On April 3, 2018, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) temporarily reinstated its recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as the department conducts a further review of the accrediting body. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will continue to monitor the evolving situation and review its impact on stakeholders on a case-by-case basis.

Per governing regulations, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) only accepts accrediting agencies that are currently recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for school certification purposes.

On Dec. 12, 2016, ED announced that it no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. As a result, SEVP can no longer accept ACICS accreditation for certification purposes, as ACICS is no longer a recognized accreditor by ED. While ED has decided to temporarily recognize ACICS-accredited schools for federal funding purposes, this does not change SEVP-certification requirements.

Regulations require SEVP-certified institutions to report any material changes (like a loss of recognized accreditation) to SEVP within 21 days of the change. Failure to follow this regulation may result in withdrawal of a school’s SEVP certification. As a reminder, when a school submits their signed Form I-17, they are legally agreeing to these terms and conditions.

Affected schools should now respond in a timely and thorough manner to the notice or request SEVP has issued. Generally, SEVP recommends that designated school officials review the institution’s Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” on a regular basis to ensure it reflects the school’s most up-to-date information.

SEVP advises ACICS-accredited schools and programs to refer to SEVP’s notices and Broadcast Messages sent to your school/program. For more information please visit ICE.gov or contact the SEVP Response Center.