About SEVP
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is not a traditional association but rather a government program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Established in 2003, SEVP is responsible for monitoring and overseeing educational institutions that enroll nonimmigrant students (F and M visa holders) in the United States.
SEVP focuses specifically on students entering the USA as non-immigrants with the sole purpose of studying. The program authorizes and monitors schools that are approved to accept non-immigrant students, ensuring that all parties involved comply with U.S. immigration laws and regulations. SEVP manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a web-based system that maintains information on SEVP-certified schools and the international students who attend them.
SEVP certification is a critical component for any U.S. educational institution wishing to enroll international students. Only SEVP-certified schools can issue Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which prospective international students need to apply for an F or M student visa. This certification process helps maintain the integrity of the U.S. immigration system while facilitating legitimate educational opportunities for international students.
The program serves as a bridge between educational institutions and the immigration system, ensuring that schools maintain proper records of their international students and that these students comply with the terms of their visa status while studying in the United States.
Membership Requirements
Schools seeking SEVP certification must meet rigorous requirements to demonstrate their legitimacy and ability to properly monitor international students. The key requirements include:
- Accreditation: Schools must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body. For English language training programs specifically, accreditation by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is required.
- Form I-17 Petition: Schools must complete and submit Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student," which includes detailed information about the institution's programs, facilities, and designated officials.
- Site Visit: Schools must undergo a mandatory site visit for which they pay a $655 fee per physical location listed on the Form I-17. This visit verifies the information provided in the petition.
- Designated School Officials: Schools must appoint qualified individuals to serve as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Designated School Officials (DSOs), who will be responsible for maintaining SEVIS records and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
- Fees: Schools must pay a $3,000 fee for initial certification and a $1,250 fee for recertification every two years.
- Maintaining up-to-date records in SEVIS
- Reporting changes in student status
- Monitoring student enrollment and attendance
- Ensuring students maintain full course loads
- Reporting any significant changes to the school's information
- Compliance with Regulations: Schools must follow all SEVP governing regulations, which include:
- Recertification: SEVP-certified schools must apply for recertification every two years to maintain their ability to enroll international students.
- Ongoing Compliance: Schools must be prepared for unscheduled on-site reviews at any time after certification is approved.
For language schools specifically, the Accreditation Act requires all English language training programs to be accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to issue Forms I-20 to prospective students.
Complaint & Arbitration Procedure
As a government program rather than a membership association, SEVP does not offer traditional complaint or arbitration procedures for disputes between students and schools. Instead, SEVP focuses on regulatory compliance and enforcement.
If students have complaints about an SEVP-certified school, they are generally directed to:
- School Internal Procedures: First address concerns through the school's own complaint procedures.
- Accrediting Agency: Contact the school's accrediting agency, which typically has formal complaint procedures.
- State Education Agencies: File complaints with state education departments or agencies that oversee educational institutions.
- The U.S. Department of Education
- The Department of Homeland Security/ICE
- Federal Agencies: For serious violations, students may report concerns to:
SEVP itself focuses on ensuring that schools comply with immigration regulations rather than mediating individual disputes. However, if a school is found to be in violation of SEVP regulations, the program can take enforcement actions including:
- Issuing notices of intent to withdraw certification
- Placing schools on probation
- Withdrawing SEVP certification entirely
These enforcement actions are not designed as arbitration mechanisms but rather as regulatory compliance measures to maintain the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and protect the interests of legitimate international students.
General Information
Year of Foundation: 2003
Total Number of Members: SEVP is not a membership organization but a regulatory program. It certifies thousands of schools across the United States to enroll international students.
Geographic Focus: United States of America
Organisation Type: Government Program (Immigration Check)
Contact Information
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
DHS/ICE
500 12th Street, SW Stop 5600
Washington, D.C. 20536-5600
Phone: (+1) 703 603 3400
Email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov
Website: www.ice.gov/sevis