Although the OIS provides information and services to ensure that F-1 and J-1 students understand their immigration requirements, it is ultimately the international student's responsibility to remain compliant with immigration and university regulations throughout their program of study. For more information on the rules on how to stay in valid F-1 and J-1 status, see our web page on Maintaining Status.

When a student does not follow the regulations, the OIS may be required to terminate a student's SEVIS record. Termination of a SEVIS record is very serious and has many negative consequences for a student and his/her ability to stay in the United States and attend school. Termination means you are not in legal status ("out of status") per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Reasons for Termination of a SEVIS record include, among others:

• Unauthorized employment
• Unauthorized withdrawal from classes
• Unauthorized drop below full course of study
• Expulsion and suspension
• Failure to enroll in classes
• Failure to extend I-20 before the expiration deadline
• Failure to complete the F-1 transfer procedure in a timely manner

In most cases, the termination means that the student is not in legal status and must make plans to immediately depart from the United States.

If your SEVIS record is terminated, you have two options. Please work with an OIS advisor to discuss the best option for you:

1. Travel outside the United States with a new I-20 and reenter the country or
2. Submit a Reinstatement application to regain your status. See our Reinstatement website for more information on how to file for reinstatement

The best ways to ensure that your SEVIS record is not terminated are:

• Maintain a current address, phone number, and email address in your my.emich account
• Always check your my.emich email for important reminders
• Always remain in a full course of study OR receive authorization to be under enrolled via an approved Reduced Hours Form BEFORE dropping classes.
• Work only with permission
• Do not break university or U.S. laws