SEVIS Terminations FAQ

A visa is an official document that grants the passport holder permission to reside in the country for a specified period of time and for a specified purpose, such as work, travel, or study. A noncitizen seeking to enter the United States generally must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

Southern Utah University is certified to host two primary visa types:

1. The F-1 Student Visa for full-time study and enrollment.
2. The J-1 Exchange Visa for participation in academic exchange programs.

A student visa is a travel document issued by a U.S. embassy before an international student enters the United States. It allows the visa holder to travel to the U.S. port of entry but does not guarantee entry into the United States. Upon arrival, the visa holder must present the visa and other supporting documents to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officer. The CBP officer may interview the visa holder to determine eligibility for entry. If the visa holder is allowed entry, the officer will provide an admission stamp or update the online Form I-94 record, which indicates the date of admission and the duration of stay. More information on immigration documents.

Status refers to the formal immigration classification of the visa holder while in the United States, as indicated on their I-94 record, and relates to their purpose or the reason they are coming to the United States. It refers to the legal status that the student must maintain after they’re granted admission into the United States. It is possible to have multiple visas in one’s passport, but an individual can only have one immigration status while in the United States. A person can have a visa that has expired while also maintaining their current status. More information on maintaining status.

A visa revocation invalidates the visa document from the date the revocation is issued, meaning that it can no longer be used to enter or re-enter the U.S. A visa can be revoked by an embassy official or the Secretary of State, at their discretion.

SEVIS is a web-based system that the DHS and SUU use to maintain information on and monitor the status of nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. It provides a mechanism for student and exchange visitor status violators to be identified so that appropriate enforcement is taken (i.e., denial of admission, denial of benefits, or removal from the United States).

According to the DHS, termination of a student’s SEVIS record could indicate that the nonimmigrant no longer maintains F-1 or J-1 status. Designated School Officials (“DSOs”) may terminate F-1 or J-1 students and/or dependents who do not maintain their status. Reasons for termination include, but are not limited to: unauthorized employment, inadequate course load, program abandonment, failure to enroll, etc.

There are four consequences after a SEVIS record termination:

• Student loses all on- and/or off-campus employment authorization.
• A student cannot re-enter the United States on the terminated SEVIS record.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may investigate to confirm the departure of the student.
• Any associated F-2 or J-2 dependent records are terminated.

Historically, the DHS has not terminated a SEVIS record. However, the DHS has recently begun directly terminating SEVIS records. While termination reasons may be listed on individual SEVIS records, the DHS has not officially explained why it has recently initiated these terminations directly, and the broader criteria guiding these actions remain unclear.

Yes. Any nonimmigrant whose visa has been revoked can be charged with removability and placed in proceedings before an Immigration Judge. At the hearing, the government can articulate the basis for the charge, and the nonimmigrant can respond to this charge or seek an immigration remedy.

Yes. Any nonimmigrant whose SEVIS record has been terminated can be charged with removability and placed in removal proceedings for failure to maintain nonimmigrant status. At the hearing, the government can articulate the basis for the charge, and the nonimmigrant can respond to this charge or seek an immigration remedy.

Yes, if they maintain their legal status. Maintaining F-1 status depends on meeting the requirements for full-time enrollment in a study program, maintaining a foreign residence, having sufficient funds, and other conditions. If the student remains enrolled in their program, their immigration status for educational purposes remains valid. However, if the student leaves the United States, they will need to obtain a new visa to reenter the country.

Possibly . Generally, a terminated SEVIS record indicates that a student is out of status and no longer legally authorized to study or remain in the United States.

In some cases, there may be limited options to leverage alternative study pathways. International students impacted by a SEVIS termination should contact International Affairs immediately to discuss their situation and receive guidance on potential next steps.

No. Once a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they are considered out of status and lose all employment authorization. This includes both on-campus employment and any off-campus employment authorized under programs such as Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) or Curricular Practical Training (“CPT”). Continuing to work after termination of SEVIS status is a violation of immigration law and may have serious consequences for a student’s future immigration benefits or status.

International students and scholars must take the following steps to maintain lawful F-1 or J-1 status while in the United States:

• Remain enrolled full-time or maintain approved employment, depending on their visa classification.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local laws, including those related to alcohol, drug use, driving, public demonstrations, and online activity.
• Follow all Southern Utah University policies and procedures.
• Keep their immigration documents valid and accessible at all times.

Tip: It is strongly recommended that students carry with them copies of key immigration documents (e.g., I-94 record, visa, passport, travel stamps) that demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S.

If you have any concerns about maintaining your status, contact International Affairs immediately to meet with an International Student Advisor. More information on maintaining F-1 or J-1 status.

While there are no current travel bans, international students are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel. Changes to immigration policies or travel restrictions can occur with little warning and may affect their ability to reenter the United States.

Before making any travel decisions, students are advised to consult with International Affairs to evaluate their situation. Final entry into the U.S. is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.

Before traveling internationally, ensure that:

• Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your reentry date.
• Your F-1 or J-1 visa is valid.
• Your Form I-20 or DS-2019 has a valid DSO/ARO travel signature (within the last 12 months for F-1 or 6 months for J-1).
• You carry proof of enrollment and, if applicable, your EAD card and proof of employment (for students on OPT or STEM OPT).

Travel signatures are available at International Affairs, ST 169.

Reentry Documentation

Carry physical copies of the following when reentering the United States:

• A valid passport
• A valid F-1 or J-1 visa
• A signed I-20 or DS-2019
• Proof of enrollment
• Financial documentation
• EAD card (if on OPT or STEM OPT)
• Proof of employment (if on OPT or STEM OPT)

Navigating immigration concerns can be stressful, and SUU is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of its international community.

Support through International Affairs (ST 169):

• Drop-in Hours:
  • Mondays: 10AM–1PM
  • Tuesdays: 1–3PM
  • Wednesdays: 9–11AM & 1–3PM
  • Fridays: 10AM–12PM
• Appointments: Call (435) 586-1995 and ask to schedule with Dr. Hannah Marshall.

Support through Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS):

Call (435) 865-8621 to request an appointment.

International students with legal questions may consult the following organizations for guidance:

• National Immigration Law Center
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Immigration Legal Resource Center
• Immigration Advocates Directory

International students impacted by SEVIS terminations or immigration concerns may reach out to faculty or staff for guidance. We encourage all campus stakeholders to provide compassionate, flexible support and to coordinate closely with International Affairs when responding to these requests.

If a student expresses a need to leave the United States before the end of the academic term, we recommend the following:

• Accommodate remote course completion whenever possible. This may include allowing students to attend class via Zoom, submit assignments online, or complete final presentations and exams remotely.
• Coordinate with the Provost’s Office and Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI) for support with uploading materials to Canvas, enabling classroom cameras, or implementing tools such as Proctorio for remote exam proctoring.
• Avoid encouraging course withdrawal unless all other options have been exhausted. It is typically in the student’s best academic and immigration interest to complete their courses, even from abroad. If completing a course remotely is not feasible, faculty should consult with International Affairs before advising a student to drop or withdraw from courses.

Please remember that each student’s situation may be different. When in doubt, contact International Affairs to ensure coordinated support and accurate information.