Get Legal Status

• Apply to a school, approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVP.
• Get accepted to SVSU, an SEVP approved university.
• Get a form issued by SVSU known as I-20 (240kB)‌ or DS-2019.
• Pay your $200 SEVIS Fees. SEVIS I-901 fee is required of each student or exchange visitor.
• Apply for Visa.

Maintain your Legal Status

1) Have a valid passport.

• A valid passport, Visa, and I-20 are required for entry and reentry to the U.S.
• Staple your I-94 to your passport.

2) Attend an SEVIS authorized school.

3) Arrive at SVSU for the start of classes and SEVIS registration,

4) Carry a full course of study.

• 12 credits for undergraduates
• 9 credits for graduates
• Any credits below this require approval from the Office of International Programs.
• Attend class
• Participate in class
• Finish homework and study for tests
• Stay in and pass each class

5) Obey state & federal laws.

• Follow SVSU’s Code of Student Conduct

6) Adhere to regulations of employment.

• Part-time on campus
• Circular Practical Training (CPT), as part of an established curriculum and is directly related to your major. Internships and CO-OP Programs are CPT.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months after graduation
• OPT extension, of 17 months with a new application, for those in Science, Technology,Engineering and Math fields

Keep your I-20 or DS-2019 up-to-date.

• Verify your address is accurate each semester in Cardinal Direct. Update to current address, if necessary, in Cardinal Direct or with the Registrar's Office within 10 days of moving.
• If you plan to leave the US, including to Canada or Mexico, get appropriate signature on your I-20 or a "letter of good standing" from the Office of International Programs.
• Keep your major current, as it is on your I-20. If you change majors, be sure to complete at "Degree Program Change" form found in OIP. They will update it with SEVIS.
• Keep your graduation date current, as it is on your I-20. If you change majors, be sure to complete at "Degree Program Change" form found in OIP. They will update it with SEVIS.