Jumpstart your U.S. college life with a former DSO/ARO*
*DSO/AROs are authorized U.S. college/university professionals to assist F-1/J-1 visa holders in the United States.
With Whom You Get Consulted Matters!
- International Student Services and Data Manager at SUNY Oswego (2019~2024)
- Data Analyst at Cayuga Community College (2024~2025)
- University at Buffalo, Ed. M. in Higher Education Administration
- SungKyunKwan University, BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
Outstanding International Education Initiative by ACPA-CGDSD
- Presenter for a CPT/OPT/STEM OPT webinar co-hosted by two leading psychology professional associations: AAPA and APA.
- Guest speaker for the University of Buffalo X Gyeonggi Youth Ladder Program
- Session presenter of “Advising and Supporting for International Students’ Holistic Development and Success” at ACPA 2025
- Podcast guest speaker for ACPA-CGDSD
- Founder and Chief Editor of SEVISSAVVY that has more than 500+ posts about student visas
- Book chapter author:
- To All the Mistakes I’ve Made Before
- From Burdens to Privileges: Assisting H-1B Applicants in Higher Education
- How AI, Metaverse, and NFTs Could Challenge U.S. Immigration Regulations and Reshape International Education
- Hanna developed the first GPT tool to help international students check their CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT eligibility—as well as their personalized application window.
- Want to create a roadmap to secure CPT on time? Need a review of your OPT or STEM OPT application to ensure timely filing?
- Book a consultation for personalized advice and make smarter choices with expert support.
Why Do I Need Consulting?
Check out various cases where international students couldn’t achieve their study abroad goals due to miscommunication or lack of information regarding student visas!
“I graduated from UC Berkeley and got a job offer from a law firm in NYC but OPT was denied due to the wrong information provided by the university...I wish I had confirmed the OPT information before I submitted the I-765 form…”
“I am not sure what to do – I have applied for the H-1B and I am waiting to hear back. Since my OPT end date is near, I am not sure what my options are to continue to work.”
“My I-20 got completed before applying for OPT due to miscommunication with the college. I am currently taking summer courses, what should I do?”
Consulting Areas:
I would like to know…
- when my child can apply for internships/jobs!
- important rules to successfully finish his/her degree!
- how to communicate with the college to resolve my concerns/questions!
I would like to…
- get customized consultation on my academic/professional matters!
- get my OPT/ STEM OPT application reviewed!
- have you for a webinar for the International Student Association!
I would like to…
- get customized consultation on my academic/professional matters!
- know more about how to apply for internships as an exchange student!
- know more about how to transfer and become an F-1 student!
We would like to…
- have you for a webinar or an information session for students (and/or parents) who seek to study abroad in the United States!
- have you to teach our staff more about the U.S. College/University or visa rules as part of their professional development!
We would like to…
- have you at the departure orientation for our out-going international students!
- have you to teach our staff more about the U.S. College/University or visa rules as part of their professional development!
I would like to…
- get customized consultation on my academic/professional matters!
- know more about 212(e) and/or 12/24-month bar!
Hear From International Students!
Fellow international students in the U.S. have something to tell you!
“Thank you so much for an outstanding webinar! I was telling (another attendee) how in awe I was with how concisely and engagingly you presented such dense information. … Your generosity in sharing your time and expertise means a lot to us.”
“Thank you for the detailed answer! I barely knew about the Pre-OPT, and there are only so many people around me who have applied for the Pre-OPT, so what you shared has been a great help. It helped me to reach out to my school based on what you shared. I wish you happy holidays and again thank you so much!”
“It is so helpful to know everything that you share with us and it simplifies our lives! By the way, thanks to your post about the new 22 STEM programs I literally discovered that my second major is now listed in the STEM program which is so cool! I even called DHS to verify it haha. Thank you for everything you do and please please keep going!”
Frequently Asked Questions
DSO is an acronym for Designated School Official. DSOs assist F-1 visa holders to be compliant with visa rules while they maintain their student status in the United States. Main responsibilities include but are not limited to issuing I-20s for admitted students, processing CPT/OPT/STEM OPT-recommended I-20s, auditing credit hours, and transferring student records. To be authorized as a DSO, individuals must be nominated, hold a green card/citizenship and pass the background check. In most cases, they hold an “International Student Advisor” title.
ARO is an acronym for Alternate Responsible Officer. AROs assist J-1 visa holders to be compliant with visa rules while they maintain their exchange student/scholar status in the United States. Main responsibilities include but are not limited to issuing DS-2019 for accepted exchange students/ visiting scholars, processing Academic Training applications, auditing credit hours, and assisting in transferring student/scholar records. To be authorized as an ARO, individuals must be nominated, hold a green card/citizenship and pass the background check. In most cases, they hold an “International Student Advisor,” “Exchange Student Advisor,” or “Scholar Advisor” title.
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