Hard Deadlines for Student Registration: Schools Must Complete SEVIS Registration Within 30 Days of Term Start and Update Changes Within 21 Days
In its back-to-school guidance, Study in the States sets out the deadline duties of designated school officials (DSOs): at the start of each term, schools must complete registration in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) no later than 30 days after the session begins, confirming that students are enrolled in a full course of study and that contact details and key dates are current.
During the year, whenever a student's information changes, DSOs must update SEVIS records within 21 days, and where a program end date needs to be shortened or extended, the school issues an updated Form I-20. Students do their part by checking in with the DSO after arrival, reporting any change of email, phone, or address right away, getting DSO approval before dropping below a full course load, and requesting travel signatures two to four weeks before a trip abroad.
These deadlines sit alongside the fixed period of admission rule that took effect on September 15, 2026. Students who spot an error in their record, or suspect document fraud, should contact their DSO or the SEVP Response Center promptly. (Source: Study in the States, U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Source: Study in the States, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图片来源：Wikimedia Commons「Sias Library - Students Studying 2017」（Gary Todd 摄，CC0），图中为图书馆里学习的学生 Image: Wikimedia Commons "Sias Library - Students Studying 2017" (by Gary Todd, CC0)
