Study in the States

SEVP will close two email inboxes on May 22, 2026:
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]

Please direct those inquiries to [email protected] now. Learn more:

SEVP Email Box Decommissioning Scheduled for May 22, 2026 | Study in the States The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will decommission the following group email inboxes on May 22, 2026:

Foreign students: Scammers pose as officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and contact students by phone, email and in person. They may claim there’s a problem with your record and demand payment.

🚩 Know the red flags and what to do. Read the full blog here:

Beware of DHS Imposters: Protecting Foreign Students from Scams | Study in the States Scammers target foreign students by pretending to be officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Stay alert and report scams to help protect foreign students. DSOs: Learn How to Spot a Scammer In person:

Winter storms can be stressful, especially if this is your first winter in the U.S. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, support is available.

Disaster Distress Helpline Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month comes to an end, remember that help is always available. Sometimes breaking the silence is the first step.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 to receive your reports of human trafficking and connect victims with services. All it takes is someone to speak up and break the silence.

Learn how to use your voice to do something about human trafficking. See the comments for the link.

A new academic term is a great time for to review Program End Dates on Forms I-20. Our latest blog shares a practical checklist to help you:
✅ Review PEDs in SEVIS
✅ Identify students who may need extensions
✅ Confirm financial documentation is current
Read more:

Start the Year Right: A Program End Date Checklist for DSOs | Study in the States As a new academic term begins, it’s a good time for designated school officials (DSOs) to pause and review an important detail: program end dates (PEDs) on Forms I-20, “Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

Students, read and save this information from Ready to help you stay safe and warm this weekend.

When preparing for a severe winter storm, consider that power may go out for many days. Outages during severe cold can be especially difficult. Stay safe:
- Close & seal windows & doors
- Don’t use a gas stove for heat
- Run generators outside
- Have a plan for medicine/devices

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Department of Homeland Security’s is raising awareness about how trafficking can impact foreign students in the U.S.

Trafficking isn’t always obvious and can include forced labor, withheld pay, threats or control over personal documents. If something feels wrong, help is available. Learn more:

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Know the Signs | Study in the States January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign reminds us that human trafficking can affect anyone, including foreign students studying in the United States.

This Sunday, January 11, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In schools, awareness of human trafficking supports prevention and early recognition. Join U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign on .

Students, are you ? Staying safe in cold weather starts with the right gear. Follow FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency for more tips:

Are you ? Stay warm & cozy by bundling up in layers before going outside! Don’t forget to wear a beanie, waterproof insulated boots & gloves! Being safe means dressing warmly when temperatures drop.

More tips on how to stay safe this winter: fema.gov/blog/3-ways-stay-safe-and-warm-winter

Applying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension? You and your employer must complete the Form I-983. Our latest blog explains:
✏️ What the form is for
✏️ Who completes each part
✏️ What DSOs look for in their review
✏️ When an updated form is required
By keeping this form up to date, you ensure your STEM OPT experience is meaningful and you remain in status. Read the full blog:

SEVP Form Series: Understanding the Form I-983 | Study in the States F-1 students applying for the 24-month science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT) extension must fill out the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” with their employer. What is the Form I-983?

Students, are you traveling home for the holiday season? ✈️ Before you travel, schedule time with your DSO and confirm you have the documents you need for reentry to the U.S.:
🗸 Form I-20
🗸 Passport
🗸 Student Visa
🗸 Form I-515A (if applicable)

Prepare now to help ensure an easy return in the new year: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/traveling-as-an-international-student

If you’re new to cold U.S. winters, remember that freezing weather can cause serious cold-related illnesses. ❄️

Check on friends, neighbors and classmates—especially older adults and children.

Winter weather brings the risk of cold-related illnesses. Stay safe and check on family members, friends, and neighbors often when it's freezing outdoors. Hypothermia is a higher risk for older adults and children and requires quick medical attention.