As of August 1, 2003, the U. S. Government, along with all schools that admit international students and scholars, completed the implementation of SEVIS—The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This system enables the Government to maintain updated information on F-l non-immigrant international students and J-l Exchange Visitors and their F-2 and J-2 dependents. Much of the required information has always been available to the Government, but has not been available in a database designed for this purpose. All non-SEVIS visa documents are no longer valid. For more information about SEVIS, go to government web site here.

What must students and scholars do to be in compliance with SEVIS regulations?

New F-l students, J-l students and J-l scholars must register with the HIO as soon as possible after arrival in Cambridge and NOT LATER THAN 30 days after the beginning program date on their visa documents. The HIO must report F-l and J-l arrivals in SEVIS within 30 days of this start date or the students and scholars will be designated as “No Shows” in SEVIS and their records will be terminated. If they have not used the visa document to enter the United States, they will not be able to do so, and if they have used the visa document to enter the United States, they will be considered in this country illegally.

Students must register each semester for full-time study. The HIO must report students in SEVIS who are not registered for full-time study within 30 days of the final date for registering. Each school has a different date. Please consult with your Registrar’s Office and be sure to indicate you are an international student and this date is significant for visa verification purposes.

Students MUST NOT drop a course and become less than full time without PRIOR authorization from the HIO. (Please note there are limited circumstances when this is possible.)

Students and scholars must report a name change and an address change to the HIO and to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of the change. Address Change Information

Students and scholars must notify the HIO if they will complete programs earlier than expected or if they change their programs of study.