Several indicators show that the performance of the Student
and Exchange Visitor Information System designed to collect
and record key data on foreign students, exchange visitors,
and their dependents prior to their entrance and until they
leave has improved, the General Accounting Office has said.
It said daily system use by program officials and unsolicited
user feedback indicates the system is meeting requirements
and program office reports for key system performance
requirements show they are being met, though not all of
them are being monitored and reported on, leaving open the
possibility that problems won’t be identified and addressed.
Requests for changes to the system are declining, including
those intended to address performance problems, and
educational representatives generally see performance as
improved, said GAO.
It said DHS has installed a series of software releases and
increased “help desk” staffing and training, and that SEVIS
program officials are holding regular meetings internally
and with educational reps and user groups.
Yet, educational institutions continue to report problems
such as the quality of help desk assistance and some
educational reps are concerned that two of the three SEVIS
fee payment options in the DHS final rule would not be
available to students in developing countries or would
result in significant delays.
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