DHS sets SEVIS fees: tracking system much improved, says GAO.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has passed one of the final hurdles to full implementation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)--setting the fees that will help finance the system. Beginning September 1, foreign students will pay a one-time $100 processing fee when they register for student visas.

The fee applies to F, J, and M visa applicants-and is in addition to the fee students must pay for a U.S. visa. Certain J-1 students, such as those who work as au pairs or camp counselors, will pay a reduced fee of $35 or, in some cases, no fee at all.

SEVIS has long been plagued by troubles, including software glitches, poor training, and inadequate help desk services. Between January and June 2003, more than 20 critical and high-priority system change requests were reported in a six-week period. But a year later, a U.S. General Accounting Office report indicates that DHS has made significant improvements in the system. According to the report (available as a PDF download from www.gao.gov), improvements include the use of new software and greater collaboration with educational representatives.

Already more than 730,000 students and exchange visitors are registered with SEVIS at over 8,700 approved schools and programs nationwide.