How to Transfer Between the U.S. Schools on an F-1 Visa

SUMMARY: – You must be enrolled in a SEVP-certified school and maintain valid F-1 status to get transferred to a new school in the US. – Before transferring, you need an official acceptance letter from your new school. – Start your new program within 5 months of completing the current one to avoid SEVIS issues. – You don’t need a new visa if your current F-1 visa is still valid during the transfer. – Missing deadlines or not reporting to the new school can result in losing your visa status.

Every year, millions of international students come to the United States on F-1 visas with high hopes of receiving a world-class education. 

But sometimes, after enrolling, many students realize that the current program or school they have initially selected isn’t the right fit for them. 

The reasons for change might include:

• Program not matching the academic or career goals. 
• Better opportunities at another school.
• Personal or family issues like relocation.
• Financial problems, such as better scholarship programs elsewhere.
• Or, the environment of the campus does not meet the expectations of the student. 

In such cases, transferring to another school would be the best choice. However, many students might find themselves asking, “Can I transfer my F1 visa to another school? What documents will it require? What if my visa application is denied?”

So, before making any final decision, it’s important to understand every requirement, procedure, and common mistake that you need to avoid.

To clear your doubts, here’s a detailed guide that helps you understand how to transfer between the U.S. schools while on an F-1 visa.

Who Can Transfer on an F-1 Visa?

To be eligible for transfer between the schools on an F-1 visa, a student must meet several specific requirements established by the U.S. immigration regulations. These requirements are:

1. Currently Enrolled in a SEVP-Certified School

The student must be enrolled in a SEVP-certified school or institution, as only such schools are authorized to issue the documents required for maintaining F-1 status and managing the SEVIS record transfer process.

2. Maintaining a valid F1-Status

This means enrolling full-time (typically at least 12 credits per semester for undergraduates), not engaging in unauthorized work, and strictly following all F-1 visa rules and regulations.

3. Admission to the New SEVP-Certified School

Before beginning the transfer process, the student must have a written offer of admission from the new SEVP-certified school. Also, the new school must be certified to host the international students under F1-Visa transfer rules. 

4. Active SEVIS Record

Transfers are only possible for students with an active F-1 SEVIS record. A student whose SEVIS record is terminated or inactive cannot use the standard transfer procedure and would need to apply for reinstatement. 

And, in some cases, they might have to depart or reenter the USA with a new record. 

What is SEVIS Record? SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the US government database that tracks international students and exchange visitors. It contains the information like: Personal details of the studentProgram of the studyAcademic progressChange in the status, and more. Why is it important to maintain SEVIS records? It is important to maintain SEVIS records to maintain their legal status in the US. Failure to maintain it can result in a loss of legal status for the student, and in worst-case scenarios, it may restrict entry into the country.

What Do You Need Before Starting the Transfer?

Before starting your transfer to a new school in the US as an F1 student, you must keep in mind the following things to ensure a smooth process. 

1. Obtain a formal acceptance letter from your new SEVP-certified school.
2. Proper communication with both the current and new school for guidance on required procedure and timings.
3. Your SEVIS ID remains the same during the transfer process. But you still need to request the official transfer of your SEVIS record to the new school’s code.

Note: If your time between programs or  Optional Practical Training (OPT) is less than 5 months, your SEVIS status remains active. If it’s longer, you’ll need a new I-20 and might need to pay the SEVIS fee again.

4. You must have all the documents, including:

• Proof of funding to meet new I-20 requirements.
• Copies of all previous I-20s.
• Academic transcripts or current enrollment verification.
• The new school’s transfer or release form, if required.
• Your most recent I-94 arrival record.
• Passport identification page(s)
• If you are currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT), you may need a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Important Note for OPT Students: There’s a 60-day grace period after your OPT ends to transfer to a new school, change your education level, or switch your visa status. Also, under the Cap-Gap extension, F-1 students with a pending or approved H-1B petition can now stay in the U.S. legally through April 1 of the following year.

5. Coordinate your SEVIS record release date with your current DSO to ensure that it aligns with the end of your current program and the start date of your new program. 

Note: You must begin the classes at the new school within 5 months of finishing your previous program or OPT.

Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Between the U.S. Schools on an F-1 Visa

Transferring between schools on an F-1 visa in the US requires following a clear series of steps to maintain your immigration status and continue your studies without interruption. 

