SEVP sent the attached SEVIS notice to all PDSOs and DSOs to inform all schools that SEVP will send specific instructions and spreadsheets with student information to PDSOs by April 11, 2008.

The notice also includes additional information and instructions for the OPT Data Validation project.

Updates include:

  • The spreadsheet with student information only includes a limited group of students who were approved for post-completion OPT prior to January 31, 2008 and whose OPT ends after May 1, 2008. The spreadsheet does not include:
    • Any student whose post-completion OPT was approved after 01/31/2008
    • Any student whose post-completion OPT will end before 05/01/2008
  • For students whose post-completion OPT was approved after 01/31/2008, SEVP advises that a school should "update the student's record unless the student's OPT ends prior to June 15."
  • If your PDSO is on leave or otherwise unavailable, another DSO may request the spreadsheet from SEVP and complete the project.
  • SEVP recognizes that performing arts students are not the only students who might have multiple short-term jobs.

Updating SEVIS

SEVP also provided guidance for additional possible situations and workarounds. See the chart below for the full list of possible situations and how to update SEVIS accordingly.

Situation How to Update SEVIS
Student replied with information on his/her employer Update the employer name and employer address field.
Student replied and has multiple employers List one employer; maintain the student's reply (with the other employers) in the student's school record.
Student is self-employed Update employer name with the name of the student's business or "Self-employed."

If the business address is the same as the personal address, no employer address is needed.
Students has multiple short-term jobs (gigs) If student is self-employed, indicate this as "Self-employed (insert occupation)." The student should e-mail/fax the DSO on a regular basis with a list of the short term jobs, which should go in the student file.

If the student works for an agency, indicate the agency as the employer and update the employer name and employer address.
Student replied and is not currently employed Update the employer name field to "None" or "ASE" (actively seeking employment).
Leave the employer address blank.
Student did not reply to your request for updated information Update employer name field to "No reply"
Leave the employer address blank.
Mail to student was returned due to incorrect address information Update employer name field to "Mail returned"
Leave the employer address blank.
Student returned to his/her home country and will not be returning to resume OPT Complete the student's record.
Student returned to his/her home country and plans to return to resume OPT Update the employer field to "Temporarily
out of U.S."
Leave the employer address blank.
Student transferred or filed for a change of level effective on or before June 15, 2008 No updates required.