Student Visa Security Improvement Act

HR 6987, the Student Visa Security Improvement Act, requires enhanced background checks for applicants seeking student visas (F, J, or M categories) and new monitoring rules for schools and exchange programs. It mandates DHS to conduct in-person interviews and review applications for these visas within 180 days, with special focus on security risks, and requires schools to verify student presence at least once every 60 days and report changes (like transfers or major changes) within 10 days. The bill also updates the SEVIS system to track academic performance and ensure timely reporting of student status changes. These changes directly affect international student visa applicants, U.S. educational institutions, and exchange program sponsors.