintenance and Outage
- SEVIS Notice - SEVIS Release 6.58 Production Implementation
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Burmese Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
April 2021
- SEVIS Notice - Scheduled Maintenance and Outage
- SEVIS Notice – CANCELLED Scheduled Maintenance and Outage
- DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Syrian and Venezuelan Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
- SEVP Portal Release 3.3
- ICE Continues March 2020 Guidance for the 2021-22 Academic Year
- Rescheduled: SEVP Portal Release 3.3
March 2021
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.57 Production Implementation
- New SEVIS Process for Cap-Gap Extensions
February 2021
January 2021
2020
December
November
- Upcoming Principal Designated School Officials, Designated School Officials (PDSO/DSO) and Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers (RO/ARO) Annual Verification
- SEVIS Release 6.56
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Beta Testing Environment Upgrades
October
September
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance to SEVIS Alpha and Beta Environments
- New SETA Courses
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.54 Production Implementation
August
- SEVP to Mail Notices to OPT Students Without Employer Information
- New Process: Reporting School Procedural Adaptations to SEVP
July
June
- Merging Your Multiple SEVIS AccountsMore information about text formats
- F-1 Student Cap Gap Extension and the Revised H-1B Registration Process
May
- New FAQs on ICE.gov/COVID19
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Upgrades
- SEVIS, SEVP Portal and SEVP External Training Application (SETA) URL Issues
- SEVIS Release 6.52 Production Implementation
April
- New FAQs on ICE.gov/COVID19
- Reminder - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M nonimmigrant students
- Follow tips for contacting the SRC
- SEVIS NOTICE – Beta Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.51
March
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Nonimmigrant Students
- COVID-19 News and Updates: ICE.gov/COVID19 is the Central Location for SEVP Guidance and Stakeholder FAQs
- New Electronic Form I-20 Issuance Guidance on ICE.gov/COVID19
February
- Exemptions from Direct Issuance of the Form I-20
- An Overview of STEM OPT Employer Site Visits
- SEVP Training for DSOs – Scheduled Maintenance
- Updated Certification Expiration Date Process
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.51 Anticipated System Changes
January 2020
2019
December
- Upcoming PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification Begins Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Updates
- SEVIS NOTICE – Scheduled Maintenance
- Upcoming SEVP Response Center Closures – Federal Holidays
November
- Upcoming PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification
- Action Required: Check the Accuracy of Your Federal Supervisor’s Information in Your SEVIS Profile Before December 2
- SEVIS Release 6.49 Anticipated System Changes
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.49 Production Implementation
- Merge SEVIS Official's Accounts
- Changes to SEVIS Government Users Annual Verification
- SEVP Launches External Training Application
October
- SEVP Portal Release 1.10 Closing Old Portal Accounts
- Reminder: Register All Students in SEVIS
- Release Webinar: SEVIS Release 6.49
September
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.48 Production Implementation
- Policy Guidance on Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study
July
June
- SEVP Policy Guidance Form I-20 Issuance
- SEVP Field Representative Position Available on USAJobs.gov
- Notice of Final Fee Rule Taking Effect
- SEVIS NOTICE - SEVIS Release 6.47 Production Implementation
May
- SEVIS NOTICE – Scheduled Maintenance
- Notice of Final Fee Rule Publication
- SEVP Fee Rule - What DSOs Should Know
April
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVP Portal Release 1.7 Details
- Changes to Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record," Numbering Format
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.46 Production Implementation
- SEVP Field Representative Assigned to Your School
- SEVIS is Experiencing Technical Issues
March
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.44 Production Implementation
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVP Portal Release 1.6 Details
- SEVIS NOTICE – Scheduled Maintenance
- SEVIS NOTICE – Response to recent flooding in Nebraska: Impact on Your F and M Nonimmigrant Students
February
January
2018
December
November
- Recertification Approval Notices
- Upcoming PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification
- Upcoming PDSO, DSO, RO and ARO Annual Verification Begins Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018
October
- SRC Phone System Issues
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.41 Details
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.41 Production Implementation
- Response to Typhoon Yutu: Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students in the Affected Jurisdictions in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
September
- SEVP Field Representative Designated to Your School
- Response to Hurricane Florence: Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students in the Affected Jurisdictions in North Carolina and South Carolina
- Sign Up to Receive the September 2018 Edition of SEVP Spotlight
- Emergency Preparedness Reminders for SEVP-certified Schools in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia
August
July
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
- SEVIS Notice – Removal of Transport Layer Security (TLS) V1.0 and V1.1 Protocol
June
May
April
March
- Download the March 2018 Edition of SEVP Spotlight
- SEVIS NOTICE – SRC Phone System Outage
- Student Data Changes in the SEVP Portal and Batch Processing
- SEVIS NOTICE - SEVIS Release 6.38 Production Implementation
- SEVIS Release 6.38 Final System Changes
- Save the Date! SEVP Special Report Webinar: SEVP Portal (03/20/2018)
- FRU Positions Available on USAJobs.gov
- Requirement to Upload Evidence Into SEVIS Starts March 8, 2018
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance Affecting Correction Requests and Upload Evidence Functionality
February
January
2017
December
- PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification begins TOMORROW – Dec. 2, 2017
- SEVIS Webinar – Upload Evidence
- Emergency Broadcast Message: SEVIS Webinar – Upload Evidence Postponed
- Download the December 2017 Edition of SEVP Spotlight
- SEVP Field Representative Designated to Your School
November
- Upcoming PDSO DSO and RO ARO Annual Verification
- Important Reminders about Students and OPT Reporting
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance Affecting U.S. Address Validation
October
September
- SEVIS Release 6.36 Details
- Response to Hurricane Irma: Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance Affecting Correction Requests
- Download the September 2017 Edition of SEVP Spotlight
- SEVIS Notice – SEVIS Release 6.36 Production Deployment Postponed
August
- SEVIS NOTICE – Beta Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.35
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
- Response to Hurricane Harvey: Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students
July
- New Email Address for Submitting SEVIS Access Requests for SEVIS Users Outside of DHS and ICE
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.35 Production Implementation
- SEVIS Release 6.35 Known Issues
- SEVIS Release 6.35 Final System Changes
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
June
- SEVIS NOTICE – Scheduled Maintenance Outage Oracle Production Upgrade to 12c
- SEVIS NOTICE – Updates to SEVIS Digital Certificate
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Production Outage
- Download the June 2017 Edition of the SEVP Spotlight
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.34 Production Implementation
- SEVP Response Center Ticket Management System Replacement Planned for June 26
- SEVIS 6.35 Pre-Release Webinar
May
- SEVP Leadership Change
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
- FRU Positions Available on USAJobs.gov
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.33.1 Production Implementation
April
- Important Message for ACICS Accredited Schools
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.33 Production Implementation
March
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
- SEVIS Notice – SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.33
- SEVIS Release 6.33 Anticipated System Changes
- ICE Sensitive Locations Policy
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
- Download the March 2017 Edition of the SEVP Spotlight
February
January
2016
December
- Upcoming PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification begins TOMORROW - Dec. 2, 2016
- MAVNI Program Status for Fiscal Year 2017
- USCIS Policy Memo PM-602-0114 and MAVNI Enlistees
