It is the international student’s responsibility to remain compliant with immigration and university regulations. The Office of International Student Services is here to provide information and services to ensure that F-1 students are aware of these requirements and are able to remain compliant in these ways. You can find this information on the Staying in Status page. When a student is not compliant with regulations, the OISS may be required to Terminate a student’s SEVIS record. Termination of a SEVIS record (an I-20) is very serious and can have many negative consequences for a student and his/her ability to stay in the US and attend school. Termination means that you are not in legal status (“out of status”) per the Department of Homeland Security.
Reasons for Termination of a SEVIS record include, among others:
- Unauthorized employment
- Unauthorized withdrawal from classes
- Unauthorized drop below full course of study
- Expulsion and suspension
- Failure to enroll in classes
In most cases, the Termination of a student’s SEVIS record means that the student in question must make plans to immediately depart from the US. In other words, there may not be a “grace period” after a Termination.
If your SEVIS record is Terminated, you have two options: travel outside the US with a new I-20 or submit a Reinstatement application to regain your status. An advisor from OISS will work with you to determine what the best option for you would be. You can make an appointment by calling 574-520-4419.
The best ways to ensure that your SEVIS record is not Terminated are:
- Always remain in a full course of study OR request and receive permission from OISS before dropping below a full course of study or withdrawing
- Always work only with permission
- Do not break University or US laws
- Always check your IU email for important reminders