Life University International Student Handbook | Page 5

Identification Documents Many countries require every person to carry an identity card. The United States has no such requirement. There is no national identity card. You should, however, carry identification with you at all times. To cash a check or purchase goods with a check usually require two forms of identification. In the U.S, people normally use their driver’s license and a major credit card. If you do not want to obtain a Georgia driver’s license, you may want to think about obtaining a Georgia Identification card. It is not recommended that you substitute your passport for any type of identification. It is a lengthy process to replace your passport, if lost or stolen! How SEVIS Works After LIFE admits an international student, LIFE issues an I-20 through SEVIS. The new barcoded I-20 form is then sent to you. The student visits the U.S Consulate abroad, and the consulate confirms that the I-20 the student is carrying is a valid document. If everything is in order, the consulate issues the visa. An immigration officer at the airport reports to SEVIS of the student’s entry into the United States. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) When the student arrives on campus, he or she reports to mandatory international student orientation. The student will then meet with an a designated school official NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS after courses begin to make sure that the student is enrolled in a full course load. The student will need to bring his or her passport, visa, I-94 and updated/local address to the meeting. FAILURE TO REPORT WITHIN 10 DAYS COULD MEAN LOSS OF STUDENT STATUS. SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a secure, internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S immigration service to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 student’s academic career in the United States. Life University must comply with the SEVIS reporting requirements because failure to comply could result in the loss of the college’s ability to accept international students in the future. The University continues to provide regular electronic reports through SEVIS throughout your time at Life University. Finally, SEVIS records the student’s departure from the United States. —3—