New rule permits US schools to increase number of designated school officials / Dependents of international students can also enroll in classes

The final rule adjusting the DSO limit and allowing part-time F-2/M-2 study was published in today's Federal Register

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/04/29/2015-09959/adjustments-to-limitations-on-designated-school-official-assignment-and-study-by-f-2-and-m-2 You can read more about the rule on the SEVP Study in the States website at http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2015/04/new-rules-permit-more-designated-school-officials-and-offer-study-for-dependents. This is excellent news for schools with large student populations to add additional DSO’s. Schools can add their additional DSO’s with the new SEVIS release scheduled for some time in June. The rule allowing less than full time F-2 or M-2 study gives dependents the opportunity to engage in the academic community. According to the Student in the States website, F-2 and M-2 dependents can still participate up to full-time in vocational or recreational studies, such as hobbies. If an F-2 or M-2 wants to enroll in a full course of academic study, however, they must apply for and obtain approval to change their nonimmigrant classification to F-1, J-1 or M-1.