Free Resources for Schools
April 3, 2015
As the end of the school year approaches for many, designated school officials (DSO) are busy with answering student questions and requests, handling paperwork and keeping up with reporting requirements about your school and enrolled F and M students.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) offers numerous free resources to school officials through Study in the States and ICE.gov. The Study in the States schools page contains step-by-step information about the SEVP certification and recertification processes, the appeals and motions process, and SEVP’s outreach efforts through draft guidance, field representatives and stakeholder webinars.
Check out some of these free resources below and share with your colleagues:
- I-17 Tutorial – walks viewers through the process of completing the Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.”
- Stakeholder Webinars – provides access to upcoming and previously recorded free webinars related to international education, such as enhancements to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- SEVIS Resources page – offers additional videos, tutorials and FAQs for recent and upcoming system enhancements.
- DSO Training Course – available through SEVP’s schools page on ICE.gov, it gives new DSOs additional guidance on how to complete the various actions required to update and maintain student information in SEVIS, and also serves as a useful resource and reminder for veteran school officials. While the course is not mandatory for SEVP-certification or recertification, it is highly recommended.
- SEVP Response Center – provides information for academic officials and international students about U.S. rules and regulations with regards to the international student process. You can call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, except holidays.
School officials should also visit the Study in the States blog to read more about international student news, government information and tools. You can also refer your prospective and current F and M international students to free Study in the States information and resources about studying in the United States, such as maintaining nonimmigrant status, transferring schools, traveling, employment and other benefits.
Follow Study in the States on Twitter or Facebook to receive updates on future Study in the States resources.