SEVIS Immigration Regulations & Compliance 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An F-1 student on STEM OPT extension must report to their DSO every how many months to certify continued employment?
- 3 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
- Only once at the start of the extension
Correct answer: 6 months
F-1 students on STEM OPT extension must provide a validation report to their DSO every six months confirming employment and training plan progress.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for a DSO to authorize a reduced course load (RCL) for an F-1 student?
- Medical or mental health condition
- Academic difficulties in the first semester
- Desire to work more hours at off-campus employment (Correct answer)
- Final semester with fewer credits needed to complete degree
Correct answer: Desire to work more hours at off-campus employment
A desire to work more hours is not a permissible reason for an RCL; authorized reasons include initial academic difficulties, medical conditions, and completion of studies.
Question 3: A sponsor designates a J-1 exchange visitor as a 'research scholar.' Which regulation governs the terms and conditions of this category?
- 8 CFR 214.2(j)
- 22 CFR 62.20 (Correct answer)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)
- 22 CFR 41.62
Correct answer: 22 CFR 62.20
22 CFR Part 62 governs J-1 exchange visitor categories, and 22 CFR 62.20 specifically addresses the research scholar category.
Question 4: Under the STEM OPT extension rules, what is the maximum additional period of OPT authorization a qualifying F-1 student may receive?
- 12 months
- 17 months
- 24 months (Correct answer)
- 36 months
Correct answer: 24 months
Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees may receive a 24-month extension beyond the initial 12-month OPT for a maximum of 36 months of total OPT.
Question 5: An M-1 student wishes to change their educational objective mid-program. What restriction applies?
- M-1 students may freely change programs with DSO approval
- M-1 students cannot change their educational objective once enrolled (Correct answer)
- M-1 students must file Form I-539 to change programs
- M-1 students may change programs only once during their program
Correct answer: M-1 students cannot change their educational objective once enrolled
Unlike F-1 students, M-1 students pursuing vocational training are prohibited from changing their educational objective after beginning their program.
Question 6: What is 'willful failure to maintain status' and what consequence can it trigger for an F-1 student?
- Minor paperwork delay; no consequence
- A knowing violation of student visa conditions that can bar future visa benefits (Correct answer)
- An administrative fee assessed by USCIS
- A mandatory transfer to another institution
Correct answer: A knowing violation of student visa conditions that can bar future visa benefits
Willful failure to maintain status is a knowing violation of F-1 conditions that can make a student inadmissible and bar future nonimmigrant or immigrant benefits.
Question 7: A school that loses its SEVP certification must notify current F-1 students of the loss within how many business days?
- 1 business day
- 5 business days
- 10 business days (Correct answer)
- 30 calendar days
Correct answer: 10 business days
Upon loss of SEVP certification, schools are required to notify enrolled international students within 10 business days so students can take appropriate action.
SEVIS Immigration Regulations & Compliance 4
An F-1 student on STEM OPT extension must report to their DSO every how many months to certify continued employment?