SEVIS is the Department of Homeland Security’s live database of F-1, M-1 and J-1 visitors. Its purpose is to effectively track F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holders and their dependents from when an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued to the day the grace period ends.

Students and exchange visitors have to follow strict rules to keep their SEVIS status active. Errors or delays in updating SEVIS can result in a loss of legal status, visa cancellations or blocks on future immigration benefits. Common risks include working without prior authorization, failing to report a change of address or employer within ten days, or falling below a full course load without DSO approval. Terminated records can lead to visa ineligibility and even trigger unlawful presence bars if not resolved quickly.

Schools and sponsors also have to meet federal reporting obligations and respond to compliance inquiries.

Anyone unsure of their obligations should take advice to avoid enforcement consequences.

 

Section A: What is SEVIS?

 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, widely known as SEVIS, is a secure online database managed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security. It maintains real-time records for every F-1 and M-1 student, J-1 exchange visitor and their dependents, from the moment a school issues a Form I-20 or DS-2019 until the individual leaves the United States.

SEVIS connects schools, consulates, ports of entry and immigration agencies in real time. Every student or exchange visitor must have a SEVIS record created by an authorized institution before applying for a visa or entering the United States. That record remains active throughout the academic program and is updated continuously to reflect changes in enrollment, employment, address and program status.

Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Responsible Officers (ROs) update SEVIS whenever a student or exchange visitor is admitted, drops below a full course load, changes address, starts authorized employment or departs early. Consular officers consult those entries before issuing visas, while Customs and Border Protection officers verify the identical SEVIS ID at the port of entry. USCIS uses the same data when deciding work-authorization and change-of-status requests. Real-time connectivity across these agencies allows rapid detection of status violations and confirms that visa applicants are tied to legitimate programs.

Only institutions approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may issue Form I-20 to prospective F-1 or M-1 students. To gain certification, a school must file Form I-17, pay a $3,000 petition fee, and undergo an on-site review that currently costs $655 per campus.

SEVP examines curriculum quality, staffing levels, and record-keeping systems before granting approval, and it requires recertification every two years. Schools that fail to maintain accurate SEVIS data or to meet reporting obligations risk losing certification, which immediately bars them from enrolling new international students and forces current enrollees to transfer or depart the country.

 

Section B: SEVIS, Student Visas & New Trump Directives

 

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed two separate proclamations that directly affect F-1, M-1 and J-1 visas. The first bars the entry of any new foreign student or exchange visitor whose program is based at Harvard University and instructs the Secretary of State to review whether existing Harvard-affiliated students should have their visas revoked in the interest of national security.

The second proclamation imposes a sweeping travel ban on nationals of twelve countries and partial restrictions on seven additional states; it covers both immigrant and non-immigrant categories, including student and exchange visas, unless an applicant qualifies for a national-interest exception.

Ahead of the proclamations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered all US embassies and consulates to pause the scheduling of new F, M and J interviews beginning May 27, 2025.

Existing appointments are still being honoured, but new applicants cannot book interview slots until the department completes an upgrade of security-screening protocols.

SEVIS records continue to be created, yet many spring and summer admits now hold I-20s without any realistic path to a visa interview in time for the fall semester.

Students and exchange visitors already inside the United States remain in status as long as their SEVIS records show “Active,” they follow full-time-enrolment rules, and they respect employment limits. The June travel ban does not cancel visas that were issued before its effective date, and existing SEVIS IDs are not being terminated automatically.

However, anyone who leaves the country after 9 June and falls under the nationality restrictions or the Harvard-specific proclamation will be unable to re-enter unless granted a discretionary waiver. Universities are advising affected students to avoid international travel until the legal landscape stabilises.

Because consulates are not accepting fresh F, M or J appointments and many applicants from the affected countries now face a blanket bar, schools are shifting to on-line orientation and encouraging admitted students to request deferral to the spring 2026 term. SEVP has not revived the pandemic-era remote-learning waivers, so students must still be physically present in the United States to count on-line credits toward a full course load. Admitted students who cannot arrive by their program start date must ask the Designated School Official to defer the SEVIS record to a future term; otherwise the record will auto-cancel 60 days after the original start date.

SEVP has opened a dedicated e-mail channel for schools to report enrolment disruptions linked to the proclamations and promises additional guidance once the new vetting rules are in place. Universities should keep detailed notes in SEVIS on each deferred or interrupted record to avoid mistaken “No Show” cancellations when the fall 2025 registration cycle closes.

