What does DHS, ICE, SEVIS, SEVP mean?

The U.S. Government agencies involved in the immigration system in the U.S. all go by acronyms. Some of the common acronyms include:

DHS = U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The ‘umbrella’ department that includes a number of agencies that are involved in international student visa regulations and oversight, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

ICE = U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Oversees the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), who are responsible for the F student visa regulations and the SEVIS database system, as well as other immigration enforcement entities.

SEVIS = Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

The record management database that maintains all F, J, and M student visa records, enables schools to generate and issue student visa documents, and mechanism to report required data on international students and the institutions that host international students in the US.

SEVP = Student and Exchange Visitor Program

A division within ICE that overseas student visa regulations and the SEVIS system.

DOS = U.S. Department of State

Oversees all U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.

USCBP = U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Manages all immigration and customs functions for entry to the U.S. at airports and other land/sea ports of entry to the U.S.

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A Green Card application has been filed on my behalf, and the Form I-140 has been approved, can MIT continue to issue Form I-20/Form DS-2019 for me to maintain my F-1 or J-1 student status and authorized F-1/J-1 benefits?

I am in the U.S. now and transferring to MIT, but I am planning to travel outside the U.S. before starting at MIT. How early will I be able to enter the U.S. from abroad to start my program at MIT.

How early can I apply for a new Student Entry Visa if my Current Student Entry Visa in the Same Visa Status is Still Valid?

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