180 likes | 319 Views
Student and Exchange Visitor Program NAFSA Regional Conference Region XII October 11, 2005. *** NEWS FLASH *** CONGRATULATIONS! THE DATA FIX BACKLOG FOR F/M TICKETS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED !
E N D
Student and Exchange Visitor Program NAFSA Regional Conference Region XII October 11, 2005
*** NEWS FLASH *** CONGRATULATIONS! THE DATA FIX BACKLOG FOR F/M TICKETS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! • Effective September 30, 2005 – we met our goal! There are no F/M data fix tickets older than 90 days • By October 31, 2005 – SEVP expects to have no F/M tickets older than July 1, 2005 and August 1, 2005 for J tickets • Ultimate goal – no data fix tickets older than 10 days
Data Fix Backlog Elimination Plan Since its implementation, SEVP has resolved and closed all F/M backlogged tickets over 90 days. SEVP and DoS continue to concentrate efforts on the elimination of J backlog tickets. • Data fix tickets backlog on April 1, 2005 = 6022 • Cumulative totals of F/M/J data fix tickets resolved from April 1 to September 30: • Resolved/closed backlog F/M Tickets = 5254 • Resolved/closed current F/M Tickets = 4236 • Resolved/closed backlog J Tickets = 2090 • Resolved/closed current J Tickets = 581
Upcoming SEVIS Releases • Release 5.1 – Scheduled for December 2005 implementation. Will contain functionality for users to correct some errors to prevent data fix requests. • Release 5.2 – tentatively scheduled for 2nd quarter of FY2006. This is a system security release to ensure SEVIS is maintained according to mandatory DHS standards. • Release 5.3 – system maintenance release (no user impact) • Release 5.4 – tentatively scheduled for early Fall 2006. This release will include additional SEVIS Alerts and Lists, as well as functionality to support the latest professor and J scholar program regulations.
Recertification • Border Security Act of 2002 requires recertification of all SEVIS-certified schools every two years. • After the proposed rule is published, the public will have an opportunity to comment. • Schools will have ample time to submit recertification petition. • Schools will maintain authority to issue the Form I-20 during the review period as long as the petition/fee are filed in accordance with the rule. • Recertification includes a review of school performance within SEVIS over the previous two years – recordkeeping, data fixes, advertising, etc.
Policy Update • Regulatory review and issuance • Policy Initiatives • Short-term study guidelines • F3, M3 Border Commuter Students • Current SEVIS Operating Instructions • SEVIS I-901 Fee • Travel • School Certification • Employment • Hurricane Katrina/Rita
Planned SEVIS Operating Instructions • Employment : OPT and CPT • Social Security and Tax Information • Updated Travel • How to Stay in Status • Transfers
FY 2005 I-901 Fee Statistics • Credit card / debit card via Internet • Check or money order mailed to lockbox • Western Union QuickPay • Bulk filers • Check fee payment online • 545,000 payments- • 51% students • 49 % EVs
Case Resolution Unit (CRU) • Contact at fmjfee.SEVIS@dhs.gov • Major duties - Preventive – Resolves application errors to process maximum number of applications • Requests are generally processed within 7-10 days of receipt. • Refunds are much quicker than credit card company chargeback • Resolves other problems via e-mail or telephone
Outreach/Training Efforts • Web-based SEVIS training deployed on August 22, 2005 • Newsletter online at www.ice.gov/sevis • Opened international dialogue through DOS • Identifying and interacting with new stakeholders • Monthly policy and IT conference calls • Attend more than 40 conferences per year • Continue to regularly update our web page … Bookmark for current information
Hurricane Katrina/Rita • SEVP immediately responded by using SEVIS to identify 36 impacted certified schools and 3,000 students • Within 24 hours of Hurricane Katrina, SEVP began to work with impacted students and schools to assist in transferring students to other certified schools • SEVP created emergency evacuation tips for schools and students • Long Term Response: Develop contingency plan and guidance to schools for their own contingency planning.
Lessons Learned • We learned that we can rely on you- if we can reach you. • Take the time to review your point of contact information. • Update as necessary. • Consider using two DSOs.
For Hurricane Related Issues • Call the toll free line at 1.800.961.5294 or • Call 202.305.2346, prompt 0 or • Email: SEVIS.Source @dhs.gov - Please use the subject line to describe the issue
Contact Information • I-901 questions: Check the web or email SEVP at fmjfee.SEVIS@dhs.gov or call the hotline at 785.330.1048 (Country code 011) • Student questions: Contact the P/DSO listed on the I-20 • EV questions: Contact the RO/ARO listed on the DS-2019 • Technical questions: Call the SEVIS HelpDesk at 800.892.4892 between 8 AM and 8 PM, EST or email SEVIShelpdesk@eds.com • Urgent, technical issues: Email Toolbox.SEVIS@dhs.gov • School Certification questions: Email schoolcert.SEVIS@dhs.gov or call 202.305.2346 or fax at 202.353.3723
Contact Us If you have a comment or question not covered in the previous topic areas: Email: SEVIS.Source@dhs.gov • Use the subject line to describe the issue
Thank You Your comments and suggestions are the key to continued improvement of SEVP service to the SEVIS community.