Douglas Olsen
Transferring between colleges in the USA is a common practice, with approximately 2.1 million students transferring between institutions in the 2020-2021 academic year. International students can transfer colleges in the USA for various reasons, such as cost, preparation for a four-year university, or dissatisfaction with their current institution. While transferring colleges is possible, it is important to note that each college has its own policies and requirements for transfer students, including admission requirements, application deadlines, and English proficiency tests. International students should also be aware of any immigration considerations and updates to their student visa status when transferring between institutions.
Can a college in the USA deny international student transfer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Denial of transfer | An F-1 student who did not pursue a full course of study at the school they were last authorised to attend is ineligible for school transfer and must apply for reinstatement or leave the country and return as an initial entry in a new F-1 nonimmigrant status. |
| Denial of reinstatement | If the reinstatement application is denied, the student must leave the United States. |
| Transfer requirements | International students must meet the new college's English proficiency requirements and have completed a minimum number of credits to be considered for transfer. |
| Transfer process | International students must notify the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school of their request to transfer and provide any required paperwork, such as acceptance letters. |
| Financial aid | Some colleges offer financial aid or scholarships specifically for international transfer students, while others only provide aid to first-year applicants. |
| Transfer options | International students can transfer from a local university outside the US, from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution, or between four-year US universities. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can transfer from a local university outside the US
- Transferring from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution
- Transferring from a four-year US university to another US university
- Immigration transfer—updating and transferring SEVIS information
- English proficiency requirements
International students can transfer from a local university outside the US
To be eligible to transfer to a university in the US, you must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in your home country or the US and complete at least one semester of coursework. Typically, most universities accept transfer students with up to two years of study at another university. Some universities may not accept transfer students with more than two years enrolled at another college.
When applying to transfer, you can expect to submit your academic credentials or transcripts from the local institution you attended. If your transcript is in another language, it must be translated into English. You will also need to submit standardized English language tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS. It is recommended that you apply months in advance to ensure you have enough time to meet application requirements.
Additionally, you should be aware that transferring as an international student may affect your eligibility for financial aid. Some colleges and universities only give financial aid to international first-year applicants, not transfer applicants. However, some schools offer scholarships specifically for international transfer students.
Once you have been admitted to the new school, you can request that your current school transfer your SEVIS record so that the new school can issue an I-20 form, certifying your eligibility for F-1 academic or M-1 vocational student status.
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Transferring from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution
International students may choose this path for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to explore different subjects and decide on a major before committing to a four-year program. Secondly, community colleges often have strong English programs, giving international students time to improve their English proficiency and get accustomed to US academic culture. This can increase their chances of gaining admission to a four-year institution. Additionally, community colleges may have partnerships with four-year institutions, making the transfer process smoother.
To transfer, international students should be aware of the application requirements, which can differ significantly from first-year admissions. It is recommended to begin the application process four to six months in advance. Students should contact the international student services office of their desired four-year institution to understand the specific transfer criteria, including the minimum number of credit hours required to be considered a transfer student. Most colleges will accept transfer credits, but it is important to check with the new institution to ensure a smooth transition.
Additionally, international students should consider taking English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, and any required college admissions exams. They should also be mindful that their eligibility for financial aid may be affected by their transfer status, as some colleges only offer financial aid to first-year international applicants. However, there are colleges that offer scholarships specifically for international transfer students.
Overall, transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year institution in the US is a viable option for international students, offering both academic and financial benefits.
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Transferring from a four-year US university to another US university
When transferring from a four-year US university to another US university as an international student, it is important to be aware of the different processes and requirements involved. Firstly, transferring schools means applying to and enrolling in a new university while currently attending another university. Most colleges allow the transfer of previously earned college credits to the new school, enabling students to pursue a new degree or continue working towards their original degree.
It is recommended to apply months in advance to meet application requirements and be mindful of varying deadlines for transfer students. Transfer students may have different admissions requirements, such as English proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL) and college admissions exams. Additionally, international students should understand that their eligibility for financial aid may be affected by their transfer status, as some colleges only offer financial aid to first-year applicants.
To initiate the transfer process, students should contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school's International Student Services Office (ISSO) to transfer their SEVIS record to the new school. They will also need to provide the DSO with the necessary paperwork, such as their acceptance letter or new school contact information.
It is important to note that some colleges may have minimum credit hour requirements to be considered a transfer student, and transferring during the junior or senior year may result in lost credits or reduced financial aid. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully consider the reasons for transferring and research the transfer policies and requirements of the desired institution.
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Immigration transfer—updating and transferring SEVIS information
International students in F-1 status must always maintain accurate academic information on their SEVIS record and Form I-20. This includes the name and location of the school at which the student is studying. If an international student plans to leave their current school and study at a different school in the U.S., they must request a transfer of their SEVIS record to the new academic institution. This SEVIS transfer must be completed before the student begins studies at the new school.
The student must be accepted by another SEVP-certified school. The student should work with the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school to choose a transfer release date. This date should be based on the student’s academic needs, travel and work plans, and the projected program start date at the new school. The student must then contact the DSO at the new school within 15 days of the program start date and register for classes.
The DSO at the new school will be able to create a Form I-20 issued for the reason of transfer. The student should ask for a Form I-20 that shows their status as a continuing student and that the transfer is approved. The DSO at the student's current school can transfer the student's SEVIS record to the new school. The student should provide the DSO with any required paperwork, such as their acceptance letter or contact information for the new school.
Once the DSO at the new school receives the student's SEVIS record, they can enter information into the Draft Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." If the record was in Active status at the student's previous school, the DSO at the new school can create an Initial record from the Draft record. The DSO may print a Form I-20 at this time. The DSO must register the student and set the record into Active status within 30 days of the program start date.
If a student decides to remain at their current school after the Transfer Release Date, they should contact the SEVP Response Center and request that the transfer be canceled. Performing a transfer correction in SEVIS on a student wishing to remain at their current school will create a new student record, and important information will be lost.
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English proficiency requirements
International students intending to transfer between US colleges should be aware that their new institution may have different English proficiency requirements for admissions. It is important to check the specific requirements of the college you are applying to, as these may differ from your current college.
English proficiency is a crucial factor in the admissions process for international transfer students. Most universities require international students to take an English proficiency test such as TOEFL, and achieving a high score can be essential. Some universities may also require completion of English Composition I and II classes to waive the English proficiency requirement, or a specific number of credits. For example, Oregon State University only requires completion of one English Composition class, while the University of Colorado Boulder requires 30 credits at a US college or university.
International students should be aware that their current institution may not offer the English Composition classes required by their new college, which could cause issues. In this case, enrolling in an online English composition class outside of your current university may be necessary.
Additionally, it is recommended that international students apply well in advance to ensure they meet application requirements and are aware of any differences in deadlines and notification dates compared to first-time applicants.
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Frequently asked questions
International students may consider transferring colleges for reasons such as cost, feeling unprepared for a four-year university, or a school not being a good fit culturally.
There are three common types of transfers for international students in the US: transferring from a local university outside the US, transferring from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution, and transferring from a four-year US university to another US university.
It is essential to understand the application requirements, admission criteria, and transfer policies of the specific colleges. Additionally, international students should be aware of the English proficiency requirements and the impact of transferring on their student visas and financial aid.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, approximately 2.1 million college students transferred between institutions in the 2020-2021 academic year, so it is a relatively common occurrence.
The process typically involves evaluating and transferring credits from the previous institution, updating your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, and obtaining a new I-20 form. It is recommended to work closely with an advisor or Designated School Official (DSO) to navigate the specific requirements and procedures.
