SEVIS Enrollment Information for F-1 and J-1 Students NC State University

 

Who?

International students in F or J status - as well as their dependent family members (those in F-2 or J-2 status). Everyone in the US in F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 status must have their programs and presence registered in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) before August 1, 2003 in order to maintain their lawful nonimmigrant status. All new and continuing F and J students, and dependent family members must use a new SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019 (which replaced the IAP-66 for Js) to enter the US, to remain in the US, to transfer programs, or to apply for certain benefits (e.g., off campus employment). Authorized schools must enter records into SEVIS for all pending and current Fs and Js, including those who have graduated and are on OPT or J-1 Academic Training. Those who will be completing their programs and returning to their home country (and who do not need to make any changes or extensions before then) before August 1, do not need to have their records put into SEVIS. Alumni who are currently doing Optional Practical Training or Academic Training are also required to enroll in SEVIS with OISSS. Anyone who may have violated the terms of his or her F-1 or J-1 status should consult with Ms. Hanya Redwan, Associate Director.

 

What?

SEVIS is a database that collects and makes available certain information on those in F or J status and on those who wish to enter the US in F or J status. This information is used by US embassies and consulates overseas that issue F and J visas, immigration officers at US ports of entry (e.g., the airport) who will inspect and admit F and J students to the US, to various federal authorities (e.g., the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, The US Department of State, and other federal agencies), and to a limited extent the schools that admit or employ Fs and Js.

 

When?

From October 2002 through mid-April 2003, OISSS was entering NC State international student and scholar records in SEVIS on an as-needed basis. From May 10 through July 12, OISSS will enter the remaining student and scholar records into SEVIS.  NOTE: OISSS Advisors will be out of the office May 27 through June 1 and will not be performing SEVIS enrollments or authorizing benefits at that time.

 

Where?

SEVIS registration must be done in person at OISSS. Please follow the instructions below.

 

Why?

SEVIS registration is a federal requirement for all those in F or J status. If someone in F or J status does not have a record in SEVIS before August 1, 2003, that person will be out of status and will either have to apply for re-instatement or be subject to other possible consequences, including arrest, deportation, being denied a visa and re-entry for many years, etc. Those who register in SEVIS will be able to enjoy the benefits, rights, and opportunities of their nonimmigrant status.

 

How?

If you have already been enrolled in SEVIS and do not anticipate any changes or new benefits this summer, you do not need to do anything - simply complete and return the SEVIS Plan Card. If you will definitely be completing your program and returning home before August, you do not need to enroll in SEVIS – simply complete and return the SEVIS Plan Card. If you will travel this summer, stay here this summer and continue in the Fall, transfer out, change your program or level, work off campus, etc., and have not yet been enrolled in SEVIS, you must enroll in SEVIS between April 15th and July 15th – Please complete and return the SEVIS Plan Card and take the necessary actions described below.

 

OISSS advisors will be entering more than 5,000 individual records into SEVIS during this period. Not only are we entering continuing students and scholars and each of their dependent family members, but we also must enter incoming J-1 scholars and international student applicants to whom the University offers admission. Each entry takes between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the complexity of the registration, the completeness of the necessary forms, and the network/server speed/access to the SEVIS system. Please complete all the necessary information on the SEVIS registration forms, submit them early, and write neatly. Your patience, good humor, and understanding are appreciated. We want to get everyone in the system as expediently and as correctly as possible – if you have submitted the necessary forms and do not have your new SEVIS form by July 1, 2003, please contact OISSS at oisss_sevis@ncsu.edu. 

 

For more information on SEVIS from the U.S. government, please visit: http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/shared/sevis/index.htm

 

 

 

 

Checklist and Enrollment Instructions for F-1 and J-1 students

 

 

  1. Each F-1 and J-1 student must complete and submit (as soon as possible, but please submit it before May 10, 2003) the Sevis Enrollment Report.  This is an online form found at http://www.ncsu.edu/oisss/Sevis_Enrollment_Report.htm. It can also be accessed on our main website. This will tell us your current information and status – and you can also indicate the best time to meet with an OISSS advisor and let us know of anything else we might need to know.
  2. Ask your primary academic advisor (DGP for Graduate Students) to complete the Academic Advisor’s Recommendation Form (http://www.ncsu.edu/oisss/Advisor_Report.htm) and submit it directly to OISSS.  Your advisor can use this form to indicate when you should be able to complete your program. Please do not submit this form by yourself – it must come from your advisor.
  3. Gather your Financial Documents (funding amounts are listed below).
  4. Meet with an OISSS advisor to complete your SEVIS enrollment and to obtain your new I-20 or DS-2019.  You should receive an email from OISSS within one week of your successful submission of the online Enrollment Report (emergency situations will hear sooner than one week). If you have not received an email appointment time (and any additional instructions) within one week, please send an email to oisss_sevis@ncsu.edu - please do not call the office or walk-in to the office.

 

 

Financial Information

 

For those students who will be completing their program and either returning home or applying for OPT, no new funding is required. If you are single and are on the Graduate Student Support Plan, then your DGP can indicate continued funding on the Academic Advisor’s Form (url above). If you need to obtain new (less than 6 months old) bank certification or support letters, please contact your sponsor and have them fax the new materials directly to you. If they must fax them to OISSS (919.515.1402), please be sure they are no more than 3 or 4 pages and that every page is numbered and has your full name printed on each page. Bring your financial documentation with you to your scheduled appointment.

 

Estimate for those who will complete their program before August 2003

                $5,303     (Tuition, fees, Living Expenses for 3 months)

                $1,500     (Spouse if in the US)

                $500        (each minor child in dependent status)

 

For those who will complete their program by December 2003

                $13,750   (Tuition, fees, Living Expenses for ~6 months)

                $3,000     (Spouse if in the US)

                $2,000     (each minor child in dependent status)

 

For those who will complete their program May 2004 or later

$27,500   (Tuition, fees, Living Expenses for 12+ months)

                $1,500     (Spouse if in the US)

                $500        (each minor child in dependent status)

 

Examples:

1)       If you are single and will graduate in December 2003, you need to show $13,750 only

2)       If you are married with 2 children and will graduate sometime in 2006, you will need to show $41,500

3)       If you will graduate in August and you have an assistantship that pays $1,000 per month plus tuition, just bring your “award” letter to your appointment.