J-1: SEVIS Overview



The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the computerized system maintained by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service used to admit and track students and exchange visitors while they are in the United States. JMU is required to utilize SEVIS for initial production of DS-2019 forms, as well as for reporting changes to a student's status.  The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will audit JMU's compliance with SEVIS and other immigration requirements by conducting periodic site visits. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of JMU's ability to accept and admit international students and to invite international scholars.

 

Student Reporting Requirements

When you first arrive at JMU you are required to submit a copy of your visa, passport, and DS-2019 to our office (The Office of International Student and Scholar Services located at J-MAC 6, Suite 23), and to complete paperwork so you can be registered appropriately into the SEVIS system. Federal law mandates that as long as you are a student, the following information must be reported to SEVIS by the Responsible Officer (RO) within our office:

  • The date of your enrollment each semester;
  • The starting date of classes;
  • Any time you drop below full-time status;
  • Any time you fail to maintain status or complete your program as expected;
  • Any time disciplinary action is taken by the school as the result of a criminal act;
  • Date of graduation;
  • Any change in name, address or curriculum (i.e., if you change majors);
  • Your failure to enroll or commence participation in classes;
  • Your Degree Program and Field of Study;
  • The date and reason of your termination of studies.