The designated school official (DSO) community works closely with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) throughout the F and M student process. SEVP works to protect national security by ensuring only legitimate students come to the United States. As a DSO you are an important part to that process. Do you know how to ask SEVP for guidance if you need it?

The SEVP Response Center has subject matter experts who can answer your questions about SEVP processes and requirements.

• To be SEVP-certified to enroll F and M students and then issue Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” school officials must submit the Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.” You also use the Form I-17 to keep your school’s information current by making updates to the Form I-17 and to apply for recertification. If you have questions on required information for Form I-17, contact the SEVP Response Center. The SEVP Response Center or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Help Desk can answer your questions about using SEVIS to fill out the form.
• The school certification process is complex because it is important to make sure schools are prepared for the responsibilities involved with SEVP certification. If the complexities confuse you or if you have questions, the SEVP Response Center can help you or forward your question to the appropriate subject matter expert.
• If your students have problems with forms, fees and benefits, the SEVP Response Center can help you or forward your question to the appropriate subject matter expert. These teams have subject matter experts dedicated to the  I-901 SEVIS fee, the Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor,” issues related to driver’s licenses and issues related to Social Security numbers.

Study in the States is part of a larger initiative that serves as a hub of information on the F and M student process. The resources included on this site are here to help both you and your students succeed. Let us know what you think on Facebook or Twitter.

For more specific contact options at SEVP, visit our Contact Us page.