UMass Boston

Glossary of Terms

Term: Meaning:
F-1 International Student Visa
Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 international students
SEVIS Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
EAD Employment Authorization Document
DHS Department of Homeland Security
Within DHS:  
  USCIS: U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
  ICE: Immigration & Customs Enforcement
  CBP: Customs and Border Protection
DCF Declaration & Certification of Finances
D/S Duration of Status
DSO Designated School Official (your immigration advisor)
CPT Curricular Practical Training
OPT Optional Practical Training
IRS Internal Revenue Service
SSA Social Security Administration
ISSS The International Student & Scholar Services Office
Form I-94 Arrival and Departure Card (can be retrieved from
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ )