Number: RL32188
Title: Monitoring Foreign Students in the United States: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Authors: Alison Siskin, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Since the Immigration Act of 1924, the United States has expressly permitted foreign students to study in U.S. institutions. There are three main avenues for students from other countries to temporarily come to the United States to study, and each involves admission as a nonimmigrant. The three visa categories used by foreign students are: F visas for academic study; M visas for vocational study; and J visas for cultural exchange. While most non-immigrants are admitted with visas that have a precise expiration date, foreign postsecondary students are admitted for duration of status, which lasts as long as they are full-time students or participating according to the terms of their exchange programs.
Pages: 9
Date: January 24, 2006