The United States is one of the top destinations for international students seeking world-class education, innovative research opportunities, and globally recognized degrees. To manage the influx and regulation of nonimmigrant students, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees a program known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
SEVP compliance is crucial for both international students and the institutions that host them. Understanding the responsibilities, processes, and consequences associated with SEVP can make or break a student’s ability to maintain their legal status in the U.S., as well as an institution’s ability to enroll nonimmigrant students.
This comprehensive guide explores SEVP compliance guidelines, focusing on what international students and schools need to know and do to stay within the bounds of U.S. immigration law.
What is SEVP?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a division of ICE that monitors schools and students under the F (academic students) and M (vocational students) visa categories. SEVP is not involved with J visa holders (exchange visitors), which are overseen by a different system.
SEVP manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a digital platform that tracks and records information about:
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International students
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Student dependents
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SEVP-certified schools
SEVP ensures that both students and schools comply with immigration laws and helps other government agencies access up-to-date data about nonimmigrant student activity.
SEVP Certification for Schools
Any school in the U.S. wishing to enroll international students must apply for and receive SEVP certification. This includes:
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High schools
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Colleges and universities
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Vocational schools
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Language training institutions
Certification Process:
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Submit Form I-17: The institution must file Form I-17, Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.
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Pay the SEVP Fee: A one-time fee must be paid for the petition to be processed.
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Site Visit: ICE conducts an in-person review of the institution.
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Approval: Once approved, the school can issue Form I-20 to eligible students.
Certification must be maintained through regular reporting, audits, and compliance reviews. Any violations or discrepancies may lead to a withdrawal of certification.
Responsibilities of SEVP-Certified Schools
SEVP-certified institutions carry ongoing responsibilities that ensure transparency and accountability. These include:
1. Designated School Officials (DSOs)
Every certified school must appoint DSOs—staff members who serve as liaisons between the institution, students, and SEVP. Their duties include:
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Issuing Form I-20
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Reporting changes in student status
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Advising students on maintaining status
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Updating SEVIS within mandated timelines
Schools can appoint Principal DSOs (PDSOs) and regular DSOs, with clearly defined roles.
2. Accurate SEVIS Reporting
SEVIS must be updated any time there are changes in:
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Student course load
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Name or address
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Funding or financial support
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Work authorization (CPT/OPT)
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Disciplinary action or withdrawal
Schools must ensure that updates occur within 21 days of the change, or they risk falling out of compliance.
3. Maintaining Student Records
Schools are responsible for:
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Ensuring students register each semester
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Tracking attendance and performance
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Retaining I-20 copies and academic records
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Reporting students who fail to maintain status
Failure to maintain accurate records can jeopardize both the institution’s certification and the student’s legal status.
International Student Responsibilities Under SEVP
Just as schools must remain compliant, international students must also follow specific guidelines to maintain their F-1 or M-1 status.
1. Enroll Full-Time
Students must maintain a full course load:
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Undergraduate: Typically 12 credit hours
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Graduate: Often 9 credit hours
Dropping below full-time enrollment without DSO approval can result in termination of SEVIS record.
2. Update Personal Information
Students must notify their DSO within 10 days of changes to:
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U.S. address
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Phone number
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Email
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Academic program
This allows the DSO to update SEVIS and ensure continued compliance.
3. Employment Rules
Students must follow strict employment guidelines:
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On-Campus Employment: Allowed up to 20 hours/week during the semester.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Requires DSO authorization and course relevance.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT): Post-completion or pre-completion work authorization requiring USCIS approval.
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Severe Economic Hardship: Requires proof and DSO recommendation.
Unauthorized work is a serious violation and can lead to removal from the U.S.
4. Travel Regulations
When traveling abroad, students must:
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Have a valid visa
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Carry an up-to-date I-20 with travel endorsement
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Ensure they are enrolled for the next academic term
Re-entry into the U.S. without these documents can result in denial at the port of entry.
