STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (SEVIS)
F-1/J-1 RULES AND REGULATIONS
SEVIS is the U.S. Government computer system that UCA is required to use to track international students from when they receive their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) or their DS 2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), enter the United States and complete their educational program.
In short, SEVIS requires UCA to know, in some detail, the locations of international students/researchers for the entire time they are in the United States. UCA is required by law to report on all international students each semester.
Important note: There have been and will continue to be major changes in immigration regulations since January 1, 2003. Although friends and others may be well intentioned and offer advice, they may not be updated on the most current regulations and may give you incorrect advice. It is important that you check with Lisa Shoemake in the Office of International Student Services before you make any decisions or take any actions that may affect your immigration status.
It’s up to you!
The DIA staff are here to assist you with immigration questions and concerns you may have. If you have questions, please contact Lisa by phone, (450-3445) e-mail (lisas@uca.edu) or come by the office (Torreyson 304). Please remember, though, that it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to understand and abide by the regulations.
Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status
In order to maintain your status, you are required to:
- Enroll in a full-course of study each semester you are enrolled at UCA. This is a minimum of 12 hours for undergraduate students and 9 hours for graduate students; (See note *)
- Do not work off-campus without previous employment authorization;
- Follow required transfer procedures if transferring to another university;
- Complete your program before the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019;
- Follow proper procedures for extending the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019 if necessary;
- Report a change of address to Lisa Shoemake within 10 days of the change so that SEVIS can be updated.
*Note: No more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class or 3 credits per semester may be counted toward the full course of study requirement. Students enrolled in language programs may not count on-line/distance education toward this requirement.
Failure to maintain F-1/J-1 status will result in your losing your status and being “terminated” in the SEVIS system. Some of the consequences of this include losing your eligibility to work on-campus or apply for off-campus work authorization, your visa may be cancelled and you may ultimately be arrested or deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
Acceptable reasons for enrolling less than full-time:
- You may enroll for less than full-time based on academic reasons (unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, improper course placement, initial difficulty with English language). This will be determined in consultation with the student, adviser and instructor and must be authorized in advance. You must, however, remain in a minimum of 6 credit hours or 3 graduate credit hours. This is available to you ONE time during each academic level.
- You may enroll for less than full time or not at all for valid medical reasons if you provide medical documentation from a medical doctor or licensed clinical psychologist. This cannot exceed a total of 12 months during a course of study and must be authorized in advance.
- You may enroll for less than full-time when you are completing the final semester before graduating. You must submit a letter from your adviser in advance of your final semester.
As an international student, you are responsible for reporting to Lisa Shoemake the following:
- When you change your major or program level
- If you transfer into UCA or transfer out to another school;
- When you change your address;
- When you are reinstated if you fall out of status;
- When you change your visa status (e.g. H-1 to F-1)
- Any other event or information that affects your F-1 status. If in doubt, contact Lisa Shoemake.
Additional reasons why your student record in SEVIS can be “terminated.”
UCA is required to “terminate” your record in SEVIS if:
- You do not register full-time at the university every semester (excluding summer) until your program is completed;
- You drop below a full course of study (12 credits undergraduate, 9 credits for
graduate students) without PRIOR authorization; - You are expelled from the university;
- You are suspended from the university;
- You fail to maintain your proper status (e.g. if you work illegally, do not attend
classes full-time etc.);
In all of the above cases, the university is required to report in SEVIS that your record has been terminated. In turn, you may be required to leave the United States (deportation).
Travel Outside of the U.S.
If you decide to return to your home country over the holidays, during the summer, etc., you need to bring your I-20/DS-2019 to the OIP because you must have a valid signature on the back certifying that you are eligible to return to UCA. If you do not have this signature, you will not be allowed to return. Do not wait until the last minute to take care of this!!