End of Year Reminder – Report Changes to your DSO
December 31, 2014
A lot changes during the school year. You may switch your major, move to a new address or transfer schools. It is important to understand that some changes you make during a semester can affect your student status and thus require you to report updates to your designated school official (DSO).
Your DSO is responsible for keeping a record of any information modifications in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your DSO will also send you a revised Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
So what changes must you report to your DSO? As a reminder, below is a list for easy reference:
- Change in major, program or degree level;
- Change in education level;
- Transfer to a new school;
- Taking a break or temporary absence from school;
- Travel outside the United States;
- Change in address;
- Change in legal name;
- Request a program extension;
- Request for employment; or
- Change to employer information (if applicable).
Please note, report a change in name and/or address within 10 days of the change. For all other changes, your DSO must enter the updated information into SEVIS within 21 days of the change. Therefore, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program strongly recommends that you report any relevant change(s) to your DSO as soon as possible in order to maintain your F or M student status. When in doubt, report any updates to your DSO.