SEVIS
The University of Michigan's Compliance Plan
Glossary of Terms
Protection of Indiviual Privacy

    SEVIS

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System. SEVIS is an Internet-based database system maintained by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is a unit of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). SEVIS is designed to provide users with access to accurate and current information on nonimmigrant foreign students, exchange visitors and their dependents. SEVIS-approved schools and exchange visitor programs must use SEVIS to issue visas and track extensions, transfers, authorized employment, reduced course loads and other reportable events. SEVIS simply requires that the federal government maintain this information in an Internet-based computer system rather than in paper files by individual exchange visitor programs, schools, colleges and universities.

Please note that non-immigrant aliens who are employed at the University pursuant to H visas or other employment-based visa categories are not subject to the SEVIS tracking and reporting requirements. SEVIS applies only to those non-immigrant aliens who are in the country on either a F, J or M visa. The University does not issue any M visas.

Can the University choose not to participate in SEVIS?

Participation in SEVIS is mandatory for all schools and exchange visitor programs that desire to enroll students entering the country on a F, J or M visa. Because of the University’s commitment to enrolling international students and scholars, it is mandatory that the University participates in SEVIS.

Who has access to SEVIS?

Once SEVIS is fully operational this database system will link all U.S. embassies and consulates, all ports of entry in this country, the DHS, the Department of State, authorized employees of exchange visitor programs and authorized employees of every academic institution that sponsors international students and scholars.

How did SEVIS come about?

SEVIS is the result of three federal laws. These laws are:

1. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), Public Law 104-208, September 30, 1996.
   
   
2. The USA Patriot Act, Public Law 107-105, October 26, 2001.
   
   
3. The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, Public Law 107-173, May 14, 2002.

Copies of these laws can be retrieved from www.uscis.gov under the Immigration Laws, Regulations and Guides Section.

When did SEVIS take effect?

All schools and exchange visitor programs that issue F, J, or M visas were required to be enrolled in SEVIS by January 30, 2003. By Fall 2003, the University was required to have all current and continuing International Students and Scholar information in SEVIS.

What information is the University required to provide to the Department of State and the DHS through SEVIS?

The information that the University provides to the federal government through SEVIS is information that the University has long been required to maintain and report to the federal government regarding foreign students and visitors. At the beginning of each term, the University is required to report to SEVIS the academic status of all F and J visa holders at the University, including whether (a) the student/visitor is enrolled, dropped below a full course of study without prior DSO authorization or failed to enroll; (b) the current physical address where the student/visitor and dependents reside; and (c) the start date of the student’s next term.

In addition, the University is required to provide updates to the federal government, within 21 days of the following reportable events:

1. Any student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or her program.
   
   
2. A change of the student’s or dependent’s legal name.
   
   
3. A change in the U.S. address where the student or his or her dependents physically reside.
   
   
4. Any student who has graduated early or before the program end date listed on the SEVIS Form I-20.
   
   
5. Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of the student being convicted of a crime; and
   
   
6. Any other notification request made by the DHS to the PDSO or RO with regard to the current status of the student or scholar.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with SEVIS?

The penalties for giving false or misleading information to the SEVIS database are significant. The University could lose its ability to issue F and J visas. SEVIS is extremely unforgiving of mistakes. Therefore, only the authorized University Designated School Officials and Responsible Officers have access to SEVIS. They are well-trained and experienced international student/scholar professionals.

Foreign students and scholars do not input data into SEVIS. Foreign students and scholars, however, have an independent responsibility to maintain a lawful status while in the United States. This includes maintaining current contact information with the Registrar, becoming knowledgeable about reporting requirements and updates and timely notifying the International Center of reportable events. The penalties for foreign students and scholars are also significant. Failure to provide up-to-date information may result in a student becoming out-of-status and deported and may negatively impact future visa applications to the United States.

Where can I get reliable and up-to-date information on SEVIS or other immigration matters at the University of Michigan?

Immigration rules and procedures are evolving daily. The International Center is charged with the responsibility for keeping the University abreast of changes in immigration laws that affect our students and scholars. Within the University, please refer to the information provided by the International Center for complete and accurate immigration information.

