New SEVP Procedures for Noncompliance with Form I-515A

Starting April 1, 2016, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will begin to send out “Intent to Terminate” notices to students and exchange visitors who failed to comply with Form I-515A.

Form I-515A, Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor, is given to nonimmigrant student (F-1/M-1), exchange visitor (J-1), and their dependents (F-2/M-2/J-2) who do not possess all the proper entry documentation at the time they enter the U.S. The recipient of Form I-515A is required to comply with Form I-551A within 30 days of entry. Comply means the recipient and the responsible school or sponsor official correcting the entry deficiency, the recipient mailing the required documents to SEVP within 30 days, and SEVP adjudicating Form I-515A.

Starting April 1, 2016, if you fail to comply with Form I-551A, SEVP will issue you the “Intent to Terminate” notice. Once you are issued the “Intent to Terminate” notice, you have 14 days to respond to Form I-515A. If you fail to respond within 14 days, your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record will be terminated. This termination will end your authorized period of stay in the U.S. and your record may be flagged as a possible visa violator. In order to regain their statuses, F-1 and M-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents will need to file applications for reinstatement and pay fees to cure the termination.

SEVP will send the “Intent to Terminate” notices by email and/or letter to the address on the SEVIS record. Therefore, you should check to make sure that your SEVIS record contains correct and updated contact information. SEVP will also send a copy of the “Intent to Terminate” notices to school/sponsor officials who are responsible for maintaining the SEVIS records of such nonimmigrants.

The Law Office of Jing Yeophantong, PLLC presents this information as a service to members of the general public. Use of this information does not constitute, in any manner, an attorney-client relationship between The Law Office of Jing Yeophantong, PLLC and the user. While the information is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of your own counsel. Anyone seeking specific legal advice or assistance should retain an attorney.

The information is provided as is without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

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“Our company hired Jing last year after meeting with her for the first time. Right away we felt comfortable and confident that our company would be in good hands with Jing as our immigration attorney. She gave very clear instructions and the process was smooth. She always answers emails and phone calls. Now we already have our case approved. I highly recommend Jing for your legal needs.”

CTM, Fairfax, VA

“I was greatly impressed by the efficiency of Attorney Jing. She handled my case in a professional, honest manner. She stayed in touch and communicated with me and my employer to keep us informed of how things were progressing. She is a very knowledgeable attorney, which is important as immigration laws are constantly changing. I highly recommend Jing to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.”

P. Hasegawa, Peoria, AZ

“Even though it has been a few weeks I’m still finding it hard to believe that I actually have my Green Card. There were definitely times in the last few years when I thought it was never going to happen. Words cannot really describe how relieved I am to be successfully DONE with this process. I feel lighter every day and so much less stressed about my future. Thank you for everything. I will be forever grateful.”

Alex, Harrisonburg, VA

“I would definitely recommend Jing for assistance regarding personal immigration matters. When I first met with her, I could tell right away that she is very knowledgeable and experienced, which made me feel I would be comfortable working with her. Throughout the entire process, she was incredibly helpful by answering questions I had and was easy to get in touch with when I needed her. With her attention to detail and familiarity with the immigration process, I felt more than prepared for my interview. The immigration procedure can be complex and confusing. With Jing assisting me, I always felt confident that I would be successful. She made a scary process very simple and comfortable for me. Thank you, Jing, for the the help and support you provided to get me through this.”

N. Bakondi, Vienna, VA

“I first met with Jing when my wife’s case was with another lawyer. We went to her for a second opinion. And after that she became a lawyer on my case. Time and time again, Jing has shown me that she is very detailed-oriented, has strong knowledge, and always keeps up-to-date with the laws. I have learned from my wife’s case that one little change in regulation can change your case from black to white. My wife’s lawyer did not do a good job with keeping himself updated with the laws, and he almost ruined our lives. Thanks to Jing, she not only helped my wife’s case but also helped another client of my wife’s lawyer. I still remember how excited my wife’s lawyer was when he called another client of his (right in front of me) to tell that person he won’t have to leave the country because the law has changed. The most important thing which I like the most about Jing is her HONESTY. Many immigration lawyers say yes to give you a day dream so they can make money from you while trying not to mention unhappy facts to you. Jing is different. She will tell you upfront what you will have to face and what you have to live with, both the bright side and the dark side. She has proven to me that I can trust her. Therefore, I believe her when she ends all emails with “Your truly”.”

Peter T., Sterling, VA

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