What is a DSO
Who is a Designated School Official (DSO) under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)?
A Designated School Official, or DSO, is a dedicated individual who assists F-1 international students and manages their SEVIS records. Each physical school campus must have one Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), whose duties also include serving as the main point of contact for issues related to SEVP certification and functioning as a DSO.
A DSO serves as an advisor to you to help you navigate university processes and maintain your F-1 status. You should contact a DSO whenever you have questions or experience changes that may affect your studies or immigration status. Common topics and situations that should be discussed with a DSO include:
- Updates to your Form I-20
- Maintaining F-1 status and understanding immigration requirements
- Applying for Curricular Practical Training (SPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Changing academic program or degree level
- Requesting a program extension
- Withdrawing from classes, taking a leave of absence, or reducing their course load.
- Traveling outside of the United States and obtaining a valid travel endorsement
- Changing their US residential address, Phone number, or email address
- Updating a dependent's information (if applicable)
- Questions about employment, internships, or other work authorizations
- Any situation that may affect their F-1 status or SEVIS record
When in doubt, you should contact your DSO before taking action. Many changes require prior approval or timely reporting to maintain your F-1 status.
It is important to note that the University and DSOs cannot provide U.S. visa services to nonimmigrant applicants or students, but it does comply with all requirements of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Any charges related to visa services are the sole responsibility of the applicant or student and should consult with an immigration attorney.