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.

24 Resources

Authorizing a Reduced Course Load

July 2018
Explains three situations when a student may be eligible to drop below a full course of study.
image for Authorizing a Reduced Course Load

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.
image for Transferring In F-1 Students in SEVIS

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.
image for Transferring Out F-1 Students in SEVIS

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.
image for STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

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.
image for What is Special Student Relief?

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.
image for Termination Reasons

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.
image for Getting Students Ready to Enter the United States

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.
image for Public and Private K-12 Schools: Know the Difference