What Is the SEVIS Number on DS-160

If you’re filling out the DS-160 and see a field for your SEVIS ID, look at your immigration document first. F-1 applicants should use the number on the I-20. J-1 applicants should use the number on the DS-2019. Having the correct form beside you can prevent confusion with the DS-160 confirmation number or another number on a different document.

What the SEVIS number means on the DS-160

The SEVIS number is a unique identifier assigned to international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. The DS-160 asks for this identifier as part of the application process.

Your SEVIS ID is printed on the immigration document connected with your program:

• F-1 students: Find it on the I-20.
• J-1 exchange visitors: Find it on the DS-2019.
• Dependents: Check the relevant I-20 or DS-2019 issued for that person.

The number is printed on the form itself, so you generally don’t need to work it out or create one. Keep the correct document open or in front of you while completing the DS-160. This makes it easier to copy the number exactly as it appears.

The document matters because F-1 and J-1 applicants don’t use the same form. Before searching through your paperwork, first ask: Am I applying as an F-1 student or a J-1 exchange visitor?

Where to find the SEVIS ID on an I-20

If you’re applying as an F-1 student, use your Form I-20. The SEVIS ID appears in the upper-left corner of the form.

Look near the top of the I-20 for the field labeled SEVIS ID. It should show an identifier beginning with the letter N, followed by numbers.

To find it:

1. Get the I-20 connected to your F-1 program.
2. Look at the upper-left corner.
3. Find the label SEVIS ID.
4. Copy the full identifier, including the starting N.
5. Enter it in the SEVIS ID field on the DS-160.

Be careful not to choose another number printed nearby. The form may contain other details about you, your school, or your program. The number you need is the one specifically labeled SEVIS ID.

If you have more than one I-20, use the document that applies to the application you’re completing. If you’re unsure which form is current, check your own records or ask the school that issued the I-20 before entering a number.

How do I find my SEVIS number as an F-1 student?

Start with your I-20 rather than your visa, passport, or DS-160 confirmation page. The search location is the upper-left corner of the I-20. Look for the N-prefixed SEVIS ID and copy it carefully.

Where to find the SEVIS ID on a DS-2019

If you’re applying as a J-1 exchange visitor, use your Form DS-2019. The SEVIS ID appears in the upper-right corner of that form.

Look near the top-right area for the field marked SEVIS ID. A J-1 SEVIS number starts with the letter N and continues with numbers.

Use these steps:

1. Locate your DS-2019.
2. Look in the upper-right corner.
3. Find the field labeled SEVIS ID.
4. Copy the complete number, starting with N.
5. Enter that number in the DS-160 SEVIS ID field.

The DS-2019 is the key document for locating the J-1 SEVIS ID. Don’t switch to an I-20 unless you’re also completing a separate application connected with F-1 status. For the J-1 section of your DS-160, begin with the DS-2019.

What about J-1 dependents?

Dependents may also have a relevant SEVIS ID on their own immigration document. If you’re completing a DS-160 for a dependent, check that person’s I-20 or DS-2019 and use the identifier printed on the document for that applicant.

The safest approach is simple: match the name on the form to the person whose DS-160 you’re completing, then copy the SEVIS ID from that person’s document.

What a SEVIS ID looks like

A SEVIS ID is an N-prefixed number. In other words, it starts with the capital letter N, followed by numbers.

For example, the format may look like:

`N##########`

The number of digits may vary on the document you have. The key features to check are:

• It begins with N.
• It is printed next to the SEVIS ID label.
• It appears on an I-20 or DS-2019.
• You copy the complete identifier, not only the digits after the letter.

If you see several numbers on your paperwork, don’t choose one based only on its length or position. Use the label. The correct number is the one identified as SEVIS ID.

This also answers the common question, “Where is SEVIS ID number on visa?” For the DS-160 field, check your I-20 or DS-2019. Those are the documents identified for locating the SEVIS ID.

SEVIS ID, DS-160 confirmation number, and other numbers

Several parts of the visa application process may show numbers. They don’t all mean the same thing.

SEVIS ID

The SEVIS ID belongs to the student, exchange visitor, or dependent record shown on the I-20 or DS-2019. It begins with N and is printed on the relevant form.

• I-20: upper-left corner
• DS-2019: upper-right corner

DS-160 confirmation number

The DS-160 confirmation number is a separate identifier connected with the DS-160 application. It is not the same as the SEVIS ID.

If the DS-160 asks for your SEVIS ID, enter the N-prefixed number from your I-20 or DS-2019. Don’t replace it with the number shown on your DS-160 confirmation page.

A simple way to keep them straight:

• SEVIS ID: Comes from your I-20 or DS-2019.
• DS-160 confirmation number: Belongs to the DS-160 application.

USCIS number

The supplied information doesn’t establish that a USCIS number and a SEVIS ID are the same. Treat them as different identifiers unless the instructions for a specific form clearly tell you otherwise.

If you see a USCIS number on another document, don’t place it in the DS-160 SEVIS ID field just because both numbers relate to your immigration records. Match each field to the document and label requested.

Who needs a SEVIS number

The SEVIS ID is used for people covered by the student and exchange visitor records described in the supplied information. That includes:

• International students
• Exchange visitors
• Dependents of international students or exchange visitors

For F-1 applicants, the number is on the I-20. For J-1 applicants, it is on the DS-2019. Dependents should check the document issued for them and use the SEVIS ID shown there when completing their own application.

The most useful question is not “Which number looks right?” It’s “Which document applies to this applicant?” Once you have the correct document, the location is clear.

What to check before entering the number on the DS-160

Before typing anything into the DS-160, place the correct document next to you:

• F-1 applicant: I-20
• J-1 applicant: DS-2019
• Dependent: The I-20 or DS-2019 issued for that dependent

Then check the following:

1. Confirm the form type. Don’t use an I-20 for a J-1 application or a DS-2019 for an F-1 application.
2. Check the location. The I-20 SEVIS ID is in the upper-left corner. The DS-2019 SEVIS ID is in the upper-right corner.
3. Look for the label. Make sure the number is printed next to SEVIS ID.
4. Include the N. A SEVIS ID starts with the letter N.
5. Copy every character. Don’t leave out digits or add spaces that aren’t shown.
6. Keep other numbers separate. The DS-160 confirmation number and any USCIS number are different identifiers.
7. Check the applicant’s name. If you’re completing a form for a dependent, use that person’s relevant document.

Before submitting the DS-160, compare the SEVIS ID you entered with the number printed on your current I-20 or DS-2019.