Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements

SEVP Will Terminate SEVIS Access for Georgia Christian University

6/21/17 AILA Doc. No. 17063035. Students & Schools

This notice was posted on ICE's website on June 21, 2017:

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools are subject to a review of their certification at any time based on federal regulation.

On June 21, 2017, SEVP informed officials at Georgia Christian University that the school's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) access will terminate as of Sept. 14, 2017. As of June 21, 2017, Georgia Christian University is no longer able to issue any new Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," but will retain SEVIS access until the aforementioned date to manage any current student records.

Georgia Christian University nonimmigrant students in Active status have until Sept. 14, 2017, to take one of the following actions:

  • Seek transfer to another SEVP-certified institution, if eligible,
  • Change their status, or
  • Depart the United States.

If one of these actions is not completed within this time frame, their record will be terminated in SEVIS and the student will be considered out of status. If the student elects to continue their studies in the United States, they should be advised of their responsibilities to complete a transfer to another SEVP-certified school. If the student elects to discontinue their studies, their SEVIS record will be terminated for the reason of authorized early withdrawal.

Students in Initial status who have not yet entered the United States will not be admitted into the United States with the Form I-20 issued by Georgia Christian University or a visa issued for them to enroll at the school. If the student still wishes to pursue a course of study in the United States, they are advised to apply to another SEVP-certified school.

Georgia Christian University is responsible for advising all Initial and Active status nonimmigrant students that the school is no longer approved by SEVP. The school is also responsible for counseling the students on possible actions and handling their SEVIS records appropriately.

Nonimmigrant students who have questions about their options should call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400. This number is staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.