What happens if my SEVIS is expired?

What Happens if My SEVIS Record Expires? Navigating Expired SEVIS and Maintaining Your Status

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a crucial component of your journey as a nonimmigrant student or exchange visitor in the United States. It tracks your immigration status and is linked to your I-20 (for students) or DS-2019 (for exchange visitors). But what happens if your SEVIS record expires? Does this mean you’re automatically out of status? The short answer is: not necessarily.

The expiration of your SEVIS record itself doesn’t automatically terminate your legal status. The crucial factor is whether you maintain your valid nonimmigrant status according to the terms of your I-20 or DS-2019. This means fulfilling the requirements of your program, including maintaining full-time enrollment (unless authorized otherwise), making satisfactory academic progress, and adhering to all other program stipulations.

Think of the SEVIS record as an administrative record, a digital trail of your immigration journey. While it’s essential for tracking purposes and for various administrative processes, your actual immigration status depends on fulfilling the conditions outlined in your I-20 or DS-2019.

What does happen when your SEVIS record expires?

While you aren’t immediately out of status, an expired SEVIS record can create complications:

• Difficulty with Program Continuation: Your school or program may require an updated SEVIS record before allowing you to continue your studies or participate fully in program activities.
• Challenges with Travel: Attempting to leave the country and re-enter with an expired SEVIS record can lead to delays and potential denials of entry. It may complicate the process of obtaining a new visa.
• Problems with Employment Authorization: If your SEVIS record is linked to your employment authorization (e.g., Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training), an expired record could jeopardize your ability to work legally.
• Potential for Out-of-Status: Continued violation of your visa conditions, even with an expired SEVIS record, will eventually lead to being out of status, with significant consequences.

Maintaining your Status:

The key to avoiding problems with an expired SEVIS record is to maintain your lawful nonimmigrant status. This requires proactive communication with your Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO). They are responsible for updating your SEVIS record as needed. Contact them promptly if you:

• Change your program of study.
• Change your address.
• Experience any significant changes in your circumstances.

By maintaining consistent communication with your DSO or RO and fulfilling the requirements of your program, you minimize the risks associated with an expired SEVIS record and ensure the smooth continuation of your studies or exchange program. Remember, an expired SEVIS record itself doesn’t automatically revoke your status, but neglecting your responsibilities can. Proactive communication and compliance are key to a successful stay in the U.S.