US Student Visa Crisis? SEVIS Rules & Legal Tips Explained
Indian students in the United States are facing uncertainty as student visas are being revoked and SEVIS records terminated. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enforced a deadline under the Alien Registration Act for all foreign nationals staying over 30 days. With concerns rising among current and incoming students, legal experts urge timely registration and compliance to avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is an online system used by the US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security to track international students and exchange visitors in the United States. SEVIS is used to monitor the status of foreign students and scholars, ensuring that they comply with the terms of their non-immigrant visas.
What is the deadline for SEVIS registration?
The DHS has enforced a deadline for all foreign nationals who have stayed in the US for more than 30 days. According to the Alien Registration Act, all foreign nationals must register with the US government within 30 days of their arrival in the country. Failure to comply with this deadline can result in severe consequences, including visa revocation and deportation.
Consequences of non-compliance
The consequences of non-compliance with SEVIS rules are severe. If a student fails to register with SEVIS, their student visa can be revoked, and they may be deported from the US. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to a loss of eligibility for future student visas, making it difficult for students to pursue higher education in the US.
Legal tips for students
To avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status, students must comply with SEVIS rules and regulations. Here are some legal tips for students:
- Register with SEVIS: Students must register with SEVIS within 30 days of their arrival in the US. They can do this by providing their biographic and biometric information to the US government.
- Maintain valid immigration status: Students must ensure that their immigration status is valid at all times. This includes maintaining a valid student visa and complying with the terms of their visa.
- Report changes to SEVIS: Students must report any changes to their SEVIS record, including changes to their address, program of study, or employment status.
- Comply with program requirements: Students must comply with the requirements of their program of study, including attending classes, maintaining a minimum GPA, and completing a certain number of credits.
- Seek legal advice: If a student is facing issues with their student visa or SEVIS record, they should seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney.
How to avoid visa issues
To avoid visa issues, students must take proactive steps to ensure that their immigration status is valid at all times. Here are some steps that students can take:
- Check SEVIS status: Students should regularly check their SEVIS status to ensure that it is valid and up-to-date.
- Report changes to SEVIS: Students should report any changes to their SEVIS record, including changes to their address, program of study, or employment status.
- Maintain a valid student visa: Students should ensure that their student visa is valid and not expired.
- Comply with program requirements: Students should comply with the requirements of their program of study, including attending classes, maintaining a minimum GPA, and completing a certain number of credits.
- Seek legal advice: If a student is facing issues with their student visa or SEVIS record, they should seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney.
Conclusion
The US student visa crisis is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for international students. To avoid visa issues and maintain valid immigration status, students must comply with SEVIS rules and regulations. By following the legal tips and avoiding common mistakes, students can ensure that their immigration status is valid and that they can pursue their academic goals in the US.
News Source:
https://youtu.be/rFc9JCg2IWA
