Yes and no. The requirement that schools provide the federal government with information about each student's status is not new. The USCIS has required most of the information that will be reported to SEVIS for many years. But the existing paper-based system precluded widespread coordination amongst schools and governmental agencies. In 1996, Congress passed legislation directing the USCIS to move to an electronic data collection system. This program would come to be known as SEVIS-the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Technical challenges and lack of funding delayed the program for several years. However, in October 2001, Congress passed the USA Patriot Act that authorized additional SEVIS funding and required nationwide compliance by January 30, 2003.

After the University of Louisville admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and the USCIS approves the University's request to issue an I-20. The University transmits the new bar-coded I-20 form to the student.

• The student visits the U.S. consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms through SEVIS that the I-20 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa.

• An INS officer at the airport reports to SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S.

• After arrives on campus, the student should report to the International Center. The school confirms the student's enrollment through SEVIS and continues to provide regular electronic reports to USCIS throughout the student's academic career.

• Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.

The University of Louisville must report:

• Whether the student has enrolled at the school or failed to enroll.

• A change of the student's or dependent's legal name or address.

• Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.

• Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.

• Whether the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from the Designnated School Official (DSO). Immigration regulations refer to international student advisors as DSOs.

• Termination date and reason for termination.

• Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatement.

• Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.

Some examples of failure to maintain status include dropping from full-time to part-time enrollment without prior approval from the DSO, attending a school other than the one a student is authorized to attend, failure to apply for a timely transfer or I-20 extension or change in level of study, unauthorized employment, and failure to report a change of address.

The student's record will be updated with SEVIS every semester. Students who fail to maintain status lose the privileges of their student visa and become subject to deportation. Specific consequences may include denial of re-entry to the U.S., inability to move from undergraduate to graduate status, denial of requests for Practical Training, denial of requests to change visa status, and possible denial of all future visa applications.

If a student drops below a full course of study without prior approval from the DSO, that "event" would be reported to the USCIS via SEVIS and this student would be out of status. The student may apply to the USCIS for reinstatement if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond his or her control. Reinstatement is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. The student may not apply for reinstatement under any circumstances if out of status for longer than five months. If the USCIS does not reinstate the student, that decision may not be appealed.

U of L is committed to assist students in ways that prevent status violations from ever occurring. Accordingly, effective Spring 2003 Semester, these three policies took effect.

1. F-1 and J-1 students new to U of L must physically check in with the International Center Office prior to registering for classes.

2. All F-1 and J-1 students who register for less than a full course of study (other than Summer Term) will be required to meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss the student's status.

3. International students will not be able to drop below a full course of study without prior authorization from an International Student Advisor. Full-time means 12 credits per semester for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduate and professional students. Acceptable reasons for reduced credit load include:

   • Students who experience academic difficulties may take a reduced credit load - for example, a student who is unfamiliar with American teaching methods.

   • Graduate students who have completed required coursework may register for thesis or dissertation credit only.

   • Students in their final term of study need only to register for the credit hours required to complete the degree.

   • Students with have a medical problem may reduce their credit load or take off the semester.

Remember, only the Designated School Officials in the International Center Office can authorize a reduced credit load. This approval must be obtained prior to dropping below full-time status.

The USCIS is required to audit the University's compliance with these new requirements every two years. Failure to comply with the federal regulations could result in the loss of the University's ability to accept international students.

Data moves faster through an electronic system than through a paper system. Students can expect that the USCIS forms will be produced faster, applications for benefits such as Practical Training will be approved more quickly, and visas will be granted without long delays.

• Read any email updates from U of L or the International Center Office, and periodically check the International Center's web site for news and announcements. Changes in immigration or visa procedures sometimes happen quickly. Information is posted as soon as we have reliable facts.

• Understand the immigration regulations, learn how to maintain lawful status in the U.S., and refer any questions or problems immediately to the experts in the International Center Office. The four words we hate to hear are: "But my friend said…"

• Be proactive. Students should plan their course schedules carefully in order to maintain full-time enrollment. Make travel arrangements early, and anticipate delays at consulates and border crossings. Keep all documents up-to-date. Changes in degree level, extensions, and travel validations must be done in a timely manner and on SEVIS documents. Allow time for processing new forms.

• Feel free to come to the International Center Office for assistance. The University of Louisville is a better place because you are here and we are committed to your success!