All other immigration matters should be directed to the appropriate staff member at the International Center on your campus.

Where can I learn more about SEVIS?

Visit the official federal government web site at
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/

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    THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S COMPLIANCE PLAN

Who is responsible for SEVIS compliance at the University of Michigan?

The International Center on the Ann Arbor campus is responsible for SEVIS implementation and compliance for the Ann Arbor foreign student program (F-visa), Ann Arbor Exchange Visitor Program (J-visa) and the Flint Exchange Visitor Program (J-visa). The Primary Designated School Official and Responsible Officer for the Ann Arbor campus is the International Center Director or International Student and Scholar Services Manager of the International Center.

International Center
603 E. Madison
Suite 1370
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1370
(734) 764-9310

The International Office on the Dearborn campus is responsible for SEVIS implementation and compliance for the Dearborn foreign student program and Exchange Visitor Program. The Primary Designated School Official for the Dearborn foreign student program is Lori Lewis, Assistant Registrar. The Responsible Officer for the Dearborn Exchange Visitor Program is Emily Wang, International Program Coordinator.

International Office
4901 Evergreen Road
2136 University Center
Dearborn, MI 48128-1491
(313) 583-6600

The International Student Center on the Flint campus is responsible for SEVIS implementation and compliance for the Flint foreign student program. The Primary Designated School Official for the Flint foreign student program is Peter Hendricks, International Student Coordinator.

International Student Center
515 Stevens Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 767-6449

Who at the University is authorized to submit data into SEVIS?

Only those employees of the University who are classified as either a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) or a Designated School Official (DSO) are authorized to enter data for foreign student program. Only those employees of the University who are classified as either the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) are authorized to enter data for the Exchange Visitor Program.

Who is authorized to sign immigration paperwork for F and J visa holders?

University employees are not permitted to sign immigration paperwork for international students and scholars, unless authorized by the University and federal government to do so. All international students here on a F (student) visa are required to maintain a valid SEVIS I-20 form. Only those individuals who have been designated by the federal government as a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) or a Designated School Official (DSO) for the University are authorized to sign this form.

Similarly, all students and scholars who are here on a J (Exchange Visitor) visa are required to maintain a valid SEVIS DS2019 form. Only the individuals who have been designated by the federal government as a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the University are authorized to sign this form.

Consult with the International Center or Office on your campus regarding authorized signatories.

International Center - Ann Arbor
603 E. Madison
Suite 1370
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1370
(734) 764-9310

International Office - Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Road
2136 University Center
Dearborn, MI 48128-1491
(313) 583-6600

International Student Center - Flint
515 Stevens Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 767-6449

Unauthorized signatures on these forms can result in serious negative consequences. For example, an individual may be denied entry to the United States or denied other benefits (i.e., transfer to another institution, taking a reduced course load, etc.); the University’s authorization to enroll F-1 students or sponsor exchange visitors and scholars could be revoked; and unauthorized signers could face serious legal difficulties for failing to comply with federal regulations. As you know, international students and scholars are facing increased scrutiny at the borders these days and, therefore, you and your faculty and staff members should treat this as a serious matter.

For more information about when travel signatures are needed, please read the travel advisory at
http://www.umich.edu/~icenter/intlstudents/events/traveladvo.htm

What changes can international students and scholars expect as a result of SEVIS?

International students and scholars should expect the following changes for F and J visa holders:

1. Students/scholars will be required to report any changes in name or address to the University Registrar immediately but no later than 10 days after the change.
   
   
2. Students/scholars will not be permitted to drop below a full course load without the prior approval of a University DSO. Students who drop below a full course of study without prior DSO approval will be considered out-of-status by the USCIS and subject to deportation.
   
   
3. Students/scholars will be required to attend an orientation session sponsored by the International Center at least once at the time of their initial arrival at the University.
   
   
4. F-1 visa holders should expect stricter scrutiny of applications for work authorizations.
   
   
5. Social security numbers will not be issued unless necessary for authorized employment.

Students/scholars and their dependents will continue to be responsible for staying in status with the terms of their visas. Accordingly, all F and J visa holders must stay informed of current regulations that impact their immigrant status.

