The Immigration and Naturalization Service today launched its Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which will compile an extensive database of information about foreign students, teachers and exchange visitors. Jan. 30 was the deadline for universities and other organizations with foreign students to begin reporting data on new foreign students, faculty and staff. However, the INS granted a grace period until Feb. 15 for new users of the system. During the summer, schools must compile and report data on current foreign visitors and finish by Aug. 1. Then they must update the data regularly. INS wants to collect such information as students’ addresses, visa classification, country of citizenship and credit hours completed. Full Story