Student and Exchange Visitor Information System: A web-based Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database system used to maintain F and J records. To gain access to the system, the University must go through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. DSOs (Designated School Officials) and AROs (Alternate Responsible Officers) must go through training before being granted access to SEVIS and must meet specific reporting requirements in accordance with immigration regulations.
Titled the “Certificate of Eligibility” because it allows an individual to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
An official immigration document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S.
The I-20 end date (NOT the visa expiration date) determines how long a student is permitted to stay in the U.S.
Titled the “Certificate of Eligibility” because it allows an individual to apply for an J-1 exchange visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
An official immigration document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S.
The DS-2019 end date (NOT the visa expiration date) determines how long an exchange visitor is permitted to stay in the U.S.
J-1 immigration status is often used for students who are in a specific educational exchange programs such as Fulbright or WashU affiliated
exchange partnerships.
Regular degree-seeking students may also be eligible for J-1 immigration status.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students. CPT provides students 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 one full academic year (2 semesters).
OISS must authorize all periods of CPT before they begin.
Optional Practical Training is a type of work authorization for F-1 students who have been full-time students for at least one academic
year (2 semesters) and plan to seek employment in the U.S. in their field of study.
After receiving an updated Form I-20 with an “OPT Recommendation,” the student must apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization.
A student authorized for OPT is allowed to work within their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months.
Our While on Post-Completion OPT page provides specific rules and reporting requirements while on OPT.
STEM OPT Extension is a type of 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 form must appear on this list, and the student must meet specific STEM Extension eligibility to apply for this two-year extension of their OPT work authorization.
Academic Training (AT) is a type of work authorization for J-1 students to gain practical experience that is directly related to their
academic program of study.
AT may include, but is not limited to, internships, practicum, cooperative education, and other types of practical experience
gained through off-campus employment.
AT may be authorized before or after the completion of an academic program.
Students are eligible for up to 18 months of AT or the length of their academic program (whichever is shorter).
Doctoral students and STEM students may be eligible for an additional 18 months of AT after completion of their academic program.