1. What is SEVIS?

Student & Exchange Visitor's Information System (SEVIS) is the system that will help INS and schools collect and submit data. SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 student’s academic career in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS.

INS has required most of the information that will be reported to SEVIS for many years. However, the existing paper-based system prevented widespread coordination among schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the INS to move to an electronic data collection system. This system was called CIPRIS. However, this system never became fully operational. Technical challenges and lack of funding delayed the program for several years. After 9/11 CIPRIS evolved into the tracking system now known as SEVIS. In October 2001 Congress passed the USA Patriot Act that authorized additional SEVIS funding and required nationwide compliance by January 30, 2003. The second group of laws passed was the Homeland Security Act.

2. What data must be reported to SEVIS?

INS now has 19 “trigger points’ used to monitor international students.

- Whether a student has enrolled at the school or failed to enroll.

- Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.

- Whether the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the DSO (Immigration regulations refer to international student advisers as “Designated School Officials”-DSO’s)

- Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal convictions.

- Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatements.

- Termination date and reason for termination.

- A change in the student’s or dependent’s legal name or address.

- Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.

3. How will the International Office help students comply with the immigration laws?

The International Office is committed to assisting students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring. The following procedures will be in place to help students stay on track. Others will be developed as the program develops.

A. As soon as any major changes in immigration law occur, the International Office will create an INS QUICK NOTES to place on the MC website. Check this site often!

B. You will review your passport, visa and I-20 each semester when you register as a reminder. However, it is your responsibility to renew these documents. The International Office will make copies for your file.

C. All F-1 students who register for less than an full course of study (other than summer) without a waiver of the full-time requirement will lose their status. The International Office must have an approved waiver for each semester you drop below the required full time status before you complete registration. All waivers for a reduced course load will require proper documentation and review BEFORE dropping a class will be permitted. This is YOUR responsibility.

4. Will the old I-20 form continue to be used?

A new SEVIS form I-20 will be issued to all new students. Current and continuing students will also be issued a SEVIS form I-20 in the months to come.

5. How does the SEVIS I-20 differ from the current I-20 used?

The new SEVIS I-20 will look much like the current I-20 except it is only 3 pages long and contains a computer bar code and SEVIS Identification Number. The ID number will remain the same as long as the student maintains status. The INS port of entry officials, Department of State and the university will all use this number to identify each student’s data record in SEVIS. It will say the same during the student’s stay in the USA.