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What Northcentral Technical College international students should know about the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
The news media has reported extensively on how the U.S. government is seeking more efficient ways of managing information on international students in the United States. We have prepared this handout to help you understand the kinds of information that Northcentral Technical College, and all colleges and universities in the US, must maintain on international students and how this information is shared with the government in a manner prescribed by law. We hope you find this explanation helpful.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the US 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 or J-1 student's academic career in the United States. US embassies and consulates also have access to SEVIS.
Is SEVIS new?
Yes. And no. The requirement that schools provide the federal government with information about each student's status is not new. Most of the information that will be reported to SEVIS has been required by the INS Service for many years. But the existing paper-based system precluded widespread coordination amongst schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the INS to move to an electronic data collection system. This program would come to be known as SEVIS - the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Technical challenges and lack of funding delayed the program for several years. However, in October 2001, Congress passed the USA Patriot Act that authorized additional SEVIS funding and required nationwide compliance by January 30, 2003.
How does SEVIS work?
After Northcentral Technical College admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the INS approves the college's request to issue an I-20. The college transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student. The student visits the US consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa. (back to top)
An INS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the US. When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to the International Education Department (IED), and the school confirms through SEVIS the student's enrollment. NTC continues to provide regular electronic reports to INS throughout the student's academic career. Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.
What data does SEVIS collect?
NTC must report:
- Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll.
- A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address.
- Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.
- Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
- 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" - DSOs.)
- Termination date and reason for termination.
- Other data generated by standard 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.
What does "fail to maintain status" mean?
Some examples of failure to maintain status include dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from the DSO, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a timely transfer or I-20 extension or change in level of study, 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 every quarter. Students who fail to maintain status lose the privileges of their student visa and become subject to deportation. Specific consequences may include denial of reentry to the US, denial of requests for Practical Training, denial of requests to change visa status, and possible denial of all 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 the DSO, that "event" would be reported to INS via SEVIS, and he or she would be out of status. The student may apply to INS for reinstatement if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. Reinstatement is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if he or she is out of status longer than five months. If INS does not reinstate the student, he or she may not appeal that decision.
How will NTC help students comply with the immigration laws?
NTC is committed to assist students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring. Accordingly, effective Winter Quarter 2003, three registration changes will take effect.
- F-1 students new to NTC must physically check in with the International Education Department (IED) prior to registering for classes. The IED will review the student's visa documents, confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus, and then release the restriction on the student's registration.
- All F-1 students who want to drop below 12 credits must have approval from an International Student Advisor. "Full-time" means 12 credits per quarter for undergraduate students. Acceptable reasons for reduced credit load include:
- Students who experience academic difficulties (for example, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods) may take a reduced credit load.
- Students in their final term of study need only the credits required to complete the degree.
- Students who have a medical problem can reduce their credit load or take the quarter off.
Remember, only the International Specialist in the International Education Department has authority to authorize a reduced credit load!
What happens if NTC fails to comply with the SEVIS regulations?
The INS is required to audit the college's compliance with these new requirements every two years. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of the college's ability to accept international students.
Will SEVIS benefit students in any way?
Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. Students can expect that INS forms will be produced faster, applications for benefits such as Practical Training will be approved more quickly, and visas will be granted without the usual long delays.
What should students do to prepare for SEVIS?
Understand the immigration regulations and learn how to maintain lawful status in the US, and refer any questions or problems immediately to the International Education Department. The four words we don't like to hear are: "But my friend said . . ."
- Be proactive. Students should plan their course schedules carefully so that they maintain full-time enrollment.
- Make travel arrangements early, and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings.
- Keep all documents up-to-date. Allow time for processing new forms.
Feel free to come to the International Education Department for assistance. NTC is a better place because you are here, and we are committed to your success! (back to top)
Are there other resources about SEVIS?
The INS has a good web site:
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/sevp.htm
Also, if you have specific questions about your visa, call Bonnie Bissonette, Director of International Education, at 715.803.1815 or 1.888.NTC.7144, Ext. 1815.
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