A federal agency whose missions include preventing terrorism and enhancing security, managing U.S. borders, administering immigration laws, securing cyberspace, and ensuring disaster resilience. Through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, DHS secures the student visa system.
Glossary
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.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
U.S. Department of State
A federal agency that issues visas at U.S. consulates and embassies, and offers student-specific information on its websites. The U.S. Department of State also manages the J visa programs within the United States.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security agency that promotes homeland security and public safety through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. Through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, ICE helps secure the foreign student visa system.
Updates to Form I-17
Changes that designated school officials at Student and Exchange Visitor Program‑certified schools must make if the school’s Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Students,” does not match the school’s current operating status.
USCIS ELIS
An online, account-based system from USCIS students can use to view their benefit requests, receive electronic notification of decisions, and receive real-time case status updates.
Related terms: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Benefits
Visa
A document issued by the Department of State that enables a student or exchange visitor to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. Students need either an F-1 or M‑1 visa to enroll in U.S. programs of study.
Visa-Exempt Country
Certain countries, including Canada and Bermuda, whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the United States and may apply at the U.S. port of entry for F-1, M-1, or J-1 nonimmigrant status. Citizens of these countries must still:
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
- Receive a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”
- Maintain status
Visa-Waiver Country
A group of 38 countries who have an agreement with the Department of State allowing their citizens to enter the United States without a visa for 90 days or less for “business, tourism, visiting or pleasure.” If citizens from visa waiver countries want to study in the United States, they need to be accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school and apply for an F or M visa.
Related terms: U.S. Department of State
Volunteer
People who give time and effort but do not receive any form of payment. F and M students may volunteer as long as they do not receive any form of taxable income. If the position is one for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone, you may work there only with all necessary employment authorization.