Terms and Definitions

Admission/Departure Card [I-94 card] is a small white card which is attached to the passport of all nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States. Upon entry into the U.S., the I-94 is stamped by the USCIS officer and in most cases, collected back when the person leaves the United States. It indicates the date and place of entry, visa status, limitations of stay, and the I-94 admission number.

Change of Status (COS) must be requested while remaining in the United States, in specific situations. The application must be submitted to USCIS on Form I-539 with accompanying documentation. Once approved, new visa status is granted.

Co-op is a type of experiential education that is part of the curriculum for many academic programs at Northeastern. For immigration purposes, it is considered a type of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and CPT work authorization is granted solely by the ISSI. You must procure CPT authorization from ISSI in advance of each and every co-op period. The ISSI has a dedicated Co-op Specialist who is available to assist you.

Duration of Status (D/S) refers to the duration of the full course of study at an educational institution as approved by USCIS.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD or I-688B) is a small, laminated card with photo ID requested by the beneficiary on a Form I-765 and approved/issued by USCIS. It is given for OPT, Economic Hardship, Temporary Employment of spouses in J-2 status and in some other instances.

Nonimmigrant is an alien admitted to the United States for a specific purpose for a temporary stay which will end when its purpose has been accomplished. All F-1 and J-1 students enter the U.S. under non-immigrant alien status.

Optional Practical Training is a benefit of legal F-1 status. Its purpose is to allow the student to gain practical experience directly related to the student's field of study. Granted by USCIS, OPT is granted based on documents submitted by applicant and the school's recommendation. Total length is 12 months, not extendible and may be used during school breaks, for part-time work while school is in session or after graduation provided the eligibility criteria are met and authorization is received. Work must be directly related to the student's area of study.

Reinstatement application for an F-1 or J-1 students who has overstayed his/her authorized period of stay or otherwise violated his/her student status may be made on Form I-539 and be accompanied by supporting documents.

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is the government agency responsible for the admission, control and status of all aliens in the United States. The regulations of the USCIS are contained in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.