SEVIS Fact Sheet
The news media has reported extensively on how the U.S. government is seeking new and more efficient ways to manage information about international students in the United States. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has prepared this fact sheet to help you understand the kinds of information that Gallaudet University (and all other colleges and universities in the U.S.) is required to maintain and share with the U.S. government through SEVIS. We hope you find this information helpful.
What SEVIS Is
In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to move to an electronic data collection system. This program has come to be known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS requires schools and the USCIS to exchange data on the status of international students and scholars. Their dependents are also included in the SEVIS reporting requirements. This information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student's academic career in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS.
How SEVIS Works
Information ISSS Is Required To Report
Consequence For Noncompliance With SEVIS Regulations
USCIS is required to audit the University's compliance with these requirements every two years. Failure to comply will result in the loss of Gallaudet’s ability to accept international students.
How SEVIS Benefits Students
Data moves much faster through an electronic system than through the previous paper system. This allows USCIS to more efficiently process applications for benefits such as Optional Practical Training or Academic Training.
What Students Should Do to Prepare for SEVIS
Ways A Student Can Fail to Maintain Status
Consequences For Failing to Maintain Status
Failure to maintain student status results in loss of privileges and therefore subject to deportation. Specific consequences include:
Regaining Legal Status
If a student drops below a full course of study without prior approval from ISSS, it will be reported to USCIS via SEVIS, and the student will then be out of status. The student may apply to USCIS for reinstatement only if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. As specified by USCIS, acceptable reasons for applying for reinstatement include:
How ISSS Can Help Students Comply With Immigration Laws
Gallaudet University is committed to helping international students prevent status violations from occurring. For example, F-1 or J-1 students new to Gallaudet are required to physically check in with ISSS prior to registering for classes. ISSS will review each student’s immigration documents, confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus, and then release the restriction on the student's registration.
International students are also denied from dropping below a full course of study without prior authorization from ISSS.
"Full-time" means: 18 credits per semester for English Language Institute program students 12 credits for undergraduate students 9 credits for graduate students A student may be able to enroll for fewer hours if the student:
Important: Only the Principal Designated School Official (PSDO - F1) and Designated School Official (DSO - F1) or the Responsible Officer (RO - J-1) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO - J-1) can authorize a reduced credit load! Academic, Major and ELI Advisors DO NOT have this authority.
In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to move to an electronic data collection system. This program has come to be known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS requires schools and the USCIS to exchange data on the status of international students and scholars. Their dependents are also included in the SEVIS reporting requirements. This information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student's academic career in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS.
How SEVIS Works
- After Gallaudet admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the USCIS approves the University's request to issue a Form I-20 for F-1 applicants or Form DS-2019 for J-1 applicants.
- The student visits the U.S. consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 or DS-2019 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate will issue the F-1 or J-1 visa.
- A USCIS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S.
- When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to (ISSS, and the University confirms through SEVIS the student's enrollment. ● Gallaudet provides regular electronic reports to USCIS throughout the student's academic career.
- Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.
Information ISSS Is Required To Report
- Confirmation that a student has enrolled within 30 days of arrival, 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 who drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the ISSS.
- 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.
- A student who fails to maintain status or complete his/her program for any reason.
Consequence For Noncompliance With SEVIS Regulations
USCIS is required to audit the University's compliance with these requirements every two years. Failure to comply will result in the loss of Gallaudet’s ability to accept international students.
How SEVIS Benefits Students
Data moves much faster through an electronic system than through the previous paper system. This allows USCIS to more efficiently process applications for benefits such as Optional Practical Training or Academic Training.
What Students Should Do to Prepare for SEVIS
- Refer any questions or problems immediately to the experts in the ISSS. There is no such thing as a “stupid question,” except the one that wasn’t asked when it should have.
- Be proactive: plan course schedules carefully.
- Make travel arrangements early.
- Anticipate delays at consulates, airports, and border crossings.
- Keep all documents up to date.
- Allow time for processing new forms.
Ways A Student Can Fail to Maintain Status
- Dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from ISSS.
- Attending a school other than the one the student is authorized to attend.
- Failure to apply for a timely transfer, I-20 or DS- 2019 extension, or change in level of study.
- Unauthorized employment.
- Failure to report a change of address.
Consequences For Failing to Maintain Status
Failure to maintain student status results in loss of privileges and therefore subject to deportation. Specific consequences include:
- 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.
- Possible denial of future visa applications.
Regaining Legal Status
If a student drops below a full course of study without prior approval from ISSS, it will be reported to USCIS via SEVIS, and the student will then be out of status. The student may apply to USCIS for reinstatement only if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. As specified by USCIS, acceptable reasons for applying for reinstatement include:
- Serious injury or illness.
- Closure of the institution.
- Natural disaster.
How ISSS Can Help Students Comply With Immigration Laws
Gallaudet University is committed to helping international students prevent status violations from occurring. For example, F-1 or J-1 students new to Gallaudet are required to physically check in with ISSS prior to registering for classes. ISSS will review each student’s immigration documents, confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus, and then release the restriction on the student's registration.
International students are also denied from dropping below a full course of study without prior authorization from ISSS.
"Full-time" means: 18 credits per semester for English Language Institute program students 12 credits for undergraduate students 9 credits for graduate students A student may be able to enroll for fewer hours if the student:
- Has completed required coursework and is working on a thesis/dissertation.
- Has completed required coursework and is preparing for a comprehensive examination. (Note: A form must be completed every fall and spring semester until the student passes comps.)
- 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 the 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 and is registered for at least six semester hours, which his/her department considers a full course of studies.
- Has specially documented medical conditions.
Important: Only the Principal Designated School Official (PSDO - F1) and Designated School Official (DSO - F1) or the Responsible Officer (RO - J-1) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO - J-1) can authorize a reduced credit load! Academic, Major and ELI Advisors DO NOT have this authority.