Helpful Terms

F-1 Visa – the type of visa international students receive to study in the US.

I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility) – document issued by a SEVP-certified school certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States. The I-20 form allows foreign nationals to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, part of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement that handles all matters related to international students and visitors.

SEVP – Student and Exchange Visitor Program. In order to enroll international students, schools must be SEVP-certified.

CPT – Curricular Practical Training – training that is an integral (i.e., required) part of the student’s curriculum. It must be authorized by the DSO/PDSO.

OPT – Optional Practical Training – up to 12 months of full-time work authorization in student’s field of study. Students can apply for this authorization while still studying in their program (pre-completion) or after they complete their program (post-completion). The application for OPT is made with USCIS and takes a few months to approve.

RCL – Reduced Course Load – permission to enroll below the full-time requirement. It must be authorized by DSO/PDSO in advance.

DSO – Designated School Official – an employee assisting and overseeing students who are studying at a US institution on a student visa.

PDSO – Principal Designated School Official – a DSO with added responsibilities.

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