Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Summer, 2002

SEVIS: Program Objectives  Capture, maintain, monitor information on students and visitors  Reduce data errors  Expedite data transfer  Minimize fraud and increase security  Provide for better information sharing –(INS, DOS/Consular Sections, intelligence and law enforcement agencies)

SEVIS: Historical Context  1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act –Mandated data collection program (F, J, & M) Waives FERPA for these purposes –Visa overstays, unlawful presence, and bars to re-entry No bar if less than 180 days 3-year bar if over 180 days, but less than 1 year 10-year bar if over 1 year

SEVIS: Historical Context  1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act –Bars F-1 status for public elementary or public adult education –12-month limitation for secondary education Students at public schools must also pay full, unsubsidized per capita cost

SEVIS: Historical Context  1997: Initial pilot automation program (CIPRIS-Coordinated Interagency Partnership Regulating International Students)  2000: Student and Exchange Visitor Program established  2001: Software vendor conference  9/11/2001

SEVIS: Historical Context  Nov, 2001: USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) –Intensifies data collection –Provides up-front funding to establish the national tracking system for F, J, and M visa holders

SEVIS: Historical Context  May 2002: Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act  July 1, 2002: Voluntary participation  January 1, 2003: Full implementation –Consular sections, ports of entry, service centers  January 30, 2003: Mandatory participation

SEVIS: School Responsibilities  Seek certification by INS and DOS  Collect data  Create, update, print student records  Respond to compliance requests from INS and DOS

SEVIS: Data Collection  Existing (8 CFR 214.3) –Name, date/country of birth, citizenship –Address –Student funding support for studies –Status (Full- or part-time) –Date of commencement of studies –Degree program/field of study –Practical training (start, end, full- or part-time) –Termination of studies and reason –Compliance with INS requests for information

SEVIS: Data Collection  Additional (SEVIS): –Date and place of entry (bar-coded forms) –Date of enrollment and termination of studies –Notification of less than full course of study –Start date of each term of study –Number of credits completed per term –Name, address, marital status changes –Academic disciplinary action as a result of a criminal conviction –Failure to maintain status or complete program

Current system ISSS INS POE SIS DOS Other Mail Student

SEVIS FIREWALLFIREWALL SIS ISSS POE DOS Security INS

SEVIS: Summary  Web-based automated tracking system, fully implemented on January 30, 2003  Goal is greater confidence of documents’ authenticity when applying for a visa or entering the USA –Name must be exactly as written on passport in English  No tolerance for “out of status”  Reduced ability of Foreign Student Advisors to “correct the record”

SEVIS: Impact at Kent State  Good news  Concerns  Discussion

SEVIS: Status to date at KSU  “Good News” –Foundation is firm: Professional staff in place with solid procedures Centralized data collection in place (SIS) Centralized document preparation (CICP) Mandatory health insurance (02F) –SCT (vendor for SIS) already working on batch interface software –Ad hoc working group tackling implementation issues

SEVIS: Status to date at KSU  Concerns: –All changes affecting student visa status must be surfaced immediately and submitted to INS with little (no) forgiveness for mistakes. –Must seek preliminary certification by mid- August, which will be followed by formal certification by INS within next two years –We need to be flexible and anticipate additional regulations and requirements as the administration and Congress continue to work with homeland security

SEVIS: Foreseeable Steps  Continue to work internally to ensure an integrated response  Continue to work with SCT to ensure maximum compliance with SEVIS  Seek preliminary certification prior to August 16, 2002

Address reporting  Any non-US citizen must report his/her address to INS within 10 days of a change in address  Download form, fill in and sign, and mail  /forms/ar-11.htm

SEVIS: Kent State University Questions and Discussion