What do I do if my school lost SEVP accreditation?

When your school loses SEVP accreditation, it is natural to have many questions and concerns about how to proceed to maintain your status as an international student in the United States. This situation can affect your F-1 visa, and the ideal approach is to act cautiously and seek reliable information to make the best decision.

First, it is important to officially confirm whether the school had its accreditation revoked. Often, this information may come accompanied by notifications through the Designated School Official (DSO) or official government communications.

If that is the case, one of the first steps is to speak directly with the DSO at your institution, who is authorized to advise on how to maintain your lawful status amid accreditation changes. If the school lost SEVP status, it may mean that the institution is no longer authorized to issue an I-20 Form for international students.

In this scenario, you should consider alternatives, such as seeking another institution certified by SEVP to transfer your course. This change usually involves transferring your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a process that must be conducted orderly to avoid any discontinuity in your immigration status.

Remember that it is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and avoid scams or marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed solutions. Whenever there are uncertainties, it is advisable to seek information through reliable sources or consult professionals specialized in the field, remembering that for legal reasons, no one can guarantee specific outcomes regarding immigration processes.

In summary, stay calm, seek clarifications with your school and the DSO, and if necessary, get additional advice from trusted experts. This way, you can take appropriate measures to adjust your academic and immigration path without unnecessary complications.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.