- Download the December 2016 Edition of the SEVP Spotlight
- Delayed Implementation of Upload Evidence Functionality for SEVIS Correction Requests
- ACICS Loss of Accreditation Recognition
- Link Moved for PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.31 Production Implementation
- Correction: Broadcast Message Recap (Dec 1-16)
- DHS Extends Employment Authorization for Nepali F-1 Students
November
- FMJFee.com Outage on Nov. 16
- Upcoming PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO Annual Verification
- Broadcast Message Recap
- USCIS OPT Approvals Not Updating in SEVIS
October
- PDSOs – Find Form I-17 Filing Evidence Resources on ICE.gov
- Broadcast Message Recap
- Response to Hurricane Matthew – Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students
- Interim Final and Final Policy Guidance Documents Released
September
- SEVIS Correction Request and 6.29 Pre-release Webinars
- Download the September 2016 Edition of the SEVP Spotlight
August
- August 8 Deadline to Apply for Additional STEM OPT
- Next SEVP InFocus Webinar to be held Aug. 10
- SEVIS 6.28 Post-Release Webinar
- SEVIS Release 6.28
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.28 Production Implementation
- Response to Flooding Disaster: Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students
- New Location for SEVIS Batch Schema XML Files
- SEVIS Application Access for CBP Users
- Renewed Request for Responses to Flooding Disaster: Impact on Your F-1 and M-1 Nonimmigrant Students
- DATE CHANGE: SEVIS Form I-17 Workflow Webinar
- Form I-20 – Student and Dependent Personal Information Fields in SEVIS
July
- SEVIS Fall 2016 Roadmap Webinar
- Download the July 2016 Edition of SEVP Spotlight
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.27 Production Implementation
- Broadcast Message Recap
- SEVIS 6.27 Post-Release Webinar
- Conditional Admission and the Form 1-20 and the English Proficiency Field
- SEVIS NOTICE – SEVIS Release 6.27.1 Production Implementation
June
- SEVIS 6.27 Pre-Release Webinar
- SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.27
- SEVIS Release 6.27 Production Deployment Postponed to July 8, 2016
- SEVP Ask the Experts: K-12 Spotlight Webinar - June 22, 2016, 2 p.m. EDT
- SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.27
May
- Revised Guidance for SEVIS Workarounds and STEM OPT Transition
- SEVIS Registration for F and M Students Webinar
- DHS 24-Month STEM OPT Extension is Now in Effect
- SEVIS Release 6.26 Production Implementation
- New Broadcast Message Distribution Process
- Known Issues with SEVIS Release 6.26
- SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.27
- SEVIS Release 6.26.1 Production Implementation
- Form DS-2019 Batch Download Incident
April
- H-1B Status Contact Information
- SEVIS Workarounds and STEM OPT Transition
- SEVIS Notice – SEVIS Release 6.25.1 Production Implementation
- From SEVP Director Lou Farrell: The School Certification Unit Continues to Improve Processes to Support Backlog Reduction
- Tune in to SEVP Webinar Week!
- Download the April 2016 Edition of the SEVP Spotlight
- Removal of SSL v3.0 Protocol and RC4 Cipher Suite
- Form DS-2019 Batch Download Problems on April 12, 2016
- Form DS-2019 Batch Download Problems Resolved
- SEVIS Release 6.25.2 Production Implementation
- Resolution of Form DS-2019 Batch Download Problems in Batch
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance Outage
- SEVIS Notice – SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment Upgrade to Release 6.27
March
- Notices and Terminations for Failure to Comply with Form I-515A Directive
- STEM OPT 24-Month Extension Final Rule
- SEVIS NOTICE SEVIS Alpha Testing Environment
- SEVIS NOTICE Scheduled Maintenance Outage March 14 2016
- SEVIS NOTICE SEVIS Release 6.25 Production Implementation
- Issues with Display of OPT Information in SEVIS
- Updated I-901 Fee Payment Tutorial Now on Study in the States
- Updated SEVIS Access Instructions for ICE and Other End Users
- From SEVP Director Farrell- Update About Backlogs and Processing Ties for Form I-17 Updates
- SEVIS Webinars in April 2016
February
- SEVIS Release 6.24 Functionality System Unavailability and SEVP Resource
- RESCHEDULED SEVP Ask the Experts Webinar
- SEVP Ask the Experts Webinar Tomorrow
- SEVIS Notice – SEVIS Release 6.24 Production Implementation
- SEVP Response Center Closed for System Maintenance
- SEVIS 6.25 Pre-Release and Batch Updates Webinar
- SEVIS Notice – Scheduled Maintenance
- Notice of Unpaid I-901 Fees
January
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.