SEVIS Fee Information

SEVIS Questions & Answers:

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is an internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 or J-1 student's academic career and J-1 scholar's stay in the United States. U.S. embassies and consulates also will have access to SEVIS.

How does SEVIS work?

• After The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the DHS approves the University's request to issue an I-20. The University sends the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.
• After a scholar has been officially invited to a UW Oshkosh department, ISA notifies SEVIS and DHS approves the University's request to issue a DS-2019. ISA sends the bar-coded DS-2019 to the scholar.
• The student or scholar visits the U.S. consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 or DS-2019 the student or scholar presents is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa.
• A DHS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the individual's entry into the U.S.
• When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to International Student Services, and the school confirms through SEVIS the student's enrollment. The University continues to provide regular electronic reports to DHS throughout the student's academic career.
• International scholars should also report to International Student Services.
• Finally, SEVIS records the student's or scholar's departure from the United States.

What data does SEVIS collect?

UW Oshkosh must report:

• Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll.
• A change of the student's or dependent's legal name or address.
• Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.
• Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
• Whether the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the DSO (Immigration regulations refer to international student advisers as "designated school officials"-DSO's).
• Termination date of academic program and reason for termination.
• Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, 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 DSO, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a timely transfer or I-20 extension or change in level of study, unauthorized employment, and failure to report a change of address.

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

The student's record will be updated in 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 DSO, that "event" would be reported to DHS, via SEVIS, and he or she would be out of status. The student may apply to DHS 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/she is out of status longer than five months. If DHS does not reinstate the student, he/she may not appeal that decision.

How will UW Oshkosh help students comply with the immigration laws?

The University is committed to assisting students in ways that prevent status violations from occurring:

• ISA will require mandatory Orientation programs to all newly enrolled international students. The new rules and regulations will be thoroughly discussed and explained.
• ISA will offer individual orientation for all newly arrived international scholars.
• Informational sessions will be offered throughout the semester for students and scholars who are already here on campus.

What happens if The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh fails to comply with the SEVIS regulations?

The DHS will audit the University's compliance with these new requirements every two years. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of the University's ability to accept and admit international students and to invite international scholars.

Will SEVIS benefit students in any way?

Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. DHS forms may be produced faster and applications for benefits such as Practical Training may be approved more quickly. Visas may be granted without the usual long delays. However, the additional security and background checks in place at many consulates overseas may delay some visa applications up to 2-3 months.

What should students do to prepare for SEVIS?

Understand the immigration regulations and learn how to maintain lawful status in the U.S. Refer any questions or problems immediately to ISA. Do not rely on the advice of your well-meaning friends!

Be proactive. Students should plan their course schedules carefully so that they maintain full-time enrollment. Make travel arrangements early, and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings. Keep all documents up-to-date — changes in degree level, extensions, and travel validations must be done in a timely manner and on SEVIS documents. Allow time for processing new forms.

Feel free to come to the International Student Advisor's Office for assistance. See below for hours of service.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a better place because you are here, and we are committed to your success!

Are there other resources about SEVIS?

The DHS has a good web site: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/imm_sevis.htm
U.S. Embassies and other Diplomatic Missions: http://www.usembassy.state.gov/

For more information please contact:

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Office of International Education
International Student Services
Dempsey Hall Room 146
Phone: 424-0775
Email: mylreab@uwosh.edu
Web site: www.uwosh.edu/oie/ISS/index.html

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00-4:30 PM