Immigration

Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a tracking system for international students and exchange visitors in the United States on F or J visa. The program facilitates timely reporting and monitoring of international students and exchange visitors. All F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visa holders have a permanent SEVIS ID number, and all actions taken by the international student’s advisor, the U.S. Consulate issuing initial visa, and the immigration inspector at the port of entry will be recorded in the individual's SEVIS record in the government database.

WPI is required to keep our part of SEVIS up to date with the following information:

  • Your address (local and home);
  • Your program of study;
  • Your enrollment status;
  • Any employment we have authorized or recommended;
  • Program extension;
  • Dismissal from WPI;
  • Transfer to another school/program in the U.S.;
  • Completion of studies date
international

For Research Scholars and Professors, we need to update any address change and change in WPI employment as well as date of termination of employment.

We will do everything possible to update each student's SEVIS record as we become aware of any changes, but it is ultimately your responsibility to inform the International House of any changes in your circumstances. All reporting in SEVIS must be completed within specific timeframes; thus, it is very important that you inform us immediately when you change your address, major, etc. Furthermore, certain actions on your part require prior approval by the International Student Advisor and update in SEVIS. If you enroll for less than full time, you need to see the International Student Advisor prior to enrolling; if you need an extension, you must apply for the extension prior to the expiration date on your current I-20/DS- 2019.

Finally, because we have to report your enrollment status every semester, it is very important that you adhere to the enrollment dates and complete your enrollment and registration no later than within the first week of classes.

Visit the Forms page for downloadable forms that you can use to update your addresses, employment status, and other important information.