I’m an international student, hoping to attend undergrad in USA. Ive done a lot of reading, but understand little of what I read, many acronyms for procedures and all. So I think SEVIS is a database of students correct? Is this filled with what students write in their visa form, i think DS-160? I ask because students pay SEVIS fee when they apply for visa, also with visa application fee. So I conclude all this is the same connected thing, yes?
PS: What papers should student bring for visa interview?
Yes, SEVIS is a database that tracks foreign students in the US. You’ll never interact with it directly. Your college will be maintaining your SEVIS record. Your college will open a SEVIS record for you before you apply for your student visa - your I-20 form will be generated by the SEVIS system and you’ll need that to apply for your visa.
The website of the American embassy in your country should spell that out. Generally speaking, you’d bring a copy of all of your visa application paperwork including photographs and payment receipts, a copy of your TOEFL and SAT scores (if applicable), a copy of your academic transcripts, and financial documents to establish sufficient funding for your studies. Also bring any documents that support binding ties to your home country, if you have any (e.g. dependents in your home country, real estate you own, etc). The most common reason that student visa applications get denied is suspected immigration intent.
Consulates rarely want to see supporting documents, but it’s good to have them on hand in case they do.