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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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”

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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