SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is an Internet-based system that SEVP-certified schools and academic institutions use to keep records of their F-1, M-1 and J-1 students and their dependents.
Every international student has a SEVIS record and a unique SEVIS identification number that can be found on the I-20 or DS-2019 forms. Before applying for a student visa, you must pay your SEVIS fee using your SEVIS number. This is why you can not start the visa application before you’ve received the I-20 or DS-2019 form signed by your school immigration representative or your program sponsor. For more information about SEVIS, and to pay your fee online, please click here.