SEVIS

What Sacramento City College (SCC) International students should know about the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (student status as SCC F-1 or F-2/ approved as on SCC Form I-20).

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 SCC, and all colleges and universities in the U.S., 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 U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) 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 USCIS for many years. But the existing paper based system precluded widespread coordination amongst schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the USCIS 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 (extended to February 15, 2003).

How does SEVIS work?

• After Sacramento City College admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the USCIS approves the College's request to transmit an I-20. The College sends/gives the new I-20 form to the student.
  
  
• The student must pay I-901 fee before he/she 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 final approval for the student visa.
  
  
• An 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 the International Student Center (ISC), and the school confirms through SEVIS the student's enrollment. The College continues to provide regular electronic reports to USCIS throughout the student's academic career.
  
  
• Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.

What data does SEVIS collect?

The SCC 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 P/DSO (Immigration regulations refer to International student advisers as designated school officials P/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 P/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 within 10 (ten) days of moving.

What are the consequences if a student fails to maintain status?

The U.S. government computer program will automatically place a student "out of status" if student falls below 12 units, so it is important to take self-responsibility by immediately seeking out the International Coordinator before falling below units.  The student's record will be updated with SEVIS throughout the semester. 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 P/DSO, that event would be reported to USCIS, via SEVIS, and he or she would be out of status. The student may apply to USCIS 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 5 (five) months. If USCIS does not reinstate the student, he or she may not appeal that decision.

How will the SCC help students comply with the immigration laws?

The College is committed to assist students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring. Accordingly, effective immediately based on SEVIS 12/11/2003 mandates (www.ice.gov/sevis/students), two Registration changes will take effect.

1. F-1, F-2 and M-1, M-2 students new to SCC and after every travel overseas vacation must physically check-in with the International Student Center (ISC) prior to registering for classes. The ISC will need photocopies of student's passport American Consulate entry visa stamp, I-94, and I-20 documents, and confirm to SEVIS that the student arrived within 10 days of entry on campus, SCC Health Office also checks for SCC Health and Medical Insurance coverage & releases HOLD restriction on the student's registration.
   
   
2. All F-1 and M-1 students who register for less than a full course of study (other than Summer Semester) without prior approval of PDSO will be considered "out of status."  See limited exceptions below.  Note:  W's do not count in the 12 units!  It is in your best interest to immediately see Susan Fong,  Coordinator-Counselor/PDSO, (916) 558-2486 to talk about risks to your educational goals and immigration F-1 advising options. 

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EXCEPTIONS TO FULL COURSE OF STUDY regulations allow only certain exceptions to the full-time 12 unit rule.  Reduced Course Load (RCL)  must be authorized prior to withdrawing/dropping less than 12 units along with required documentation given to Susan Fong, Coordinator-Counselor/PDSO.  Quickly call for counseling and immigration option advising appointment at 916.558-2486.

• Academic Difficulties may be discussed for RCL for academic difficulties (usually first or second semester and with instructor's recommendation) only under the following circumstances:
  • Initial difficulties with the English language
  • Initial difficulties with reading requirements
  • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
  • Improper course level placement                 
• Final term or semester or Last Term of Study, completing all Associate Degree and or transfer requirements and never returning to SCC must be enrolled in 6 units with prior permission authorized by Susan Fong, Cordinator-Counselor /PDSO.
  
• Medical/illness Condition need an official recommendation on letterhead from licensed U.S. medical doctor, doctor of osteoopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.  The temporary medical condition exception to an RCL may not exceed 12 months in the total with prior permission authorized by Susan Fong, Coordinator -Counselor /PDSO )(best to consult with International Center before seeing doctor.)

Remember, only the SEVIS approved "SCC Principle Designated School Official at the college" has the authority to authorize a reduced course load prior to the student doing so!

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

The USCIS 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 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 USCIS 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?

• Self-responsitility to follow SEVIS U.S. Federal Regulations.  Read any email updates from SCC or the International Student Center, and periodically check for items on the International Student Center website. Changes in immigration or visa procedures sometimes happen quickly.
  
  
• Always view latest updates to SEVIS student status F/M/J immigration information, address reporting, and Special Registration information at "U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement" (ICE) website: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/.
• Reporting in SEVIS?  No later than 30 days after 1st day of college, all initial/transfer-in and continuing students must be registered (full-time is 12 units) to indicate you have reported to college.
• 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 ISC. 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, see Susan Fong, Advisor -Counselor /PDSO and Counselors at least as two times a semester for "Student Educational Planners," get college travel signature early, and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings. Keep all copies of ALL your I-20 documents, I-94s and current I-20.  Changes in degree major, 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 ISC for assistance. Sacramento City College is better place because you are here, and we are committed to your success!

Are there other resources about SEVIS?

Department of Homeland Security/ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) website  www.ice.gov/sevis always has the most current student information. 

The ISC is planning information meetings on SEVIS, so check the International Student Center regularly. Again, if you have specific questions about your visa, full-time units, employment as authorized by immigration, and academic counseling, visit us at:

Rodda North Building, First Floor (Back Corner) RN 118

Monday through Friday

8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

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SCC

The information contained in the ISC website http://web.scc.losrios.edu/international is for the use of Sacramento City College.  Some of the information is very general and some is specific to SCC.  Information contained herein should not be used as the sole source of information for making decisions that may affect one's legal status in the U.S. or one's right to study, teach, conduct, research, or work.

Note, many USCIS action items needed by the student at SCC is limited to certain time-dated window periods.  For example, optional practical training (OPT) based on an approved SCC graduation petition/letter can only be processed within 90 days before the last day of the final semester.

Immigration Lawyers (free) at www.aila.org