Glossary of Terms

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This is a web-based Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database system used to track information on all F-1 and J-1 student visa holders. The University must be SEVP-certified in order to admit international students. There is a recertification process that occurs every two years. DSOs and AROs must go through specialized training before being granted access to the SEVIS system and must meet specific reporting requirements in accordance with immigration regulations.

The ISSS Portal provides international students with a personalized account where they can view and manage their unique immigration profile, review important announcements, download I-20/DS-2019 documents, and submit ISSS requests.

You can think of the ISSS Portal as similar to a student's My account, but for immigration-related information only.

Designated School Official. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) manages schools hosting F-1 students. Every SEVP-certified school must have at least one employee serving as DSO. This individual must be familiar with immigration regulations relating to F-1 status. The primary duties of a DSO include updating and maintaining student SEVIS records, issuing I-20 documents, and advising F-1 students regarding the immigration regulations and how to maintain their visa status. Illinois State has DSOs employed in ISSS and International Admissions. The DSOs in International Admissions are focused mostly on determining eligibility for issuance of the student's very first I-20 document, while the DSOs in ISSS take over after the student arrives on campus and provide advisement and I-20 updates throughout their degree program and for up to three years after graduation (see OPT and STEM Extension below).

Immigration document issued by a DSO at the University to a student seeking F-1 status. At Illinois State, the very first I-20 is issued by International Admissions, but after the student arrives on campus, any subsequent I-20s are issued by ISSS. The I-20 document is unique to F-1 status and is required to apply for an F-1 visa and enter the U.S. It is also required for other applications such as a driver’s license, social security card, and I-9 employment paperwork. The expiration date on this document (NOT the student’s visa expiration date) determines how long the student is permitted to stay in the U.S.

Alternate Responsible Officer. The Department of State (DOS) manages Bridge USA which administers exchange visitor programs and exchange visitors in J-1 status. Every DOS-designated sponsor must have at least one employee serving as ARO. This individual must be familiar with immigration regulations relating to J-1 status. The primary duties of an ARO include updating and maintaining student SEVIS records, issuing DS-2019 documents, and advising J-1 students regarding the immigration regulations and how to maintain their visa status. Illinois State has AROs employed in ISSS and International Admissions. The AROs in International Admissions are focused mostly on determining eligibility for issuance of the student's very first DS-2019 document, while the AROs in ISSS take over after the student arrives on campus and provide advisement and DS-2019 updates throughout their exchange program.

Immigration document issued by an ARO at a Department of State designated sponsor. The University is a designated sponsor, however, there are several outside agencies such as Fulbright and World Learning that can also sponsor a J-1 student coming to ISU. If they are being sponsored by Illinois State, the student’s very first DS-2019 will be issued by International Admissions, but any subsequent DS-2019s are issued by ISSS. If the student is sponsored by an outside agency, their DS-2019 will be issued by an ARO at that agency and they must report to that individual in order to maintain status. The DS-2019 document is unique to J-1 status and is required to apply for a J-1 visa and enter the U.S. It is also required for other applications such as a driver’s license, social security card, and I-9 employment paperwork. The expiration date on this document (NOT the student’s visa expiration date) determines how long the student is permitted to stay in the U.S.

Curricular Practical Training is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students. As the name implies, this is training which provides the student with the opportunity for practical application of the knowledge gained in their program of study and is considered part of the student’s curriculum. Usually, CPT is used for internships or other job opportunities prior to graduation for which the student will earn course credit. In most instances, an F-1 student is not eligible for CPT until they have completed two full-time semesters of study (Fall and Spring).

Optional Practical Training is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students. The student’s DSO recommends OPT by issuing an I-20 document. The student must then apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) who then approves OPT by issuing an EAD card. In most instances, OPT occurs after graduation (post-completion). A student authorized for OPT is allowed to work within their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months. While on OPT, students must continue to maintain F-1 status and report changes to ISSS. ISSS remains responsible for advising students while on OPT and must continue to maintain their SEVIS records.

STEM Extension is a two-year extension of OPT work authorization for F-1 students who have earned a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering or math) that appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree List. The specific CIP code that appears on the student's I-20 document must appear on this list and the student must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for this two-year extension of their work authorization. The student’s DSO recommends STEM Extension by issuing an I-20 document. The student must then apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) who then approves STEM Extension by issuing an EAD card. The Study in the States website has an extensive STEM OPT HUB to help students and employers understand the complexities of this type of work authorization. While on STEM Extension, students must continue to maintain F-1 status and report changes to ISSS. ISSS remains responsible for advising students while on STEM Extension and must continue to maintain their SEVIS records.

Academic Training is a type of off-campus work authorization for J-1 students. As the name implies, this is training which provides the student with the opportunity for application of the knowledge gained in their academic program at ISU. AT can be approved during or after the student’s program of study. Students are limited to 18 months of AT or the length of their academic program (whichever is shorter). PhD students may be eligible for an additional 18 months.