Student and Exchange Visitor Program

• Exchange visitor has completed the program as scheduled.
• Exchange visitor has an approved change of status and has a different visa type.
• Responsible officer (RO) or alternate responsible officer (ARO) ends the program (e.g., exchange visitor completes program early or withdraws).
• RO or ARO ends status of J-2 dependent because or divorce or dependent death.

• Exchange visitor chooses not to use the Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.”
• Exchange visitor uses the Form DS-2019 to get a visa but does not enter the United States within 30 days of the program start date.
• Exchange visitor is in Initial status with an approved change of status (COS) request and has a different visa type.
• Exchange visitor in Initial status has a pending COS to J visa, and either the exchange visitor withdraws the request or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services denies it.

• "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status"
• Responsible officer issues to a prospective J exchange visitor.

• "Exchange Visitor Program Application"
• Program official submits to Department of State to become Department of State-designated to enroll J exchange visitors.

• "Update of Information on Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor"
• Program official submits to Department of State to change or update Form DS-3036, “Exchange Visitor Program Application,” information.

• "Supplement, Document Verification Request Supplement"
• Federal, state or local agency official files this form in order to verify a nonimmigrant’s status via the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program.

• "Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document"
• Nonimmigrant who misplaces the Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” files to request a replacement.

• "Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker"
• Employer uses to petition for an alien to temporarily enter the United States to perform services or labor or to receive training under particular nonimmigrant visa classes.

• "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance"
• Form of a petition submitted and maintained by school officials electronically in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System for Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification of the school to enroll F-1 and/or M-1 students.

See 8 CFR 214.3(a)-(c)

• "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status "
• Form issued to an F or M nonimmigrant, used as authorization for admission in and maintenance of nonimmigrant status for the duration of their visit in the United States.

• "Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status"
• Nonimmigrant uses to change from a nonimmigrant status to immigrant status or from immigrant status to lawful permanent resident status.

• "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor"
• Customs and Border Protection officer issues this form to a nonimmigrant at a port of entry if the nonimmigrant lacks the necessary documents, such as a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.”

• "Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status"
• Nonimmigrant uses this form for applying to change to a different nonimmigrant visa status or to apply to remain in the United States for a longer period of time.

• "Application for Employment Authorization"
• Nonimmigrant uses for applying for eligibility to work while in the United States.

• "Employment Authorization Document"
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issues this form.
• This form proves that a nonimmigrant has permission to work in the United States for a specific period of time and under certain circumstances.

• "Notice of Action"
• Receipt that the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) generates for many different SEVIS-related fees.

• "Arrival/Departure Record"
• This form proves legal entry into the United States; a Customs and Border Protection officer issues this form at a port of entry to all nonimmigrants, regardless of visa type.

• "Fee for Remittance for Certain F, J and M Nonimmigrants"
• Form used by a prospective F-1, J-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant to pay the fee for support of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

School year divided in one of the following ways:

• Program of study measuring a program’s length in clock hours: a minimum of 26 weeks of instructional time.
• Program of study measuring a program’s length in credit hours: a minimum of 30 weeks of instructional time.
• Program of study measuring academic progress in clock hours: 900 clock hours.
• Undergraduate program of study measuring academic progress in credit hours: 24 semester or trimester credit hours or 36 quarter credit hours.
• Program measured in clock hours: 900 clock hours.

• Person designated by the head of a Department of State-designated exchange visitor program to maintain Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records.
• The J exchange visitor’s point of contact at the program for information and help.
• Only manage J exchange visitors and dependents.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

A designated school official-approved educational opportunity for an F-1 student in a country other than the United States, which may include graduate research and formal classes or programs, but must contribute to the student's completion of a program of study and before the end of the authorized period of stay.

Amount of time an F or M student may stay in the United States for a program of study, including one of the following:

• Time from before a program of study begins until a program end date.
• End of a grace period allowed for the F or M student (and any dependent) to prepare either to leave the United States or apply for a change of status.

A national of Canada or Mexico admitted to the United States as an F-1 or M-1 student under certain rules to enroll in a full course of study, albeit on a part-time basis, in a SEVP-certified school located within 75 miles of a United States land border.

Developed by U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

"Provides a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity." See Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code for more information.

DHS has designated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees for the purpose of approving a 17-month STEM extension of optional practical training under the provisions of 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C).

A period of time consisting of one of the following:

• A 50 to 60 minute class, lecture or recitation in a 60-minute period.
• A 50 to 60 minutes faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training or internship in a 60-minute period.

Training that an F-1 student participates in during a program of study; including alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by a sponsoring employer through cooperative agreement with a school.

A regularly-employed member of the school administration designated by the head of an SEVP-certified school to provide recommendations to F and/or M students enrolled at the school regarding maintenance of nonimmigrant status, and to support timely and complete record keeping and reporting to DHS.

See 8 CFR 214.3(I)(1).

F or M student attends class and completes requirements "principally through the use of television, audio, or computer transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing."

The time during which an F-1 student is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by the service for attendance by foreign students, or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies.

Note: An exception to the above information is that an F-1 student who is admitted to attend a public high school is restricted to a total of 12 months of study at any public high school.

A United States Customs and Immigration Services automated system that "collect(s) such information … necessary to issue a travel authorization, as reflected by the I-94W" (see 8 CFR 217.5(c)) for visitors who travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

World events that affect a specific group of F-1 students, which causes significant financial hardship, such as, but not limited to:

• Natural disasters.
• Wars and military conflicts.
• National or international financial crises.

"Legal entity designated by the Secretary of State … to conduct an exchange visitor program"

​The amount of credit or clock hours required for an F-1 or M-1 student to maintain nonimmigrant status during a school session.

Employment authorized for more than 20 hours per week.

The amount of time an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant can do the following:

• Enter the United States in advance of the program start date.
• Remain in the United States after completing the program or optional practical training in order to prepare to depart the country, transfer to another school or program or apply for a change of status.

• After April 1, beginning with the expiration of an F‑1 student's status (i.e., after either the initial grace period following the program end date or the grace period following the student's post-completion optional practical training Employment Authorization Document end date).
• Ending on the start date of the student's approved H-1B employment period on Oct. 1.

• Rejection, denial or revocation (which ends the extension).
• Approval and continued extension through Sept. 30 of the year the petition was filed.

A fee all F-1 and M-1 students and most J-1 exchange visitors must pay prior to gaining F, M or J status to support the administrative expenses of SEVP and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

• Dependent under 21 years of age.
• Under the age of 18 (generally in the United States).
• Under the age of 21 (for an F or M dependent, according to the DHS and Department of State).

"Primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education."

• Educational activity related to learning a skill or trade.
• Educational activity related to a hobby or pursuit of interest purely for enjoyment (e.g., cosmetology, radiology, massage therapy, computer programming, aviation, culinary arts, etc.).
• Not core courses such as math, social studies, English and science.
• An M-1 visa is necessary.

Meeting academic benchmarks set for a program of study in order to complete the program by the established program end date.

Official permission for an F-1 student to work off campus.

Employment performed by an F-1 student at one of the following:

• An on-campus location (i.e., on the school's premises) directly employed by the school.
• An on-campus location (i.e., on the school's premises) employed by a commercial firm in a role that performs direct student services.

Training that is not an integral part of the established curriculum. OPT does not fulfill requirements of an F-1 student's program of study and successful program completion is not contingent on participation in OPT. OPT may include the following:

• Pre-completion OPT.
• Post-completion OPT.
• 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.
• H-1B cap gap.

Less than 20 hours per week of employment.

Enrollment for fewer clock or credit hours than are considered full time.

Document printed when a prospective F or M student chooses to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee by check or money order.

A designated school official with added responsibilities to:

• Serve as the primary point of contact with SEVP on any issues that relate to school bona fides or compliance with regulations.
• Administer the F/M program at the school, keeping the school information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) up to date, manage designated school officials, oversee the management of student records and respond to SEVIS-generated alerts.
• Submit school certification and recertification packages.

For initial students, the start of an academic or vocational program of study listed on the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."

Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories do not:

• Produce postsecondary credits.
• Lead to a formal award, certificate or an academic degree.
• Result in occupationally-specific skills.

Authorization by a designated school official that allows an F-1 or M-1 student to maintain status while engaging in less than a full course of study for reasons such as academic difficulties, medical conditions or completion of course of study.

Federal legislation that authorizes the following:

• Authorizes formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living and client assistance.
• Authorizes a variety of training and service discretionary grants administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
• Authorizes research activities administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the work of the National Council on Disability.
• Includes multiple provisions focused on rights, advocacy and protections for individuals with disabilities.

Employee of an exchange visitor program sponsor who has primary responsibility for the following:

• Communicating with J exchange visitors in that program.
• Maintaining Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records.
• Training and supervising alternate responsible officers.
• Advising and assisting exchange visitors.
• Being the point of contact for Department of State and ICE in communications that relate to the program.

A financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that make it difficult, if not impossible, for a student to continue education in the United States.

A part of the National Security Investigations Division and acts as a bridge for government organizations that have an interest in information on nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students.

The school that receives the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record upon the transfer release date.

A school that holds the student record and starts the transfer process after the student notifies the designated school official of their wish to transfer.

The failure to attend class (i.e., maintain a full course of study) by an F-1 or M-1 student during a term without prior designated school official approval.

A public school's or school system's total expenditure per student from all public revenue sources including local, state and federal funds per student for providing public education.

An indication that a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate reviewed your application and determined that you are eligible to enter the United States for a specific purpose:

• Nonimmigrant.
• Someone who has permanent residence outside the United States but wants to be in the United States on a temporary basis (i.e., tourism, business, temporary work, study or medical treatment).
• Immigrant.
• Someone who intends to live permanently in the United States.

• Related to learning a skill or a trade.
• Not academic learning.
• An M-1 visa is necessary.