SEVIS is the database operated under the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), designed to allow the collection of information regarding foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States. All F-1 student I-20's and J-1 scholar DS-2019's are issued through the SEVIS database.

The school and the student both have responsibilities for reporting information in a timely fashion (see time restrictions below) to the DHS, either through SEVIS or individually. The following section describes the respective responsibilities with regard to reporting information and maintaining student status. Being out of status has serious implications, including the possibility of not being able to finish your program. Please contact the Luther Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success with any questions on how to maintain your student status.

SEVIS Reporting/Updating Requirements

The following information must be reported to the Designated School Official (DSO) so that it can be entered into your SEVIS record. The Principal School Designated Official (PDSO) in the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success is Alejandra Cruz ([email protected]).

• U.S. Mailing Address Change: Notify the DSO of any change of address within 10 days of the change. You may use this link to submit a change of address to your DSO.
• Permanent Home Address/Foreign Address Change
• Temporary Foreign Address Change
• Changes to your Program of Study (majors and minors): notify the DSO when you submit a major/minor declaration to the Office of the Registrar.
• Transfer to another U.S. institution: notify the DSO before your program end date.
  
  1. You must tell the DSO the school name and the "release" date (when you will be finished at Luther—usually the end of a term).
  2. If you plan to transfer to another undergraduate institution or to graduate school, you should make an appointment with the DSO before the end of your last term.
• Change of visa status: notify the DSO if you change from F-1 status to another visa category.
• Change in program end date: notify the DSO in advance, prior to the program end date. There are limited criteria for extending one's program—this must be discussed with the DSO.
• Reduced course load (less than full time, or less than 12 credits): The DSO can only approve a reduced course load for specific reasons. Please speak to the DSO before registering for less than full time. The DSO must note the approval in SEVIS, and the student must also note the Resumption of Full Course of Study in the subsequent semester.
  
• Approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), must be submitted by the DSO and entered into the SEVIS database.
• Application for Off-Campus Work due to Economic Hardship must be submitted by the DSO and entered into the SEVIS database. The DSO will advise as to eligibility.
• OPT completion date: Notify the DSO when you complete your Optical Practical Training employment.