ICE Discontinues Issuance of I-797Cs for I-901 SEVIS Payments

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has changed an important F-1 student-related procedure. As of July 31, 2013, the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) no longer mails I-797C, notice of action receipts for payments of Form I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees.

Background on SEVP / SEVIS

SEVIS is ICE’s web-based tracking system implemented post 9/11. SEVP is the division of ICE that is responsible for operating SEVIS. SEVIS collects ongoing status and compliance information on all F and M students as well as J-1 exchange visitors in the United States. SEVIS was a joint collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State, and has been updated since its inception. Additional information on SEVP and SEVIS is available on the ICE WebSite.

Proof of Payment Now Available Online Only

As part of the SEVIS program, most participants are required to pay a fee for costs related to the SEVIS program. Historically, the receipt for such payments was transmitted by U.S. Mail. This receipt was needed in order to file for a change of status to student or exchange visitor status in the United States, or to apply for an initial F-1 or J-1 entry visa. This receipt will now be available exclusively online to save money and make the processing more efficient. Payment confirmations can now be printed from the SEVP’s FMJfee WebSite.

One important result of the automation of the I-901 receipt is the elimination of the need for SEVP to expedite the production and delivery of some I-797C forms. In the past, an individual could request expedited processing, when warranted by time constraints. Now, the student can make a payment and then access the receipt online, print it out, and take it to a U.S. consulate or port of entry, or submit it with a request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status.

Conclusion

The change being implemented by SEVP should serve to make certain processes more efficient. The Murthy Law Firm appreciates these efforts to modernize SEVP operations. The Murthy Law Firm will continue to monitor changes to SEVP procedures and the SEVIS system. Updates will be provided to MurthyDotCom readers.

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