Schools that want to enroll nonimmigrant students must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Being certified means that your school can issue Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” and enroll these students. Students will be able to see your school on the school search page when researching where to study in the United States. If you want to petition for certification, keep reading to learn more.

How does my school apply for certification?

The first step of the process is submitting the Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Petitioning schools must prove things like having the necessary facilities and faculty to instruct students. Find out more on our Certification Application Requirements page. You also have to pay filing and site visit fees, and may have to submit evidence to SEVP. Our Certification Application Process page has more information on each step.

Watch A Guide to Completing the Form I-17 to walk through the entire form.

What responsibilities come with certification?

SEVP-certified schools accept certain reporting requirements. Whenever there is a material change to your school's information, like a change in leadership or mailing address, the principal designated school official (PDSO) must update the Form I-17. You must also make changes to your student's information on their SEVIS record. Remember, it is important to keep this SEVIS data accurate since government agencies use it at different points of the international student process.

How long does certification last?

The PDSO is responsible for completing recertification every two years. During this process, SEVP reviews a school’s record-keeping to verify that it continues to be a bona fide school and remains compliant with SEVP regulatory standards. Learn more on our Recertification pages.