How a SEVIS Termination Affects Your F-1 Status and What To Do Next

Published: April 29, 2025

Recently, there has been an increase in scrutiny for international students in F-1 and M-1 visas. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is the agency in charge of overseeing the operations of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 

SEVIS is a database used to track the enrollment, attendance, and status of foreign students at accredited schools in the US. A terminated record in SEVIS can result in losing your nonimmigrant status. Although immediate action is necessary, remaining composed during a SEVIS termination is equally essential. 

In this post, we’ll further discuss what a SEVIS termination means, its impact on your F-1 status, and what steps you must take to safeguard lawful presence in the US. 

What It Means When Your SEVIS Record Is Terminated

Students receive an initial status on their SEVIS record when they are first admitted to a university. At this stage, the status reflects that you have been accepted but have not completed the initial registration process. 

After being registered in SEVIS, the status becomes active. Subsequently, you’ll receive an updated Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status that verifies your admission to a full-time program and eligibility for F-1 student status in an SEVP-certified institution. 

Universities must re-register for active status every semester to verify a student’s continued attendance. This is an indicator that you’re an active student maintaining F-1 visa status at an accredited school.

Failure to adhere to the requirements and conditions of your F-1 visa status can result in termination from the SEVIS system. It happens when a Designated School Official (DSO) or an SEVP official closes your student record in the SEVIS database due to noncompliance or violation. 

Reasons for terminating a SEVIS record

The particular grounds for SEVIS terminations can differ. However, in most cases, the DSO uses the following termination reasons when updating or closing a student’s record in the SEVIS database:

• Five months of absence from the US without authorization to remain absent
• Failure to enroll full-time after the permitted duration for reducing the course load
• Withdrawal before completing the academic program
• Can no longer enroll full-time due to expulsion or suspension by the institution
• Enrolled in fewer courses than required without getting approval from the DSO
• Not fulfilling the requirement to report to the new institution after transferring
• Worked in on-campus or off-campus jobs without the appropriate authorization 
• Failure to maintain status requirements, but no other specific reason for termination applies

Overview of the SEVIS termination process

Ideally, the DSO implements a structured procedure when terminating a student’s SEVIS record to ensure proper communication and documentation. 

• A DSO starts by identifying a student who violated the corresponding requirements of their F-1 status. 
• The student gets notified about the impending termination on their SEVIS record. 
• In certain circumstances, seeking consultation with a DSO is possible to review the cause of a terminated SEVIS record and its underlying consequences. 
• A DSO will provide confirmation on the official date to close the SEVIS record. 
• The termination of the student’s official record in SEVIS will proceed with all the necessary notes. 

However, notably, the recent surge in SEVIS terminations occurred without prior notice, resulting in numerous reports and lawsuits that have challenged the validity and due process of such actions. 

Starting April 25, 2025, the ICE SEVP initiated the process to restore the records of foreign students affirmatively in the SEVIS database. It’s an action taken after multiple lawsuits and court orders that contested the unlawful and unpredictable SEVIS terminations. 

How a Terminated SEVIS Record Affects Your F-1 Status

Your F-1 student record in SEVIS will be closed immediately upon termination. It means you lose your lawful status, associated immigration benefits, and authorized period of stay in the US. 

Any SEVIS pertaining to F-2 dependents associated with the terminated primary student record will also be closed. 

This closure also ends all employment authorization, so you must stop working whether on on-campus jobs, curricular practical training (CPT), or optional practical training (OPT). 

Likewise, you cannot re-enter the US on a record that has been terminated in SEVIS, as it invalidates your current F-1 status. You will likely need a new SEVIS record and a valid US visa for re-entry. 

Actions To Consider After a Terminated SEVIS Record

Although terminations have different implications, they often carry immediate and serious consequences on your legal status as an F-1 student. 

Seeking prompt consultation with a credible immigration attorney is a crucial step to take after a terminated SEVIS record. They can help evaluate your case and ascertain the possibility of regaining your status through one of the options below. 

• Submit a request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a visa reinstatement.
• Travel outside the country and return with a newly granted Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
• Request a change to your F-1 status if you meet the qualifications of a different visa classification. 

Protect Your Immigration Journey With ALG Lawyers

Accrual of unlawful presence begins immediately upon the termination of your SEVIS record. While time and prompt action are critical, hasty departures without seeking legal advice can cause complexities in reinstatement or future visa applications. 

Thus, before taking any action, understand the effects and implications of having your SEVIS record. Our legal team at ALG Lawyers is experienced and dedicated to providing strategic legal guidance on your immigration needs. Contact our office now for a case-specific consultation.