UPenn updates guidelines to SEVIS terminations amid rising visa revocations

The University of Pennsylvania has updated its online guidance for international students following visa revocations and terminations of immigration statuses, as confirmed by university officials and The Daily Pennsylvanian.

On April 21, UPenn revised its “SEVIS Termination FAQ” page, originally launched by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on April 6, to include additional information related to public safety, housing, and academics. This comes after eight UPenn affiliates had their visas revoked, seven of whom also had their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records terminated, including one undergraduate student, five graduate students, and one alumnus on a sponsored visa, as reported by the spokesperson of UPenn to The Daily Pennsylvanian.

The university’s updated FAQ explains that a terminated SEVIS record renders an individual’s F-1 or J-1 immigration status inactive. “A terminated SEVIS record means you are out of status and can’t legally study, work, or remain in the US,” the page states. It also notes that “depending on the circumstances, you may begin to accumulate unlawful presence from the date of termination.”

Penn clarified that SEVIS terminations generally occur when a student withdraws, takes a leave of absence, or fails to comply with US immigration regulations. While ISSS-initiated terminations follow a series of warnings, the university emphasized that external terminations, such as those linked to visa revocations or background checks, are automatic and beyond ISSS’s control.

According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, ISSS is “monitoring students’ visa statuses twice a day through SEVIS.” The publication also reported that over 1,700 international students and graduates across the US have had their visas revoked amid ongoing immigration enforcement.

In guidance provided under “Public Safety & Penn Police,” the FAQ notes that “The University of Pennsylvania Police Department does not enforce immigration regulations, including SEVIS,” but acknowledges that public areas of campus remain accessible to law enforcement without a warrant. Students are advised to contact UPenn’s Division of Public Safety and reminded of their right “to remain silent and decline communication” when approached by immigration officials.

The university also addressed potential impacts on financial aid, billing, and housing. While a terminated record may affect scholarship eligibility, emergency support could be available. Students no longer attending classes are directed to Student Billing for payment adjustments.

The FAQ further outlines that most student activities, campus services, and wellness facilities are limited to currently enrolled students, restricting access for those with inactive immigration status.

Penn continues to advise students with terminated SEVIS records to consult ISSS for case-specific guidance. The university said students may either leave the US or apply for a new visa and I-20/DS-2019, noting that “terminations linked to visa issues or legal matters may negatively impact future US visa eligibility.”