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    Become a Student > International Students > Life as International Student > Helpful Information > SEVIS and Student Status

SEVIS and Student Status

Maintaining Student Status

Your F1 student status is your responsibility. It is your responsibility to be familiar with and follow all immigration rules. Remember to read page 2 of your I-20 carefully.

SEVIS and Your Form I-20

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an integrated database used by schools, immigration, ports of entry and consulates abroad. Information that will be tracked includes your enrollment status, date of entry to the U.S., contact information, address, and internship/training status.

Your I-20 Form is a certificate of eligibility status that allows you to study in the U.S.

What SEVIS Means For You

  • You must be registered full-time (at least 12 credits) per quarter. Online classes have restrictions so please ask your international student advisor for guidance.

  • You must make academic progress. You are required to complete every quarter with a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA).

  • You must maintain a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months into the future at all times. It is your responsibility to contact your embassy or consulate to renew your passport, so be aware of the expiration date.

  • You must pay your tuition by the deadline. Failing to pay tuition will result in you being dropped from your classes. If you are not enrolled in at least 12 credits and not eligible for vacation, you are out of status.

  • Your Form I-20 and I-94 documents are two very important documents which you must keep with your passport in a safe place at all times. You need these documents whenever you travel in and out of the United States. Two weeks prior to leaving the United States, you must bring your I-20 to The Global Education Office for a signature to prove that you have been a student at CCS and are planning to return to school after your travel. Be sure not to lose the documents. It is very inconvenient and costly to request a replacement of your passport.

  • Your Form I-20 has an expiration date. It is your responsibility to renew your I-20 at least 30 days before expiration.