Lori Meadows
International students who are accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school will have a designated school official (DSO) to communicate with SEVP, update their student record, and help them maintain their student status. DSO is a key term for international students to know, as their DSO will issue them a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which all international students must sign.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Designated School Official |
| Role | Communicate with SEVP, update student records, help maintain student status, provide advice, help fill out forms, and provide authorization for benefits like employment or driving |
| Form I-20 Issuance | DSOs at SEVP-certified schools issue Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective or continuing nonimmigrant students |
| SEVP Certification | Begins at the kindergarten grade level for private schools; DSOs cannot issue Form I-20 for pre-kindergarten or lower grades |
| Student Support | DSOs guide international students through the process of studying in the United States and answer their questions |
| Student Visa and Exchange Visitor Programs | DSO helps ensure only legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry to the United States |
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What You'll Learn
- DSO meaning: Designated School Official
- DSO's role: Communicating with SEVP, updating student records, and helping students maintain their status
- DSO's responsibility: Issuing Form I-20 to prospective nonimmigrant students
- Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
- Student requirements: Signing Form I-20 means agreeing to follow rules and regulations
DSO meaning: Designated School Official
A DSO, or Designated School Official, is a key resource for international students in the United States. All Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools are required to have a DSO, who acts as a point of contact between the school and SEVP.
The role of a DSO is to communicate with SEVP, update student records, and help international students maintain their F or M student status. They do this by providing advice and helping students fill out important forms, such as Form I-20, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". This form is issued to prospective or continuing nonimmigrant students who have been accepted into an SEVP-certified school. It confirms the student's nonimmigrant status and allows them to enter and remain in the United States for the duration of their studies. The form also includes important dates, such as the program start and end dates, which are based on the typical length of time it takes to complete the program.
DSOs are also responsible for issuing Form I-20 to any dependents accompanying the student. Additionally, international students must seek authorisation from their DSO before accessing certain benefits, such as employment or driving.
The DSO is a valuable source of information and guidance for international students, helping them navigate the process of studying in the United States and ensuring they comply with the relevant regulations.
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DSO's role: Communicating with SEVP, updating student records, and helping students maintain their status
A Designated School Official (DSO) is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and a key resource for international students at SEVP-certified schools. They are responsible for issuing Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective or continuing nonimmigrant students. This form is essential for students whose primary purpose for coming to the United States is to engage in learning.
DSOs play a crucial role in maintaining open lines of communication with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). They serve as the main point of contact for any issues related to SEVP certification and are required to be familiar with relevant regulations regarding the admission and status maintenance of international students. This includes providing advice and guidance to students on various topics, such as working in the United States, applying for a driver's license, or changing their program of study.
One of the key responsibilities of DSOs is to update and maintain student records accurately in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This ensures that student information, including program start and end dates, is current and readily accessible. DSOs are also responsible for issuing the initial Form I-20, which may involve selecting the appropriate issue reason, such as "Initial Attendance - Change of Status Requested" if the student is already in the United States under a different nonimmigrant status.
Additionally, DSOs play a vital role in helping international students maintain their F-1 or M-1 student status. Students must sign Form I-20, agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations necessary to maintain their status. DSOs guide students through the processes and requirements of studying in the United States, ensuring they remain compliant with their student visas. This may include assisting students with filling out important forms or providing authorization for certain benefits, such as employment or driving.
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DSO's responsibility: Issuing Form I-20 to prospective nonimmigrant students
A DSO, or Designated School Official, is responsible for issuing a Form I-20 to prospective nonimmigrant students. This form is an important document that certifies a student's eligibility for nonimmigrant student status in the United States. The DSO must ensure that the student meets all the requirements for the program of study and issue the Form I-20 for the length of time it takes to complete the program. This should match the length listed on the school's Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student".
The DSO must also ensure that the Form I-20 includes the expected date of completion of the student's academic or vocational program. This date should not include any grace periods. In addition, the DSO must provide the student with an updated, hard copy of the Form I-20, which includes original signatures. This form is required for visa applications, entry into the United States, and applications for nonimmigrant benefits.
