New rule permits US schools to increase number of designated school officials

Dependents of international students can also enroll in classes

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to improve management of international student programs and increase opportunities for study by spouses and children of international students.

In order to be certified by SEVP to enroll international students, U.S. schools must nominate a designated school official to serve as a liaison between the school and SEVP. This individual is responsible for maintaining international students’ records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and ensuring schools comply with U.S. laws and regulations governing international students studying in the U.S.

Under the amended regulations, SEVP-certified schools have greater flexibility in determining how many designated school officials to nominate. Previously, SEVP-certified schools could only nominate a maximum of 10 designated schools officials. The new regulation removes the cap and permits SEVP-certified schools to nominate an appropriate number of designated school officials based on their school’s specific needs. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), however, must review each nominee and maintains discretion on whether to approve or deny the nomination.

More