During the SEVP Ask the Experts Webinar on July 27, 2017, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) officials discussed the process for Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” updates.

As a part of the webinar, SEVP officials highlighted important updates to the school recertification process that affect the Form I-17.

It is now possible to update the Form I-17 during the recertification process. This change means that school officials may submit non-substantial Form I-17 updates and any required evidence needed for adjudication when filing for recertification.

School officials must still submit substantial Form I-17 updates, such as a change of ownership or a change of location, for adjudication separately prior to filing for recertification.

SEVP officials also reminded school officials that:

• SEVP eliminated the principal designated school official and designated school official updates backlog in March 2016.
• ICE.gov/SEVP has more information and resources about Form I-17 updates, including lists of evidence that must be sent to SEVP at the time of submission in SEVIS.
• SEVP must approve and issue a Form I-17 for a new program of study before a school can enroll F or M international students in the program.

Additionally, SEVP officials answered a number of pre-submitted and live questions from stakeholders during the webinar.

A full recording and presentation slides from the webinar are now available on Study in the States. For more information, visit the SEVP Ask the Experts: Behind the Scenes of Form I-17 Updates page.

Tune in to future webinars to hear directly from SEVP about program updates and other important information related to the international student process.