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Being nominated as a designated school official (DSO) at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school is a significant responsibility. As a DSO, you serve as a key point of contact between your institution, its F-1 and M-1 students and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Your role is essential to maintaining compliance with federal regulations while supporting the academic success and legal status of foreign students. If you’re new to this role, you may be wondering where to begin. Fortunately, there are many resources to assist you.

Designated school officials (DSOs) are often called upon to assist F-1 students as they progress from one academic level to another within the same institution. This blog provides guidance on when and how to use the Change Education Level process in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), what information is required and how to avoid common errors.  

At the beginning of a new school session, designated school officials (DSOs) and students should consider the program end dates (PEDs) on the Form I-20, “Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Students should, if necessary, request an extension before the current program end date has passed. Best Practices for Students Make sure you have a copy of your latest Form I-20 to keep track of your PED. If you are unsure whether you have your latest Form I-20 or if your PED is correct, talk to your DSO.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign is focused on raising awareness and providing resources to help combat human trafficking. Designated School Officials (DSOs) play a key role in protecting international students from trafficking. Here are some key resources and steps DSOs can take to help prevent trafficking in schools: Resources for DSOs:

When welcoming international students to your institution, it’s important to ensure that all student documentation is authentic and valid before signing the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” for F and M students...

As a new session starts, designated school officials (DSOs) should be mindful of the program end dates (PEDs) listed on your international students’ Forms I-20, “Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Students should also monitor their PEDs and, if necessary, request a PED extension before the current program end date has passed. Common reasons for updated PED include:

Effective May 11, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) ended its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) guidance, consistent with the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, following the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency on April 10, 2023.

School officials must maintain accurate student records and address all errors in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) immediately. Inaccurate SEVIS data can impact a student’s:

On March 10, 2023, the U.S.

Designated school officials (DSOs) are required to keep student and school records up to date to help ensure accurate Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data. Keep these requirements in mind: