Designated school officials (DSOs) are resources that can help students throughout the process of studying in the United States. Every school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) must have a DSO to help F and M students. 

 

DSOs must be regularly employed members of the school’s administration. A DSO also must be a lawful citizen of the United States. 

 

The Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR 214.3(l)(1)) states that a DSO must be a person “whose compensation does not come from commissions for recruitment of foreign students. An individual whose principal obligation to the school is to recruit foreign students for compensation does not qualify as a "designated official.”

 

If your job duties include recruiting international students and you would like to speak with a subject matter expert who can help you understand the eligibility requirements for being a DSO, contact the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400 or sevp@ice.dhs.gov.