The Department of Homeland Security regulations require Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institutions to report any changes to the Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.” SEVP-certified institutions are required to keep all Form I-17 sections up to date in order to ensure the Form I-17 reflects the institution’s current operating status. Any changes to the information on the Form I-17 or the program of study listed on it require an update to the form within 21 days of the change. Failure to follow this regulation may jeopardize the the ability to admit international students to a program and may result in SEVP withdrawing a school’s SEVP certification.
If there are changes surrounding the details of a particular academic degree program or if a new one is added, these need to be updated through the Form I-17. This adjudication by SEVP can take anywhere from one month to a year. We advise departments around campus to please consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars about any specific changes or new programs that will include the admission of international students. Here is our ISS contact page or you can email iss@ucmerced.edu.
Study in the States: Updates to Form I-17
