Foreign Students: Screening and Monitoring

Summary

Foreign Students: Screening and Monitoring

There were about 1.3 million foreign post-secondary students and scholars in the United States in 2022, and about 7,500 post-secondary U.S. schools were approved to host them. Foreign students and scholars enter the country on nonimmigrant (i.e., temporary) visas, a process that involves multiple federal agencies as well as educational institutions. Congress has expressed interest in the processes by which these individuals are permitted to travel to and remain in the United States.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

(SEVIS)

SEVIS is a database used by DHS and DOS to monitor students, exchange visitors, and their dependents who enter the United States on F, M, or J visas. SEVIS is managed by DHS's SEVP. DHS/SEVP monitors F and M students. DOS's ECA monitors J students and scholars.

All F, M, and J nonimmigrants have a SEVIS record that contains their entry/exit data, U.S. address, academic program and status, coursework, work authorization, graduation, transfers, withdrawals, no-shows, and disciplinary action. SEVIS records are created during the visa application process and updated throughout the student's stay in the United States.

Visa Screening

Visa applicants are required to submit their photograph and fingerprints, full name, age, gender, and date and place of birth. All visa applicants are subject to national security reviews using the resources of multiple federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

DHS: Department of Homeland Security; CBP: Customs and Border Protection; ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement; SEVP: Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

DOS: Department of State; ECA: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Notes: Visa issuance process is based on INA §§221-222 and 8 C.F.R. §214.2(f), (j), and (m). School approval process is based on 8 C.F.R. §§214.3 and 214.4 (for schools enrolling F and M students), and 22 C.F.R. §62 Subpart A (for schools hosting J students/scholars).

Information prepared by Jill Wilson, CRS Analyst in Immigration Policy; and Amber Wilhelm, CRS Visual Information Specialist.