SEVP will send these instructions via e-mail to all PDSOs of schools with any students currently on OPT between March 27- April 14, 2008. The instructions provide guidance on contacting students on OPT to request current information for the following fields in SEVIS:
  • Student Name
  • Student Address
  • Employer Name
  • Employer Address
The e-mail with instructions was accompanied by the following attachments:
  • A password-protected excel spreadsheet with the following student information contained in SEVIS:
    • OPT ID
    • Last Name
    • First Name
    • Middle Name
    • Address Line 1
    • Address Line 2
    • City
    • State
    • Zip

Updating SEVIS

In addition, the instructions include the following chart which outlines the 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 SEVIS 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.