 

Section C: SEVIS ID, I-20 & DS-2019

 

Every F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holder is tied to a unique SEVIS record, with a SEVIS ID and Form I-20 or DS-2019. These documents are official certifications of program eligibility and the primary link between the student, the school or sponsor, and federal immigration systems. A mistake in one field can delay a visa, trigger secondary inspection at the border or jeopardize employment authorization. In this section, we explain how these forms are issued, what the SEVIS ID means and why safeguarding these records matters throughout your time in the United States.

 

1. Form I-20 for F-1 and M-1 Students

 

Every F-1 or M-1 student receives a Form I-20 after the Designated School Official (DSO) creates a draft record in SEVIS and secures the institution’s electronic signature.

The Form I-20 lists the student’s biographical data, degree level, major, program start and end dates, tuition estimates and proof of funds.

Page 1 must be hand-signed in ink by the DSO before it can be printed and sent to the student, and the student in turn signs the form at the bottom to confirm acceptance of the terms.

US consular officers use the I-20 to verify program details during the visa interview, while Customs and Border Protection scans the barcode on arrival to match the traveler’s I-94 to the same SEVIS record.

A new I-20 is required whenever key information, such as major, funding or program end date, changes, and the student must keep every prior version for future immigration filings.

 

2. Form DS-2019 for J-1 Exchange Visitors

 

Exchange-visitor sponsors issue Form DS-2019 after a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) enters the participant’s data into SEVIS.

Form DS-2019 specifies the program category, subject field, funding sources and exact program dates, which cannot exceed the maximum length set by State-Department regulations for each category. The DS-2019 must carry an original RO or ARO signature before the applicant attends the visa interview.

Sponsors are responsible for updating the record when participants finish early, extend, transfer to another program or change funding.

A current “travel signature” on page 1 is required for re-entry to the United States and is valid for up to one year—or until program end, whichever comes first.

 

3. How to find your SEVIS ID

 

The SEVIS ID appears in the upper-right corner of every I-20 or DS-2019 and starts with the letter “N” followed by nine digits.

Consular staff, CBP officers and USCIS rely on that exact identifier to link a traveler to the correct database record, so accuracy matters.

Students and exchange visitors should keep electronic and paper copies of each form, store the I-901 fee receipt with the same SEVIS ID, and verify that the number printed on the visa foil matches the form before departing for the United States.

Lost or damaged forms can be reprinted, but the underlying SEVIS ID never changes for the life of the program.

 

Section D: I-901 SEVIS Fee

 

ICE last adjusted the statutory I-901 fee schedule in June 2019, and the same figures remain in force for 2025. F-1 and M-1 students pay US $350. Most J-1 exchange visitors pay US $220, while participants in the au pair, camp-counselor and Summer Work-Travel categories pay US $35. The fee is separate from consular visa charges and must be paid for every unique SEVIS ID unless the student qualifies for an approved transfer of that payment.

 

Applicant Type	SEVIS Fee (USD)	Notes
F-1 Student	$350	Fee applies to each unique SEVIS ID
M-1 Student	$350	Fee applies to each unique SEVIS ID
J-1 Exchange Visitor	$220	Most J-1 categories except those listed below
J-1 Au Pair	$35	Special rate category
J-1 Camp Counselor	$35	Special rate category
J-1 Summer Work-Travel	$35	Special rate category

 

1. Paying the Fee

 

Start by opening the official payment portal, fmjfee.com, and select “Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment.”

Enter the SEVIS ID exactly as it appears in the upper-right corner of the I-20 or DS-2019, add passport biographic details and confirm the program information that auto-populates.

Choose a payment method; credit or debit card works for most international users, while Western Union “Quick Pay” and domestic checks remain options inside the United States.

After submitting payment, download and print the digital receipt; consular officers and Customs and Border Protection routinely ask for it.

Student visa applicants must present the receipt at the visa interview, and visa-exempt Canadians need it at the port of entry.

 

2. Duplicate IDs and Refund Requests

 

Occasionally a school issues a second SEVIS record by mistake or a student pays twice under the same ID. If this happens, contact the SEVP I-901 Fee Help Desk within twelve months of the payment date and request either a transfer or a refund. Provide both SEVIS numbers, copies of the receipts and a short explanation on school letterhead if the record was merged or canceled. SEVP should credit the payment to the active SEVIS ID or arrange reimbursement to the original card within four to six weeks.

