SEVIS Reporting Requirements & Audit Preparation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An F-1 student transfers to a new institution but the release date in SEVIS has not been set by the transfer-out school. What should the transfer-in DSO do?
- Admit the student and update SEVIS independently
- Contact the transfer-out school DSO to set the release date before activating the record (Correct answer)
- File a SEVIS correction request directly with SEVP
- Deny enrollment until the student resolves the issue personally
Correct answer: Contact the transfer-out school DSO to set the release date before activating the record
The transfer-in DSO must coordinate with the transfer-out school to ensure the release date is properly set before activating the student's SEVIS record.
Question 2: Which SEVIS report must be submitted when an F-1 student's address changes to a new state?
- No report is required; only local address changes trigger reporting
- The DSO must update the student's U.S. address in SEVIS within 21 days (Correct answer)
- The student must notify SEVP directly within 10 days
- An I-539 amendment must be filed with USCIS
Correct answer: The DSO must update the student's U.S. address in SEVIS within 21 days
DSOs are required to update a student's address in SEVIS within 21 days of being notified of a change, regardless of whether it crosses state lines.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the SEVIS Batch interface used by large institutions?
- To allow students to self-report changes directly to SEVIS
- To automate bulk SEVIS record updates using data from the institution's SIS (Correct answer)
- To generate compliance reports for ICE field offices
- To issue I-20 forms without DSO review
Correct answer: To automate bulk SEVIS record updates using data from the institution's SIS
SEVIS Batch allows institutions to upload large volumes of student data changes automatically from their Student Information System.
Question 4: An institution is preparing for a SEVP recertification review. Which internal audit step is MOST critical to complete first?
- Review and reconcile all active SEVIS records against internal enrollment data (Correct answer)
- Update the institution's website with new DSO contact information
- Submit a practice I-17 petition to test the system
- Survey international students about their satisfaction with DSO services
Correct answer: Review and reconcile all active SEVIS records against internal enrollment data
Reconciling SEVIS records with enrollment data identifies discrepancies before SEVP reviewers find them, which is the most critical pre-audit step.
Question 5: Under what circumstance is a DSO permitted to authorize a reduced course load for an F-1 student without prior SEVP approval?
- Never; all reduced course loads require SEVP approval
- When the student has an academic difficulty in their first year only
- For specific reasons like initial difficulty, medical, or improper course level placement as defined in regulations (Correct answer)
- Only when the student provides a written request 60 days in advance
Correct answer: For specific reasons like initial difficulty, medical, or improper course level placement as defined in regulations
Regulations authorize DSOs to approve reduced course loads for specific defined reasons including initial difficulty, medical conditions, and improper course level without contacting SEVP.
Question 6: A SEVP audit reveals that an institution's PDSO left employment 8 months ago and no replacement PDSO has been designated. What is the most serious compliance risk?
- A $500 administrative fine per month
- Risk of SEVP certification withdrawal due to failure to maintain a qualified PDSO (Correct answer)
- Automatic suspension of all active student SEVIS records
- Mandatory external DSO appointment by SEVP
Correct answer: Risk of SEVP certification withdrawal due to failure to maintain a qualified PDSO
Institutions must maintain a designated PDSO at all times, and failure to do so can result in withdrawal of SEVP certification.
Question 7: When must a DSO report an F-1 student's unauthorized employment in SEVIS?
- Only if the student is arrested for immigration violation
- As soon as the DSO becomes aware of the unauthorized employment (Correct answer)
- Within 90 days of learning about the employment
- Only at the end of the academic year during annual reporting
Correct answer: As soon as the DSO becomes aware of the unauthorized employment
DSOs must update SEVIS and take appropriate action, including possible termination, as soon as they become aware of unauthorized employment.
SEVIS Reporting Requirements & Audit Preparation 3
An F-1 student transfers to a new institution but the release date in SEVIS has not been set by the transfer-out school.
What should the transfer-in DSO do?