Submitting for recertification consists of four essential actions the PDSO must take in prompt sequence.
- Pay the recertification fee of $1,250 via Pay.gov.
- Log in to SEVIS and navigate to the School Information page and click the Apply for Recertification link located on the left-hand side of the SEVIS page.
- Edit the Form I-17 to reflect any changes to the petition.
- Upload a complete recertification package through SEVIS to SEVP at the same time you apply for recertification.
Keep in mind that schools may submit Form I-17 updates while filing for recertification. However, a change of ownership or a change of location must be submitted for adjudication prior to filing for recertification.
For more information about this process, please visit the Recertification tab in the Schools and Programs section of ICE.gov/SEVP and visit the SEVIS Help Hub. SEVP’s governing regulations for recertification are found in 8 CFR 214.3(a)(2). Listed below are step-by-step instructions for how PDSOs must file for recertification.
1. Review the Form I-17.
The PDSO reviews the entire Form I-17 to make sure all information is accurate and updated. The PDSO reviews previous Notices of Recertification for flagged items or discrepancies, if applicable.
2. Update the Form I-17.
Schools are required to keep all information on the information up to date at all times. Per 8 CFR 214.3 g (2)(ii), schools must update SEVIS with current information within 21 days of a change in any of the information on the Form I-17; therefore, recertification should not trigger updates that should have been previously submitted. A school with current school information in SEVIS at the time DSOs receive the 180-day notice of eligibility for recertification is much more likely to be recertified promptly and without problems.
3. Print the Form I-17.
Once the PDSO confirms that the Form I-17 accurately reflects their school’s operating status, they must print the Form I-17, along with any continuation pages from SEVIS and collect the necessary signatures. Signatures are mandatory on Form I-17 Continuation Page, “Certification and Signature by President, Owner, or Head of School,” and the Form I-17-A, “Record of Designated School Officials.”
4. Sign the Form I-17.
Signatures are required from the PDSO, all DSOs and the president, owner or head of a school.
5. Upload evidence in lieu of accreditation.
If an SEVP-certified school is not accredited by a Department of Education (ED)-recognized or SEVP-identified accrediting body, the school must upload evidence in lieu of accreditation. This evidence varies depending on school type. Refer to the Filing Evidence Guide for Non-accredited Schools on the Petition Updates tab as well as the Additional Evidence Guide on the Recertification tab in the Schools section of ICE.gov/SEVP.
6. Complete the recertification petition in SEVIS.
After the signatures are collected and any necessary evidence gathered, the PDSO must complete the recertification petition in SEVIS.
To submit for recertification via SEVIS click on the link to Apply for Recertification. Only the PDSO at the main instructional site can file for recertification. The PDSO must submit for recertification via SEVIS. This includes the electronic Form I-17 petition and uploading the signed Form I-17 petition and, if applicable, all supporting documentation. Please upload your recertification documentation via SEVIS. You may refer to the Form I-17 Upload Evidence User Guide for instructions on how to use the upload functionality. SEVP no longer accepts submissions via fax or U.S. mail.
7. Submit the recertification petition in SEVIS.
After you submit your recertification filing in SEVIS, you will receive a “Notice of Confirmation of Complete Filing” or a “Notice of Rejection of Filing” within three business days. If a notice is not received within three business days, please email sevp@ice.dhs.gov.
- A Notice of Confirmation of Complete Filing explains that your school has completed the requirements for recertification submission and there is nothing further needed at this time. The petition is in queue for adjudication.
- A Notice of Rejection of Filing indicates errors in the package submitted. Your application in SEVIS will be canceled. You will be required to make the necessary corrections stated in the notice and resubmit your recertification package (i.e., resend package via email and submit in SEVIS).
If a school fails to upload evidence at the same time it submits for recertification, SEVP will reject the recertification submission. Refer to the checklists for Accredited and Non-accredited Schools on the Petition Updates tab. depends petition, you must also upload the evidence required for the adjudication of those fields with your recertification filing. The evidence a school needs to provide to SEVP recertification Note: If your school is making edits to the
After receiving the Notice of Confirmation of Complete Filing, the school is in queue for adjudication. When a school’s recertification petition is in the adjudication phase, DSOs may receive a request for evidence (RFE). The PDSO has 15 calendar days to respond to the RFE.
If a material changes occur after a school’s recertification petition is filed, the school should report the changes by email to sevp@ice.dhs.gov with their school name, school code, a brief explanation of what they are requesting to do and any accompanying evidence they may have supporting their request.
