What Western Washington University international students  should know about

 SEVIS

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

What is SEVIS?

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 or J-1 student’s academic career in the United States. U.S. 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 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 Western Washington University admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the INS approves the University’s request to issue an I-20. The University transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.
• The student visits the U.S. 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.
• An INS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student’s entry into the U.S.
• When the student arrives on campus, s/he reports to the appropriate office: International Programs and Exchanges, Intensive English Program or Asia University America Program, and the school confirms through SEVIS the student’s enrollment. The University 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?

WWU 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”—DSO’s).
• 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 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, 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.

What happens if WWU fails to comply with the SEVIS regulations?

The INS is required to audit the University’s compliance with these new requirements every two years. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of the University’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?

• Read any email updates from the University or the IPE, IEP or AUAP, and periodically check for “What’s New” items on the IPE web site: www.wwu.edu/~ipewwu.   Changes in immigration or visa procedures sometimes happen quickly. Information is posted as soon as we have reliable facts.

• Understand the immigration regulations and learn how to maintain lawful status in the U.S., and refer any questions or problems immediately to the experts in the IPE, IEP or AUAP. The four words we hate 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—changes in degree level, extensions, and travel validations must be done in a timely manner and on SEVIS documents. Allow time for processing new forms.

• Feel free to come to the IPE, IEP or AUAP for assistance. WWU is a better place because you are here, and we are committed to your success!

Are there other resources about SEVIS?

The INS has a good web site:

www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/sevp.htm

International Programs and Exchanges is planning information meetings on SEVIS, so check the events postings on our web site: www.wwu.edu/~ipewwu. Also, if you have specific questions about your visa, call or email your appropriate office.

International Programs and Exchanges         650-6517         Richard.Bruce@wwu.edu

Intensive English Program                              650-3755         Laurie.Moeck@wwu.edu

Asia University America Program                   650-3922         Jessica.Archer@wwu.edu