Designated School Official facts for kids

A Designated School Official (DSO) is a special person at an American college or university. They help students who come from other countries to study in the United States. Think of them as a guide for international students.

What is a Designated School Official (DSO)?

A DSO is an important person at a U.S. school. They work with students who are not U.S. citizens. These students need a special permission, called an F-1 visa, to study in America. The DSO helps them with all the rules and paperwork related to this visa.

How Does Someone Become a DSO?

First, a college or university chooses someone to be their DSO. But that's not all! A government group must also approve them. This group makes sure the person knows all the rules for international students. This government group is called the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

What Does a DSO Do?

DSOs have several key jobs.

• They sign important documents for students from other countries. These papers are needed for their visas.
• They give advice and support to international students. This helps students understand U.S. rules.
• They help students follow immigration laws while they are studying.
• They are the main contact between the school and the U.S. government for student visa matters.