Transferring F-1 Schools: Everything You Need to Know About the SEVIS Transfer Process

Changing schools in the U.S. on an F-1 visa is allowed—but only if you follow the SEVIS transfer rules correctly. A small mistake can lead to status violation, so understanding the process is critical.

1. What Is a SEVIS Transfer?

A SEVIS transfer is the formal process of moving your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record from your current F-1 school to a new institution, allowing you to maintain your F-1 status without needing a new visa or application for status change.

A student consults with an advisor about the SEVIS transfer process for F-1 visa holders, surrounded by maps and travel-themed decor in a welcoming office setting.

2. Who Is Eligible for a SEVIS Transfer?

• Currently enrolled F-1 students in active SEVIS status

• Students who have been keeping their status up, to date at the school they are currently attending these students have been maintaining their F-1 status at their current institution. They need to follow the rules so they can stay in the United States. The F-1 status is very important for students who want to study in the United States and students who have been maintaining their status at their current institution are doing a good job of following the rules.

• Students with an approved I-20 from their current school

• Students who haven't violated their immigration status

3. When Can You Transfer Schools?

• When you are, in a program you can move to a school before you finish your current program. You need to pick a date to leave your school after you finish your last term. This date is called a transfer release date. You should choose this date after your last semester is over.

• After Completing a Program: You must request the transfer within your 60-day grace period following the completion of your program (e.g., graduation).

• While on OPT: You can transfer during your approved OPT/STEM OPT period or within the 60-day grace period following its expiration

Step-by-Step SEVIS Transfer Process

1. Get Admission From the New School

• Apply and receive formal acceptance to the new SEVP-certified school

• Inform the new school's DSO (Designated School Official) of your intent to transfer

2. Choose a SEVIS Transfer Release Date

• Work with both DSOs to select an appropriate release date

• The semester usually ends on a date or the next semester begins on a certain date. We are talking about the semester end date or the semester start date for the semester. The semester end date and the semester start date are dates to remember.

• Your current school must release your SEVIS record on this date

3. Request Transfer From Current School

• Notify your current DSO of your transfer plans

• Complete any required paperwork or exit procedures

• Make sure you pay all your bills on time and take care of any money you owe. This means all financial obligations, like loans and credit cards are paid. You have to meet all your obligations.

• Your current school will release your SEVIS record on the agreed date

4. Receive New I-20 From the New School

• The new school is going to give you a document. This document is called a transfer I-20. The new school will give you this transfer I-20 it is also called a "transfer pending" I-20. You will get this transfer I-20 from the new school.

• You need to go to the school by the date that the program is supposed to start. The program start date is listed so you should be at the school on the program start date. Make sure you are at the school, on the day the program starts. The school is where you need to be when the program starts.

• Check in with the new DSO upon arrival
  

5. Do You Need a New F-1 Visa?

Generally, no, if your current F-1 visa is still valid.

• If you successfully complete the SEVIS transfer and keep the same SEVIS ID, you can usually use your current, unexpired F-1 visa for re-entry to the U.S., even though it lists your previous school's name.

• When you go to the United States you have to enter the country with the I-20 form that your transfer-in school gave you. You really need to have this I-20 from your transfer-in school to enter the U.S.

• You will only need to apply for a new F-1 visa if your current one has expired, or if you need one for international travel.

6. Transferring While on OPT

• OPT is Forfeited: If you transfer your SEVIS record while you are on approved post-completion OPT (or STEM OPT), your work authorization automatically ends on the SEVIS transfer release date. Any remaining time on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card is forfeited.

• When you start a program you have to begin it within five months of the date you transferred out or the date your Optional Practical Training ended, whichever date comes first. You need to start your program of study during this time. The new program of study has to start within these five months.

• Pending OPT Application: If your OPT application is pending with USCIS when you request a SEVIS transfer, the application will likely be denied, and your OPT authorization will be forfeited

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not consulting with DSOs at both schools before initiating transfer

• Assuming automatic approval without formal acceptance

• Traveling internationally during the transfer without proper documentation

• Failing to enroll at the new school by the program start date

• Not maintaining full-time enrollment at current school before transfer
  

Can You Transfer Before Completing One Semester?

• Yes, you can transfer before completing one semester or even before starting any classes, provided you meet the transfer eligibility requirements:

• Your F-1 record is in status. This is what it is called when you are already taking classes. If you just got to the United States and have not started classes yet it will say Initial. This is because you are new and have not begun your studies. Your F-1 record will be, in one of these two statuses.

• You are staying in the status or you have arrived in the United States and you plan to transfer to a different status right away.

• The transfer-out school releases your record to the transfer-in school.

• If you have other specific questions about your timeline or eligibility, I recommend contacting the Designated School Official (DSO) at both your current and prospective new school for personalized advice.

Good Luck