INS issues new rules on Student visas

Indian students registered with US universities must fulfil a new regulation from January 30, 2003. Before reaching the US, they must ensure that they have the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System registration (SEVIS). The US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officials have passed on new regulation that makes it mandatory for all foreign students in the US to possess this SEVIS.

According to the INS, SEVIS revises and enhances the process by which foreign students and exchange visitors gain admission to the United States. Under this SEVIS, after reaching the US, if a student does not register with a US school or a university, then, the school or the university must that the student has not enrolled with them.

These schools or universities must inform the INS about the details of the foreign student enrollment with in 30 days. Through SEVIS, INS will also know if the foreign student drops out of a school or a university program. Thereby, INS will be able to identify those foreign students who are not complying with the regulations under the immigration law.

After January 30, 2003, schools must issue SEVIS Forms I-20 to all new students. In addition, schools must issue SEVIS Forms I-20 to current students who need a new Form I-20 because of a reportable event. Non-SEVIS Forms I-20 issued prior to January 30, 2003, will continue to be valid documents until August 1, 2003.