If you’re an international teacher in the U.S. under a J-1 visa, keeping your SEVIS record in good standing isn’t just important—it’s essential. One misstep could flag your status as negative, affect your current job, or worse, jeopardize your ability to stay in the U.S.
So what does it mean to keep your SEVIS positive—and how do you do it? Let’s break it down.
✅ What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It’s a U.S. government database that tracks international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents. Every J-1 teacher’s record lives in SEVIS.
If your record shows up as inactive, terminated, or out of status—that’s a red flag. But the good news? You can avoid it.
🚨 What Can Put You on Negative SEVIS or Visa Status?
Here are some of the most common mistakes that result in visa trouble:
- Changing Employers Without Authorization
J-1 visa holders must stay with the school listed on their DS-2019. You cannot just transfer or resign mid-contract without proper coordination with your sponsor. - Missing School Without Reporting
Disappearing from school—even for a few days—without informing your sponsor or principal can get reported as “unauthorized leave.” - Not Updating Your U.S. Address
You’re required to report address changes within 10 days. Failing to do so could flag your status. - Letting Your Health Insurance Lapse
J-1s must carry specific health insurance throughout their stay. If you cancel or downgrade it, your SEVIS record could be affected. - Violating Program Objectives
Teaching part-time, switching to a different subject, or taking a non-teaching job on the side (especially under J-1) are big violations. - Unauthorized Travel or Overstaying Outside the U.S.
You must get travel validation before leaving. Overstaying your grace period after the visa ends? That’s a SEVIS termination risk.
How to Keep a Positive SEVIS Record
Here’s how to protect your visa and future opportunities:
1. Communicate With Your Sponsor Regularly
✅ Let them know about changes—school, address, travel, etc.
✅ Ask first before making any decisions that affect your job or visa.
2. Stick to the Terms of Your DS-2019 or I-797
✅ Follow your teaching assignment, location, and duties.
✅ Don’t accept other jobs, even online, without approval.
3. Renew Your Health Insurance On Time
✅ Don’t let your coverage lapse. Ask your sponsor what plan is approved.
4. Follow Travel Rules
✅ Get a travel signature on your DS-2019 before leaving.
✅ Stay aware of visa re-entry rules—especially during program end dates.
5. Keep All Documents Updated
✅ Keep a copy of your DS-2019, visa, passport, and I-94 safe and current.
✅ Notify your sponsor before your passport expires.
Bonus Tip: Ask for Help Before It’s Too Late
If you’re unsure about anything—from changing schools to going on vacation—ask your visa sponsor first. Don’t rely solely on hearsay or Facebook comments. A small mistake can lead to a big consequence.
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Your SEVIS status is your lifeline in the U.S. Keep it clean, communicate clearly, and follow the rules—not just for your job, but for your dreams. Because once you’re in negative SEVIS status, fixing it can be costly, stressful, or sometimes impossible.
So if you’re ever in doubt, take a pause, ask questions, and remember:
One right decision can protect your entire future.
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