Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each month, we will answer a question that will help you advise your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, you can email us or ask us via social media, your Field Representative or the SEVP Response Center. We may edit questions for clarity and consistency and may not feature all submissions on Study in the States.

Question: May I continue to admit F and M students and issue Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status,” while my school is undergoing recertification?

Answer: Yes, you may continue to admit F and M students and issue Forms I-20 while your school is undergoing recertification.

However, if SEVP denies your school’s recertification, all F and M students admitted to your school must transfer to another SEVP-certified school or leave the United States.

SEVP-certified schools must go through the recertification process every two years. During this process, SEVP reviews a school’s recordkeeping and verifies that it continues to be a bona fide school and remains compliant with SEVP regulatory standards.

Regulations:

• 8 CFR 214.3(f)(1)
• 8 CFR 214.3(f)(2)
• 8 CFR 214.3(h)(2)