Form I-17: What it Means for Departments

Regulations require Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institutions to report any changes to the Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.” SEVP-certified institutions are required to keep all Form I-17 sections up to date in order to ensure the Form I-17 reflects the institution’s current operating status. Any changes to the information on the Form I-17 or the program of study listed on it require an update to the form within 21 days of the change. Failure to follow this regulation may result in withdrawal of a school’s SEVP certification. SEVP recommends that designated school officials (DSOs) review the institution’s Form I-17 on a regular basis to ensure it reflects the school’s most up-to-date information.

If there are changes surrounding the details of a particular academic degree program (such as length for example), or if a new one is added, these need to be updated through the Form I-17.  This adjudication can take anywhere from one month to a year.  We advise departments around campus to please consult with the OISS about any specific changes to particular programs that might affect international students.

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