Exchange visitor programs are affected by several government agencies that are undergoing policy and procedural changes during this climate of heightened security. One major change is the implementation of a new government tracking system, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS is the result of the Immigration Reform law, which requires the newly created Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to collect current information from schools and exchange program sponsors on all program participants throughout the course of their stay in the United States. Full implementation of SEVIS was put into effect as of February 15, 2003.

SEVIS is an internet-based system, which enables schools and program sponsors to electronically transmit information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa) and exchange visitors (J visa) to the ICE and the Department of State. Au Pair in America, as a program sponsor, is required to report on all au pairs/companions throughout their program year. When an au pair/companion is placed with a host family, a DS-2023 form is issued through SEVIS, and this action creates her record in the system. Within 30 days of an au pair’s arrival in the United States, Au Pair in America is required to confirm, through SEVIS, that each au pair/companion has arrived at her host family home and to provide SEVIS with her current host family’s address.

Throughout each au pair/companion’s year, Au Pair in America will be required to report in SEVIS any changes in an au pair’s program. These changes include entry/exit data, changes in address (if her host family moves or if she is rematched with another host family), as well as early end or termination of her program. All of these tracking activities in SEVIS are time sensitive. Au Pair in America will need to count on your and your community counselor’s assistance in providing the following information in a timely manner:

• Reporting of address changes. If you are moving, please let your community counselor know the exact date and location of your new address. Your new address will need to be reported to SEVIS within 30 days of your move.
• Reporting any au pair who terminates her participation in the program for any reason. Please notify your community counselor immediately if your au pair has left your home unexpectedly.