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Dear International Student:
The purpose of this letter is to make you aware of recent changes in Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services–CIS (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service–INS) regulations which will impact your responsibilities as an international student in the United States. It is very important that you stay informed of these changes to avoid problems with your immigration status.
The CIS has created an Internet-based system to maintain current information on international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents (i.e., all those in F or J status). The system is called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS will track F and J visa holders from the time they receive their immigration documents (I-20, or DS-2019) until they complete their programs, and will require Kentucky State University to report students and scholars to the CIS who fail to maintain lawful status. SEVIS went into effect on January 30, 2003.
Under the proposed regulations, even the most minor status violations (e.g., failing to inform CIS of change of major, or failure to process a timely transfer) could result in loss of employment authorization eligibility, the opportunity to return to the US after a visit abroad, or even possible deportation. In order to keep you well informed of these important changes, the Office of Global Education and Programs will:
(1) Send announcements and updates to your Kentucky State University e-mail account.
(2) Conduct information sessions at the start of each semester or as deemed necessary.
(3) Maintain up-to-date information concerning the new regulations on our Web site.
We need you to do the following:
Check the GEP Web page and your KSU e-mail account regularly for any immigration updates from the Office of Global Education and Programs. If you do not use campus mail, make sure GEP has your e-mail address.
In addition to issuing I-20s and maintaining an institution’s authorization, schools will be required to report the enrollment of any F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant every semester, term, or session. Also, the school must report in SEVIS the current students that fail to enroll, maintain status, or complete their program. Remember, it is not our choice to take these actions; if KSU wants to continue admitting international students, it must comply with these requirements set forth by Congress as part of its effort to ensure America’s security.
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