SEVIS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SEVIS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A school certified by SEVP changes its legal name due to a merger. Which SEVIS document must be updated to reflect the new institutional name? → Form I-17 (the school's SEVIS petition)
2. Which agency certifies schools to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students in the United States? → Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
3. Which document is NOT typically reviewed during a SEVIS site visit or audit conducted by ICE/SEVP? → Institution's tax return filings
4. In SEVIS, what happens if a DSO attempts to save a student record with a missing required field? → SEVIS displays an error message and prevents saving until the field is completed
5. What is the primary purpose of immigration regulations in SEVIS? → Ensure compliance with laws
6. Why keep audit trails in SEVIS? → Track and demonstrate
7. Which of the following correctly describes 'Curricular Practical Training' (CPT) for F-1 students? → Integral part of an established curriculum authorized by the DSO before graduation
8. Why is training essential for SEVIS record management? → Equip staff with knowledge
9. In SEVIS practice, what happens when regulations are updated? → Professionals must update knowledge and practices to meet new requirements
10. How long should SEVIS professionals typically retain official documentation? → According to applicable regulatory requirements and organizational policies
11. What is the PRIMARY reason for regulatory compliance in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Certification profession? → To protect public safety, ensure quality, and maintain professional integrity
12. An F-1 student on STEM OPT extension must report to their DSO every how many months to certify continued employment? → 6 months
13. If a PDSO resigns without designating a replacement, what risk does the school face? → Loss of SEVP certification due to lacking a required school official
14. What is the purpose of the 'Cap-Gap' indicator field available in SEVIS for F-1 students? → It identifies students whose OPT authorization bridges the H-1B cap gap period
15. What records must be retained for audits? → Complete student files
16. In SEVIS, what does the status indicator 'Initial' mean for an F-1 student record? → The student's SEVIS record has been created but the student has not yet arrived
17. Which field in SEVIS is used to record a student's SEVIS ID number on a printed I-20? → SEVIS ID
18. What action is required if a student transfers schools? → Update SEVIS record
19. What is the correct SEVIS navigation path for a responsible officer (RO) to add a new alternate responsible officer (ARO)? → Administration > School Officials > Add Official
20. When a SEVIS professional identifies a potential regulatory violation, the CORRECT first step is to: → Document the violation and report through proper channels
21. Which of the following best describes a 'material change' that requires a school to update its Form I-17 with SEVP? → Opening a new branch campus in a different city
22. A J-1 exchange visitor subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement wishes to change status to H-1B. What must occur first? → File a waiver of the two-year requirement
23. When assessment results for a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Certification evaluation are inconclusive, the BEST practice is to: → Conduct additional assessment using alternative methods
24. Which form is used to report a J-1 exchange visitor's change in sponsor or program category? → Form DS-2019
25. A DSO at a SEVP-certified school is required to notify SEVP within how many days if the school no longer meets the minimum enrollment requirement? → 30 days
26. When assessment results for a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Certification evaluation are inconclusive, the BEST practice is to: → Conduct additional assessment using alternative methods
27. What distinguishes a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Certification certified professional from a non-certified practitioner? → Certification validates competency through standardized assessment against benchmarks
28. Which regulation governs the requirements for F and M nonimmigrant students in the United States? → 8 CFR Part 214.2(f) and (m)
29. A school that loses its SEVP certification must notify current F-1 students of the loss within how many business days? → 10 business days
30. Which regulatory requirement is UNIVERSAL across all Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Certification practice settings? → Maintaining current certification and continuing education