F-1 SEVIS Essentials

The F-1 SEVIS Essentials program provides a thorough explanation of the rudiments of F-1 Student status and F-1 SEVIS procedures for designated school officials who are either new to the profession or who just wish to brush up on their skills. The program is comprised of three levels, each building on the foundations of the previous level. All three levels are necessary to prepare a designated school official to perform his/her duties. You will learn the differences between law, policy and practice. Emphasis is placed on regulations, documents, terminology, procedures and case studies. A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of all three levels.

F-1 SEVIS Essentials — Level I
Level I includes an introduction to F-1 Student status and SEVIS, and focuses on all the necessary steps to getting your F-1 student to the U.S. or helping change another non-immigrant status to F-1 Student status.

F-1 SEVIS Essentials — Level II
Level II builds on the foundation laid out in Level I. It covers all the conditions for maintaining F-1 status once a student has arrived in the U.S. as well as traveling abroad and returning safely. Prerequisite: F-1 SEVIS Essentials, Level I or its equivalent in experience.

F-1 SEVIS Essentials — Level III
Level III completes the rudiments of F-1 Student status, and focuses on reinstatement and employment. Participants must have completed F-1 SEVIS Essentials, Levels I and II or have the equivalent knowledge in experience.

F-1 SEVIS Essentials training sessions are given on a regular basis in the following months:

• Level I: February, June and September
• Level II: March, July and October
• Level III: April and November

See the Current Schedule of Training Sessions for specific dates.

Workshop registration: All three levels: $1,895; Per level: $750; Daily: $395; Half-day: $250.

To register for an F-1 program, see the Registration Instructions page.

• Day 1, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
  
  • Introduction to F-1 Student Status and SEVIS
  • Issuing the Form I-20
• Day 2, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:
  
  • Obtaining the F-1 Visa and Entering the U.S.
• Day 2, 1:30 p.m.to 5:00 p.m.:
  
  • Changing Status to F-1

• Day 1, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
  
  • Maintaining F-1 Status
• Day 2, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:
  
  • Transferring Schools and Changing Educational Levels
• Day 2, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
  
  • Travel and Reentry

• Day 1, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
  
  • Reinstatement to F-1 Student Status
  • Introduction to Employment; On-campus Employment; Social Security Numbers
• Day 2, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
  
  • Practical Training: Optional and Curricular
  • Severe Economic Hardship

Part 1:

• Introduction to F-1 Student Status and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • Who may attend your school?
• Issuing the Form I-20
  • Conditions for issuance of the I-20
  • Understanding government requirements for financial capability
  • Canceling and Deferring Attendance
  • Handling mistakes
• Obtaining the F-1 Student Visa and entering the U.S.
• Reporting to School

Part 2:

• Maintaining F-1 student status
  • SEVIS reporting requirements
  • Reduced Course Load
• School transfer
• Travel and reentry

PRESENTERS:

June Sadowski-Devárez, founder, president and trainer worked in higher education administration for more than 30 years, specializing in the federal regulations pertaining to F-1 students for 20. She holds the Master of Arts degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher and Adult Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. From 1988 to 2002, she served as Assistant Dean/Director of International Student and Scholar Services at St. John's University.

Jennifer Golden, director of Regional Training, IETS, has 20 years of experience advising international students, scholars, faculty and staff on F and J regulations at institutions such as Kingsborough Community College (CUNY), Columbia University, Fordham University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has presented regionally and nationally at NAFSA conferences. Jennifer holds an M.A. in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University, and a B.A. in Anthropology from Boston University. Since 2003, Jennifer has served as director of Administration and Development at IETS, daily fielding questions from P/DSOs and A/ROs throughout the U.S.