F-1 or J-1 Visa Status

Important Information about SEVIS for SLC International Students in F-1 or State Department-issued J-1 Visa Status

F-1 Visas

Many of you already have heard about the USCIS Web-based system for issuing and updating I-20 forms for international students and their dependent(s) on F-1 visa(s). Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) has become the new official data system for all international students. Sarah Lawrence is formally enrolled in SEVIS and must maintain, and share, its information on international students, in the manner required by law. We, therefore, suggest that all F-1 students remain aware of Sarah Lawrence’s obligations under the new USCIS regulations.

All new and updated I-20’s, for both arriving and current international students, are to be issued using this internet-based system, which means that students already enrolled in Sarah Lawrence have received a new SEVIS I-20. The new I-20’s feature a bar code, and each student will have an assigned SEVIS number. In addition, F-2 dependent(s) of F-1 students will also receive their own personal I-20.

USCIS continually records new regulations for F-1 visa holders. We expect that USCIS will require us to report more frequently on enrollment status, and other data, concerning international students.

J-1 Visas

All international students/scholars must report directly to the contact person at the sponsoring agency that issued your DS2019 (IAP-66) form. Extensions, work permits, and changes in educational or experiential levels, for holders of J-1 visas, are approved by the sponsoring agency, in consultation with and verification by, the Director of the Office of Multicultural and International Affairs (OMIA).