The agency will not refund the fee when a visa is refused, a travel plan changes or a student decides not to enroll, so verify the SEVIS number and program details before completing the payment.

 

Section E: SEVIS & the Visa Interview

 

When you complete the DS-160 online visa application, the form asks for your SEVIS ID and your school’s or exchange sponsor’s information. After you submit the DS-160, the Consular Consolidated Database automatically links that entry to the matching record in SEVIS, so the consular officer sees your I-20 or DS-2019 details on-screen as soon as the interview begins.

Any inconsistency, such as an incorrect SEVIS number or a program start date that has already passed, generates an alert that can delay approval until the error is resolved.

At the interview you must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, the printed DS-160 confirmation page with barcode, the original I-20 or DS-2019 with a signature from the DSO or RO and the I-901 fee receipt that shows the same SEVIS ID.

Officers also expect evidence of financial support for the first year of study or the full exchange term, academic transcripts or standardized-test results if they influenced the admission decision and documents that illustrate your intent to depart the United States after the program ends, such as proof of family, employment or property in your home country.

Consular officers begin by checking that the SEVIS record is in “Initial” status, that the program start date is still valid and that the record has not already been canceled or transferred. They confirm the field of study or exchange category, verify that the name and date of birth match the passport and review any notes the DSO or RO entered, pecially remarks about English-language waivers, reduced course loads or program extensions.

If the record suggests sensitive technology studies, the officer decides whether to request a Security Advisory Opinion before granting the visa. Once the visa is approved, the officer changes the SEVIS record to “Issued,” triggering an automatic update that the system transmits to the school, sponsor and Customs and Border Protection ahead of your arrival.

 

Section F: Entering the United States

 

Upon arrival a Customs and Border Protection officer scans the visa foil and immediately pulls up the matching SEVIS record. The officer confirms that the SEVIS ID on the visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-901 fee receipt are identical, that the record shows the status “Initial” or “Active,” and that the program start date has not passed. Any mismatch can lead to secondary inspection or even refusal of admission, so carry the original I-20 or DS-2019 and keep them easily accessible in your hand luggage.

After admission the officer stamps your passport with the date, class of admission, and a notation of “F-1,” “M-1,” or “J-1.” The I-94 itself is stored electronically. Within 24 hours visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov, enter your passport details, and download the arrival record. Verify that the admission class and the notation “D/S” (duration of status) appear correctly; if not, return to the port of entry or contact the nearest CBP Deferred Inspection site for correction.

F-1 and M-1 students, as well as J-1 exchange visitors, may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date printed on the I-20 or DS-2019. After completing the program, F-1 students receive a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure, transfer to another school, or file for Optional Practical Training. M-1 students and most J-1 exchange categories receive 30 days after the program end date to finalize travel plans or begin a new authorized activity. Remaining in the United States beyond the grace period without a timely transfer or change of status results in a SEVIS termination and the accrual of unlawful presence.

 

Section G: Maintaining Status After Arrival

 

Maintaining your visa status after arriving in the United States is not automatic. Once admitted, international students and exchange visitors must meet a range of regulatory requirements tied directly to their SEVIS record. These include full-time enrollment, timely reporting of address and program changes, and staying within the boundaries of authorized employment. A single missed deadline or unauthorized drop in course load can result in termination of status and loss of legal stay. This section explains the key responsibilities students and sponsors must manage while in the United States to keep SEVIS records in compliance and avoid the serious consequences of a status violation.

 

1. Full-Time Enrollment Rules

 

Federal regulations require F-1 undergraduates to complete at least twelve credit hours each academic term, while graduate students must satisfy the full-time standard set by their program. Only one three-credit online or distance-learning course may count toward that total each semester; any additional remote coursework must be undertaken on top of the full load. M-1 vocational students follow the contact-hour threshold listed on their Form I-20, and J-1 visitors must meet the full-time definition in their program regulations. The temporary pandemic waivers that once allowed extensive online study expired on 11 May 2023, so in-person attendance has returned to pre-2020 requirements.

 

2. SEVIS Reporting Deadlines

 

Students must report any change of U S address, telephone number, or email within ten days, and the Designated School Official must enter that update in SEVIS no later than the twenty-first day after the school becomes aware of the change. F-1 students on Optional Practical Training must also report employer name, address, and start date within ten days, with STEM OPT participants confirming employment and residential information every six months. Program extensions, transfers, and early completions each trigger a separate SEVIS update, and failure to meet the applicable deadline causes the record to auto-terminate for violation of status.

