Today, Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Director Lou Farrell proudly announced that SEVP has successfully eliminated the backlog of principal designated school official (PDSO) and designated school official (DSO) updates.

“We are currently processing PDSO and DSO updates submitted with complete and accurate information within two weeks,” Director Farrell explained in his message to Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) users.

To ensure SEVP continues processing P/DSO requests in a timely fashion, Director Farrell reminded stakeholders of three key considerations when submitting updates:

• Submit complete petition requests that include accurate supporting documentation. This will reduce the need for SEVP to submit requests for evidence (RFEs).
• Be mindful of deadlines, especially for RFEs.
• Submit PDSO and DSO updates alone in SEVIS, separate from other Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” update requests.

To maintain the two-week turnaround, SEVP adjudicators will continue to issue more timely and firm cancellation or denial decisions for updates submitted with incomplete packages.

For more information about how to properly file for a Form I-17 update, please visit the SEVIS Help Hub Manage School Officials page.

If you have submitted a PDSO and/or DSO update in SEVIS or a request via email, but have not received a cancellation notice, an RFE or adjudication within 10 business days, please email FormI17SupportingEvidence@ice.dhs.gov to inquire about the status of your request.

If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your SEVP field representative. You can also contact the SEVP Response Center.