Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a database administered by the Department of Homeland Security(DHS) to track and record the entry and presence in the United States of foreign students and exchange visitors.
UCSF will begin using SEVIS to issue visa documents to all new F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars no later than January 31, 2003.
After January 30, 2003, current students and scholars may use only SEVIS-generated Forms DS-2019 and I-20 to apply for document replacements, extensions, reinstatements, transfers, change of category, change of non-immigrant classification, or any other immigration benefit available to F-1 or J-1 students or scholars.
Prior to August 1, 2003, records for all currently appointed students and scholars must be submitted to the INS through SEVIS and a new Form DS-2019 or I-20 will be issued to each student and scholar in F-1 or J-1 status.
For J-1 foreign physicians sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the ECFMG serves as the sponsor and will work with the designated official at each host institution/teaching hospital to monitor the activities of the J-1 physicians.
To accomplish these tasks and support ongoing services, the SAA Office of Services to International Students and Scholars (SISS) has purchased Newfront's fsaAtlas software. The fsaAtlas resource has also been adopted by all other UC campuses and many other Research I institutions. fsaAtlas will facilitate SEVIS compliance and support related "back office" operations in SISS. Dedicated servers and other technology host the software, protect data integrity, and ensure confidentiality of information as required by law and regulations. Version 6.2.2 of the fsaAtlas software is now installed and new versions will be implemented as they are released.
Current SEVIS implementation goals at UCSF focus less on the delegation of responsibility for data input and more on data exchange with the existing electronic data sources. Where electronic data exchanges are not possible, or will take additional time to implement, we will rely on collaborative efforts with the schools and other internal units to secure the needed information.
Registering all the current students and scholars is the most important priority during the next several months. We have now entered into fsaAtlas database all registered students and are currently entering the visiting scholars. SEVIS information requirements are extensive and precise reporting is critical. Consequently, it will be necessary for the SISS SEVIS implementation team to consult directly with students, scholars, sponsoring departments, and organizational units on campus.
Key individuals on campus will be contacted as needed by the SEVIS implementation team members to secure any required data. In the SEVIS world all required data must be provided or the Department of Homeland Security will not accept the electronic record. In such a case, the legal status of the international visitor will be in jeopardy. Once the registration of all current students and scholars is completed, we will focus over time on automating data exchange from the various information systems on campus.
One additional FTE is being recruited to assist with SEVIS-related aspects of the SISS workload. This additional FTE will be a support in managing data collection for currently appointed students and scholars which must be entered into the SEVIS for issuance of SEVIS issued documents by August 1, 2003. An external consultant for SISS, Alex Lange, works with SISS to implement the SEVIS software package (fsaAtlas). Alex provides technical assistance and staff training.
The most important goal for UCSF, as an institution of higher education, is to remain in compliance with SEVIS. Your support and collaboration will be greatly appreciated.
Various summaries of SEVIS requirements are available on the Internet and three useful links are provided below.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
NAFSA
Newfront
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