 

3. Reduced Course Load and Leave of Absence

 

A reduced course load is permitted only with advance DSO authorization and falls into three narrow categories: documented medical condition (aggregate limit of twelve months per degree level), initial academic adjustment or English-language difficulty confined to the first term, and final-term enrollment when fewer credits remain to graduate. The DSO must update SEVIS before the drop occurs; retroactive permission is not allowed. Students who need to suspend studies for reasons outside those categories must request an Authorized Early Withdrawal. Once the DSO enters that notation in SEVIS, the student has fifteen days to depart the United States and will need a new I-20 and new visa stamp to resume studies in a later term.

 

Section H: Employment and SEVIS

 

Employment is one of the most closely monitored aspects of a student or exchange visitor’s SEVIS record. Whether it’s on-campus work, an internship through CPT, or post-graduation OPT, every job must meet strict eligibility rules and be properly reported to maintain status. J-1 exchange visitors face similar requirements under Academic Training or on-campus authorizations. All employment activity must be approved in advance and reflected in SEVIS before any work begins. This section explains how employment is tracked, how records are updated, and what students and sponsors must do to stay compliant while working under F, M, or J status.

 

1. Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training

 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows an F-1 student to engage in employment that is integral to the curriculum, such as a required internship or cooperative education course. A Designated School Official must record the employer’s name, location, start date, and end date in SEVIS before the student may begin work. SEVIS then prints that authorization on page two of the I-20, giving the student clear evidence for hiring paperwork and Social Security applications. Optional Practical Training (OPT) follows a different workflow: once USCIS approves the Form I-765, the DSO updates the SEVIS record with the Employment Authorization Document number and the approved dates. For standard post-completion OPT, the student must inform the school of the employer’s details within ten days, and the DSO enters those facts in SEVIS. STEM OPT extensions add a six-month validation requirement that locks the record if no confirmation is filed.

 

2. J-1 On-Campus Work and Academic Training

 

J-1 students may work on campus up to twenty hours per week while classes are in session once a Responsible Officer (RO) issues written approval and notes the authorization in SEVIS. Any change in employer, schedule, or job category requires a new SEVIS entry before the work starts. Academic Training, which parallels OPT, is also managed in SEVIS: the RO confirms program completion, adds the training employer’s name, address, and supervision plan, and issues a new DS-2019 reflecting the authorization dates. The student may not start Academic Training until the updated DS-2019 is printed and signed.

 

3. Using the SEVP Portal for OPT Reporting

 

F-1 students on approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT receive an automated email from SEVP with a link to activate the SEVP Portal. After creating a password, the student can log in to update residential address, phone number, employer name, employer address, and employment start and end dates. All entries flow directly into SEVIS in real time, allowing the Designated School Official to view changes without manual data entry. The portal does not replace the school’s obligation to keep the record current; if the student fails to report employment within ninety days of the OPT start date, SEVIS automatically terminates the record for unemployment. STEM OPT participants must still send a formal six-month validation report to their DSO, and the DSO must update SEVIS to satisfy the regulation even when the portal information is accurate.

 

Section I: Transfers, Extensions, and Terminations

 

A student’s SEVIS record is designed to reflect real-time changes in their academic status, and that includes transfers between schools, program extensions, and early withdrawals or terminations. Each of these changes must be reported accurately and on time, or the record may be closed, which can jeopardize visa validity and legal stay in the United States. Transfers require coordination between schools, extensions must be justified and processed before a program end date, and terminations carry immediate consequences. This section outlines how SEVIS handles these updates, what triggers them, and what students and sponsors need to do to remain compliant.

 

1. School Transfer Workflow

 

A student who intends to move from one SEVP-certified school to another must first notify the Designated School Official at the current institution and request a transfer release date in SEVIS. The student then presents an admission letter from the new school, which the outgoing DSO uses to enter the transfer release and the new school code. On the release date SEVIS automatically routes the active record to the incoming institution. The new DSO has fifteen days to issue a “Transfer-Pending” I-20 and thirty days after the reporting date to place the record in Active status. Students may remain in the United States between programs as long as the gap is no longer than five months; a longer break requires departure or a change of status.

 

2. Program Extensions

 

If a student cannot finish the academic or vocational program by the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, the DSO or Responsible Officer may grant an extension in SEVIS before that date passes. The student must prove sufficient funding for the additional period and show that the delay is academic or medical in nature, not caused by suspension or failure to make normal progress. Once the DSO updates the new end date, SEVIS generates a revised form that the student signs and keeps with previous versions. An extension request submitted after the program end date is denied by the system, forcing the student to apply for reinstatement or depart and seek a new visa.

