The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is used by the Department of State and The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to monitor nonimmigrant exchange visitors and students during their time in the United States. SEVIS is a web-based system used for critical processes such as issuance of documentation necessary to obtain visas, payment of fees required to participate in exchange programs, and evidence of maintenance of status required to re-enter the United States after travel.
A SEVIS system update is scheduled to be released on Friday, June 26, 2015. While the planned update/upgrade will provide improved functionality for users, it will also result in a service outage from 8:00 p.m. EDT Friday, June 26, 2015, to 8:00 pm EDT, Sunday, June 28, 2015. During the outage it will not be possible to access the system to input and/or update records. It will also not be possible for immigration officers to verify active SEVIS records. For this reason, it is recommended that J, F, and M visa holders refrain from non-essential travel requiring their re-entry to the United States during the outage. Visa holders who must travel during the outage should be prepared for long waits at the airport upon re-entry. Finally, it will not be possible to pay SEVIS fees necessary for the J visa program. J visa sponsors are recommending that these fees be paid prior to the outage in order to avoid any delays in proceeding with visa issuance.