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Reference.org
Student and Exchange Visitor Program
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<p> The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program within <a href="/facts/U.S._Immigration_and_Customs_Enforcement/tX1kde9l">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a>, which is under the <a href="/facts/U.S._Department_of_Homeland_Security/jwz5gLfa">U.S. Department of Homeland Security</a>, to manage foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The SEVP encompasses the <a href="/facts/F_visa/KXrAHBoe">F status</a> (for foreign students in the United States in academic programs and their dependents), <a href="/facts/J-1_visa/kMb2EaFx">J status</a> (for exchange visitors in the United States and their dependents), and <a href="/facts/M-1_visa/VVrngTQJ">M status</a> (for foreign students in the United States in vocational programs and their dependents). The exchange visitor part of the program (J visa) is managed by the <a href="/facts/U.S._Department_of_State/WsB5FMBT">U.S. Department of State</a>, although the SEVIS system is maintained by ICE. </p><p>The SEVP does not manage the issuance of the visas themselves. Visas are issued at United States consulates and embassies in other countries, which fall under the <a href="/facts/United_States_Department_of_State/WsB5FMBT">United States Department of State</a>'s <a href="/facts/Bureau_of_Consular_Affairs/xG0uVyfu">Bureau of Consular Affairs</a>. However, having the correct status and information in the SEVIS system is necessary for a person to be able to receive a F, J, or M visa. </p><p>The SEVP does not cover some other statuses that can be used by foreign students in the United States, such as the <a href="/facts/H-4_visa/tvlTwA7X">H-4 status</a> and other statuses for dependents of people in non-student statuses. </p>