The Northern Iowan reported last week that two of UNI’s 203 international students visas had been flagged in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international students at their respective institutions. As of Monday, Apr. 28, the SEVIS flagging for these two students had been resolved, with their student visas remaining intact. Neither of these students had their visa revoked in the resolution process.
Students at the five University of Iowa were also able to reinstate their SEVIS status after challenging their statuses in court, KWWL reported late last week.
International students normally maintain a F-1, M-1 or J-1 visa while attending university in the U.S. SEVIS is the system used to track international students, their visas and their student status at their corresponding institution. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), “Universities must report in SEVIS the nonimmigrant student’s initial admission, course load, when they transfer, extend their stay, or engage in employment, as well as when their address changes.” The AILA also says that visa revocation is under the discretion of the U.S. government, but revocation when a student is already in the U.S. only occurs under “extreme circumstances.” These circumstances typically include being found guilty of a crime in the U.S.
As of Tuesday, Apr. 29, SEVIS statuses are intact for all 203 international students at UNI. Upon the flagging in SEVIS, the university sent an email to the 203 international students advising them on the appropriate recourse for status updates and changes. “We are closely monitoring issues that affect international students. The UNI Office of International Engagement (OIE) is checking the SEVIS database regularly and will reach out if we see a change in status for any current students. We strongly encourage you to immediately consult with OIE if you receive any notice or have any concerns,” the university said in an email to UNI’s 203 international students in the wake of SEVIS flagging and revocation across the regent universities. “As we navigate these uncertain times, we want to remind you of your rights and responsibilities as international students in the U.S. and at UNI.” The university encourages international students to carry their documentation with them at all times and continue to comply with visa requirements, as well as updating the OIE with any phone number or address changes.
The Northern Iowan will continue to update these stories with any changes to SEVIS statuses, or information that is important to the international student community at UNI.
