F-1: The standard non-immigrant visa category for academic students.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Temporary authorization for off-campus practical training (internships, etc.) that is an integral part of an established curriculum or major.
OPT (Optional Practical Training): Temporary employment authorization for F-1 students related directly to their major area of study, available as Pre-Completion (before graduation) or Post-Completion (after graduation).
STEM OPT: A 24-month extension of post-completion OPT available to graduates with qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math degrees.
CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs): A taxonomy code assigned to degree programs, used by SEVP and universities to verify if a major qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
RCL (Reduced Course Load): Formal approval granted by a DSO/RO/ARO allowing an F-1 or J-1 student to enroll below full-time course requirements for specific academic, medical, or final-term reasons.
FTC (Full-Time Coursework): The minimum academic course load required each semester for international students to maintain legal nonimmigrant status.
D/S (Duration of Status): The framework, used prior to September 15, 2026, under which F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted to the U.S. for an unspecified end date, allowing them to stay as long as they maintained normal progress toward completing their academic or program objectives.
AUD (Admit Until Date): The specific calendar expiration date issued by CBP or USCIS under updated rules, replacing "D/S" on Form I-94 and marking the absolute last day authorized to legally remain in the U.S. without taking further action.
Cap Gap (H-1B Cap Gap Extension): Automatic extension of F-1 status and OPT/STEM OPT work authorization covering the interim period between F-1 status expiration and the October 1 effective date of an approved/pending H-1B petition.
Grace Period: Permitted stay periods prior to program start and following program completion intended for domestic travel, school transfer, status change, or departure.
SSR (Special Student Relief): Federal relief issued by DHS during emergent humanitarian crises or economic hardships in specific home countries, granting eligible F-1 students reduced course load permissions and off-campus work authorization.
Severe Economic Hardship Authorization: USCIS off-campus employment authorization granted to F-1 students who experience severe financial hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Specific Terms
J-1: The visa category for individuals approved to participate in work- and study-based exchange visitor programs (students, professors, research scholars).
DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status): The official SEVIS document issued to J-1 visa holders (and J-2 dependents) required to apply for a J-1 visa and enter the U.S.
RO / ARO (Responsible Officer / Alternate Responsible Officer): The designated officials at a sponsor organization who manage J-1 programs and issue DS-2019 forms (equivalent to a DSO for F-1).
AT (Academic Training): Work authorization for J-1 students that allows them to gain practical experience related to their field of study.
212(e) / HRR (Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement / Home Residency Requirement): A rule requiring certain J-1 exchange visitors to return to their home country for an aggregate of at least two years before applying for certain other U.S. visas (like H-1B or permanent residency).
NOS (No Objection Statement): A formal document issued by a scholar's home country government stating they have no objection to the scholar waiving the 212(e) home residency requirement.
EV (Exchange Visitor): Official designation used by the U.S. Department of State and ISO to refer to J-1 visa holders participating in exchange programs.
ECA (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs): The U.S. Department of State bureau responsible for administering and overseeing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
D/S (Duration of Status): The framework, used prior to September 15, 2026, under which F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors were admitted to the U.S. for an unspecified end date, allowing them to stay as long as they maintained normal progress toward completing their academic or program objectives.
AUD (Admit Until Date): The specific calendar expiration date issued by CBP or USCIS under updated rules, replacing "D/S" on Form I-94 and marking the absolute last day authorized to legally remain in the U.S. without taking further action.
Grace Period: Permitted stay periods following program completion intended for domestic travel, school transfer, status change, or departure.
Official Immigration Forms, Documentation & Notices
I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status): The official document issued by a SEVP-approved school that an F-1 student needs to apply for a visa and enter the U.S.
I-94: The Arrival/Departure Record issued by CBP to foreign visitors upon entering the U.S.
I-901 SEVIS Fee: The mandatory fee paid by all prospective F-1 and J-1 students and scholars prior to getting their visa.
EAD (Employment Authorization Document): The card issued by USCIS proving work authorization (such as for Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT).
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization filed with USCIS to request an EAD card.
Form I-983: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, completed and signed by the student and employer detailing training objectives before STEM OPT authorization, also must be approved by the DSO.
Form I-515A: Document given by CBP officers at border entry when an international student is missing required documentation, granting temporary 30-day admission to submit the paperwork to SEVP.
Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to change visa categories or to request a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) past an individual’s assigned Admit Until Date, filed directly with USCIS.
Form I-797 (Notice of Action): Official receipt notice, transfer notice, or approval notice issued by USCIS after filing immigration petitions.
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): USCIS form filed by employers/sponsors to petition for nonimmigrant worker classifications (H-1B, O-1, TN).
Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application required by the U.S. Department of State for scheduling visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.
Government Agencies, Departments & Regulatory Bodies
DHS (Department of Homeland Security): The cabinet department that oversees federal agencies responsible for public security and border integrity, including USCIS, CBP, and ICE.
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): The federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the U.S., handling applications for extensions of stay, changes of status, and OPT/STEM extensions.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection): The federal agency that controls U.S. borders and port-of-entry admissions.
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement): The law enforcement agency within DHS that investigates immigration violations and oversees SEVP operations.
SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program): The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) program that administers schools, students, and the SEVIS system.
DOS (Department of State): The federal department responsible for U.S. international relations and issuing visas at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
DOL: Department of Labor, the federal department that enforces federal labor laws, standards, and foreign worker certifications.
SSA: Social Security Administration, the federal government agency that issues Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and processes benefit claims.
Employment, Tax & Labor Compliance Terms
SSN: Social Security Number, a nine-digit tax and employment identification number issued by the SSA required for legal employment in the United States.
EIN (Employer Identification Number): A unique nine-digit tax identification number assigned by the IRS to business entities.
E-Verify: An internet-based portal operated by DHS and SSA that allows participating employers to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires (mandatory for STEM OPT employers).
LCA (Labor Condition Application): A mandatory application filed with the DOL by employers sponsoring nonimmigrant workers (such as H-1B holders) specifying wage rates and working conditions.
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management): The labor certification system administered by the DOL, serving as the initial step for most permanent employment-based immigrant visa petitions.
EOS (Extension of Stay): The formal application process (typically using USCIS Form I-539) required for F-1 and J-1 individuals who need to remain in the U.S. beyond their 4-year maximum fixed admission cap or program end date.
RFE (Request for Evidence): A notice sent by USCIS during an application review asking for additional documentation before making a decision.
Systems, Software & International Student Life Terms
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System): The web-based database system the U.S. government uses to track and monitor F, M, and J visa holders.
DSO (Designated School Official): A school official authorized by SEVP to maintain student records in SEVIS and advise F-1 students.
ISOGateWay: Institutional software portal used by university International Student Offices to process SEVIS updates, student requests, and immigration compliance records.
SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan): Mandatory health insurance policies provided or required by universities for foreign students enrolled in classes.
NAFSA (NAFSA: Association of International Educators): The world's largest professional association dedicated to international education and exchange.
ISCA: International Student Community Ambassadors (GW ISO student leaders assisting with orientation and peer mentorship).
GWID: The unique 8-digit primary identification number assigned to GW students, faculty, and institutional staff.
TEMP ID: A temporary identification number generated inside ISOGateWay for prospective international scholars or visitors before a formal GWID is created.
