Below you will find a list of commonly used immigration terms. We hope you find this glossary helpful.

  • SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
  • F-1: Student Visa/Status
  • J-1: Exchange Visitor Visa/Status
  • PDSO: Primary Designated School Official (F-1)
  • DSO: Designated School Official (F-1)
  • RO: Responsible Officer (J-1)
  • ARO: Alternate Responsible Officer (J-1)
  • Visa: Visa is often confused with immigration status. A visa is a travel document issued at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad and placed in the traveler's passport, when applicable. The visa must be valid to request admission to the U.S. at a U.S. Port of Entry.
  • Immigration Status: Upon successful admission to the U.S. at a U.S. Port of Entry, an immigration status is granted. To verify your immigration status, and to ensure you were assigned the correct status, you should access your Form I-94 record. Once you have an active immigration status, you must maintain your status throughout your time in the U.S.
  • Form I-94: Arrival and Departure Record for aliens entering the United States
  • D/S: Duration of Status. Upon admission to the U.S., F-1 and J-1 students should receive an "Admit Until Date" of D/S indicated on their electronic Form I-94. Study in the States defines D/S as "D/S on your Form I-94/admissions stamp means that you may remain in the United States so long as you maintain your nonimmigrant student status, which includes finishing your program by the program date listed on your Form I-20".
  • Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status for F-1 Students
  • Form DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status for J-1 Students and Scholars
  • EAD: Employment Authorization Document
  • OPT: Optional Practical Training
  • CPT: Curricular Practical Training

U.S. Federal Agencies

  • SEVP: Student & Exchange Visitor Program
  • DHS: Department of Homeland Security
  • DOS: Department of State
  • USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • CBP: Customs and Border Protection
  • FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigations