If you wish
to transfer to another institution while studying on an F-1 student visa, you
will need to be a full time student and in good academic standing. You will
also need to insure that the school you are transferring to is approved by USCIS to
educate Foreign Students.
Once this is confirmed the following steps need to be
completed:
- Have proof of acceptance at the
institution you plan on attending, which BIR issues
upon enrollment
- Obtain contact information from
the DSO (Designated
School Official) at the institution you plan on attending
- Notify your current
(transfer-out) school of your intent to transfer. Request an International Student Transfer Form from BIR and
fill it out. You will have to sign the form authorizing your current
school to release certain information about you and transfer your SEVIS
record BIR
- Submit F-1 Student Documents and
Fees
- Copy of current I-20
- Copy of Passport
- Proof
of Funds
- Enrollment Fee
- Transfer Fee
- International Student Deposit
- Obtain I-20 from the new school
- You must also report to the
school within 15 days of the program start date and enroll full-time in
the first required session at the school
Even if you
have completed or been terminated from a school, that school is still obligated
to transfer your SEVIS record to any school you desire. If your
current/previous school refuses to transfer your SEVIS record, work with the
DSO at your new school to try to resolve the situation. A school cannot refuse
to transfer SEVIS records for any financial or business reasons.
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