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What Every School Official Should Know about SEVP Certification


March 10, 2015
Universities in the United States continue to boost their international student recruitment efforts. If your school wants to enroll F or M international students, it must first apply for and receive certification from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This program monitors schools, international students and their dependents to ensure adherence to federal regulations.
 
SEVP-certification allows institutions to issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective F and M international students. Prospective international students use the Form I-20 to apply for either an F or M student visa from the U.S. Department of State to enter the United States. Being an SEVP-certified institution requires ongoing recordkeeping, annual verification and bi-annual recertification.
 
Initial certification is the result of an SEVP-adjudication process, which includes a review of the Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student," application. It is important that school officials who file the Form I-17 complete it correctly. 
 
Once submitted, schools do not have access to edit the form during the adjudication phase. All information must accurately reflect the school’s circumstances at the time of filing. If circumstances change after you file for SEVP-certification, it is the school’s responsibility to immediately report this to SEVP.
 
To find out more about SEVP school certification, here are some of the free resources available on Study in the States:
 
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