Common Immigration Terms

212(e)
Home country physical presence requirement and waivers.
Adjudication
The process and determination on a request for an immigration benefit, rendered by an administrative agency.
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
A person recognized and authorized by the Department of State to support the Responsible Officer (RO) to advise and assist J-1 Exchange Visitors in areas of federal laws and regulations, and to administer federal forms that are related to the status/activities of J-1 Exchange Visitors. OIS Advisors serve as AROs at UIC.
Continuing Student
A student who has already made initial entry to the US, been registered in SEVIS, and who has begun a course of study.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Employment authorization intended to allow F-1 international students to participate in off-campus educational work experiences required by their academic program. Learn more about F-1 Curricular Practical Training.
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form; A new online form issued by the DOS to streamline and combine several of the current DOS application forms (DS-156, DS-157, DS-158) into one form that can be submitted electronically.
DS-2019
Certificate of eligibility for J exchange visitor status, issued through SEVIS by an exchange visitor program designated by the Department of State.
Duration of Status (D/S)
Duration of Status, or D/S, is the notation placed on an F-1 student record upon admission to the US It means that the student may remain in the US as long as they continue to maintain nonimmigrant student status.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Employment Authorization Document; also known as Form I-766.
Exchange Visitor Program
An exchange program administered by the US Department of State (DOS); the DOS designates and partners with government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations as sponsors to develop and engage in collaborative public-private partnerships to increase mutual understanding, build human potential, and develop talented future leaders.
Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor
The designated sponsor of a Department of State-approved exchange visitor program.
F-1
International student pursuing a full course of study at an academic institution or accredited language training program in the US that has been approved by SEVP to enroll foreign students.
F-2
The foreign national spouse or child (under the age of 21) of an F-1 nonimmigrant.
Grace period
A period of time given to some categories of nonimmigrants following completion of their nonimmigrant purpose, to make arrangements to depart or otherwise maintain their status.
H-1B
Temporary worker in the US employed in a specialty occupation. Learn more about H-1B.
I-20
Certificate of eligibility for F student status, issued through SEVIS by a school designated by the Department of Homeland Security. This form is required to obtain a visa to enter the US.
I-515A
Temporary 30-day entry form issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to students, exchange visitors, and their dependents at the US port of entry (POE) when an officer is not satisfied by the entry documentation provided by the individual. Individuals entering on an I-515A should connect with OIS immediately to prepare a response to SEVP and avoid becoming an “overstay.”
I-765
USCIS form used by certain nonimmigrants to apply for US work authorization, including F-1 optional practical training (OPT).
I-797
Notice of Action form issued by USCIS when an application or petition is approved.
I-9
Employment Eligibility Verification form.
I-901
Form used to pay the SEVIS fee. F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors need to show an I-901 SEVIS fee receipt when applying for their US visas.
I-94
Record of an alien’s admission through a US port of entry and departure from a US port of departure. Varieties include an electronic Form I-94 and various types of printed Forms I-94, depending on where, when, and how an individual was admitted to the United States. Forms I-94 will identify the individual’s name, date of birth, country of citizenship, immigration class of admission, and an “admitted until” date.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
Foreign national who has been selected by a sponsor, designated by the US Department of State, to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program in the US on a J-1 visa. J-1 Exchange Visitors at UIC can be in the student or scholar categories.
J-2
The foreign national spouse or child (under the age of 21) of a J-1 nonimmigrant.
Nonimmigrant
A person with permanent residence outside the US who wishes to be in the US on a temporary basis for the purpose of tourism, business, temporary work, study, medical treatment, etc.
O-1
Nonimmigrant employed in the US based on a demonstrated career of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Employment authorization intended to allow F-1 international students to obtain off-campus training related to their field of study both during their academic program and after graduation.
Passport
Official document issued by a government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.
Primary Designated School Official (PDSO)
Individual noted in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to serve as the primary liaison between the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the academic institution hosting F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
The web-based system that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information regarding international students and exchange visitors to the US and the schools and programs that host them. At UIC the Office of International Services manages SEVIS compliance for the University, students, and exchange visitors.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
The agency within the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE that manages regulations and reporting for nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa classifications. Visit SEVP.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The agency within DHS that administers the naturalization and immigration system in the US Formerly INS. Visit USCIS.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The agency within DHS that provides law enforcement at US ports of entry. Visit CBP.
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The federal executive department charged with protecting the nation across various spheres. DHS encompasses USCIS, CBP, and ICE, among others. Visit DHS.
US Department of Labor (DOL)
The federal executive department responsible for occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, unemployment benefits, reemployment services, and occasionally, economic statistics. Visit DOL.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Bureau within the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which, among other things, oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Visit ICE.
Visa
A document placed into the passport of a foreign national by a US Consulate which authorizes the individual to present themselves at a USCIS Port of entry (POE) and request admission into the US with a specific type of immigration status (e.g. F-1, J-1, etc.).