Updates to Form I-17
Designated school officials (DSOs) at schools whose Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Students,” does not match the school’s current operating status must update the petition by reporting all changes.
Regulations require DSOs at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools to report any material changes to the Form I-17. A material change is any change to any field on the Form I-17.
SEVP strongly recommends that DSOs review the school’s Form I-17 on a regular basis to ensure accurate and timely update reporting. This will also make the recertification process much easier.
Process for Updating the Form I-17
- DSOs at SEVP-certified schools should review all fields on the Form I-17 and keep them current. If an update needs adjudication the school must submit an update request in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- An update to the school’s Form I-17 requires editing the currently approved Form I-17 in SEVIS. If an update requires supporting documentation, SEVP will contact the principal designated school official (PDSO) after the PDSO submits the Form I-17 update in SEVIS to specify the requested evidence and provide instructions for its electronic submission. The PDSO should not submit supporting documentation unless SEVP requests it, and the PDSO should only submit the Form I-17 update or supporting documentation electronically.
- SEVP adjudicators review updates and requested evidence for approval or denial in the order in which SEVP receives them.
- SEVP will use SEVIS to send a notification regarding the adjudication decision. DSO email addresses in SEVIS must be current in order to receive proper notification and requests for evidence.
Notes: Processing times for updates vary depending on the type of submitted update. Most updates take anywhere from four to 16 weeks to process, but a given update could take longer if the change is complicated or if evidence requested is incomplete or not submitted in a timely manner.
Unless specifically requested by SEVP, submission of Forms I-17 or supporting documentation by other than specified electronic means delay adjudication and complicate recordkeeping.
