SEVIS

University of Richmond has been approved with SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), which is an Internet-based system that provides tracking, monitoring, and access to current information on non-immigrant students. SEVIS enables schools to issue I-20s/DS-2019s and to transmit electronic information via the Internet to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as the INS) and the Department of State throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the US.

How does SEVIS work?

Starting from the Spring 2003 term, after University of Richmond admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the USCIS approves the college's request to issue an I-20/DS-2019. The University issues the new bar-coded I-20/DS-2019 form to the student.  The student visits the U.S. consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20/DS-2019 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa. A USCIS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S.  When the student arrives on campus, s/he reports to the International Student Office, and the school confirms through SEVIS the student's enrollment.  The University continues to provide regular electronic reports to USCIS throughout the student's academic career.  Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.

What data does SEVIS collect?

University of Richmond must report:

- Registration: Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll.

- A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address.

- Completion of studies: Any student who completes their academic program prior to the end date listed on the I-20/DS-2019.

- Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.

- Whether the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the International Student Advisor.

- Termination date and reason for termination.

- Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations (OPT, CPT, Economic Hardship Employment), and reinstatement.

- Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.

What does "fail to maintain status" mean?

Some examples of failure to maintain status include dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from the International Student Advisor, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a timely transfer or I-20/DS-2019 extension or change in level of study, unauthorized employment, and failure to report a change of address within the U.S.

What are the consequences if a student fails to maintain status?

The student's record will be updated with SEVIS every semester. Students who fail to maintain status lose the privileges of their student visa and become subject to deportation. Specific consequences may include denial of re-entry to the U.S., inability to move from undergraduate to graduate status, denial of requests for Practical Training, denial of requests to change visa status, and possible denial of all future visa applications.

Can a student who is "out of status" regain legal status?

If a student drops below a full course of study without prior approval from the International Student Advisor, that "event" would be reported to USCIS, via SEVIS, and he or she would be out of status. The student may apply to USCIS for reinstatement if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. Reinstatement is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if he or she is out of status longer than five months. If USCIS does not reinstate the student, he or she may not appeal that decision.

How will University of Richmond help students comply with the immigration laws?

The University is committed to assist students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring. In order to do so, we require the following:

*            Students who are new to University of Richmond and are on F-1 or J-1 visas must report to International Student Orientation. During this time, the International Student Advisor will review the student's visa documents and confirm to SEVIS that the student has arrived on campus. If you are unable to attend orientation, you must physically check in with the International Student Advisor in the Office of International Education prior to registering for classes.

*            International students will not be able to drop below a full course of study without prior authorization from the International Student Advisor. "Full-time" means 12 credits per semester for undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduates.

*            International students must inform the International Student Advisor of changes in academic program from one degree level to another (e.g., from Bachelor’s to Master’s level), one school to another (e.g., from the Business School to the Leadership School), or one major/field of study to another (e.g., from Chemistry to Physics). 

*            International students must inform the International Student Advisor of any change to the status of your program, such as early completion, extension of program, transfer from one educational institution to another, or withdrawal/termination from program.

*           Any change of address and/or any change of name of an international student or his/her dependents (spouse and children) must be reported by email to the International Student Advisor and by using the Form AR-11. This form can be downloaded at http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/international/Intstudents/Immigration/addresschange.html or obtained from the International Student Advisor. Reports must be made within 10 days of the change. 

What happens if University of Richmond fails to comply with the SEVIS regulations?

Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of the University's ability to accept international students.

Will SEVIS benefit students in any way?

Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. Students can expect that USCIS forms will be produced faster, applications for benefits such as Practical Training will be approved more quickly, and visas will be granted without the usual long delays.

What should students do to prepare for SEVIS?

Read any email updates from the International Student Advisor and provide answers to the questions that are asked.  Learn how to maintain lawful status in the U.S.

Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904