Manage Program Dates, Registration and Course Load

Learn information about nonimmigrant program dates, registration and reduced course load.

Understanding SEVIS Program and Session Dates

In this section, learn information about program dates and session dates in SEVIS.

Manage Initial Program and Session Dates

This section outlines how to update program dates for F-1 and M-1 students.

Registration

In this section, designated school officials can find information regarding SEVIS registration, including relevant terminology, deadlines and various processes to use when registering initial or continuing attendance students. In this section you can also learn alternative actions to take on student records when registration is not appropriate.

Mass Registration

This section describes how to complete SEVIS registration for multiple F-1 and/or M-1 students at the same time.

Extending the F-1 Form I-20

In this section, learn when and how to extend nonimmigrant programs.

Extending the M-1 Form I-20

Occasionally, M-1 students cannot complete their program by the program end date in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). An M-1 student may request a program extension up to three years (plus a 30-day departure grace period) from the program start date. This guide reviews the requirements for the extension.

Reduced Course Load

In this section, learn how to complete a SEVIS action called “Authorizing a Drop Below Full Course,” for students who request a reduced course load (RCL). This section explains when a student may be allowed an RCL, how to authorize it and how to modify an RCL in SEVIS.

Shorten Program

In this section, you will find information on when and how to shorten nonimmigrant programs.

Cancel SEVIS Record in Initial Status

This section explains when and how to cancel a record in initial status in SEVIS.