SEVIS Information
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the United States (US) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student's academic career in the United States. US embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS.
Is SEVIS new?
Yes and no. The requirement that schools provide the federal government with information about each student's status is not new. Most of the information that is reported to SEVIS has been required by CIS for many years. But the existing paper-based system precluded widespread coordination amongst schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing CIS to move to an electronic data collection system. This program came to be known as SEVIS—Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Technical challenges and lack of funding delayed the program for several years. However, in October 2001, Congress passed the USA Patriot Act that authorized additional SEVIS funding and required nationwide compliance by January 30, 2003.
How does SEVIS work?
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After Utah State University admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and CIS approves the University's request to issue form I-20 (form DS-2019 for J-1 students). The University transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.
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The student pays a $100 SEVIS fee to the US Department of Homeland Security. (F1 SEVIS fee - J1 SEVIS fee)
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The student visits the US consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa.
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A CIS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the US.
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When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), and USU confirms the student's enrollment through SEVIS. The University continues to provide regular electronic reports to SEVIS throughout the student's academic career.
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Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.
What does "fail to maintain status" mean?
Some examples of failure to maintain status include dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from an immigration adviser, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a timely transfer or I-20 extension or change in level of study, unauthorized employment, and failure to report a change of address.
What are the consequences if a student fails to maintain status?
The student's record will be updated with SEVIS every quarter. Students who fail to maintain status lose the privileges of their student visa and become subject to deportation. Specific consequences may include denial of re-entry to the US, inability to move from undergraduate to graduate status, denial of requests for Practical Training, denial of requests to change visa status, and possible denial of all future visa applications.
Can a student who is "out-of-status" regain legal status?
If a student drops below a full course of study without prior approval from the DSO, that "event" would be reported to CIS, via SEVIS, and he or she would be out-of-status. The student may apply to CIS for reinstatement if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. Reinstatement is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if he or she is out of status longer than five months. If CIS does not reinstate the student, he or she may not appeal that decision.
Will SEVIS benefit students in any way?
Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. Students can expect that CIS forms will be produced faster, applications for benefits such as Practical Training will be approved more quickly, and visas will be granted without the usual long delays.