US Student Visa Crisis: SEVIS Rules & Legal Tips Explained
The United States is a popular destination for international students seeking higher education. However, recent developments have created uncertainty among Indian students, with many facing the risk of having their student visas revoked and SEVIS records terminated. In this blog post, we will explore the SEVIS rules and provide legal tips to help current and incoming students avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status.
What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online database maintained by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). SEVIS tracks the status of non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States, including their program details, dates of entry and exit, and any changes to their status.
New Deadline for Foreign Nationals
Under the Alien Registration Act, the DHS has enforced a deadline for all foreign nationals staying in the US for more than 30 days. This means that all international students, including Indians, must register with the US government and comply with SEVIS rules to avoid any issues with their student visas.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with SEVIS rules can have serious consequences for international students. The DHS may:
- Terminate SEVIS records, leading to the revocation of the student visa.
- Deny the student’s request for a visa extension or change of status.
- Initiate removal proceedings against the student.
- Bar the student from re-entering the US for a specified period or permanently.
Legal Tips for Indian Students
To avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status, Indian students must take the following steps:
- Register with SEVIS: All international students must register with SEVIS within 30 days of arriving in the US. They must provide accurate information about their program, academic status, and address.
- Maintain Valid Immigration Status: Students must ensure that their non-immigrant status is valid at all times. This includes reporting any changes to their program, address, or academic status.
- Comply with Program Requirements: Students must comply with the requirements of their program, including attending classes, maintaining a minimum GPA, and making satisfactory progress towards their degree.
- File for Visa Extensions: Students who need to extend their stay in the US must file for a visa extension with the DHS. They must demonstrate a compelling reason for the extension and meet the requirements of their program.
- Consult with an Immigration Lawyer: If a student is facing issues with their student visa or SEVIS record, they should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure they understand their rights and options.
Tips for Incoming Students
Incoming students can take the following steps to avoid visa issues:
- Review SEVIS Requirements: Review the SEVIS requirements for your program and ensure that you understand what is expected of you.
- Register with SEVIS: Register with SEVIS within 30 days of arriving in the US and provide accurate information about your program and academic status.
- Consult with Your University: Consult with your university’s international student office to ensure that you understand the requirements of your program and any additional steps you need to take.
- Plan Ahead: Plan ahead and apply for a visa extension well in advance of your original departure date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Conclusion
The US student visa crisis has created uncertainty among Indian students, but by understanding SEVIS rules and following legal tips, students can avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status. It is essential for students to register with SEVIS, maintain valid immigration status, comply with program requirements, and file for visa extensions as needed. If a student is facing issues with their student visa or SEVIS record, they should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure they understand their rights and options.
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To learn more about the US student visa crisis and SEVIS rules, watch this video: https://youtu.be/rFc9JCg2IWA
