What You Need to Know About the Recent SEVIS Terminations

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to help you stay informed with publicly available information. For legal guidance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.

Hey there!

If you’ve been following recent news, you may have heard about international students and graduates facing unexpected SEVIS terminations—even while fully enrolled or on valid OPT/STEM OPT. These developments have raised a lot of concern, and we want to help you understand what’s happening and how you can protect yourself.

What Is SEVIS Termination and Why It Matters

SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is how the U.S. government tracks international students and recent graduates. If your SEVIS record is terminated, you’re officially considered out of status—meaning you are no longer legally allowed to remain or work in the U.S. under F-1 rules.

Consequences can be serious, including:

• Loss of OPT/STEM OPT work authorization

• Risk of deportation or being barred from re-entering the U.S.

• Long-term impact on future visa or green card applications

Why Are Terminations on the Rise?

Reports show a sharp increase in SEVIS terminations, with patterns pointing to:

• Students enrolled in non-compliant Day 1 CPT programs—programs that offer full-time work from the first day without proper academic structure.

• Past legal issues, even minor ones like traffic violations or dismissed charges, leading to government reviews.

• Terminations based on broad claims about foreign policy concerns, often without specific reasons given.

In some cases, neither students nor universities are notified until after the record is already terminated.

How to Stay Protected

1. Know Your School: Before enrolling in any CPT or OPT extension program, make sure the school is fully accredited and not facing scrutiny. Ask your DSO about its standing and any concerns they’re aware of.

2. Follow Visa Rules Carefully: Always update your SEVIS record with any changes - job titles, employers, or address. Unauthorized employment is one of the fastest ways to lose your status.

3. Request SEVIS Checks: Ask your school’s international office to routinely verify your SEVIS record is active. Many schools are doing daily checks for students at risk.

4. Understand Your Rights: If you’re approached by immigration officials, you have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer. Read this guide for more information: Know Your Rights – ACLU Guide.

If You Think You’re at Risk

• Speak with Your DSO Immediately: They can confirm your SEVIS status and advise on possible next steps, including reinstatement options.

• Get Legal Help: If your SEVIS is terminated or you feel at risk, consult an experienced immigration attorney. They can help you explore reinstatement requests, legal action if termination was unjust or alternative visa pathways like H-1B or L-1.

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Legal Resource: What Students Are Doing

Students across the U.S. are taking action. Some are challenging terminations in court, with a few already seeing success. A Dartmouth PhD student, for example, recently had their SEVIS record reinstated by a federal court.

To help you understand your rights, risks, and options, we’re sharing a legal memo outlining:

• Common reasons for SEVIS terminations

• Steps students are taking (litigation, reentry attempts, legal strategies)

• How to prepare if you’re concerned

To help you understand this issue more deeply, read this legal memo highlighting recent SEVIS terminations, patterns, and options for affected students.

Policy Update: Some SEVIS Records Being Reinstated

In a major update, ICE is now reinstating SEVIS records for some international students whose records were previously terminated—but only for those whose visas have not been revoked.

According to federal court filings, ICE is developing a new policy to guide SEVIS terminations. In the meantime, it has agreed to reactivate SEVIS records for certain students and keep them active while legal proceedings are underway.

This decision comes after a wave of lawsuits and court orders demanding reinstatement. In fact, some students have already seen their records restored—without a court order—after ICE worked through the night to update cases system-wide.

However, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that this does not apply to students whose visas were revoked. In those cases, reinstatement of SEVIS does not restore legal status or allow reentry.

Legal experts and advocacy groups continue to push for clarity and accountability, especially for those who lost job offers, class access, or visa eligibility with no explanation.

We’ll keep monitoring the situation and will update you as more details emerge.

You Are Not Alone

These sudden changes have affected many international graduates, but you’re not powerless. By staying informed, checking your status regularly, and seeking help when needed, you can take steps to protect yourself.

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