Glossary of Immigration Terms

Affidavit of Support One of the documents serving as your proof of finances. INS Immigration and Naturalization Service, now called "USCIS" (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) SEVIS SEVIS is the computer system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Schools use to track F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. USCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Click here for a complete list of Immigration Terms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F-1 Student Visa Immigration Forms Form I-20 A Form I-20 is a government form that tells the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 Student Status. It certifies that (1) you are or expect to be a "bona fide" student; 2) you meet our admissions requirements; (3) you will pursue a full course of study; (4) you proved to us that you have enough money to study and live in the U.S. without working illegally or suffering from poverty. The other 2 important documents are your valid (not expired) passport and I-94 form. Form I-94 The I-94 is given to you by the USCIS when you enter the United States. It is one of the most important documents you have. It determines how long you are authorized to stay in the US. It's a small piece of paper usually stapled to your passport. Do not lose it. Form DS-156 The Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-156 has replaced the expired OF-156. Form OF-156 is no longer accepted. Form DS-157 The Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application. If you are male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, you must submit this form in addition to the DS-156. There are some exceptions. Read more - here (US State Department website). Form I-134 Affidavit of support.