Beginning June 26, 2024, F and J visa holders who receive a Form I-515A, "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor," from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will be instructed to email their required documentation to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Form I-515A Processing Team at SEVIS.I-515@ice.dhs.gov instead of mailing the documents to SEVP.

An F or J visa holder who receives a Form I-515A has 30 calendar days from their date of entry into the United States to email their documents to SEVP. This change to the Form I-515A process will expedite the Form I-515A processing times while eliminating the costs and risks associated with mailing original documents.

An F or J visa holder who received the previous version of the Form I-515A that contained mailing instructions may email their documents to SEVP instead of mailing them. However, please do not resend documents that have already been mailed. SEVP will continue to accept Form I-515A documentation via mail until Sept. 30, 2024.

For more information about the Form I-515A process, please visit the Form I-515A Overview on Study in the States. Stakeholders with questions can contact the SEVP Response Center (SRC) via phone at 703-603-3400 or 1-800-892-4829 or via email at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov. The SRC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, except for federal holidays.

OIA will share any additional information that becomes available. If you have questions about receiving an I-515A at a port of entry (e.g. airport), please reach out to your OIA adviser. OIA reminds F and J visa holders who receive an I-515A must respond within 30 calendar days to avoid disruption to their F or J status in the U.S.