SEVIS
Staying compliant
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the Department of Homeland Security’s electronic database. It tracks and monitors nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. Many factors affect SEVIS compliance. And consequences for noncompliance are serious. Students who violate their immigration status may be subject to removal from the U.S. Violations of status will result in the need for reinstatement or reentry to regain legal status.
International students are required to pay a SEVIS fee, and should be aware of processing times required by ISSI for help with documents and other services.
Important info for international graduate students in F-1 non-immigrant status
SEVIS affects all international students, scholars, and their dependents in the U.S. with F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa classification. As mandated by federal regulation, the system tracks:
• biographical information (e.g., date of birth, country of citizenship, and birth)
• local and overseas addresses
• academic information (including enrollment status, academic program level, major, start and end dates of programs)
• employment authorizations and recommendations
• visa eligibility document issuance
• extensions of stay
• transfers to/from other U.S. educational institutions
All U.S. educational institutions must comply with SEVIS regulations International students and J scholars must become familiar with the mandates of SEVIS to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures required to maintain F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant student visa status.
Consequences of SEVIS noncompliance and violations of status
Consequences for noncompliance are serious. Students who violate their immigration status may be subject to removal from the U.S. ISSI is required to comply with immigration regulations governing your studnet status and must submit information as required by Homeland Security. Violations of status will result in the need for reinstatement or reentry to regain legal status.