Can I reactivate my SEVIS?

Reactivating Your SEVIS Record: A Guide to Getting Back on Track

For international students holding an F-1 visa, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the cornerstone of their authorized stay in the United States. Your SEVIS record, managed by your Designated School Official (DSO), tracks your academic progress, enrollment, and overall compliance with visa regulations. However, life happens, and sometimes students need to withdraw from their program. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your SEVIS record has been terminated and you’re now looking to reactivate it, understand that this isn’t always a straightforward process.

Reactivating your SEVIS record is possible, but it hinges on meeting a very specific and narrow set of criteria. It’s crucial to understand these conditions to determine if reactivation is even a viable option for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

1. Authorized Early Withdrawal is Paramount:

This is perhaps the most critical condition. You cannot simply have dropped out of your program. Your SEVIS record must show that your withdrawal from your academic program was authorized by your DSO. This means you discussed your reasons for leaving with your DSO, and they officially documented your authorized early withdrawal in SEVIS. This proactive approach is essential. Without documentation of an authorized withdrawal, reactivation becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible.

2. Continuous Maintenance of F-1 Status and Full-Time Enrollment:

Before your withdrawal, you must have consistently maintained your F-1 student status. This includes adhering to all visa regulations, such as:

• Full-time enrollment: You must have been enrolled in a full course of study as defined by your institution. Exceptions are sometimes made for final semesters, but these must be documented and approved by your DSO.
• Valid I-20: You must have possessed a valid I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) throughout your studies.
• Reporting changes: You must have reported any changes to your address, major, or personal information to your DSO in a timely manner.

If there were any periods where you were not adhering to these requirements prior to your withdrawal, it could jeopardize your chances of reactivation.

3. Time is of the Essence: The 15-Day Rule:

This is where many students face challenges. Your departure from the United States must have occurred within 15 days of your SEVIS record termination. This is a very short window. If you remained in the U.S. longer than 15 days after your SEVIS record was terminated, you will generally not be eligible for reactivation. This timeframe emphasizes the expectation that you would promptly depart the country upon terminating your program, as your legal basis for remaining (your F-1 status) has been revoked.

What to Do if You Believe You Qualify:

If you believe you meet all of the above criteria, the first step is to contact your Designated School Official (DSO) at the institution where your SEVIS record was initially created. They will be able to review your SEVIS record, assess your eligibility, and guide you through the reactivation process. The reactivation process often involves providing documentation to support your claim, such as travel records, enrollment history, and communications with the DSO regarding your withdrawal.

Important Considerations:

• Reactivation is Not Guaranteed: Even if you meet the criteria, reactivation is not automatically guaranteed. The decision ultimately rests with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Consult with an Immigration Attorney: Given the complexities of immigration law, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand your options and ensure you’re taking the right steps.
• Alternative Options: If reactivation is not possible, you may need to explore other options for returning to the U.S., such as applying for a new F-1 visa or another type of visa that aligns with your intended activities.

In conclusion, reactivating your SEVIS record is a complex process with stringent requirements. Careful planning, proactive communication with your DSO, and a clear understanding of the rules are crucial for increasing your chances of success. Don’t delay in seeking guidance from your DSO and, if necessary, an immigration attorney.