Use the Study in the States glossary to define key terms throughout the F and M student process in the United States. If you are a current or prospective student, select “students” to see terms that specifically relate to you—from visas, to forms, benefits, and more. School officials should select “schools” to find more information on certification, responsibilities, and how to help their F and M students. You can also sort terms by selecting the letter of the alphabet a term begins with.
A fee all F-1 and M-1 students and most J-1 exchange visitors must pay prior to gaining F, M, or J status to support the administrative expenses of SEVP, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Students pay this fee after receiving their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” at FMJfee.com.
See also: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement "I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Tutorial"
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Fees that everyone, including F and M students, must pay to the U.S. Government’s Internal Revenue Service on any income earned while in the country, including income from wages, reception of a grant, fellowship, scholarship, interest from stock options, or lottery and gambling winnings.
A tax processing number the Internal Revenue Service issues to an individual who needs to report income (and pay income taxes) but is ineligible to obtain a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration.
Educational levels students enroll in before advancing to higher education institutions. U.S. students usually begin a formal educational program around age five or six in kindergarten. Children then complete grade levels one through 12 before attending college or university. F and M students may enroll in a private program for any length of time but may only attend a public high school for one year.
A DSO authorized absence from class that allows a student to suspend enrollment in a program of study and leave the United States, but the student intends to return and resume the program of study within five months.
A visa status for nonimmigrant students eligible to enroll in vocational or technical training programs including those at community or junior colleges, vocational high schools, or a school that provides vocational or nonacademic training other than language training.
Nonimmigrant visa status required for dependents (spouse or minor children) of M-1 students to enter the United States.
A course of study available on the internet with open enrollment and unlimited participation, usually given without charge and without course credit.
A graduate degree that requires the successful completion of the full-time equivalent of one but not more than two academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.
A significant change in SEVIS school information, sufficient to alter the legal meaning of the Form I-17 (i.e., bona fides for SEVP-certification). A material change includes all of the following:
(A) Approval for attendance of students (F/M/both);
(B) Name of school system; name of main campus;
(C) Mailing address of the school;
(D) Location of the school;
(E) School type;
(F) Public/private school indicator;
(G) Private school owner name;
(H) The school is engaged in;
(I) The school operates under the following Federal, State, Local or other authorization;
(J) The school has been approved by the following national, regional, or state accrediting association or agency;
(K) Areas of study;
(L) Degrees available from the school;
(M) If the school is engaged in elementary or secondary education;
(N) If the school is engaged in higher education;
(O) If the school is engaged in vocational or technical education;
(P) If the school is engaged in English language training;
(Q) Adding or deleting campuses;
(R) Campus name;
(S) Campus mailing address; and
(T) Campus location address.
