Here to Help provides information on each of the government agencies that has a role in the international student process.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. SEVP works directly with F and M students, principal designated school officials and designated school officials (DSOs). If you have a question or need assistance while studying in the United States, you should call or email the SEVP Response Center (SRC). The SRC provides information to resolve general policy guidance regarding student and school certification questions and concerns you may have during your time in the United States.

Email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov

Phone: 703-603-3400 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST, except holidays

When contacting the SRC via email, be sure to include a detailed description of the scenario and include your name and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID number.

The SRC will answer questions about student issues, including the following:

• Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee
• Maintaining your student status
• What to do if your school closes
• What to do if you receive a Form I-515A,“Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor”
• International travel
• Problems you encounter with your DSO

If you have questions related to the following topics, the SRC advises you to first contact your DSO for an answer:

• SEVIS issues about pending data fixes and correction requests: If you already have a ticket number from the SEVIS Help Desk, the SRC will be able to give you a status update. However, your DSO will inform you when SEVP performs the data fix.
• Pending or adjudicated benefits: To inquire on the status of benefits such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),optional practical training,change of status, reinstatement of student status, and M-1 transfers and extensions, contact your DSO. If your DSO cannot help you, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Please remember, the SRC has people who are knowledgeable about SEVP operations. The SRC will try to answer questions during an initial call, but some responses may require additional research and time.