5. Academic Progress
Students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. Poor grades or failure to meet institutional standards can result in dismissal, which leads to SEVIS termination.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with SEVP guidelines has significant consequences for both students and schools.
For Students:
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Termination of SEVIS record
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Loss of legal status
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Denial of future visa applications
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Removal (deportation) proceedings
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Ineligibility for benefits like OPT, reinstatement, or change of status
For Schools:
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Loss of SEVP certification
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Inability to enroll new international students
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Damage to reputation and rankings
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Government audits or legal penalties
Institutions are subject to regular compliance reviews, site visits, and must respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) when flagged by SEVP.
Reinstatement of Student Status
If a student loses status due to a violation (e.g., failure to enroll full-time, unauthorized employment), they may apply for reinstatement under certain conditions.
Requirements:
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File Form I-539 with USCIS
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Demonstrate the violation was unintentional
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Provide proof of financial and academic stability
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Receive a new Form I-20 for reinstatement purposes
Alternatively, the student may need to exit the U.S. and re-enter on a new visa if reinstatement is denied.
SEVP and Online Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to SEVP guidelines, especially concerning online education.
Initially, temporary accommodations allowed students to take more online classes than normally permitted. However, post-pandemic, SEVP has largely returned to pre-2020 standards:
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F-1 students may count only one online course (3 credits) per term toward their full-time requirement.
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M-1 students are not permitted to take online classes.
It is essential for students and institutions to stay updated on policy changes, as they can shift based on national emergencies or DHS directives.
Transferring SEVP-Certified Institutions
Students who wish to transfer from one SEVP-certified school to another must follow a specific process:
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Notify current DSO of intent to transfer.
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Obtain a Transfer-Out I-20.
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Receive Transfer-In I-20 from new school.
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Report to new DSO within 15 days of the program start date.
Failure to complete the process can disrupt SEVIS status.
Understanding the SEVIS Fee
Before being issued a visa, international students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This fee funds the SEVP and is separate from the visa application fee.
Key Points:
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Paid after receiving Form I-20 but before visa interview.
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Non-refundable if visa is denied.
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Must be repaid if SEVIS ID changes (e.g., after transfer or reinstatement).
A receipt is required at the visa appointment and when entering the U.S.
SEVP Portal for OPT Students
Students on OPT (Optional Practical Training) use the SEVP Portal to:
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Report employment
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Update address
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Maintain contact information
Students must report employment within 10 days to avoid losing OPT authorization.
The portal is different from SEVIS and is only accessible to active OPT participants. Students should log in regularly to confirm information accuracy.
Tips for Maintaining SEVP Compliance
Here are some actionable tips for both students and institutions:
For Students:
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Maintain communication with your DSO.
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Keep copies of all immigration-related documents.
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Mark important deadlines (registration, OPT, travel).
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Attend workshops and orientation sessions on immigration policies.
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Don’t rely on peer advice — always verify with your school’s international office.
For Institutions:
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Train DSOs regularly on SEVIS updates.
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Create a centralized system for monitoring student status.
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Automate reminders for document renewal and reporting deadlines.
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Foster a culture of compliance by integrating it into student services.
Conclusion: Why SEVP Compliance Matters
Navigating the U.S. immigration system as an international student involves more than just attending classes and earning good grades. SEVP compliance is the foundation of your legal presence in the United States. Whether you’re a student hoping to gain valuable academic and work experience or an institution aiming to attract top global talent, understanding and adhering to SEVP guidelines is not optional — it’s essential.
For students, this means constant awareness of deadlines, immigration status, employment rules, and academic obligations. For schools, this involves rigorous reporting, trained DSOs, and institutional accountability.
Compliance isn’t just about staying legal — it’s about creating a successful, stress-free, and enriching international education experience. By understanding the ICE SEVP framework, international students and their host institutions can work together to uphold the integrity and success of global education in the U.S.
