SEVIS means: “Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.” This
system tracks participants in the J-1 (as well as other) Visa categories
during their stay in the U.S. As part of the sponsorship process, and to
issue to you the DS-2019 Form, CICD registers you in SEVIS.

When you submit your J-1 Visa application including your DS2019 and
DS7002 to a U.S. consulate or embassy, the visa officer will access the
data that CICD entered into SEVIS for you.