Maintaining Your F-1 SEVIS Status

The rules and responsibilities F-1 students must follow to keep their SEVIS record active and valid.

Overview

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the U.S. government database that tracks international students. Maintaining a valid SEVIS record is the foundation of your entire F-1 status — a terminated SEVIS record can end your legal presence in the U.S. instantly.

For Indians Moving From India

Before departing India, ensure your I-20 is signed by your DSO for travel and that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee. Keep your SEVIS fee receipt as proof. When you land at a U.S. port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your SEVIS record is active.

For Indians Already in the US

Your DSO manages your SEVIS record. To keep it active: maintain full-time enrollment, report any change of address within 10 days, report your employer within 10 days of starting work on OPT, and obtain a travel signature on your I-20 before any international travel.

Key Information

SEVIS records can be terminated for violations as minor as an unreported address change. A terminated record can lead to loss of F-1 status and potential bars to reentry.

Requirements

Full-time enrollment, timely reporting of address changes and employment updates, valid passport and visa stamp when re-entering the U.S., and a DSO-signed I-20 less than one year old for travel.

Common Mistakes

Traveling internationally with an I-20 that has an expired travel signature. U.S. Customs may deny entry and you will be stranded abroad until you can get a new signature.

Practical Tips

Treat every SEVIS-related deadline as non-negotiable. Use your school's international student portal to verify that your record is active after every semester registration.