SEVIS FAQ's

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an internet-based system requiring schools and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to exchange data on the status of international students, scholars, and their dependents in the U.S. Effective January 30, 2003, ISO must electronically transmit immigration, academic, and dependent data to the INS throughout an F-1 or J-1 student's academic career in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates will also have access to SEVIS. J-1 scholars and their dependents are also included in the SEVIS reporting requirements.

How will SEVIS work?

• After the university admits an international student, ISO will enter that student's and any accompanying dependent's data into SEVIS. If everything is in order, INS will electronically approve the University's request to issue an I-20 (or DS-2019, for J-1 students or scholars) and assign a bar code number to each student and dependent. The university will download the approved information, print a bar-coded I-20 (or DS-2019) form for the student or scholar and each accompanying dependent, and transmit it to the student or scholar.
• The student or scholar will visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad where consular officers will confirm through SEVIS that the I-20 or DS-2019 the individual presents is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate will issue the requested visa.
• An INS officer at the port of entry will use the bar code on the visa document to report the student's entry into the U.S. to the SEVIS database.
• When the student arrives on campus, s/he must report to the International Students Office who will confirm through SEVIS the individual's arrival on campus. The university must provide electronic reports to INS at least once each semester throughout the student's academic career.
• Finally, SEVIS will record the individual's departure from the United States.

What information must Southern University report via SEVIS?

• Confirmation that a student has enrolled within 30 days, or notification of failure to enroll.
• All changes of legal name or address.
• Graduation prior to the end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019.
• Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
• A student's drop below a full course of study without prior authorization from ISO
• Dismissal or withdrawal date, and reason for dismissal or withdrawal.
• Procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatement.
• Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program for any reason.

SEVIS removes the flexibility from the Immigration system. ISO will not be able to remedy a situation if a student misses a deadline or fails to maintain status. Once a deadline has passed, the SEVIS system will not accept applications for immigration benefits or changes in registration. It will simply terminate the legal status of the student or scholar who has missed that deadline.

In what ways can a student "fail to maintain status"?

Some examples of failure to maintain status include dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from ISO, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a transfer or I-20/DS-2019 extension or change in level of study by the required deadlines, 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 at specified intervals or at the time a student commits a technical violation of the regulations. Students who fail to maintain status lose the privileges of their student status and become subject to deportation. Specific consequences may include inability to work in the U.S., denial of re-entry to the U.S., 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 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 ISO, SU must report that "event" to INS, via SEVIS, recording the student out of status. The student may apply to INS for reinstatement only if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control and only if the student has been out of status for less than 5 months. INS will favorably consider reinstatement requests for reasons of "serious injury or illness, closure of the institution, or natural disaster." Students are advised that reinstatement will only be available to a very few students who meet these specific requirements. Student inadvertence or oversight will no longer be accepted as reasons for reinstatement. For example, students who forget to renew their I-20 or DS-2019 forms before they expire, or fail to enroll within 30 days of the start of the semester will not be able to apply for reinstatement. INS will terminate the records of these students in the SEVIS database and record them as out of status (i.e., they become "illegal aliens").

Those students who fall out of status with the INS and who are ineligible for (or are denied) reinstatement, must leave the United States, apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy and re-enter the U.S. in order to regain legal status.

How will ISO help students comply with the immigration laws?

ISO will continue its commitment to helping international students and scholars avoid status violations. For example, F-1 and J-1 students new to SU must physically check in with ISO and create a record of their arrival. ISO will review each student's immigration documents, and confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus.

During Fall Orientation, International Student Advisor will hold group meetings to explain the new SEVIS regulations to students and scholars.

Effective January 30, 2003, ISO must approve all drops below a full course of study IN ADVANCE.

"Full-time" means 12 credits per semester for undergraduates, and 9 credits for graduate and professional students. A student may be able to enroll for fewer hours if s/he:

• has completed required coursework and is working on thesis/dissertation.
• has completed required coursework and is preparing for a comprehensive examination.
• is in the final semester of the course of study and does not need to enroll full time to meet degree requirements.
• is taking all available courses to meet graduation requirements.
• is in the first academic year and is having difficulties with English language or reading requirements.
• is in the first academic year and is unfamiliar with American teaching methods.
• has been advised to drop a course because of improper course level placement.
• has a graduate assistantship.
• students with specially documented medical conditions

Will SEVIS benefit students and scholars in any way?

Data should move faster through the electronic SEVIS system than through the current paper-based system. Hopefully, the INS will approve applications for benefits such as Optional Practical Training much more quickly.

What can students and scholars do to prepare for SEVIS?

• Review your I-20 or DS-2019 (IAP-66) forms. Is the date about to expire? Are you still in the academic program shown on the document? If not, call 3-2130 and make an appointment with an International Student Advisor in ISO.
• Monitor your SU.edu e-mail for updates on SEVIS and refer to the ISO homepage for the latest information as it becomes available.
• Consider the effect on your immigration status when planning your course schedule, travel outside the U.S., arrival of dependents, or employment authorizations. Missing a deadline will mean denied opportunities. Meet with an International Student Advisor before taking any action that could affect your immigration status.
• Read and understand the terms and conditions on the back of your Form I-20 or DS-2019 (formerly IAP-66). These conditions will be strongly enforced under SEVIS. It is your responsibility to educate yourself about and comply with the rules that govern your status in the U.S.
  
  Refer any immigration questions or problems immediately to the International Student Advisors in ISO.  Do not rely on your friends or rumors for information about SEVIS.  Contact the International Student Advisors at 771-2130.