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.

Recertification

The process a school must go through every two years to re-establish its eligibility and compliance with regulations in order to maintain authorization from SEVP to enroll F‑1 and/or M-1 students.