GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Term Definition
CBP (USCBP) See DHS
CIS (USCIS) See DHS
CPT Curricular Practical Training
DCF Form Declaration and Certification of Finances Form (International Student Financial Statement)
DHS U.S. Department of Homeland Security (formerly known as INS) which includes:
USCIS:    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USICE:    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
USCBP:    U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
DOS U.S. Department of State
DS-2019 Immigration Form for J-1 Exchange Visitors
D/S Duration of Status
DSO Designated School Official, your international student advisor
EAD Employment Authorization Document, (I-766 or I-688B), a work permit issued by USCIS
F-1 Student visa
I-20 Immigration form for F-1 students
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization; see also EAD
ICE (USICE) See DHS
IRS U.S. Internal Revenue Service
ISS International Student Services office at UMass Boston
J-1 Exchange visitor visa
NSEERS National Security Entry-Exit Registration System
OPT Optional Practical Training
SEVIS Student Exchange Visitor Information System, the USCIS database of international students in the U.S.
SSA U.S. Social Security Administration