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SEVIS US Federally Mandated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. UCD SEVIS Working Group, 2002. Terminology. SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Automated electronic system SEVP: Student and Exchange Visitor Program Department of Justice Program.
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SEVISUS Federally Mandated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System UCD SEVIS Working Group, 2002
Terminology • SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System • Automated electronic system • SEVP: Student and Exchange Visitor Program • Department of Justice Program
What is SEVIS? SEVIS is an INS and Department of State program designed to convert a manual, paper-based international student and visitor tracking system to an automated one. Collect, maintain, and track information relative to international students and exchange visitors Improve data collection and reporting Monitor school and exchange programs Provide customer service
Program Chronology Feb. 1993 -- World Trade Center bombing, students suspected. May 1995 -- INS internal review Sept. 1996 -- The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) enacted June 1997 -- CIPRIS pilot project began (precursor to SEVIS)
Oct. 1999 -- CIPRIS pilot ends. CIPRIS continues as operational prototype at the Atlanta Hartsfield airport and district office, INS Texas Service Center, 21 educational institutions, and DoS headquarters. Sept 11, 2001 -- World Trade Center attacks Oct. 2001 -- SEVIS test training in Boston Oct. 2001 -- USA Patriot Act enacted. May 2002 -- Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act enacted.
Patriot Act Enacted October 26, 2001 Unfunded mandate requiring SEVIS implementation and compliance by January 30, 2003. Mandates tracking of non-immigrants’ status, entry and departure.
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act Signed into law May 14, 2002. Establishes interim reporting requirements prior to SEVIS implementation. ISEAS system implemented September 11, 2002. Requires schools to electronically notify US consulates of student or scholar’s status.
Populations To Track Under SEVIS and Other US Government Regulations SEVIS Specific • F-1: Full-time enrolled degree-seeking international student • F-2: Dependent of F-1 • J-1: Student: Full-time enrolled exchange visitor student • J-1: Scholar: Paid or unpaid researcher or faculty member • J-2: Dependent of J-1 Other • H-1B: Professional Employee; H-4: Dependent of H-1B • TN: Treaty NAFTA; TD: Dependent of TN • O-1: Extraordinary Ability; O-3: Dependent of O-1 • Permanent Resident
UCD SEVIS Compliance All educational institutions that enroll international students or employ or invite international scholars must comply with SEVIS regulations by January 30, 2003. Failure to comply could result in a one year suspension in admitting or inviting international students or scholars.
Initial SEVIS Tracking • New international students and scholars must be tracked in SEVIS system prior to entry into US. • UCD must enroll all international students, scholars and their dependents into the SEVIS system by US compliance date.
SEVIS Tracking • Examples of information Designated School Officials will be required to report electronically: • Any student/scholar failing to maintain status or complete his or her program • Change of major, degree level, or area of study • Any student who has graduated early or prior to program end date • Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime
Any other notification request made by SEVIS to the Designated School Official with regard to the current status of the student. • Whether the student has enrolled at the school, dropped below a full course of study without prior authorization, or failed to enroll • The current address of each enrolled student or scholar and their family members • The start date of the student or scholar’s next session, term, or semester
SEVIS Time Constraints • SEVIS will require SISS... • to report specific information about UCD students, scholars, and their family member within proscribed hours or days • to download requested immigration documents from SEVIS system within 24 hours of preparation
SEVIS: Changes and Impact • 30-Day Rule: New international students are no longer able to enter 60-90 days prior to the start of program. • This change will impact graduate students and summer TA, RA, and lab assistants unable to enter the US the summer prior to first fall term.
Audits • INS is required to audit higher education institutions compliance records every two years. • If a school is not complying , they may face a one year suspension from admitting international students and scholars.
Liabilities Scholar, Faculty Member or Researcher Liabilities: • delayed • denied entry into the US • deported University Liabilities: • Failure to comply with SEVIS could jeopardize federal grant funding • Failure to comply with SEVIS could result in a suspension in the ability of UCD to invite or employ foreign nationals
Compliance: UCD Prepares • UCD current international international student and employment business practices under review • SISS is reviewing with campus departments where information is currently collected about the target populations across campus • SISS preparing systems that will house the master record for the tracking of all information for our SEVIS populations.
Solutions and Response • SISS will collect information from various campus sources for SEVIS reporting, including Banner, PPS, campus departments, and UCD remote locations. • Campus Cooperation: SISS, Admissions, Registrar, IT, Graduate Studies, Extension, UCD remote labs, Human Resources and the Professional Schools all actively involved in streamlining the process. • New software: SISS will utilize FsaAtlas software to track information on our international students and scholars and report SEVIS events to INS and DoS. • System offers SISS staff an internal buffer allowing staff to consult with international student or scholar prior to submitting potentially damaging information to SEVIS.
UCD Communication • Departments • Labs • Advisors • Administrators • Students • Scholars
Q & A For additional information contact UCD SEVIS Working Group Team. 752-0864 or siss@ucdavis.edu