On This Page: Alternate Responsible Officer • Department of State • Designated School Official • Program Sponsor • Student Exchange Visitor Information System • Student Exchange Visitor Program
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
Individuals at your Program Sponsor who are authorized to update and maintain DS-2019 records in SEVIS are AROs. An ARO can sign a DS-2019 for travel and advise on J-1 status requirements and benefits, such as full-time enrollment or employment authorization. If the University of Arizona is not your Program Sponsor, then the AROs at International Student Services cannot sign or update your DS-2019 record.
Department of State (DOS)
The Department of State manages exchange visitor programs and J-1 exchange visitors, and is responsible for visa issuance at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
Designated School Official (DSO)
A DSO is an international student adviser authorized to update and maintain I-20 records in SEVIS. A DSO can sign an I-20 for travel and advise on F-1 status requirements and benefits, such as full-time enrollment or employment authorization.
Program Sponsor
A Program Sponsor is an institution, agency or organization that issues DS-2019s. They are responsible for providing opportunities for exchange visitors to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
SEVIS is a Department of Homeland Security online database for international student records. I-20 and DS-2019 records are issued and maintained through SEVIS.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
SEVP is a Department of Homeland Security program that manages F-1 international students and the institutions that host international students through SEVIS. SEVP is responsible for ensuring that rules and regulations are followed by international students.