When the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) adjudicates a school’s completed, signed Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” the school officially enters a legally binding commitment with the federal government.

Submitting and signing the Form I-17 and agreeing to the school official compliance agreement in the Student and Exchange Visitor information System (SEVIS) means a school and its officials agree to comply with applicable federal regulations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements and reporting obligations, including:

• Updating the Form I-17 when material changes occur within 21 days of the change.
• Registering and maintaining student records in SEVIS.
• Allowing SEVP to conduct on-site reviews at any time.
• Applying for recertification every two years.

In the United States, schools are only authorized to accept and enroll F-1 and M-1 international students after they have obtained SEVP certification, and petitioning for SEVP certification is a serious decision. A school should consider legal, financial and personnel commitments before making the decision to become SEVP-certified. Designated school officials should also keep in mind that their role requires that they comply with specific reporting and record keeping requirements.

Do you have questions about the requirements and regulations related to SEVP certification? Read a complete guide to the SEVP school certification life cycle on Study in the States or find some of SEVP’s governing regulations for schools and international students on ICE.gov/SEVP.