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What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an abbreviation for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS is the U.S. Government computer system that UMass Lowell is required to use to track international students (and researchers) and their families from when they receive their I-20/DS-2019 (certificates of eligibility), enter the United States, register for classes, travel to another country while a UMass Lowell student, receive job offers in the United States (curricular/optional practical training), graduate, transfer to another university, or leave UMass Lowell for some other reason.
In short, SEVIS requires UMass Lowell to know, in some detail, the whereabouts of international students/researchers for the entire time they are in the United States.
As an international student/research scholar, what things do you have to report regularly to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for yourself and your family members?
You must report to us:
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When you change your major;
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When you change your program level (e.g. bachelor’s to master’s, master’s to doctorate);
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When you need to extend the time you are allowed to stay in your program;
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A request to drop below a full-time course of study (12 credits/semester for undergraduates, 9 credits /semester for graduate students);
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Dependent information for F-2/J-2 status;
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If you transfer into UMass Lowell or transfer out to another school;
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When you complete all the requirements for your degree (program of study);
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When you request to go on optional practical training/curricular practical training or ask for off-campus employment because of economic hardship;
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When you change your address;
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When you are re-instated if you fall out of status;
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When you change your visa status (e.g. H-1 -- F-1); and
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If you have been subjected to disciplinary action because of a criminal conviction.
What happens if you do not report the above things to the International Student Office as soon as they happen?
If you do not report the above events, you will be considered “out of status” and we will be required to notify the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
What are the reasons your student record in SEVIS can be “terminated”?
UMass Lowell is required to “terminate” your record in SEVIS if:
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You do not register full-time at the University every semester until your program is completed;
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You drop below a full course of study (12 credits undergraduate, 9 credits for graduate students) without authorization;
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You change your non-immigrant classification (e.g., you become H-1) or obtain permanent residency;
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You are expelled from the University;
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You are suspended from the University;
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You fail to maintain your proper status (e.g. if you work illegally, do not attend classes full-time etc.);
In all of the above cases, the University is required to report to USCIS that your record has been terminated. USCIS, in turn, may require you to leave the United States (deportation).
What should you tell your overseas friends planning to attend UMass Lowell?
The SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 will be printed by the International Student and Scholars Office once a person has been accepted to UMass Lowell, has provided financial documentation, and has pre-paid the required fees. The I-20/DS-2019’s will be mailed to your friends who will bring them to the U.S. embassy/consulate to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. They also will be required to pay the $100 SEVIS I-901 fee.
When should new students report to the International Students and Scholars Office?
New students MUST report IN PERSON to the International Student and Scholars Office within the first 2 weeks of classes. Please bring your SEVIS I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94 card, and any documents that pertain to your non-immigrant status. The ISSO is required to register all students in SEVIS within 30 days of the beginning of classes.
What happens if new students don’t show up at the International Students and Scholars Office within the first two weeks?
If the International Student and Scholars Office staff does not see a new student within the first two weeks of classes, his/her SEVIS record will be terminated and USCIS will be notified that the student is out of status.
What do you need to do if you plan to travel?
If you plan to travel at any time, it is very important that you tell the International Students and Scholars Office about your plans. You will need to have in your possession a currently dated signature on page 3 of your SEVIS I-20. The signature MUST be dated within 6 months.
What is some other helpful information about travel?
We recommend you make three copies of all your important documents, including:
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Your previous I-20’s, even from other schools;
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Pages in your passport showing your picture, birth date, passport number, expiration date;
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Visa and I-94 card
Also:
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Keep one set in your possession, put another set in your checked baggage, and leave the last set with a friend in the United States.
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At least one week before you travel, have your I-20 signed at the International Students and Scholars Office. Please don’t wait until the last minute.
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Obtain a copy of your transcript from ISIS, the UMass Lowell student information system.
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Request an “Enrollment Certification” letter from the International Students and Scholars Office stating that you are currently enrolled as a student at UMass Lowell.
If you are traveling outside of the United States:
Check to see if your F-1/J-1 visa has expired. If it has, you must apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy to have it renewed before returning to the U.S. Because of background checks, this could take up to 3 months.
What should you do if you are significantly delayed overseas and can’t return to the University by the start of the following semester?
Make arrangements with a friend authorizing him/her to request (signed letter from you) that you be dropped from your classes and be “officially” withdrawn from your program (graduate students).
Why is this so important?
This will keep your SEVIS and UMass Lowell academic records in order; and if you have your friend drop/withdraw before the official drop deadline, you will not be charged for your courses.
What if you had another visa status (e.g. H-1, H-4), changed to F-1 status in the United States, and then traveled overseas?
You must apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Please prepare for a possible delay due to background checks. Remember that when applying for an F-1 visa, you must prove intent to return to your home country upon completion of your degree program. You will also be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
What is helpful information if you are traveling in the United States?
If you are traveling in the United States, make sure to carry your original passport and I-20/DS-2019 with you at all times. You may be required to show these original documents to government officials.
Why is reporting your change of address so important?
If you do not notify USCIS and the International Students and Scholars Office within 10 days of your change of address, you may lose your F-1 visa status.
What are things you need to do when you change your address?
We recommend the following:
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You must inform the International Students and Scholars Office as soon as possible so we can enter the new address in SEVIS. You can update university records in ISIS, the UML student information system.
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You should download form AR-11 from the USCIS Web site.
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Thoroughly complete form AR-11 for you and your dependents. The address on the form must be your residence, not a post office box.
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Make a copy of the form for your records.
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Mail to the address on the form using “Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested.” You will receive a receipt from the post office proving that USCIS received your form. It is important to keep this receipt with the copy of your AR-11 form for your records.