C.O.F. – Certification of Finances. A blue form from the International Advisement Office which you need to complete with a proper notary seal/stamp for the purpose of I-20 A-B or DS-2019 issuance.

D.H.S. – Department of Homeland Security. A new department created after 9/11 to better safeguard the U.S..

DS-2019 – A government form which will allow you to obtain a J-1 student visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate and enter the U.S. as a J-1 student.

D/S – Duration of Status. D/S is granted in the immigration inspection area. D/S allows students to remain in the U.S. for the length of time necessary to complete the studies. D/S generally ends on the last day of classes (i.e. I-20 or DS-2019 expiration date), plus a 60-day grace period for F-1 students and 30-day grace period for J-1 students. It is possible to extend D/S before the I-20 or DS-2019 expiration date, provided that students are eligible to register for the subsequent semester.

E.A.D. – Employment Authorization Document. A work permit issued by the U.S.C.I.S. that allows you to legally work in the U.S..

I-20 A-B (I-20) – A government form which will allow you to obtain an F-1 student visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate and enter the U.S. as an F-1 student.

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) – I-94 is a white card issued to all nonimmigrants by the U.S. immigration inspectors at the port of entry. It is evidence of legal entry into the U.S., indicating date of entry, status granted (F-1 or J-1), and length of stay granted. Your I-94 card should have either F-1 or J-1, and D/S written on.

SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. An online reporting database for tracking and reporting F, J, and M students in the U.S..

Status – Once nonimmigrants enter the U.S., they are classified by the immigration inspectors according to the visa used to enter. If you use an F-1 visa to enter the U.S., you will be granted F-1 status; if you use a J-1 visa, you will be granted J-1 status. Likewise, the students’ spouse or children using a F-2 or J-2 visa would be granted F-2 or J-2 status.

Student Visa – A visa is a document placed in your passport by the U.S. and allows you to enter the U.S. as a student. Note that your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form is not a visa.

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