Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and other topics Presented by Dan Teet, International Student Advisor, PDSO

What is SEVIS?  SEVIS is a national database administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  The SEVIS database allows DHS to monitor and track non-immigrant visitors that hold F and J visa status.  The designated SEVIS users on campus issue I-20 and DS-2019 forms and record reportable events.

Reportable Events The following events must be reported to SEVIS within 21 days of occurrence:  A change of the student’s U.S. address or legal name (provide updated passport)  Any student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or her program.  Any student who has graduated prior to the end date listed on the I-20.

Immigration Information A Guide to Maintaining Your Visa Status While Studying in the United States

What does “in status” mean?  Being “in status” means that you have obeyed all the laws that apply to your type of visa.  When you are “in status,” you are: 1.permitted to stay in the United States. 2.entitled to all the benefits of your visa type.

Full-time Enrollment  Maintain full-time enrollment, Fall and Spring 12 credit hours minimum for undergraduates 9 credit hours minimum for graduate and professional students Although your F-1 status does not require you to take classes during the summer session, your academic program may require it if you have an Assistantship appointment and must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the year. This is common for Graduate Students.  Be sure that you are enrolled full-time at the beginning of each semester so that your enrollment can be reported through SEVIS registration. This requires you to clear any registration holds and plan your course schedule before the semester begins.  Do not drop below full-time status without prior authorization and DSO notification. Contact my office if you need to be approved for less than full- time enrollment.

Passports, Visas and I-20’s  Make certain your passport is always valid 6 months into the future. Apply for a renewal or extension if necessary. The visa stamp in your passport is allowed to expire while you stay in the U.S.  Starting in May, 2013, the I-94 number system was revised to be online only. If you have a paper I-94 card in your passport (rare), it is important to keep track of this card. I recommend keeping it stapled in your passport.  Any travel outside the U.S. requires a travel validation signature on your I-20 or DS See me for a signature at least two weeks before your scheduled departure.  If your visa is expired, you must obtain a new visa before re-entering the U.S. The only exception is a visit of less than 30 days to Canada or Mexico.  Be aware of your I-20/DS2019 expiration date, and apply for an extension if necessary.  Be sure to arrange for a new form I-20 if you change your major or educational level.

Address Changes  If you have a SEVIS I-20 or DS2019, USCIS requires that you report any address changes within 10 days of moving. Our office will report the change to USCIS through SEVIS.  Update your address by sending me an You should also update your address through the Self Service area of MyRecords (Peoplesoft).  If you are paid by UNMC, your payroll coordinator will also need your new address for the SAP system.  Please leave your permanent home country address in your MyRecords file; you are required to maintain a home country residence throughout your stay inside the U.S. as a non-immigrant.  The university requires your current address for billing and other important information.

What are the consequences of being out of status?  You will lose benefits associated with your visa type such as on-campus employment.  You will have to be reinstated through re- entry into the United States or application inside the U.S., which is a lengthy and expensive process.  Depending on the severity of the status violation, you may be denied reinstatement, and possibly face deportation.

Other Student Responsibilities  Notify me if you are leaving before completion of your degree program.  Notify me if you legally change your name or your dependent’s name (requires update to passport).  Notify me if you change your visa status.

Other F-1 Regulations to Consider  Distance Learning- Only one class (3 credits) can count toward full-time course load. If you have only one class remaining your final semester, it cannot be an on-line course.  F-2 Dependent spouses cannot be admitted to a degree granting academic program or become full-time students unless they first change to F-1 status.

Social Security Numbers  The Social Security Administration will issue Social Security Numbers to F-1 and J-1 students who can demonstrate that they have been offered on- campus employment.  F-2 Dependents are not eligible to receive Social Security Numbers. J-2 dependent spouses can receive Social Security Numbers if they apply for and receive employment permission.

Taxes  The International Health and Medical Education Office (IHME) offers tax assistance to international students and scholars each year. All F and J visa holders are required to file certain tax forms whether or not they have income inside the U.S.  Many countries have tax treaties with the U.S. The UNMC Payroll Office can help identify whether you are eligible for a tax treaty benefit on your U.S.- based income.  If you have U.S.-based income during any given year, you will receive a tax document from the employer (W-2 and/or 1042-S) by February of the following year.

Curricular Practical Training CPT – Curricular Practical Training is a benefit for students who have maintained status by enrolling full- time for at least one academic year, who have a job offer for a given semester, and who have enrolled for academic credit associated with the training. On the UNMC campus, the most common type of CPT is an off-campus internship for part-time employment. CPT approval requires that UNMC have an existing cooperative agreement with the employer. CPT must be authorized by an international student advisor on the student’s form I-20 before work can begin. The process should be started no later than one month before the internship is expected to start.

Post-Completion Employment OPT- Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit offered to F-1 students typically used for full- time employment at the end of a degree program. It can be requested and used during an academic program, but only for part-time employment prior to the degree completion. Most students use it following their degree completion so that it can be used for full-time employment. One year is the standard OPT authorization period, but there are many STEM degree majors that qualify for an additional 24 months. Academic Training – Academic Training is the J-1 equivalent to OPT. It has different requirements and allowances. Arrange to see me if you have J-1 status and need information about Academic Training.

Questions?