What Is a Designated School Official (DSO)?

A designated school official, or DSO, is a staff member at a US school who has been authorized by the government to manage the immigration records and regulatory requirements of international students on F-1 and M-1 visas. DSOs are usually part of the international student office, and they act as both administrators and advisors.

What a DSO does

• Issues and updates the I-20 through the SEVIS system.
• Maintains your SEVIS record, including registration each term, address and program changes.
• Authorizes work and training, such as curricular practical training and, in coordination with immigration authorities, optional practical training.
• Approves reduced course loads for permitted reasons.
• Handles transfers, by releasing your record to a new school and receiving transfers.
• Extends programs when permitted.
• Provides travel signatures and guidance on reentry.
• Advises on regulations, benefits and status maintenance.
• Reports certain events to authorities as required by law.

When to contact a DSO

Talk to your DSO before you:

• Drop below full-time enrollment or take a leave.
• Change your major or degree level.
• Work off campus, do an internship or take on a paid role.
• Travel outside the US, especially for long periods.
• Transfer to another school.
• Change your address, name or funding sources.
• Face visa or immigration questions, or receive a notice from authorities.

Working with your DSO

• Go to orientation, and keep up with updates.
• Respond promptly to messages.
• Keep documents such as your I-20, passport and I-94 record accessible.
• Ask questions early, before acting.
• Be honest, since DSOs can only help with accurate information.

Limits

DSOs advise about regulations but are not immigration lawyers. For complicated problems, such as visa denials or legal issues, they may refer you to an attorney or a legal aid service.

Related terms

See Form I-20, SEVIS, curricular practical training, full-time student and blocked account.