What happens when SEVIS auto-terminates a record? Steps to take in 48 hours for international students
The recent wave of sudden Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) terminations has introduced a new kind of uncertainty for international students in the United States. There is no notice, no warning, and often no clear explanation. A record that anchored your lawful stay is simply marked terminated, and the consequences begin immediately. The question for students is not only what this means in law, but what to do in the short window that follows.It is important to understand how auto-termination actually triggers, why the current pattern is different, and the actions that matter most in the first forty-eight hours.
What SEVIS termination means
SEVIS is the federal database that underpins lawful status for F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa holders. When a record is auto-terminated:
- Student status ends at once
- All work authorisation (on-campus, Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training) stops
- Eligibility for student benefits closes
- The student becomes out of status, without an automatic removal order, but with limited time to respond
Students often confuse out of status with deportation. These are not the same. Until the government issues a formal Notice to Appear, you still have room to act, file for reinstatement, or seek legal advice.
A different kind of termination
Auto-terminations today are occurring on a scale that universities say they have not seen before. The pattern is marked by three shifts:
- No advance communication to schools before a record is closed
- Immediate consequences, with students being told to depart at short notice
- Reduced opportunity to correct records, explain circumstances or prepare reinstatement filings
In the past, Designated School Officials (DSOs) often received time to fix errors or guide students through the reinstatement process. That buffer is largely absent now.
Why the first 48 hours matter
There is no official grace period after termination. Once a record is closed, the clock begins. For most students admitted for “Duration of Status”, unlawful presence does not automatically start, but delays can weaken later applications, especially reinstatement.The first forty-eight hours are about documentation, confirmation and legal positioning.Your first 48 hours: Step-by-step1. Confirm the Termination
- Contact your DSO immediately, and ask them to:
- Verify your SEVIS status directly in the federal system
- Provide written confirmation, including the reason code
- Print your most recent Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
Many students only discover terminations through routine checks. Early confirmation gives you more options.2. Secure your I-94 and immigration historyDownload your I-94 at once from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Save:
- Digital copy
- Screenshot
- Physical print
This document confirms your lawful entry and may become critical if records later shift or access becomes difficult.3. Collect your immigration fileGather:
- All Forms I-20 (current and previous)
- Passport and visa pages
- Entry stamps
- Any U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) notices
- School communications
- Create a single folder — digital and physical. Reinstatement and legal review depend on complete records.
4. Organise your academic proofSchools and lawyers will ask for evidence that you have maintained academic progress. Collect:
- Transcripts
- Enrolment verification
- Proof of attendance and coursework
- Approved reduced course load documents
For many students, these records show that the termination was not linked to academic violations.5. Identify any legal or administrative issues If you recently had traffic citations, disciplinary issues, police contact, or any administrative reviews, it is important to gather the documents. Even minor matters can trigger system alerts. Legal clarity strengthens a reinstatement case.6. Speak to your international office Ask your DSO:
- Whether similar terminations have occurred at the institution
- Whether the school believes a data fix is possible
- Whether they can issue a reinstatement Form I-20
- Whether the school can refer you to a legal clinic or external counsel
Get all advice in writing. When records move quickly, written guidance prevents misunderstandings.7. Consult an immigration lawyer A lawyer who specialises in student-visa cases can assess:
- Whether reinstatement is viable
- Whether the termination appears erroneous
- Whether leaving the United States would help or harm your case
- Whether a change of status is possible
Do not leave the country before taking legal advice. Departure can alter eligibility for reinstatement and may trigger bars on re-entry depending on unlawful presence calculations.8. Prepare for reinstatementIf reinstatement is the path forward:
- Ask your DSO for a reinstatement-recommended Form I-20
- Begin preparing Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
- Draft a personal statement explaining the circumstances
- Gather financial documents
- Assemble all academic and immigration evidence
You have up to five months to file, but starting early improves outcomes. Delays can weaken the argument that you acted promptly and responsibly.
What not to do in the first 48 hours
Alongside the steps to take, certain actions can worsen your situation and should be avoided in the first forty-eight hours. These include:
- Do not leave the US without legal advice
- Do not continue working, even on campus
- Do not assume the termination was correct, many recent cases involve errors
- Do not ignore emails from your school or USCIS
- Do not post publicly about your case, especially if political speech triggered earlier reviews
Looking ahead
Auto-termination does not close your future. Students who document their history, act quickly and secure legal support often succeed in reinstating their status. Early action is a student’s strongest safeguard.The first forty-eight hours are about control: securing your records, confirming what has happened, and positioning yourself to respond. After that, the process becomes slower, more procedural and shaped by agencies and timelines beyond your control. Acting early gives you the best chance to continue your studies and protect your immigration future.
