SEVIS Termination

Understanding Immigration Status and How to Stay on Track

Maintaining your immigration status while studying in the U.S. is very important for your academic journey and future opportunities. We know the rules can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you every step of the way! 

Why Would  A SEVIS Record Be Terminated?

There are a few situations where the Office of International Student and Visiting Scholars (OISVS) may be required to end your SEVIS record after a status violation. These include:

• Not enrolling in a full course load by the registration deadline

• Dropping below a full course of study or withdrawing from all classes without prior approval from OISVS

• Not completing the required number of in-person classes each semester

• Being put on academic suspension or expulsion

• Working without proper authorization

• Not checking in with OISVS or attending classes after arriving in the U.S.

  • Please note this is not an exhaustive list

DHS also has authority to terminate a SEVIS record, usually in the situation of arrests or other illegal activity which automatically terminates a student's immigration status.

What Happens If Your SEVIS Record Is Terminated?

If your SEVIS record is terminated, there are some important things to be aware of:

• You no longer have a legal basis for remaining in the U.S. unless you file an application for reinstatement (if qualified)

• You’ll need to stop any on-campus employment right away.

• Your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) will be cancelled upon termination and you will need to re-establish your eligibility for future CPT or OPT after regaining F-1 status.

• Getting or renewing a driver’s license or Social Security card may not be possible.

• You are at risk for immigration complications, including deportation

• Accumulating “unlawful presence” in the U.S. can lead to long-term bars from re-entering the country (3 or 10 years, depending on the length of time).

• There’s no automatic grace period to stay in the U.S. after a SEVIS termination—you’ll need to leave unless you’re applying for reinstatement.

Getting back into status can be a time-consuming and sometimes costly process, and unfortunately, success isn’t guaranteed. Usually, students have two options:

1. Leave the U.S. and re-enter with a new I-20 and SEVIS ID

2. Apply for reinstatement through USCIS, which can take over a year to process

Both options have risks, so it’s best to avoid these situations whenever possible.

Remember:
If you ever have questions or feel unsure about your immigration status, please reach out to the OISVS. We’re here to support you and help you navigate any challenges that come your way!