US Student Visa Crisis: SEVIS Rules & Legal Tips Explained
The United States has long been a popular destination for international students seeking higher education. However, in recent times, the country has faced a student visa crisis, leaving many Indian students in a state of uncertainty. The crisis revolves around the revocation of student visas and the termination of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records. In this blog post, we will delve into the SEVIS rules and provide legal tips to help current and incoming students navigate the complexities of US immigration law and maintain their valid immigration status.
Background
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enforced a strict deadline under the Alien Registration Act for all foreign nationals staying in the country for more than 30 days. This deadline has led to the revocation of student visas and the termination of SEVIS records, causing concerns among current and incoming students. According to a recent report, the DHS has revoked over 1,000 student visas, affecting thousands of students from India and other countries.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an electronic database that tracks the status of international students and exchange visitors in the United States. It is maintained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is used to monitor the compliance of international students with their visa conditions. SEVIS records contain essential information about students, including their name, date of birth, visa type, and program details.
SEVIS Rules
To avoid SEVIS issues and maintain valid immigration status, international students must comply with the following rules:
- Register with SEVIS: Upon arriving in the US, international students must register with SEVIS within 30 days of their program start date. This can be done online or in person at a designated SEVIS registration center.
- Maintain valid immigration status: International students must ensure that their visa status remains valid at all times. This includes complying with the terms and conditions of their visa, such as attending classes, reporting changes in address, and maintaining health insurance.
- Report changes: International students must report any changes in their program, address, or other personal details to the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) and SEVIS within 21 days of the change.
- Complete program requirements: International students must complete their program requirements, including coursework, research, and internships, within the specified timeframe.
Legal Tips
To avoid SEVIS issues and maintain valid immigration status, international students should follow these legal tips:
- Consult with the DSO: The DSO is the primary point of contact for international students and can provide guidance on SEVIS rules and compliance.
- Maintain accurate records: International students should keep accurate records of their program details, including course schedules, attendance records, and grades.
- Report changes promptly: International students should report any changes in their program, address, or other personal details promptly to avoid SEVIS issues.
- Seek legal assistance: If an international student faces SEVIS issues or concerns about their immigration status, they should seek legal assistance from an experienced immigration attorney.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with SEVIS rules can have serious consequences for international students, including:
- Visa revocation: Failure to register with SEVIS or maintain valid immigration status can lead to the revocation of the student’s visa.
- SEVIS record termination: Non-compliance with SEVIS rules can result in the termination of the student’s SEVIS record, making it difficult to maintain valid immigration status.
- Deportation: In extreme cases, failure to comply with SEVIS rules can lead to deportation from the US.
Conclusion
The US student visa crisis has caused significant concerns among Indian students and other international students. To avoid SEVIS issues and maintain valid immigration status, international students must comply with SEVIS rules and follow legal tips. By understanding the SEVIS rules and seeking legal assistance when needed, international students can navigate the complexities of US immigration law and achieve their academic goals.
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