Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools are subject to a review of their certification at any time based on federal regulation.
Silicon Valley University (SVU), in San Jose, California, voluntarily withdrew its SEVP certification, effective April 30, 2018, and the school’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) access will terminate on June 30, 2018. As of April 30, 2018, SVU is no longer able to issue any new Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” but will retain SEVIS access until June 30, 2018, to manage any current student records.
SVU nonimmigrant students in Active status, including those participating in optional practical training (OPT) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT, have until June 30, 2018, to:
- Complete their program,
- Seek a change of status, or
- Enroll in another qualified program of study at an SEVP certified school.
If one of these actions is not completed within this time frame, the students’ records will be terminated in SEVIS and the student will be considered out of status. If students elect to continue their studies in the United States, they should be advised of their responsibilities to complete a transfer to another SEVP-certified school. If students elect to discontinue their studies, their SEVIS record will be terminated for the reason of authorized early withdrawal.
Students in Initial status who have not yet entered the United States will not be admitted into the United States with the Form I-20 issued by SVU or a visa issued for them to enroll at the school. If that student still wishes to pursue a course of study in the United States, they are advised to apply to another SEVP-certified school.
SVU is responsible for advising all Initial and Active status nonimmigrant students that the school is no longer approved by SEVP. The school is also responsible for counseling the students on possible actions and handling their SEVIS records appropriately.
Nonimmigrant students who have questions about their options should call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400. This number is staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
Source: AILA Doc. No. 18050833.
