Visa glossary — DS-160, SEVIS, 214(b), I-94

212(e)Rules

Also called: Two-year home residency requirement

A rule affecting many J-1 exchange visitors, requiring two years back in the home country before certain later visas. It can sometimes be waived.

214(b)Decisions

Also called: Section 214(b) refusal

The provision of U.S. law presuming that nonimmigrant applicants intend to immigrate. A 214(b) refusal means you did not overcome that presumption. There is no appeal, but you may reapply.

221(g)Decisions

Also called: Section 221(g)

A temporary refusal issued when the consulate needs more documents or the case requires administrative processing. It is not a final denial.

90/180 ruleRules

Also called: Rolling 180-day rule

The Schengen limit: on any given day, the days you have spent in the area over the previous 180 days must not exceed 90.

Administrative processingDecisions

Also called: AP

Additional case review after the interview, with no fixed timeline. The consulate generally cannot say how long it will take or why it was triggered.

BiometricsProcess

Also called: Fingerprints and photo

Fingerprints and a digital photograph taken during the application. Schengen biometrics can be reused for 59 months.

CEACSystems

Also called: Consular Electronic Application Center

The State Department system that hosts the DS-160 and the visa status tracker showing Issued, Refused, or Administrative Processing.

Consular officerPeople

Also called: Visa officer

The U.S. diplomat who interviews you and decides your case. Their decision on a nonimmigrant visa is not reviewable by any court.

DS-160Forms

Also called: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

The online application form for U.S. nonimmigrant visas. You submit it before booking an interview and print the barcode confirmation page to bring with you. It cannot be edited after submission.

DS-2019Forms

Also called: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status

The form issued by a designated J-1 program sponsor. It shows your program category, dates, funding, and a preliminary view on whether the two-year home residency requirement applies.

DSOPeople

Also called: Designated School Official

The staff member at your school authorised to issue and sign I-20s and advise on maintaining F-1 status.

I-20Forms

Also called: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

The document your SEVP-approved school issues after admission and proof of funds. You need it to pay the SEVIS fee, to interview, and to enter the U.S.

I-901 SEVIS feeFees

Also called: SEVIS fee

A fee paid at fmjfee.com that funds SEVIS. It is separate from the visa application fee and must be paid before the interview.

I-94Entry

Also called: Arrival/Departure Record

The electronic record created when you are admitted to the U.S. It shows your status and the date you must leave — which controls your stay, not your visa expiry date.

Interview waiverProcess

Also called: Dropbox

A process that allowed some renewing applicants to skip the interview. Eligibility has been narrowed substantially — check current policy for your post rather than assuming you qualify.

MRV feeFees

Also called: Machine Readable Visa fee, visa application fee

The nonimmigrant visa application fee, paid before booking an interview. It is non-refundable, non-transferable, and does not guarantee a visa.

Port of entryEntry

Also called: POE

The airport or border crossing where a CBP officer decides whether to admit you. A visa lets you travel there; it does not guarantee entry.

ReciprocityRules

Also called: Reciprocity schedule

Rules based on your nationality that set how long a visa is valid, how many entries it allows, and whether an issuance fee applies.

Schengen Type C visaRules

Also called: Short-stay visa

A visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Applied for at the main destination country.

SEVISSystems

Also called: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

The database that tracks F, M, and J visa holders and their schools or sponsors. Your SEVIS ID begins with N00 and appears on your I-20 or DS-2019.

SEVPSystems

Also called: Student and Exchange Visitor Program

The DHS program that certifies schools to enrol international students. Only SEVP-approved schools can issue an I-20.

Ties to home countryConcepts

Also called: Strong ties

The commitments that would pull you back home — job, business, studies, property, dependents. The central evidence against the presumption of immigrant intent.