Can someone who knows tell me — during an administrative check when renewing SEVIS status, does SEVIS remain active the entire time? And does an employer normally accept that the person is effectively working without a visa and without status while the check is ongoing? I really can’t understand how this is arranged.
Detailed breakdown of the topic: Administrative check 221g: timelines, statuses, what to do
As long as you’re registered at college as an active student, SEVIS remains in effect — you can even cross the border for reasonable periods on your current visa. Some friends were stuck in administrative processing for about nine months and employers were totally fine with it — everyone understands it’s a transition period. Hang in there)
There’s confusion in terms here - AP refers to the visa stamp at the consulate, while extending status within the U.S. is done via I-129 or I-539. These are two different processes; SEVIS only works if the in-country status is maintained.
The I-94 is still valid; your status is tied to it — ap is about the consular stamp, not about work.