On August 24, 2012, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent a broadcast message to SEVIS users, to apprise them on difficulties with the SEVIS-SAVE interface that have been causing problems with students seeking a Social Security Number or a driver's license.

On September 10, 2012, SEVP sent another broadcast message to update DSOs, stating that the cause of the problem has been identified, and that on September 14, 2012, DHS will be applying a patch to SAVE to resolve the problem. That notice outlined two options for DSOs whose students are having problems:

  1. Return to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Social Security Administration (SSA) office in your state on or after September 14, 2012; or
  2. E-mail [email protected], to have an SEVP representative contact SSA or the state DMV on behalf of the student to help with processing.

SEVP recommends the first option, as it anticipates that the second option may take longer to resolve the problem. The text of the September 10, 2012 broadcast message follows below. You can also consult a September 6, 2012 status update that SEVP placed on the Study in the States website.


To: All SEVIS Users
Date: September 10, 2012
Re: SEVIS Data Transmittal Problems to SAVE - Update
Number: 1209-01

Comments

To comment on this broadcast message, please e-mail [email protected] with “Broadcast Message 1209-01 – Comment” entered in the subject line.

Background

This is a follow-up to broadcast message “1208-07 – SEVIS Data Transmittal Problems to SAVE” sent on August 27, 2012, to describe a problem with the interface that transmits data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system. This problem led to complications for some F and M nonimmigrants who apply for a driver’s license or a Social Security number (SSN).

General Information

The data sent from stakeholders to SEVIS Help Desk, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SAVE identified the issue causing the data transmittal problem. The Department of Homeland Security has scheduled implementation of a patch that will be operational on September 14, 2012. The patch should resolve the issue between SEVIS and SAVE. The issue seems only to affect F and M nonimmigrants and not J exchange visitors.

Changed Resolution Options

SEVP has changed its problem resolution options for this issue. Designated school officials (DSOs) must no longer send requests regarding this issue to the SEVIS Help Desk. Instead, a DSO must choose one of the solutions described below for a nonimmigrant who meets these criteria:

  • Have an Active SEVIS record
  • Have been denied a driver’s license or SSN because of this SAVE message: “refer student/exchange visitor to their school/program sponsor”
  • Be eligible for a driver’s license and/or SSN

Option One

The most efficient option is to wait until September 14, 2012, to have an F or M nonimmigrant apply or reapply for a benefit.

Option Two

Contact SEVP via e-mail at [email protected] to have SEVP transmit information to the benefit granting agency on the F or M nonimmigrant’s behalf. In your e-mail to SEVP, please include the following information:

  1. Benefit requested (SSN or driver’s license)
  2. Family name
  3. First name
  4. Date of birth
  5. Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” admission number (11 digits)
  6. SEVIS ID
  7. Applicant’s physical address (required), phone number (required), and e-mail
  8. Address of the DMV1 or Social Security Administration office where problem occurred (and the name of the official, if known)
  9. Date of the latest visit to the office
  10. SAVE case number (if available)
  11. Current driver’s license/customer number and/or DMV receipt number (if available)

Note that SEVP does not process benefits directly. An SEVP representative will contact the Social Security Administration or your state DMV to assist with processing.

Disclaimer

This Broadcast Message is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it a rule or a final action by SEVP. It is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter.

 

1 SEVP recognizes that DMV is not the name that all states give to the office that issues driver’s licenses but uses it as a generally recognizable description.