Common terminology

DSO/PDSO: The designated school officials (DSO) are the college employees who communicate with the U.S. Federal Government on the college's behalf. The princial designated school official (PDSO) is the primary contact person at the school for the government.

SEVIS: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the federal database where information pertaining to an international student's status is reported and maintained. The DSO and PDSO are responsible for updating the student's information in SEVIS each term.

DHS: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has authority over all citizenship and immigration issues for the United States.

I-20: The document generated by the college when a student is accepted. The I-20 specifies the DHS-authorized school the student has chosen to attend, the start and end dates of the student's educational program, his or her program of study and certification that the student has sufficient funds to cover the expenses of their study.

D/S: Duration of status. An F-1 student is granted permission to stay for the period of time reasonably required to pursue a full course of study in any educational program or to engage in authorized practical training following completion of studies. The student then has 60 days to prepare for departure from the U.S. or apply for a change of status.

I-94: The arrival and departure record that is stamped each time the student travels to and from the United States.