US Student Visa Crisis: SEVIS Rules & Legal Tips Explained
The United States is a popular destination for international students, with thousands of students from around the world flocking to its esteemed institutions every year. However, the recent student visa crisis has left many Indian students in the US facing uncertainty and anxiety. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enforced a strict deadline under the Alien Registration Act, requiring all foreign nationals staying in the US for over 30 days to register and comply with the rules. In this blog post, we will delve into the SEVIS rules and provide legal tips to help Indian students in the US avoid visa issues and maintain their valid immigration status.
What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online database managed by the US Department of State that tracks and monitors the information of non-immigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. SEVIS is used to keep track of student visa holders’ arrival and departure dates, as well as their enrollment and academic progress.
SEVIS Rules and Requirements
Under the Alien Registration Act, foreign nationals who enter the US must register with the DHS within 30 days of their arrival. This includes students, exchange visitors, and dependents. To register, students must provide biographic and biometric information, as well as proof of their identity and immigration status.
Here are some key SEVIS rules and requirements that Indian students in the US must comply with:
- SEVIS Registration: Students must register with SEVIS within 30 days of their arrival in the US.
- Academic Progress: Students must maintain a valid immigration status by making satisfactory academic progress in their course of study.
- Health Insurance: Students must have health insurance that meets the US Department of State’s requirements.
- Employment: Students are allowed to work part-time on campus, but must obtain authorization from their school.
- Travel: Students must obtain a travel signature from their school before leaving the US.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with SEVIS rules and requirements can have severe consequences for Indian students in the US. These may include:
- Visa Revocation: Student visas can be revoked if students fail to register with SEVIS or maintain a valid immigration status.
- Termination of SEVIS Record: SEVIS records can be terminated if students fail to comply with the rules, which can lead to deportation.
- Deportation: Students who fail to comply with the rules can be deported from the US.
Legal Tips for Indian Students in the US
To avoid visa issues and maintain a valid immigration status, Indian students in the US must take the following legal tips seriously:
- Register with SEVIS: Students must register with SEVIS within 30 days of their arrival in the US.
- Maintain Academic Progress: Students must make satisfactory academic progress in their course of study to maintain a valid immigration status.
- Obtain Authorization for Employment: Students who want to work part-time on campus must obtain authorization from their school.
- Keep Records: Students must keep records of their biographic and biometric information, as well as proof of their identity and immigration status.
- Consult with an Immigration Attorney: If students are unsure about their immigration status or have concerns about SEVIS compliance, they should consult with an immigration attorney.
Conclusion
The US student visa crisis has left many Indian students in the US facing uncertainty and anxiety. To avoid visa issues and maintain a valid immigration status, students must comply with SEVIS rules and requirements. By registering with SEVIS, maintaining academic progress, obtaining authorization for employment, keeping records, and consulting with an immigration attorney, Indian students in the US can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience in the US.
News Source:
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