The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a secure database used by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) to track international students and exchange visitors in the U.S. All U.S. schools authorized to sponsor international students or exchange visitors use the SEVIS database.
OISA staff are DHS-approved Designated School Officials (DSO) with login access to SEVIS. SEVIS is the system used to issue your Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Status.
In addition, Emerson DSOs must also update your SEVIS record for certain “reportable events” which include, but are not limited to:
- Initial SEVIS registration – verifying your U.S. arrival in F-1 status
- Certifying your full-time enrollment each required school term
- Any leave of absence, suspension and withdrawal from school
- Authorized and unauthorized drops below a “full course of study”
- Approved or recommended off-campus employment authorization (including Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, and Employment based on Economic Hardship)
- U.S. residential address, telephone number and email address
- Changes in major, program of study, degree, completion date, etc.
- Completion or termination of studies
- Program extension
- School transfer
As an F-1 program sponsor, we are also required to report through SEVIS any violations of status that may occur, including: any unauthorized drop below full-time status, failure to extend your I-20 prior to its expiration date, unauthorized employment, etc.
International students can complete most SEVIS tasks and submit requests through Terra Dotta, Emerson’s immigration status management resource.
You can access immigration requests in the Control Center tab.