Glossary of Terms

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

C

Change of Status
Application process by which a non-immigrant changes from one visa category to another.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Temporary employment for F-1 students in an internship that is an integral part of an established curriculum at Immaculata University.

D

Department of State
Responsible for issuing visas, security clearances, and creating/administering federal regulations and policies.

Designated School Official
The school official authorized to issue and sign I-20s. The DSO ensures institutional and individual compliance with the law by interpreting and applying laws and government policies pertaining to F-1 students. Only a DSO may issue and sign the I-20 and create or update SEVIS records. (PDSO, Sister Catarin P. Conjar, DSOs, Sueann Robbins and Kate Kearney)

F

F-1 Visa
F-1 students are non-immigrants pursuing a full course of study towards a specific educational objective at an academic institution in the U.S. Once the educational objectives have been attained, the U.S. government expects the F-1 student to return to his/her residence abroad.

I

I-20
Document issued by educational institution to individuals for U.S. entry in F-1 status. Separate I-20 is issued for each dependent (F-2).

I-94
Card issued prior to entering U.S. Immigration officer stamps I-94 to reflect date, port of entry, status granted, and length of stay permitted.

Immaculata University Forms

Certification of Finances
Student Health Form
Transfer Out Form

International Student Services
The Office of International Student Services oversees the administration of the F-1 Visa program at Immaculata University. The office is responsible for processing immigration documents required for F-1 student visas, for advising students on maintaining their legal immigration status, and for providing information, assistance, and advice on immigration matters and employment options for international students. The office also serves as a liaison to appropriate local, state, and federal government agencies. The office is the campus center for the coordination of international activities and concerns. It is the contact for entering and returning international students.

M

Maintaining Status
Abiding by immigration regulations as pertains to the visa category.

N

National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS)

The requirement of certain temporary foreign visitors of eighteen countries to register with immigration when entering and exiting the U.S.

O

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Temporary employment for practical training in an F-1 student's major area of study.

P

Passport
Document issued by home country for travel.

Port of Entry
Place where you enter U.S. and are processed by an immigration official.

Professor
An individual primarily teaching or lecturing at a post-secondary accredited institution.

S

SEVIS
An internet based tracking systems that allow schools, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to exchange data on the status of F-1 students.

U

U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S.government bureau that is responsible for most immigration benefit applications and petition adjudications.

U.S.VISIT
A system developed by the Department of Homeland Security that uses biometrics to confirm a visitor’s entry into and exit from the United States

Unlawful Presence
A non-immigrant who remains in the U.S. after the period of authorized stay.

V

Visa
A stamp placed in a passport that allows someone entry into the United States according to the conditions for that visa type.