Welcome to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Spotlight, a quarterly newsletter for the academic community that includes important program news, seasonal reminders, and updates relevant to the international student life cycle. As of July 2020, SEVP Spotlight consists of an update from the SEVP director.

Director's Corner

SEVP: Looking Forward to 2024

2023 has been a busy and exciting year at the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). As the end of the year draws near, I would like to take the time to thank each of you for your hard work in supporting international students in the United States. This year, we were better able to understand and serve the international student population through a variety of tools and resources. As the new year approaches, I'd like to remind you of some key resources and timely deadlines to ensure a successful 2024.

First, make sure to utilize the SEVIS Data Mapping Tool to explore international student trends on a regular basis. This interactive map tool illustrates information on international students in the United States using data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is updated every month. You can use this map to see where international students have traveled from, a breakdown by gender, what level of education they are enrolled in, and trends related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. You can view the Continent map to analyze trends from a continent, region or country, or the United States map to analyze trends in a specific U.S. state.

In addition, the Institute of International Education just published its latest Open Doors Report, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, which shared data about international student trends during the 2022-2023 academic year. This year marks a near return to pre-pandemic numbers, with the United States hosting more than one million international students. We’re seeing a 12 percent increase from the 2021-2022 academic year, the fastest growth rate in more than four decades. Although enrollment dropped last year, China remains the number one source of international students coming to the United States. China was closely followed by India, which saw a 35 percent increase in students coming to the United States. The majority (55 percent) of these students are majoring in STEM fields.

Going into the new year, please remember that students should be registered in SEVIS at the start of a new school session no later than 30 days after the session start date. Additionally, the SEVIS annual principal designated school official (PDSO)/designated school official (DSO) verification period is now open! Please remember to complete your annual verification before the deadline of March 2, 2024. This resource for PDSOs and DSOs on Study in the States can help guide this process. Each year, this process ensures all DSOs who have access to SEVIS are still employed by their institutions, are active DSOs and require continued access to SEVIS. Failure to verify by March 2, 2024, will result in all unverified DSOs losing access to SEVIS on March 3.

SEVP is dedicated to maintaining open communication with international students and academic officials. For the most-up-to date information and resources from SEVP, remember to visit the Study in the States website. Also, be sure to follow SEVP’s social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest news impacting the international education community. From all of us here at the SEVP, we wish you a happy holiday season and healthy new year.

Respectfully, 

Rachel Canty