Today marks the first day principal designated school officials (PDSO) may begin completing their annual Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) verification for all the designated school officials (DSOs) employed by their Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. PDSOs have until March 2, 2016 to verify all SEVIS users associated with their school.

Specifically, PDSOs must verify that every PDSO and DSO with access to the system:

• Is employed by the institution.
• Performs duties that require access to SEVIS.

If a PDSO fails to complete the annual SEVIS verification by March 2, 2016, SEVP will no longer consider their school in compliance with record keeping and reporting requirements. Immediate consequences include:

• Loss of access to SEVIS.
• Inability to use batch processing.

For more information about this annual process, visit the SEVIS Help Hub to review the PDSO/DSO annual verification user guide and read through the frequently asked questions. PDSOs may also direct specific questions about SEVIS verification to SEVISTechnicalFeedback@ice.dhs.gov.

The annual SEVIS verification period, which takes place each year from Dec. 2 – March 2, ensures compliance with the Federal Information System Management Act. This act requires an annual verification and review for all users who access federal systems. This process ensures system security and confirms that users have both the need and the authorization to continue using federal systems.

All system users will receive a reminder about this annual verification through a SEVIS Broadcast Message and via the SEVIS message board. Additionally, Study in the States will continue to remind followers on social media and provide monthly status updates on our blog.

PDSOs, do not risk noncompliance and complete your annual verification today!