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    GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Department of State:
The Department of State is a federal executive cabinet department that is responsible for implementing United States foreign policy. http://www.state.gov. The Department of State is responsible for approving exchange visitor programs, issuing J visas and tracking all J visa holders while in the United States.

F-1 visa:
This visa status applies to nonimmigrant (a person who is a citizen of a foreign country and intends to return there) foreign students who are granted permission to enter the United States to pursue a full-time course of study at an approved college, university or other academic institution. Those individuals entering the United States via an F-1 visa are issued a SEVIS Form I-20 by the sponsoring academic institution.

F-2 visa:
This visa status applies to nonimmigrant ( a person who is a citizen of a foreign country and intends to return there) foreign nationals who are either a spouse or a qualifying child of an F-1 nonimmigrant.

Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”):
The INS no longer exists. The former INS was divided to three separate agencies that are now a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The three agencies are:

• US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities.
  
  
• US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for identifying and shutting down vulnerabilities in the nation’s border, economic, transportation and infrastructure security. ICE has investigative and enforcement responsibilities for federal immigration laws, customs laws, and air security laws.
  
  
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for protecting the US borders. CBP has inspection responsibilities for US Customs, US Immigration, Animal & Plant Health Inspection and US Border Patrol.

J-1 visa:
This visa status applies to nonimmigrant (a person who is a citizen of a foreign country and intends to return there) foreign nationals who have been selected by a sponsor designated by the Department of State to participate in an exchange visitor program in the United States. Examples of J-1 visa holders at the University include professors, research scholars, short-term scholars & specialists. Those individuals entering the United States via a J-1 visa are issued a Form DS-2019 by the sponsoring exchange program.

J-2 visa:
This visa status applies to nonimmigrant ( a person who is a citizen of a foreign country and intends to return there) foreign nationals who are either a spouse or a qualifying child of an J-2 nonimmigrant.

PDSO:
The Primary Designated School Official is the person authorized by the University and approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to ensure the University’s SEVIS compliance with its approved foreign student program. The PDSO, along with the DSOs, is authorized to sign and approve F-1 visa related immigration documents on behalf of the University.

A DSO is a Designated School Official. A DSO is a person who is authorized by the University and is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to access SEVIS and manage the University’s foreign student program, under the supervision of the PDSO.

RO:
The Responsible Officer is the person authorized by the University and approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to ensure the University’s SEVIS compliance with its approved exchange visitor program. The RO, along with the AROs, is authorized to sign and approve J-visa related immigration documents on behalf of the University.

An ARO is an Alternate Responsible Officer. An ARO is a person who is authorized by the University and is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to access SEVIS and manage the University’s exchange visitors program, under the supervision of the RO.

SEVP:
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program is the federal agency responsible for managing the SEVIS. SEVP is a unit of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

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    PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY

What privacy protections and rights do international students and scholars have in light of recent changes in immigration policies and practices?

Foreign students, scholars and faculty continue to be protected by the same privacy laws and university policies as U.S. citizens. Generally, the University will only provide information to third parties regarding any student, faculty member or staff person under the following conditions: (1) with the prior written consent of the subject individual; (2) to provide directory information that is not pre-sorted by non-directory information such as race, religion, gender, religion or national origin; (3) in response to a valid subpoena or court/agency order; (4) to protect the health and safety of the individual or others; or (5) if otherwise required by law, such as in compliance with reporting obligations or in response to FOIA requests.

Information contained in student records of international students continues to be protected by the federal Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). FERPA generally requires a student’s prior written consent before disclosure of student records can be made to third parties. There are exceptions that permit disclosure without a student’s prior consent, such as in response to a lawful subpoena or court/agency order. In such cases, the University will notify the student of the subpoena and court/agency order before disclosure is made unless the subpoena or order strictly prohibits the University from doing so. For more information regarding the University of Michigan’s FERPA policy visit the web sites for the University Registrar on each campus.

Similarly, employment records of international faculty/scholars continue to be protected from unauthorized disclosure by the Michigan Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right To Know Act.

Requests for information about J or F visa holders sponsored by the University are handled by the International Center for the Ann Arbor Campus, the International Office for the Dearborn Campus and the International Student Center for the Flint campus.

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