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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:

As part of the ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act, Principal Designated School Officials (PDSOs) and Designated School Officials (DSOs)...

On Sept. 23, 2024, the SEVP Response Center (SRC) launched a new telephone system for both domestic and international callers...

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice on July 22, 2024, announcing the addition of one Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

Study in the States serves as a dedicated resource to help schools and programs in the United States, along with international students, navigate the international student life cycle and comply with federal regulations. A new Study in the States feature allows site users to filter all site content by topic. Follow these instructions to use this new tool:

Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for an F‑1 student from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. Once an SSR notice is published, designated school officials (DSOs) may certify if an F-1 student meets the criteria to qualify for SSR.

Beware of a scam using the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Response Center (SRC) phone number with a (703) area code and claiming to be SRC representatives. Students have been told to purchase a gift card for deposit and that an agent would pick up the card. Remember:

On Dec. 9, 2022, the U.S.

On Dec. 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will amend its regulations at 8 CFR 214.1, 214.2, 214.3, 214.4, 214.12, and 214.13 to remove obsolete information, correct typographical errors, update references and citations, and make minor clarifications to regulatory language. 

Designated school officials (DSOs) are required by the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) to complete an annual verification process within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This process ensures all DSOs who have access to the SEVIS are still employed by their institutions, are active DSOs, and require continued access to SEVIS. Read the below for key information regarding this required process. Dates to Know: