sevis... what it is, and how does it work?

SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
Central Methodist University is required, by law, to maintain records regarding the current status of each international student.

This information has always been required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), but the paper-based system prevented communication between schools and government agencies until USCIS implemented an electronic system, SEVIS.

What Is SEVIS?
It is an internet-based system which permits schools and USCIS to exchange data on the status of international students. Current information is transmitted electronically during an F-1 student's stay in the United States. U.S. embassies, consulates and ports of entry can access SEVIS.

How Does SEVIS Work?
Central Methodist University notifies SEVIS when it admits an international student, USCIS approves CMU’s request to issue an I-20, and CMU sends a bar-coded, I-20 form to the student. The student takes this form to a US consulate or embassy which confirms, through SEVIS, that the student has a valid I-20 document and issues a visa.

The student's entry into the United States is reported to SEVIS by an USCIS officer at the port of entry. Upon arrival at Central Methodist University, the student reports to the Admission Office, and the DSO confirms his/her enrollment through SEVIS. CMU provides updated status reports to SEVIS during the student's academic stay, and SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.

What Information Does CMU Report to SEVIS?
Central Methodist University must report:

• Whether the student has enrolled, or failed to enroll, at CMU.
• 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 (designated school official).
• Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.
• 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.

Definition of Failure to Maintain Status:

• 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 transfer, or I-20 extension, or change in level of study.
• Unauthorized employment and failure to report a change of address.

Consequences When A Student Fails To Maintain Status:
The student's record is updated through SEVIS every semester. Students failing to maintain status lose the privileges of their student visa and become subject to deportation.

Specific consequences include:

• Denial of re-entry to the US.
• Inability to move from undergraduate to graduate status.
• Denial of request for Practical Training.
• Denial of request to change visa status.
• Possible denial of future visa applications.

Can A Student Who Is "OUT OF STATUS" Regain Legal Status?
If a student becomes “out of status”, this information is reported to SEVIS. The student may apply to USCIS for reinstatement if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his/her control. The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if he/she is out of status longer than five months. If USCIS does not reinstate the student, that decision may not be appealed.

How Does Central Methodist University Help Students Comply?
Central Methodist University strives to help students prevent status violations from ever occurring by following these registration procedures:

• New F-1 students must check in with the Admission Office at Central Methodist University prior to registering for classes. A DSO will review the student's visa documents, confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived, and release the restriction on the student's registration.
• International students may not drop below full-time status without prior authorization from the DSO. Full-time means 12 credits per semester for undergraduates, and 9 credits for graduate and professional students. Acceptable reasons for reduced credit load include:
• Students in their final term of study who need only the credits required to complete their degree.
• Students who have a medical problem can reduce their credit load or take the semester off if they have the required documentation.

Remember, only the Designated School Official has the authority to authorize a reduced credit load!

Why Must Central Methodist University comply with SEVIS regulations?
USCIS is required to audit CMU for compliance with the law every two years. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of CMU’s ability to accept international students.

How Does SEVIS Benefit Students?
Data moves faster electronically than through a paper system. USCIS forms can be produced faster; applications for benefits such as Practical Training can be approved more quickly; and visas will be granted without long delays.

What Do Students Need To Do?
Feel free to come to the Admission Office for assistance. Central Methodist University is a better place because you are here, and we are committed to your success!

• You will be notified by email if there are changes in immigration or visa procedures.
• Understand how to maintain lawful status in the U.S., and refer any questions or problems immediately to the DSO.
• Plan your course schedules carefully to maintain full-time enrollment.
• Make travel arrangements early, and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings.
• Keep all documents current. Changes in degree level, extensions, and travel validations must be updated through SEVIS. Allow time for processing new forms.
• Be proactive. If you are unsure about any regulation, don't guess, talk to a DSO advisor.