 

3. Terminations and Their Consequences

 

SEVIS terminations most often stem from unauthorized employment, failure to maintain a full course load, overstaying the grace period, or voluntary withdrawal without proper notice. When a DSO or RO enters a termination, the record immediately moves to “Terminated” status, and the student starts accruing unlawful presence the next day. A terminated record bars reentry to the United States on the existing visa, cancels any authorized practical training, and voids eligibility for future change-of-status applications inside the country. To regain lawful status, the individual must either depart and apply for a new visa with a fresh SEVIS ID or file a reinstatement petition with USCIS within five months of the violation, demonstrating exceptional circumstances and full compliance since the breach occurred.

 

Section J: SEVIS Violations and Reinstatement

 

Violations of F, M, or J visa status are recorded in SEVIS and can have immediate and serious consequences. Unauthorized work, under-enrollment, or failure to report required changes may result in a SEVIS termination, which makes the student or exchange visitor out of status and ineligible for many immigration benefits. In some cases, reinstatement is possible, but the process is time-sensitive and requires clear documentation. This section explains the most common types of SEVIS violations, how unlawful presence is calculated, and what steps are available to request reinstatement or correct a status lapse.

 

1. Typical SEVIS Violations

 

Unauthorized employment remains the most common breach of F-1, M-1, and J-1 status. Any paid or unpaid work started before the Designated School Official or Responsible Officer updates SEVIS—whether an early CPT placement, off-campus job, or extra hours beyond the twenty-hour on-campus ceiling—triggers an immediate status violation. Falling below a full course load without advance DSO approval, failing to depart within the post-completion grace period, or neglecting to report a change of address or employer within ten days can also move a record to Terminated status. Once the record shows Terminated, the student loses eligibility for employment, reentry, and change-of-status benefits until the matter is resolved.

 

2. Reinstatement Procedures and Deadlines

 

A student who believes the violation resulted from circumstances beyond their control may seek reinstatement by filing Form I-539 with USCIS. The application must reach the agency within five months of the status lapse unless the student can show exceptional circumstances that caused a later filing. Supporting evidence normally includes a detailed personal statement, a new Form I-20 issued for reinstatement, updated proof of funding, and the $370 filing fee plus biometrics charge. During adjudication the student must remain enrolled full-time and refrain from any employment, even on campus. Approval restores the original SEVIS record and visa validity, while a denial obliges the student to depart the United States immediately to avoid accruing additional unlawful presence.

 

3. Unlawful-Presence Policy Overview

 

Under the policy that returned after the August 2019 federal court decision vacated the 2018 guidance, F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holders admitted for Duration of Status begin to accrue unlawful presence only after USCIS formally denies an application, an immigration judge issues a removal order, or the individual departs the country with a status violation on record. Although unlawful presence may not start instantly when SEVIS is terminated, remaining in the United States without reinstatement still leaves the individual out of status and subject to removal. Departing the country after more than 180 days of accrued unlawful presence triggers a three-year reentry bar; leaving after a full year of unlawful presence activates a ten-year bar, underscoring the importance of prompt correction or timely departure once a violation occurs.

 

Section K: SEVIS Responsibilities for Schools and Sponsors

 

Schools and program sponsors play a central role in maintaining the integrity of the SEVIS system. Their responsibilities go beyond issuing I-20s or DS-2019s—they are accountable for ongoing updates to student and exchange visitor records, compliance with federal reporting requirements, and timely responses to changes in enrollment, employment, and program status. Failure to meet these obligations can result in the loss of SEVP certification or program approval, directly affecting the status of all students or participants under their sponsorship. This section outlines what schools and sponsors must do to remain compliant with SEVIS regulations, including certification procedures, annual reporting, and the types of red flags that may trigger government scrutiny.

 

1. SEVP Certification Fees and Site Visits

 

Institutions that wish to enroll F-1 or M-1 students must secure Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification by filing Form I-17 and paying a US $3,000 petition fee. ICE schedules a mandatory site visit for each teaching location at a cost of US $655 per campus. Officers confirm address accuracy, interview Designated School Officials (DSOs), review record-keeping systems, and assess whether the school has the staffing and academic structure to monitor international students. Recertification is required every two years; while SEVP does not charge a new petition fee, a follow-up site visit may be billed if the school has opened additional campuses or made material changes since the last inspection.