Step 1 – Research and select your new SEVP-certified school

Begin the process by thoroughly researching the schools that perfectly match your academic and personal goals. Make sure that the new institution is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 

This is because only these schools can legally enroll F-1 students and carry out the necessary documentation. 

Step 2 – Apply to and get accepted by the new school

Submit your application and get the formal admission to the new institution. This is because you will need an official acceptance letter to initiate the transfer process. 

Step 3 – Notify the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school

Once accepted, inform the DSO at your current school about your intention ot transfer. For this, provide them with:

• Your new school’s contact information
• SEVIS school code
• Acceptance letter

Your current DSO will guide you through initiating the transfer and work with the new school’s DSO.

Step 4 – Choose a SEVIS release date

Together with your current DSO, select a transfer release date. This date is required when your SEVIS record is officially transferred to the new school.

Remember, it should align with your academic calendar and employment or travel plans. Also, this date must fall within regulatory deadlines (usually within five months after your last enrollment date or program completion).

Step 5 – The new school issues a new I-20 marked “Transfer Pending.”

After the SEVIS release date, the new school’s DSO will access your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20, indicating “Transfer Pending.” This document certifies your acceptance and is very important for maintaining F-1 status.

Step 6 – Register, enroll, and report to the new school’s DSO

Upon arrival at the new school, you must register and enroll for full-time. And about this, you are required to report to the new school’s DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new I-20. 

This is necessary for keeping your SEVIS record active. 

Step 7 – Completion of the transfer in SEVIS

After verifying your enrollment, the new DSO will complete the transfer process in SEVIS. This will officially close your record at the former school and establish your status at the new institution. 

Important Deadlines and Timeline to Keep in Mind

Transfer between the schools must occur	5 months of finishing your previous program or OPT end date (if applicable)
The SEVIS record must be transferred	within 60 days of completion at the old school
New classes must begin	at the next available term ((can’t skip semesters)
You are required to report to the new school’s DSO	within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new I-20
Students cannot work on campus at the new school until	transfer is finalized

Does Transferring Affect Your Visa Status or OPT?

Transferring schools on F1 visa generally does not require getting a new visa as long as your current visa is still valid, even if it shows your previous school’s name.

When done correctly, you retain the same SEVIS ID, which means your immigration record stays active and uninterrupted. 

Transferring also does not reset your eligibility for CPT or OPT, so you can continue to plan for work authorization. But the timing of your transfer is very important.

Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring

1. Not consulting your DSO at the right time can lead to missed requirements and deadlines.
2. Transfers must be initiated within 60 days after completing of your program or OPT to maintain the status. 
3. Choosing a school which is not SEVP-certified. 
4. Employment at the new school before the transfer completion.
5. Failing to enroll on time at the new school.
6. Assuming that your visa is invalid if it lists your old school.
7. Not understanding the transfer impacts on CPT, OPT, or future plans. 

Final Thoughts

Transferring to another  School for F1- visa in the US is completely possible as long as you follow the right steps. There could be several reasons for transfer, like better programs, relocation, or more. 

In some cases, students choose to transfer from universities to specialized language programs like AFI’s Pasadena campus to improve academic English skills while maintaining their visa status. 

Whatever your reason, it is important to understand the rules and deadlines involved. If you’re careful and stay informed, the process can be smooth and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I transfer my SEVIS to another school?

A1. Yes, you can transfer your SEVIS record to another school if you are maintaining valid F-1 status and have an admission offer from a new SEVP-certified school in the US.

Q2. How long can you stay in the US with F1 visa?

A2. Though the F1 visa is issued with a validity up to 5 years, your actual stay depends upon your active enrollment and program dates on your I-20. 

Q3. What happens if you drop out of school on an F1 visa?

A3. If you drop out of school on an F1 visa, your student status will be terminated, and you will be required to leave the US.

Q4. What happens if my F1 visa application is denied?

A4. If your F1 visa application is denied, you’ll receive a reason based on the visa section of the law. You can reapply once you’ve addressed the issue or provided stronger supporting documents.

Q5. Why do I need a transfer out request form?

A5. A transfer-out request form is required when an international student with an F-1 visa wishes to transfer from one school to another in the US and they need to transfer their SEVIS record to the new school.