STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (SEVIS)
- Implements Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA).
- IIRIRA requires the USCIS to collect current information on an ongoing basis from schools and exchange programs relating to non-immigrant foreign students and exchange programs relating to non-immigrant foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States.
SCHOOLS AND SEVIS
- Schools required to report a student's failure to enroll. -Once the student has entered the U.S. using his I-20 form, the school is required to advise the USCIS within 30 days of the school's registration date whether or not the student has registered for classes
- Through SEVIS, schools will electronically transmit data to the USCIS.
The USCIS will be informed if a student falls out of status
- Schools will be reviewed and re-certified for participation in the foreign student program.
- In the case of an illness or medical condition, an F-1 may be authorized to reduce course load for a period not to exceed 12 months in aggregate.
- The school which recommends a foreign student for optional practical training remains responsible for maintaining the student's records in SEVIS during the time that training is authorized.
STUDENTS AND SEVIS
- An F-1 must inform the DSO of any changes in terms of address, classes, etc.
- An F-1 must be aware that he must maintain valid F-1 status in the U.S. to remain in the U.S.
- SEVIS allows the USCIS to keep up-to-date data about the F-1.
- An undergraduate F-1 must maintain 12 credit hours.
- A graduate F-1 must maintain 9 credit hours.
- An F-1 must have sufficient funds to enter and stay in the U.S.
- Once the F-1 enters the U.S., the F-1 is given an I-94 card with D/S marked on the card: This means Duration of Status.
EMPLOYMENT
- F-1s are permitted to work on- campus while school is in session, not more than 20 hours per week.
- Generally, off-campus work is not allowed.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
1) Employment that is an integral or important part of the student's curriculum.
2) CPT may include alternate work/study periods, internships, cooperative education, or any other type of practicum that is offered by employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
3) No USCIS approval is required; SEVIS I-20 must be properly endorsed by the DSO.
4) The undergraduate student must have completed nine months' full-time academic study to be eligible.
5) An F-1 who engages in 12 months or more of full-time CPT (or its equivalent) is not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT):
1) Designed to provide F-1s with opportunities for employment in their fields of study before or after graduation.
2) Eligibility Requirements:
- Maintain F-1 Status for 1 Full Academic Year
- Proposed Employment: Related to Field of Study
- Maintain Valid F-1 Status at time of application
3) If an F-1 has been authorized twelve months of practical training, then the F-1 may be eligible for another twelve months of practical training if the F-1 changes to a higher educational level: M.A.; M.S.; Ph.D. F-1s may engage in 1 year of OPT after every new higher academic level.
4) An Employment Authorization Document from the USCIS is required in order to begin working.
