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   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