Immigration involves many terms and concepts—use this glossary to better understand the key agencies, documents, and processes.
A
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO): Officials at a Program Sponsor who are authorized to update and maintain DS-2019 records in SEVIS and advise on J-1 regulations.
Automatic Revalidation: Allows certain nonimmigrants to re-enter the U.S. with an expired U.S. visa stamp in their valid passport after visiting Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for less than 30 days. (Read more)
C
Cap Gap Extension: Allows for some F-1 students to extend their F-1 status and/or authorized period of post-completion OPT until they transition to the H-1B status on Oct. 1.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP): U.S. government agency responsible for America’s border security at ports of entry. (CBP website)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): An F-1 authorization that allows alternative work/study, internship, co-op or other type of required practical training that is integral to a student’s program of study.
D
Dependent: A spouse or child who joins the F-1 and J-1 student during their studies under the dependent F-2 or J-2 visa types.
Department of State (DOS): The Department of State manages exchange visitor programs and J-1 exchange visitors, and is responsible for visa issuance at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. (DOS website)
DS-2019: A J-1 immigration document issued by a U.S. government-approved institution (or organization) certifying a student’s admission into a program. The document reflects the student’s biographical, academic program, and financial support information as well as work authorizations.
Designated School Official (DSO): School officials who are authorized to update and maintain I-20 records in SEVIS and advise on F-1 regulations.
Duration of Status (D/S): This means a student may remain in the United States as long as they maintain F or J status.
E
Employment Authorization Document: A card issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows nonimmigrant visa holders to work in the United States for a specific period of time. This card is used by F-1 students on OPT and J-2 Dependents. (See example)
F
F-1 visa/status: Visa and immigration status type for individuals who entered the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.
F-2 visa/status: Visa and immigration status type for individuals who entered the United States as a dependent of an F-1 student.
H
H-1B visa/status: The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialty jobs. Many F and J international students move to the H-1B status.
I
I-20: A F-1 immigration document issued by a U.S. government-approved institution certifying a student’s admission into a program. The document reflects the student’s biographical, academic program, and financial support information as well as work authorizations. (See example)
I-94: Form I-94 is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)arrival/departure record electronically issued to travelers who are admitted to the United States. The information on the I-94 should be accurate. (See example)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): A U.S. government agency that enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. (ICE website)
Immigration Check-in: A government-required process where an F-1 or J-1 international student reports to ISS “as soon as possible upon admission into the United States but no later than the Initial Session Start Date (start of classes) as listed in SEVIS.”
J
J-1 visa/status: Visa and immigration status type for individuals who entered the United States as an exchange visitor sponsored by an educational exchange programs such as UW Study Abroad, Fulbright, LASPAU, etc. Students funded by the University of Washington may also be eligible for the J-1 visa/status.
J-2: Visa and immigration status type for individuals who entered the United States as a dependent of an J-1 student.
L
Leave of Absence: The immigration process of taking a break from studies. A student’s immigration record will be closed and they will need to depart the United States.
M
Maintain Status: Following the associated regulations of an immigration status.
O
Optional Practical Training (OPT): An F-1 work authorization that allows students to work in their field of study. There are three types of OPT:
- Pre-completion OPT: Used during studies, prior to graduation.
- Post-completion OPT: Used after the completion of a degree.
- STEM OPT Extension: A 2-year extension of Post-completion OPT granted to some students in eligible STEM-related programs.
P
Passport: An official travel document issued by a government that contains an individual’s personal identity details for international travel. While on the F and J status, a student’s passport must not expire.
Program End Date: The expiration date of an I-20 or DS-2019 that reflects the expected completion date of a student’s program of study. If a student is not able to finish the program by the Program End Date, a Program Extension must be requested. If a student completes their studies before the Program End Date, ISS will update the I-20 or DS-2019 to reflect the actual end date.
Program Extension: Extending the Program End Date on a student’s I-20 or DS-2019 due an academic or medical necessity to complete their program of study.
Program Start Date: The date on which a student is expected to begin their program. They can enter the U.S. as early as 30 days prior to this date.
S
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): a Web-based system that the U.S. government uses to maintain information on F and J students who come to the United States for study. Each F and J student has a SEVIS immigration record which is a reflection of their I-20 or DS-2019.
SEVIS ID: a unique identifier assigned to F and J students by the government through the SEVIS immigration system. All SEVIS ID numbers start with the letter N. On the Form I-20, the number is on the top left hand side of the first page. On the DS-2019, the number is on the top right hand side of the first page directly above “J-1.”
SEVP Portal: An online tool that lets F-1 students on optional practical training (OPT) report details such as email, phone number, address, and employment information. (SEVP Portal website)
T
Travel Signature: An endorsement from a DSO/ARO that an F or J student has maintained their immigration status and is eligible to re-enter the United States.
U
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A U.S. government agency responsible for processing immigration applications such as OPT and Reinstatement as well as and establishing policies regarding immigration services. (USCIS website)
V
Validation Report: A report submitted to UW ISS by an F-1 student on STEM OPT every 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-months. The validation report confirms a student’s name, address, employer, and employment status are correct in the SEVP Portal.
Visa: A travel document that entitles an international student to travel to the United States and apply for admission under the F or J status. However, it does not guarantee entry. (See example)