The U. S. Department of Homeland Security is responsible for overseeing a broad range of agencies that carry out U.S. national security, immigration, and customs policy. Among the various agencies of the Department of Homeland Security are the following:
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services adjudicates applications for immigration benefits, including changes of status and employment. Information about immigration regulations and immigration benefits (such as permanent residency), immigration forms, and case status updates are available through the USCIS web site.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement division oversees the electronic SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database system, which is responsible for maintaining F-1 and J-1 student / scholar records.
The Customs and Border Protection bureau oversees U.S. points of entry and customs policy.
The U.S. Department of State is responsible for U.S. foreign relations. The Department of State oversees the U.S. Fulbright and J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, and is responsible for U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.