SEVP Information
To apply for I-20 status a school must be approved to operate in the State it is located and be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. The application is an I-17 and you can read the regulations governing the petition for approval at the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website at:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/regs/8cfr214_3.htm
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) acts as the bridge for varied government organizations which have an interest in information on foreign students. SEVP uses web-based technology, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) School Certification Branch (SCB) is responsible for evaluating Form I-17, Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student, to determine whether educational institutions meet the minimum eligibility requirements to be approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Non-immigrant students who come to the United States to pursue full-time academic or vocational/ technical training are usually admitted in one of two non-immigrant categories.
- The F-1 category includes academic students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, and academic high schools, other academic institutions, Fine Arts, and language training. For Federal regulations concerning F-1 students visit 8 CFR 214.2 (f) Academic and Language Students
- The M-1 category includes vocational, technical training, flight schools, and non-academic schools. For Federal regulations concerning M-1 students visit 8 CFR 214.2 (m) Vocational Students
For information on the Criteria and Certification Process visit:
