Douglas Olsen
F-1 students can switch universities, but the process can be tricky and requires careful consideration. To maintain their visa status, students must ensure they meet certain requirements before transferring. This includes maintaining valid student status at their original school, having a new program start date within 30 days of arrival in the US, and transferring to a USCIS-recognized school that meets the requirements of the F-1 visa. The Designated School Official (DSO) at the student's current school will work with the DSO at the new school to facilitate the transfer and update the student's SEVIS record.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can F1 students switch universities? | Yes, but the process can be tricky and requires the student to have maintained their student status at their original school. |
| What is the process? | The student must first be accepted by a new USCIS-recognized school, then request their current school to transfer/release their SEVIS record (I-20) to the new school. |
| What is the timeline for the transfer? | The transfer should happen within 15 days of the program start date at the new school. |
| What happens to the student's SEVIS record? | The SEVIS record is transferred from the old school to the new school, which then has access to the student's record and can produce a new Form I-20. |
| What happens to the student's work permit? | If the student had a work permit at their first school, it will automatically be canceled by the transfer, and they will need to apply for a new one. |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa transfer requirements
F-1 visa holders are eligible to transfer their SEVIS record to another school, provided they meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must maintain a valid F-1 status at their current school and have an active SEVIS record. Secondly, they must be accepted as full-time students at the new institution. The next available term at the new school must start within five months of the last date of school attendance or program completion at the current school. If this requirement is not met, the student must leave the US and return as a new initial student with a new Form I-20.
Additionally, the program of study at the new institution must meet the requirements of the F-1 student visa. This includes studying at an accredited academic institution authorised to accept international students by the US government.
To initiate the transfer process, the student must obtain written confirmation of acceptance to another Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The Designated School Official (DSO) at the current school will then work with the student and the DSO at the new school to choose a transfer release date. On this date, the responsibility for the student's SEVIS record transfers to the DSO at the new school, and the student's DSO at the current school will no longer have access to their record.
It is important for the student to obtain a new Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status," from the new school as soon as possible. To maintain their status, they must register for classes and contact their new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new Form I-20.
If a new initial F-1 student does not request a transfer within 30 days of arrival in the US, they must immediately report in person to the DSO at the school listed on their visa. DSOs are mandated to transfer the student's SEVIS record upon request. It is important to note that individual SEVP-certified schools may have additional transfer policies that students must adhere to.
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Maintaining student status
Maintaining F-1 student status is extremely important for students wishing to remain in the United States as international students. The steps outlined below must be followed very carefully to retain legal F-1 visa status.
Firstly, students must fulfil the purpose for which the Department of State issued the visa. F-1 visas are issued for students to study in the United States, so students should not take any action that detracts from this purpose. This means following the regulations associated with being an international student in the US.
Secondly, students must attend all their classes and maintain academic progress. If a student is struggling with their course, they should speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) immediately. Students must also maintain a full course of study each term. If a student cannot study full-time, they should contact their DSO as soon as possible. In limited circumstances, a student may be eligible for a reduced course load.
Thirdly, students must register for classes and make sure their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records are up to date. Students should also keep their address current during their time in the US.
Fourthly, students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation. During an annual vacation, students can take as many or as few courses as they like.
Finally, students may only work when authorized by a DSO or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-1 students are allowed to work part-time on campus by completing an I-9 form with their International Office. To work off-campus, F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) at either the undergraduate or graduate level during their program of study.
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The Designated School Official (DSO)
F-1 students are allowed to switch universities, but the process can be complex. Before transferring, students must ensure that their new programme of study meets the requirements of their student visa. A Designated School Official (DSO) is a crucial figure in this process.
A DSO is a regularly employed member of the school administration, designated by the head of a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school. They are responsible for providing recommendations and support to F and M students regarding the maintenance of their nonimmigrant status. One of their key duties is to maintain accurate and timely records, reporting to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In the context of transferring universities, the role of the DSO becomes even more critical. When an F-1 student decides to transfer to a new school, the DSO at the transfer-out school releases the student's SEVIS record to the DSO at the transfer-in school. The DSO at the new school then enters the information into the Draft Form I-20, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." If the previous record was in Active status, the new DSO can create an Initial record. They must register the student and set the record to Active within 30 days of the programme start date.
The transfer release date is crucial, as it marks the point when responsibility for the student's SEVIS record transfers to the DSO at the new school. After this date, the previous DSO can no longer access or make changes to the student's record. It is imperative for the student to obtain a new Form I-20, signed by the new DSO, as soon as possible. The student must then register for classes and contact the new DSO within 15 days of the programme start date listed on the new Form I-20 to maintain their status.
In summary, the DSO plays a vital role in facilitating the transfer process for F-1 students. They are responsible for maintaining records, transferring SEVIS information, and ensuring the student's smooth transition to the new school. By working collaboratively with the student and the DSOs at both the transfer-out and transfer-in schools, a seamless transfer can be achieved while maintaining compliance with visa regulations.
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Form I-20
F-1 students are permitted to switch universities, but it is a complex process. To do so, students must first ensure that their new programme of study meets the requirements of their student visa. Studies in the US must take place at an accredited academic institution and be authorised to accept international students by the US government.
Once a student has confirmed that their new programme meets these requirements, they can transfer their visa and begin the process of switching universities. This process involves working with the Designated School Official (DSO) at both the current and new schools to choose a transfer release date. On this date, the DSO at the new school takes responsibility for the student's SEVIS record, and the DSO at the previous school can no longer access or make changes to the record.
The DSO at the new school can then create a new Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status." Obtaining a new Form I-20 as soon as possible is crucial. This form is essential for maintaining the student's status, and they must register for classes and contact the new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new Form I-20. The new Form I-20 will also include the student's new program start date.
If the student's record was in Active status at the previous school, the new DSO can create an Initial record from the Draft record and print a Form I-20. However, if the record was in Terminated status, the new DSO must populate the available fields in the Draft record before submitting and printing a reinstatement Form I-20. It is important to note that the student may need to apply for reinstatement before transferring to another school and must continue to abide by the regulations governing F-1 students during this process.
In the case of a new initial student transfer, the program start date must be within 30 days of their arrival in the United States. Additionally, a transfer student with a Terminated record must report to the DSO at the new school no later than 15 days before the program start date for the next available term. It is recommended that these students report on the record release date to facilitate a timely reinstatement application or obtain an updated Form I-20.
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Transfer release date
F-1 students can switch universities, but they must ensure that their new program of study meets the requirements of their student visa. The process can be tricky, so it is important to be aware of the relevant procedures and regulations.
The transfer release date is an important aspect of transferring universities as an F-1 student. This date signifies when the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new school takes responsibility for the student's SEVIS record, and the DSO at the previous school will no longer have access to it. It is important to note that the transfer release date is not the same for every student, and each student should coordinate with their new school and a DSO to choose an appropriate date.
- Choosing a Transfer Release Date: The F-1 student should work with the DSO at their current school and the DSO at their new school to select a suitable transfer release date. This date is important as it marks the transfer of responsibility for the student's SEVIS record.
- Transferring the SEVIS Record: The DSO at the student's current school will transfer the SEVIS record to the new school. The new school will then have access to the student's record and can create a new Form I-20, which is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status."
- Obtaining a New Form I-20: It is crucial for the student to obtain a new Form I-20 as soon as possible after the transfer release date. The new Form I-20 will have the student's new program start date, and it will be signed by the new DSO and the student.
- Meeting Deadlines: The student must register for classes and contact the new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new Form I-20. Additionally, the student should be aware of the next available term at the new school and ensure they begin classes within five months, unless taking an authorized break or vacation.
- Employment Considerations: If the student was previously employed off-campus, they must request a recommendation from the DSO at the new school and file a new application with USCIS to continue their off-campus employment.
- Travel and Reinstatement: If the student plans to travel outside the United States before or after the transfer release date, they should obtain a new Form I-20 from the DSO at the new school. If the student's SEVIS record is in Terminated status, they must return to the new school within 15 days of the program start date on the new Form I-20.
- Maintaining Status: To maintain their F-1 status, the student must continue to abide by the regulations governing F-1 students, including maintaining a full course of study.
It is important to note that the transfer process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each student. F-1 students should seek guidance from their designated school officials and refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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