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Resource Library
Study in the States offers free downloadable tools and resources to make it easier for international students and school officials to follow the U.S. government rules and regulations that govern the international student process.
All of the free tools and resources are available below. Search for resources by selecting the filters that apply. One or more filters may be selected.
Resources for New DSOs
March 2019
Provides important information for new Designated School Officials (DSOs) to understand the international student process to successfully manage school and student records and fulfill their reporting and compliance obligations
Get to Know SEVP
October 2018
Provides useful information about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) mission and SEVP's coordination with government partners.
Resources & Contacts
February 2019
Provides useful Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) resources and contacts for SEVP stakeholders to use and reference on a daily basis.
Record Keeping Requirements
October 2018
Provides useful information for DSOs to help them properly maintain F-1 and M-1 student records.
M-1 Extension of Stay Process
July 2018
Outlines the steps for the M-1 extension of stay process.
General Appeals Process Information
March 2017
Outlines the steps and timeline for the school appeal process.
What is Special Student Relief?
July 2018
Defines Special Student Relief (SSR), including who SSR affects, when SSR applies and how designated school officials can recommend SSR.
Public and Private K-12 Schools: Know the Difference
September 2016
Illustrates the distinctions between K-12 private schools and grade 9-12 public schools in the United States and outlines the different rules F-1 students must follow while studying at each.
Public Grade 9-12 Student Life Cycle (F-1)
September 2016
Outlines the eight steps involved for F-1 students studying at grade nine through 12 public high schools in the United States.
Know the Rules! Visit Study in the States Before You Start Your Program of Study
August 2016
A welcome guide for DSOs to distribute to new international students, outlining Study in the States as a resource to help them follow the rules and maintain their student status.
Private K-12 Student Life Cycle (F-1)
June 2016
Outlines the eight steps involved for K-12 F-1 private school students in studying in the United States.
ICE.gov/SEVP vs. Study in the States: Know the Difference
June 2016
A quick guide illustrating the different types of information, resources and tools found on ICE.gov/SEVP and Study in the States.
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
July 2018
Identifies the different 24-month STEM OPT extension reporting requirements for F-1 students, STEM OPT employers and school officials.
SEVP Certification Life Cycle
October 2015
Outlines the eight part process for obtaining and maintaining SEVP certification.
International Student Life Cycle
October 2015
Outlines the eight steps involved in studying in the United States, and includes supplemental information about employment and training eligibility for F-1 students.
F & M Status: Know the Difference
October 2015
Illustrates the distinctions between the two categories and outlines the different rules F-1 and M-1 students must follow while they study in the United States.
Quick Guide to SEVIS Links in an Active Status Student Record
June 2017
Explains some of the most commonly used links in an Active Status Student Record in SEVIS.
Authorizing a Reduced Course Load
July 2018
Explains three situations when a student may be eligible to drop below a full course of study.
Transferring Out F-1 Students in SEVIS
July 2018
Defines the steps for transferring out an F-1 student record and clearly delineates what students and DSOs at the current school must do to successfully transfer the record to a new SEVP-certified school.
Form I-17 Cycle Diagram
July 2018
Explains the responsibilities of PDSOs and includes a diagram illustrating the SEVP school certification, recertification and updates processes all surrounding the Form I-17.
Principal Designated Official (PDSO) vs. Designated School Official (DSO)
June 2017
Charts the different SEVIS reporting and administration responsibilities of PDSOs and DSOs.
Termination Reasons
June 2017
Defines what a SEVIS termination is and what it means for students, outlines reasons for terminations and explains instances when DSOs should not terminate an active status student record.
Student Record Status for F-1/M-1 Students in SEVIS
August 2018
Defines the different student record statuses for F-1 and M-1 students in SEVIS and outlines when a DSO should apply them to a student's record.
Cancelation Reasons in SEVIS
June 2017
Explains reasons for a DSO or the system to cancel a student's record in SEVIS.
Handling a Form I-515A
June 2017
Explains how to properly respond to SEVP within 30 days of a student receiving a Form I-515A.
Avoiding a Form I-515A
February 2016
Outlines how students and DSOs can proactively avoid the issuances of Forms I-515A.
SEVIS Tips for Private K - 12: Take Action in SEVIS
June 2017
Provides SEVIS reporting tips for DSOs at private K-12 schools, outlining when DSOs must take action on a student's record in SEVIS.
SEVIS Tips for Private K - 12: Important Dates for Student Management
July 2018
Provides SEVIS reporting tips for DSOs at private K-12 schools, outlining important dates and actions for student record management.
SEVIS Tips for Public 9-12 Schools: Take Action in SEVIS
June 2017
Provides SEVIS reporting tips for DSOs at public high schools, outlining when DSOs must take action on a student's record in SEVIS.
SEVIS Tips for Public 9-12 Schools: Important Dates for Student Management
July 2018
Provides SEVIS reporting tips for DSOs at public high schools, outlining important dates and actions for student record management.
Form I-20: Creating and Registering
June 2017
Explains the required information a DSO must input into SEVIS to generate a new Form I-20.
Getting Students Ready to Enter the United States
June 2017
Illustrates the steps students and schools must take to prepare for a student's entry into the United States.
Reporting Events on the Form I-20
June 2018
Outlines what events need to be reported on a student's existing Form I-20.
Transferring In F-1 Students in SEVIS
July 2018
Defines the steps for transferring in an F-1 student record and clearly delineates what students and DSOs at the new school must do to successfully transfer the record to a new SEVP-certified school.
Cancel vs. Terminate vs. Reinstatement: F-1 student records in SEVIS
June 2017
Illustrates when DSOs should cancel, terminate or facilitate reinstatement for an F-1 student's record in SEVIS.