Only those schools that are certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) are authorized to accept international students. Detailed information regarding the certification process for schools can be found on our Certification page. But sometimes school officials may search the web for additional information to figure out how to get started. It’s important to note: before you search, know your search terms and make sure they are accurate. Improper search terms can lead to the wrong information sources. Some commonly misused terms include:

• “Becoming an I-20 school”
• “How to issue student visas”
• “Student visa schools”
• “Foreign student schools ”
• “SEVIS-approved”
• “SEVIS-certified”

The examples above may seem like proper SEVP terminology, but, as stated above, searching for them will not necessarily guide you to the most accurate resources, like the Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States or the official SEVP website, www.ice.gov/SEVIS.The proper term for a school that has been authorized to enroll nonimmigrant students is an “SEVP-certified school.”

As a reminder, the basic steps for school certification are:

• Submit a Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student”
• Pay petition fee and site visit fees
• Site visit is conducted, SEVP requests any additional information
• Submit all requested supporting documentation

Study in the States has information about the initial certification application requirements for schools that accept nonimmigrant students and the application process, as well as the ongoing obligations that a school will need to fulfill in order to remain SEVP-certified.

School officials should carefully consider the decision to petition for certification. It is a business decision that requires a financial commitment, significant personnel commitment, and strict reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Officials should consider this decision within the context of the school’s strategic direction, long-term planning, and ability to conform to regulatory requirements. Currently, the filing fee is $1,700, and the site visit fee is $655 per campus location.

Once your school is SEVP-certified, you can enroll nonimmigrant students and issue the Form I-20, which allows students to apply for a visa to enter the United States (schools cannot issue visas; students apply for a visa their U.S. embassy or consulate). For questions about school certification, you can email SEVP@dhs.gov or call (703) 603-3400.