AT: Academic Training is the off-campus work authorization option for J-1 visa holders in the “Student” category. It is not available to scholars.
CBP: Customs and Border Protection is the federal agency responsible for screening travelers at U.S. borders. Border officials have the discretion to refuse entry to a traveler, even if they present valid documents.
CPT: Curricular Practical Training is one type of work authorization that may be available to F-1 students during their program. F-1 students must have completed at least one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) of full-time academic study to be eligible and they must receive approval from their academic program to participate. In certain instances, students may be authorized to participate in CPT during their first year of graduate study if mandated by the program. CPT must be a required part of the degree program or related to the student’s field of study. It can be full-time or part-time, although students who complete 12 or more months of full-time CPT will no longer be eligible for post-completion OPT. Students are limited to working 20 hours per week while classes are in session, but they may request full-time authorization during school breaks. Learn more about CPT
D/S: Duration of Status refers to the length of stay that is noted on the I-94. This is the length of time the student is permitted to be in the U.S. while using this visa. For F-1 students, this refers to the time period that the student is pursuing 1) full-time study (which must be completed prior to the completion date on their I-20), 2) any authorized period of practical training, and 3) the 60-day grace period after completion of studies or practical training. For J-1 students, this is usually based on the dates noted on their DS-2019 plus the 30-day grace period after completing their research or studies.
DS-160: This is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form required for temporary travel to the United States. The Form DS-160 confirmation page is required for visa interviews. Learn more about the DS-160 form
DS-2019: This is the Certificate of Eligibility for the J-1 visa. It lists the student or scholar’s name, research program, the name of the sponsor and the planned dates for the program. Once accepted to UC Davis International Programs, a DS-2019 form will be issued, which is required for the visa interview. This form is also required for any eligible J-2 dependents. Learn more about the Form DS-2019
DSO or PDSO: The Designated School Official or Principal Designated School Official is a school employee dedicated to assisting and overseeing F-1 students.
Date of Arrival: Both F-1 and J-1 visa holders (and their dependents) may arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start of their program as listed on their I-20 or DS-2019.
ECA: Education & Cultural Affairs is the section of the Department of State that oversees J-1 visas.
F-1: This is the visa type most commonly held by full-time students attending academic programs in the U.S. It permits the holder to pursue full-time academic study at an accredited institution. It also offers the possibility of work experience, provided that the holder is eligible for this benefit. F-1 visa holders may travel with dependents, such as a spouse or children. Dependents are issued an F-2 visa.
Grace Period: This is the period of time immediately following the academic or research program. F-1 and J-1 visa holders are automatically granted a “grace period” during which they can end any housing agreements, sell any belongings that they will not bring back with them, and travel domestically within the U.S. They are not permitted to work, study or conduct research during this time. F-1 visa holders are granted a 60-day grace period, and J-1 visa holders are granted a 30-day grace period. F-1 and J-1 visa holders who depart the U.S. during the grace period will not be permitted to return, even if the grace period has not yet ended.
I-20: This is the Certificate of Eligibility for the F-1 visa. It lists the student’s name, academic program, the name of the academic institution and the planned dates of attendance. Once accepted to UC Davis International Programs, students will receive a Form 1-20, which is required for the visa interview. This form is also required for any eligible F-2 dependents. Learn more about the Form 1-20
I-901 (SEVIS) Fee: Before applying for a visa to enter the United States as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, payment of the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is required. The fee can be paid once the student has received their Form I-20 or DS-2019. Receipt of payment is required for the visa interview. Visit the (SEVIS) I-901 fee processing website
I-94: Form I-94 is the Department of Homeland Security Arrival/Departure Record issued to international travelers admitted to the U.S. The I-94 admission number is proof of legal visitor status. A valid I-94 is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Learn more about Form I-94
J-1: This is the visa type most commonly held by academic researchers, visiting lecturers or exchange students. There are multiple categories available under the J-1 heading, and visa holders should be careful to follow the regulations pertaining to their category. J-1 visa holders may travel with dependents, such as a spouse or children. Dependents are issued a J-2 visa.
OPT: Optional Practical Training is the second type of work authorization available to F-1 students. OPT may be pre-completion (during the academic program) or post-completion (after the academic part of the program has ended). Pre-completion OPT must be approved by the academic program. OPT must be related to the student’s major or course of study. Students may apply for a maximum of 12 months of OPT (combined pre-completion and post-completion) at each education level. Students are limited to working 20 hours per week while classes are in session, although they may request full-time authorization during school breaks. Post-completion OPT is always authorized for full-time. Learn more about OPT
Passport: F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, and their dependents, must hold a valid passport at all times. If the passport will expire within the next six months, then the visa holder must immediately apply for a passport renewal through their home country’s embassy or consulate. The passport must be valid for at least the next six months whenever the visa holder arrives in the U.S.
RO or ARO: The Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer is a school employee dedicated to assisting and overseeing J-1 students and scholars.
SEVP: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program monitors international students, scholars and their dependents while in the United States to ensure that rules and regulations are being followed. It is maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. The program also certifies schools to allow them to enroll visa students. International students studying in the United States can only attend an SEVP-certified school. UC Davis is certified by SEVP and authorized to host F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars. Learn more about SEVP
SEVIS: The Student and Exchange Visa Information System is a web-based system, managed by SEVP, that contains information on international students and scholars, as well as the schools that enroll them. Learn more about SEVIS
STEM OPT: The STEM OPT Extension is available to F-1 students who have completed a degree in eligible STEM-qualifying programs. STEM OPT is authorized for 24 months.
USCIS: United States Citizenship & Immigration Services is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security that reviews and decides on OPT applications.