DOS Proposes Electronic Submission of SEVIS Annual Reports
The Department of State (DOS) has proposed allowing electronic submission of Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) annual reports. Annual reports from designated program sponsors assist DOS in oversight and administration of the J-1 visa program. The reports provide statistical data on the number of exchange participants an organization has sponsored by category. The reports also summarize the activities in which exchange visitors were engaged and evaluate program effectiveness. Program sponsors include government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector entities.
Annual reports currently are completed through SEVIS and then printed and signed by a sponsoring official, and sent to DOS by mail or fax. DOS is working with the Department of Homeland Security to expand SEVIS functions and enable the collection of electronic signatures. Annual reports will be submitted to the Department electronically as soon as the mechanism for doing so is approved and in place, DOS said.
