Who can terminate SEVIS?

The International Students & Programs Office is required to terminate F and J SEVIS records for a number of different reasons.

Can SEVIS be Cancelled?

If you are not compliant with regulations, we may be forced by law to terminate your SEVIS record. Termination of a SEVIS record is very serious and can have many negative consequences for you. It can end your ability to stay in the United States, attend school, and apply for work authorization.

What happens if SEVIS is terminated by mistake?

In other words, there may not be a “grace period” after a Termination. If your SEVIS record is Terminated, you have two options: travel outside the US with a new I-20 or submit a Reinstatement application to regain your status.

Who oversees SEVIS?

On behalf of DHS, SEVP manages SEVIS. The system is a critical tool in SEVP's mission to protect national security while supporting the legal entry and stay of the more than one million F, M and J nonimmigrants coming to the United States for educational and cultural exchange programs.

Can SEVIS be reactivated after termination?

To be eligible for a SEVIS reactivation, an F-1 student must meet all of the following criteria: SEVIS record must be terminated for "Authorized Early Withdrawal". Must have maintained F-1 status, including full-time enrollment, prior to SEVIS termination. Must have departed the U.S. within 15 days of SEVIS termination.

SEVIS Terminated?

How long can F-1 students be out of status?

US Immigration law states that individuals in the US for more than 180 days without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 3 years. Individuals in the US for more than 1 year without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 10 years.

Who is eligible for F-1 reinstatement?

In general, to be eligible for reinstatement, the student must: Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing or show the exceptional circumstance that prevented filing in that time frame. Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations. Not have worked without authorization.

How long are SEVIS records kept?

According to SEVP regulations, schools must keep a student's records for at least three years after the student is no longer pursuing a full course of study. These records are in addition to the information found in an F-1 or M-1 student's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record.

Does Uscis have access to SEVIS?

The United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has complete access to your information via SEVIS.

How can I check if my SEVIS is active?

You may check your current SEVIS status by talking to your designated school official or responsible officer. For questions, send a detailed e-mail to [email protected].

Do I need a new visa stamp if my SEVIS is terminated?

Travel: You will no longer be able to use your terminated SEVIS record's I-20 to enter the U.S. You will need to obtain a new I-20 and possibly a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. as a student.

How do I reinstate a terminated SEVIS record?

Reinstatement and Transfer

If the school is willing to accept the terminated SEVIS record, the student would need to complete the transfer process with ISSO prior to applying for reinstatement. ISSO will then release the terminated SEVIS record to the institution where the student will be attending.

What is the 5 month rule for SEVIS?

The five month rule refers to the termination of a student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months.

Who can cancel my student visa?

In some circumstances, you can ask us to cancel your visa. Cancelling visas is at the discretion of the Department. If we cancel your visa, we may also cancel the visas held by any of your family members. Your employer, a sponsor or family member cannot cancel your visa.

Can an I-20 be revoked?

If you do not stay in status, your student status and your I-20 may be terminated for failure to maintain status, and you will need to leave the US.

What is a SEVIS violation?

A violation of your immigration status will result in the termination of your SEVIS record (I-20). If that happens, according to the U.S. government, you would not be in legal status ("out of status") beyond any grace period you may be eligible for.

Is SEVIS terminated after H1B approval?

It is normal for SEVIS to drop once you get a H1B, nothing to worry about, you are good as the I-94 is the thing that gives you status now, not any I20 as it was under SEVIS. The actual H1B Visa is purely an entry document. All students go through this when transitioning to a H1B.

What information is stored in SEVIS?

SEVP uses web-based technology, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents, throughout the duration of approved participation within the US education system.

What happens if you don't report OPT within 10 days?

If you miss the 10 day reporting deadline, employment updates must still be reported although the SEVP Portal will not allow OPT students to report employment that began more than 10 days in the past. As such, you will need an OIS advisor's assistance to submit your employment information for you.

Can SEVIS be reactivated?

If it is more than 30 days and less than 271 days since the SEVIS status of the exchange visitor (EV) changed to Active, Invalid, or No Show, a Reinstatement - Update SEVIS Status request may be submitted to the Department of State (DoS) to change the status from: Active to Initial. Invalid to Initial.

Can I reinstate my SEVIS status?

The reinstatement is an application that will be submitted to USCIS to request them to reinstate your student visa status if you have a terminated SEVIS record. Reinstatements are only filed if you choose to remain in the U.S. to continue your studies with a terminated SEVIS record.

How long is a SEVIS ID active?

This SEVIS ID should stay with you for as long as you study continuously in the U.S. even if you change your major or transfer to a new school. (If you are out of the U.S. for more than five consecutive months, then you will need a new I-20 to re-enter the U.S.).

How much is F-1 reinstatement fee?

How do I regain F-1 Status? Then submit reinstatement application to USCIS and Pay $805 ($370 for the application fee, $85 for the biometric services fee, and $350 for a new SEVIS/I-901 fee).

What if my F-1 reinstatement is denied?

Each option has its risks. If your application for reinstatement is denied, you will be required to depart the U.S. immediately. If you are denied re-entry at the border, you may be required to return home immediately from the port of entry.

What happens if F-1 reinstatement status is denied?

If reinstatement is denied you must be prepared to depart the U.S. immediately. Also if denied, the visa you used to enter the U.S. is automatically cancelled; you are permanently limited to applying for nonimmigrant visas in the future only in your home country.