It is the international student’s responsibility to remain compliant with immigration and university regulations.  ISSS is here to provide information and services to ensure that F-1/J-1 students are aware of these requirements and are able to remain compliant.   When a student is not compliant with regulations, ISSS may be required to terminate a student’s SEVIS record.  Termination of a SEVIS record (an I-20/DS-2019) is very serious and can have many negative consequences for a student and their ability to stay in the US and attend school.  Termination means that you are not in legal status (“out of status”) per the Department of Homeland Security.
Reasons for Termination of a SEVIS record include, among others:

• Failure to report your arrival to ISSS by uploading your immigration documents as directed
• Unauthorized employment
• Unauthorized withdrawal from classes
• Failure to enroll in classes
• Unauthorized drop below full course of study
• Enrollment in too many online classes
• Expulsion and suspension from UMD
• Failure to report Address Changes
• Failure to report OPT employment (automatic action by SEVIS)
• Accrual of 90 days of unemployment while on OPT (automatic action by SEVIS)

In most cases, there is no “grace period” after a Termination.

If your SEVIS record is Terminated, you have two options: travel outside the US with a new I-20 or submit a reinstatement application to regain your status.  More information about reinstatement can be found on our website.

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

• Always remain in a full course of study OR request and receive permission from ISSS before dropping below a full course of study or withdrawing
• Attend classes in person (permitted to count one online course toward full time enrollment)
• Work only with permission
• Do not break University or US laws
• Keep your US address up to date
• Always check your UMD email for important reminders