 

2. Mandatory Annual Reporting

 

Between 2 December and 2 March each year, the Principal DSO must log in to SEVIS and complete the annual verification of all PDSO and DSO names, titles, and contact details. Separate from that verification, any change to accreditation, ownership, course offerings, or physical address must be updated in Form I-17 within twenty-one days. Failure to file either the annual verification or a timely material-change update places the institution in “Out of Compliance” status and can lead to a denial of recertification.

 

3. Red Flags That Trigger Compliance Reviews

 

SEVP’s School Compliance Unit monitors data trends and initiates out-of-cycle reviews when patterns suggest misuse of the system. Warning indicators include unusually high numbers of students in “Initial” status who never enroll, repeated CPT approvals for first-term students, significant drops in average course loads, or OPT employment entries that list vague job titles and mirror-image addresses. Financial warnings—such as sudden tuition discounts that drive a spike in enrollment—also prompt a closer look. When a red flag appears, SEVP may request additional documentation, issue a Notice of Intent to Withdraw certification, or conduct an unannounced site visit. Institutions that cannot justify the anomalies risk losing certification, which forces enrolled students to transfer within a short grace period or leave the United States.

 

Need assistance?

 

Given the strict reporting requirements and serious consequences of status violations, students, exchange visitors, and sponsoring institutions should not rely on assumptions when dealing with SEVIS-related issues. If you are unsure about your compliance obligations, planning to change your program, or facing a potential violation, seek guidance from a qualified immigration professional or Designated School Official. Timely, informed advice can protect your legal status and prevent long-term immigration consequences.

 

SEVIS FAQs

 

Do the June 2025 proclamations cancel my existing F-1 visa?

A visa issued before 9 June 2025 remains valid, but you could be denied re-entry if you leave and fall under the new nationality or Harvard restrictions.

 

Can I still book a new student-visa interview?

Not right now. The State Department paused new F, M and J appointments worldwide on 27 May 2025 while it installs upgraded security screening.

 

What if my program starts this August and I have no visa interview date?

Ask your Designated School Official to defer your SEVIS record to the spring 2026 term. Otherwise SEVIS will auto-cancel the record 60 days after the original start date.

 

Does the travel ban affect Canadians studying at US schools?

Canadian citizens can still enter on an I-20 or DS-2019 without a visa, provided they are not dual nationals of a country named in the ban.

 

I hold a Harvard I-20 but my passport is from a country not on the ban list. Am I blocked?

The Harvard-specific proclamation bars new visas for all foreign nationals whose primary program is at Harvard, regardless of nationality.

 

Can I transfer my SEVIS record from Harvard to another university to avoid the bar?

If the new school issues an admission letter and your current DSO releases the record in SEVIS before you apply for the visa.

 

Will remote classes count toward my full-time load if I cannot reach campus?

Pandemic flexibilities ended in 2023, and SEVP has not revived them. Only one three-credit online course per term may count toward the full-time requirement.

 

How do I request a waiver of the travel ban?

File a national-interest exception request through the consulate or port of entry. Approval is discretionary and reserved for demonstrable public-interest, security, or humanitarian reasons.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
SEVIS	Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the DHS database that tracks F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holders in real time.
SEVP	Student and Exchange Visitor Program, the ICE division that certifies schools and oversees SEVIS compliance.
I-20	Certificate of Eligibility issued to F-1 or M-1 students; carries the SEVIS ID and program details used for visa issuance and entry.
DS-2019	Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 exchange visitors; shows category, program dates, and funding information.
I-901 SEVIS Fee	Mandatory fee paid at fmjfee.com before a student or exchange visitor applies for a visa or enters the United States.
DSO	Designated School Official responsible for creating and updating SEVIS records for F-1 and M-1 students.
RO / ARO	Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer who manages SEVIS records for J-1 exchange visitor programs.
CPT	Curricular Practical Training, employment that is integral to an F-1 student’s curriculum and authorized in SEVIS by the DSO.
OPT	Optional Practical Training, temporary work authorization for F-1 students after completion of studies or during breaks.
STEM OPT Extension	Additional 24-month OPT period for F-1 graduates of approved science, technology, engineering, and math programs.
I-94	Electronic arrival and departure record created by CBP; shows class of admission and “D/S” for duration of status.
National Interest Exception	Discretionary waiver that allows entry despite a presidential travel ban when the applicant’s presence benefits national interests.