Filter

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that F-1 students who are applying for optional practical training (OPT) authorization can file the Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” online if filing under the following categories:

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released policy guidance titled, “Form I-20 Issuance and School Use of Recruiters,” in June 2019, stating designated school officials (DSOs) must issue the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” directly to F-1 students, their parent or legal guardian. At no time should the Form I-20 be issued to a third party.

As an F or M student, upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, you must have:

It is summer time and the rush of student applications for the fall term is at its height. As you prepare to sign the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students,” and send it to students, be sure to read the School Attestation statement on the first page the Form I-20 and understand your responsibilities as a designated school official (DSO).

In this blog post, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s government partner, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), explains the new online filing process for eligible F and M students for the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.”USCIS announced on May 22, 2019 that certain F and M students may use an online version of the Form I-539 to apply for an extension of their stay in the United States.

Note: On Nov. 1, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20, outlining the procedures for the use of electronic signatures and transmission of the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Read the guidance.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) invites international students and designated school officials to submit questions about what to expect at a U.S. port of entry to SEVPOutreach@ice.dhs.gov by April 20, 2018.Representatives from SEVP and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will answer these pre‑submitted questions during the Government Voices Webinar: What to Expect at a U.S. Port of Entry on May 16, 2018, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Once you have been accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, there are several steps you must take prior to your arrival in the United States.

Forms Before Entering the United States Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” When you are accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school, the designated school official will issue you one of two forms: