STUDENT SEVIS TERMINATIONS: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND REMEDIES
By: Mansoor Eyvazi, Esq.
INTRODUCTION
More recently, we have observed a significant increase in SEVIS terminations and visa revocations impacting international students holding F and M visa classifications. While the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) outlines specific reasons for terminations, the legal landscape governing these issues extends well beyond those codified factors. Increasingly, discretionary enforcement actions taken independently by agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are shaping outcomes for international students. This article provides a comprehensive legal overview of significant termination triggers — both those explicitly listed within SEVIS and those emerging from broader immigration policies, administrative adjudications, and evolving enforcement practices. It is important to emphasize that this article does not provide an exhaustive summary of all applicable laws, regulations, or available remedies. Rather, the information included represents key issues and frequently encountered scenarios selected based on the a uthor’s professional experience and current enforcement trends. This content, however, is intended solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice, nor does it guarantee eligibility, specific outcomes, or entitlement to any immigration benefit. Each student’s immigration circumstan ces are unique and fact-specific. Individuals affected by SEVIS termination, visa revocation, or related immigration concerns are strongly advised to consult directly with their Designated School Official (DSO) and a qualified immigration attorney to carefully evaluate their case-specific legal options and strategies. With this context in mind, we briefly review different types of SEVIS terminations, followed by best practice recommendations for international students and an overview of available legal remedies in the event of encountering a termination or related immigration issue.
I. SEVIS-Based Terminations: Grounds Available to DSOs
Designated School Officials (DSOs) may initiate a termination of a student’s SEVIS record under 8 CFR § 214.2(f) or (m) and in accordance with SEVP guidance. These terminations are typically driven by regulatory violations or administrative circumstances and are entered using predefined SEVIS termination reasons. Common grounds include: • Failure to Enroll – Student fails to enroll in a full course of study by the expected program start or session date. • Failure to Maintain Full-Time Enrollment – Student drops below full course load without prior DSO authorization.
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