When issuing an initial Form I-20 to a student who is already in the United States under a different nonimmigrant status, the DSO should select "Initial Attendance - Change of Status Requested" in the Issue Reason section. The DSO must also sign the School Attestation section, certifying that all information provided is true and correct and that the student meets the standards for admission.
It is important to note that only a DSO at an SEVP-certified school may issue a Form I-20, and third parties are not permitted to do so. DSOs should also be aware that they must update the student's SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20 if the physical copy is lost or if there are any changes to the student's information.
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Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
The Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students", is a mandatory document for all international students seeking to enrol in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the United States. The form serves as proof of the student's eligibility for nonimmigrant student status and is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at the educational institution.
A DSO, or Designated School Official, is a representative of an SEVP-certified school who is authorised to issue Form I-20 to prospective or continuing nonimmigrant students. Typically, larger universities have an international office that manages its participation in the SEVP, and all DSOs work within this office.
The Form I-20 includes crucial information such as the student's biographical details, including name, country of birth and citizenship, and date of birth. Additionally, it specifies the class of admission (F-1 or M-1), with F-2 or M-2 classifications for any accompanying dependents. The form also includes school information, such as the school name, address, SEVIS code, and the name of the DSO. Furthermore, details about the program of study, including the start and end dates, are outlined in the document.
The Form I-20 is issued to a student after they have been accepted into an SEVP-certified school. It is important to note that the form is only issued if the student's primary purpose for coming to the United States is to engage in learning or a course of study. The DSO ensures that the Form I-20 is issued for the duration it takes the student to complete their chosen program.
Upon receiving the Form I-20, both the student and the DSO must sign it. The student's signature indicates their agreement to abide by the regulations necessary to maintain their student status and their consent for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to access their student records. If the student is a minor, their parent or legal guardian must sign the form. Additionally, the student may need to present their Form I-20 during their visa interview and upon entering the country, as it is required for obtaining a student visa.
A new Form I-20 may be issued by the DSO in several circumstances, including when the original physical copy is lost or destroyed, for travel endorsement, or when there are substantive changes to the student's information or program of study. It is important for students to maintain the most up-to-date Form I-20 to demonstrate their current student status accurately.
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Student requirements: Signing Form I-20 means agreeing to follow rules and regulations
International students must sign Form I-20, agreeing to follow the rules and regulations required to maintain their F-1 or M-1 student status. The form confirms that the student intends to enter and remain in the United States for the specific purpose of study, for the time it takes to fulfil that purpose.
The form is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at an SEVP-certified school. A DSO is responsible for providing an updated, hard copy of the Form I-20 with original signatures to all F-1 and M-1 students at their schools. The DSO is also required to maintain the student's records, to which the student agrees to grant access to the Department of Homeland Security.
The student must verify that all the information on the form is correct before signing. If an error is found, the DSO must be contacted to correct it and issue an updated form. The form includes the student's program start and end dates, with the student permitted to arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed. The form may also be reissued if the physical copy is destroyed or misplaced.
In addition, any eligible dependents that the student plans to bring to the United States must also obtain a Form I-20. If the student is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form.
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Frequently asked questions
DSO stands for Designated School Official. All Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools are required to have DSOs to communicate with SEVP, update student records, and help students maintain their student status by providing advice or helping them fill out important forms.
DSOs are responsible for issuing Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective or continuing nonimmigrant students. They also act as a resource for F or M students, answering questions and guiding them through the process of studying in the United States.
If you are an international student at an SEVP-certified school, your school will have designated DSOs who you can contact with any questions or concerns. They are there to help you navigate the process of studying in the United States and maintaining your student status.
Form I-20 is a document that international students must sign when they are accepted into an SEVP-certified school. By signing the form, students agree to follow the rules and regulations required to maintain their student status and allow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) access to their student record, which is maintained by the DSO.
