Agreement of International Support CFR | The financial supporting document a United States sponsor or permanent resident must submit on behalf of an F-1 student in order to be issued a Form I-20. Code of Federal Regulations The CFR is kept up-to-date by notices published inThe Federal Register which is where agencies giver public notice of rules and regulations, proposed rules, and notices. |
COS | Change of Status Apply on Form I-539 to USCIS to change from one nonimmigrant status to another nonimmigrant status. Applications are adjudicated by the USCIS  |
CPT | Curricular Practical Training A cooperative education requirement on your degree program at CCM which requires you to be employed. The student must receive credit for the training. |
DHS | The Department of Homeland Security Agency which replaced the INS and by virtue of The Homeland Security Act of 2002 is granted visa policy authority. |
DSO | The Designated School Official An employed member of CCM who represents the school in F-1 student matters. The DSO ensures institutional and individual compliance with the law. |
EAD | Employment Authorization Document Known a work permit. It is a laminated card issued by the USCIS which provides the nonimmigrant a legal right to work in the United States. |
FAAR | Foreign Student Advisor’s Report Form to be submitted as part of the application process by F-1 visa holders applying to transfer to CCM from another college or university in the United States. |
Form I-20 | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 status. This form is required to apply for an F-1 visa |
Form I-94 | Arrival/Departure Record Upon admitting the student to the United States, the immigration officer issues the student the departure portion of Form I-94, marked with the date and place of entry, the person’s status an 11 digit admission number and for the period of admission known as “duration of status” D/S. |
Form I-539  | Application to Extend/Change of Status Form submitted to USCIS for nonimmigrant’srequesting extensions in stay or changes from one nonimmigrant category to another nonimmigrant category. $300 fee.  |
ICE | United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Responsible for immigration investigations, detention, removal, intelligence and SEVIS. |
INA | Immigration and Nationality Act It is the basic statute of immigration law. www.uscis.gov/laws |
ISAFA   | International Student Application for Admission $30.00 non-refundable application fee  |
NOA | Notice of Action A paper form the USCIS creates to document the processing on received petitions. |
Nonimmigrant | Any person who is not a citizen but who is admitted to the United States for a limited and temporary purpose. |
OPT Â | Optional Practical Training An F-1 student benefit granted by the USCIS for 12 months of employment directly related to the students major. |
SEVIS | The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System of the Department of Homeland Security’s DHS It is web-based system for maintaining information on F-1 visa holders. |
SEVIS I 901 Fee | I-901 Fee A fee paid by students and exchange visitors who use Form I-20 to gain F-1 student status |
USCIS | United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Formerly the US Immigration Service Vermont Service Center 75 Lower Welden St. St. Albans, VT 05479 |
WES | World Education Services An organization which evaluates international credentials http://www.wes.org/apply |