Curricular Practical Training

Harvard International Office

Exchange of services for monetary or non-monetary compensation.

Temporary nonimmigrant visa which is governed by the North American Free Trade Agreement.

An automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP); individuals wishing to travel to the U.S. visa free must first apply for permission on-line using ESTA.

A tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).

Sometimes the J-1 visa carries with it a two-year home residence requirement which obliges visa holders and their J-2 dependents to return to their home countries for two years before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant H or L visa.

Persons certified by the U.S. Department of State to issue J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitor documents (DS-2019).

E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

A U.S. government agency responsible for the collection and enforcement of taxes.

The change of address form that some visa holders must submit to the Department of Homeland Security.

The nonimmigrant visa status provided to individuals participating in the Exchange Visitor Program administered by the U.S. Department of State.

A government agency that is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is charged with the administration of immigration benefits and the adjudication of immigration petitions/applications.

The F-1 visa is used for non-immigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs for a period of time in the United States.

A U.S. visa is issued in an individual's passport by a U.S. consul in a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. A visa is used solely for the purpose of entry and reentry to the U.S. The visa does not determine how long an individual may remain in the U.S.

A spouse or a child under 21 years of age of an F-1 student.

Person allowed to indefinitely live and work in the United States (green card holder).

Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa issued by a program sponsor

The O-1 visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Nationals of VWP countries must meet eligibility requirements to travel without a visa on the VWP.

A tax reporting document for those (1) paid by Harvard and claimed tax treaty benefits, or (2) got fellowship/scholarship income to cover living expenses.

If you want to set up an appointment with your HIO Advisor, you do not need to call or e-mail anyone, use Online Appointment System on our website.

The Department of Homeland Security combined 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated cabinet agency when it was established in 2002 as a response to the events of 9/11.

Work permission available to F-1 students during summer vacations or following graduation. Limited to 12 months per degree level.

The US Department of Labor

Principal Designated School Official responsible for an F-1 program.

Port of Entry

The U.S. employment eligibility verification form that documents the verification of the identity and employment authorization of a new employee to work in the U.S.

The person responsible for overall J-1 Exchange Visitor program administration at a college or university.

A DSO is a school employee dedicated to assist and oversee enrolled F and M students. A DSO must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

The web-based system that the Department of Homeland Security uses to maintain information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools and the students and exchange visitors who come to the U.S.

The length of time a student is permitted to stay in the U.S. on an F or J student status; it is the time it takes to complete an academic program.

Certificate of eligibility for the F-1 student visa issued by Harvard University

A government assigned number needed for those who have work authorization to work in the U.S.

Document/card for work authorization in the U.S.

Those studying Science, Technology, Engineering or Math are eligible to apply for a 17 month extension beyond the end date of the approved post-completion OPT.

For Australian nationals with specialized skills and higher education working in the U.S. in a job related to their expertise.

Residents/citizens of designated countries deemed unsafe by U.S. Immigration can remain temporarily until the situation has improved.