SEVIS The Student & Exchange Visitor Information System Prepared by International Programs & Exchanges Western Washington University

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) An internet-based system that allows schools and the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Information is transmitted electronically throughout the student’s academic career. US Consulates and other US government agencies will have access to this information

History and Timeline 1979: Iranian hostage crisis 1993: First World Trade Center bombing 1998: Bombings at US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya 2000: Bombing of the USS Cole 2001: September 11th attacks on the WTC and Pentagon 1995: INS internal review of int’l student procedures 1996: New Immigration Act passed creating SEVIS 2001: USA PATRIOT Act passed 2001: Enhanced Border Security Act passed 2003: Mandated compliance date: January 31

THE CURRENT SYSTEM Sends application Sends acceptance Sends enrollment Confirm. deposit Input students info into ISEAS International Student WWU Student WWU ISEAS Sends I-20 or DS2019 to student Reports changes in status Using paper forms Applies for Visa Student Issues Visa Student registers For classes USA US Consulate WWU INS Student enters Consulate verifies student in ISEAS ISEAS KEY RED: Current System BLUE: Recent ISEAS requirement (9/11/02- 1/29/2003)

UNDER SEVIS INS (SEVIS) State Dept. Justice Dept. Social Security Verifies acceptance of student State Dept. Justice Dept. Bar-coded I-20 or DS2019 sent electronically Issuance of Visa Verifying information and checking watchlists WWU prints I-20 or DS2019 and sends Background check on applicant Acceptance of student to WWU and I-20 issued Requests I-20 or DS2019 Applies for visa Sends enrollment confirmation deposit acceptance INS (SEVIS) International Student WWU Student WWU WWU Student US Consulate applies Issues Visa Informs of student entry Verifies compliance before issuing SS # If student fails to appear within 30 days of entry Pays SEVIS fee and obtains receipt INS WWU (IPE) Student enters US INS Social Security Administration KEY RED: Current System BLUE: Additional steps under SEVIS Student physically reports and registers for full-time course load Reports changes within 21 days every term Audits every two years for compliance INS reports students exit from US to SEVIS

What Data does SEVIS Collect? Whether the student enrolls, or fails to enroll. Change of name or address Graduation prior to the end date on I-20. Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime. Whether the student drops below a full course of study. Termination date and reason. Information on any student who fails to maintain status or complete their program. Any other notification request made by SEVIS with respect to the current status of the student.

The IPE safety net The International Programs & Exchanges Office “filters” information to SEVIS Designated School Officials and Responsible Officers have legal authority to authorize part-time enrollment Exceptions to the full-time requirement must be granted “in advance”

Consequences to the Student of Falling Out of Status Denial of re-entry to the U.S. Inability to move from undergraduate to graduate status or transfer to a new school Denial of request for Practical Training Denial of request to change visa status Possible denial of all future visa applications

Reinstatement Possible only in the event of: Natural disaster Serious illness or injury Closure of the institution Reduction in course load that would have been in the DSO’s power to authorize, and reinstatement denial would result in extreme hardship to the student A student out of status for five months or longer has no possibility for reinstatement

Consequences for WWU if students fall out of status Fewer international students Disruption of teaching and research programs

Consequences to WWU if WWU fails to comply Probation, leading to the possible loss of ability to accept international students and scholars INS audits schools every 2 years for SEVIS compliance

Economic Impact In 2001/02, WWU had 189 international students from 36 countries These students contributed an estimated $4,600,500 to the Washington State economy Source: NAFSA: Association of International Educators, 2002

New Steps to Keep Students and the WWU compliant International students who register for less than a full-time courseload, without prior DSO approval, will have their registration cancelled. International students will not be able to drop below full-time without DSO approval. IMPLEMENTATION DATE: January 1, 2003

“International educational exchange is the most significant current project designed to….expand the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy and perception.” Senator J. William Fulbright