Janice Lozano
International students in the United States holding an M-1 visa are allowed to transfer to another school. However, the process of transferring from an M-1 to an F-1 visa involves several steps and requirements. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) allows F-1 students to transfer between SEVP-certified schools or move between educational levels, such as progressing from a bachelor's to a master's program. To initiate the transfer process, M-1 students must notify the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current school and request reinstatement. The DSO can provide guidance on choosing an appropriate transfer release date, as each student's situation is unique. Additionally, students should contact the new school's International Office to arrange the receipt of their new Form I-20 and ensure compliance with F-1 SEVIS record requirements.
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What You'll Learn
Obtaining a new I-20 from the new school
Obtaining a new I-20 from your new school is a crucial step when transferring as an international student. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Contact the New School's International Office:
Reach out to the International Office of your new school to understand the specific procedures for obtaining your new I-20. Each school may have slightly different processes, so it's important to seek guidance from the relevant office. They will advise you on the required documentation and any unique considerations for your situation.
Confirm Your Enrollment:
Before initiating the I-20 request process, you must confirm your enrollment at the new school. Follow the instructions provided in your official decision letter. This typically includes paying an enrollment deposit, which is a standard requirement for all admitted students. Ensure you meet any specified deadlines to avoid delays in your transfer process.
Provide Required Documentation:
Gather and submit all the necessary documents for your I-20 request. This typically includes financial documents demonstrating your ability to cover expenses for the first academic year, including tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses. Ensure that your documents are in the required digital format, such as PDF or JPEG. If your financial documents are not in US dollars, provide a currency conversion for clarity.
Understand the Processing Time:
Be mindful of the processing time required for your new I-20. Once your transfer-out process is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. However, it may take around 5-7 business days for the entire process to be finalized. If you require a replacement I-20 due to program changes or other reasons, allow sufficient time for processing and delivery, especially if you are outside the United States.
Choose the Delivery Method:
When receiving your new I-20, you may have the option to choose between an electronic version with a digital signature or a printed and signed physical copy. If you opt for the electronic version, be sure to print out the I-20 for official purposes, such as travel. Always use the most recently issued I-20 for travel, work, or other official purposes, and keep all old I-20s for your records.
Maintain Your Status:
If you are transferring your F-1 status from one school to another, it's important to maintain your status during the transition. Ensure that you report to the new school's international office before the program start date listed on your new Form I-20. Additionally, if you have specific considerations, such as OPT authorization, ensure that you understand the requirements and deadlines to maintain your status throughout the transfer process.
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Contacting the new school's international office
When transferring from an M1 to an F1 visa, contacting the new school's international office is a crucial step in the process. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines for navigating this part of the transfer:
Understanding the Role of the International Office
The international office, often referred to as the Office of International Programs or the International Admissions Office, is the department within a school that specialises in supporting international students. They are well-versed in immigration regulations, visa requirements, and the unique needs of students studying in a foreign country. This office serves as a central resource for guidance, assistance, and advocacy for international students throughout their academic journey.
Initial Contact and Information Gathering
When reaching out to the international office of your new school, it is essential to understand the specific procedures and requirements for transferring your student visa. Each educational institution may have slightly different processes, so gathering clear and accurate information is key. Here are some recommended steps:
- Email or Call: Start by contacting the international office via email or telephone. Introduce yourself as an international student intending to transfer from an M1 to an F1 visa and request information on the necessary steps and requirements.
- Gather Required Documents: Inquire about the documents you need to provide for the transfer process. Typically, you will need to obtain an Initial Form I-20 from the new school. This form is crucial for maintaining your visa status and will be issued by the international office.
- Understand Timing and Deadlines: Ask about any deadlines or timing constraints associated with the transfer process. For instance, you may need to report to the new school within a certain timeframe, as outlined in the previous section.
- Discuss Fees: Confirm any fees associated with the transfer process, such as the SEVIS I-901 fee that is typically required for F1 visa transfers.
- Visa-Related Queries: If your M1 visa is still valid, clarify whether you will need to obtain a new F1 visa or if you can maintain your current visa status during the transfer.
- Employment Eligibility: Inquire about employment eligibility if you intend to work on campus. F1 visa holders have specific restrictions on employment, so guidance from the international office is essential.
Providing Documentation and Finalising the Transfer
After gathering the required information and documents, you will likely need to submit these to the international office for processing. Here are some key points to consider:
- Submit Documentation: Provide the international office with the completed Initial Form I-20 and any other requested documents. Ensure that you meet any deadlines for submission.
- Follow-Up: Stay in regular contact with the international office to confirm receipt of your documents and to inquire about the status of your transfer. Ask about any additional steps or requirements that may be necessary.
- Receive Confirmation: Once your transfer is finalised, you should receive confirmation from the international office. This confirmation will indicate that your new visa status is active, and you can commence your studies at the new institution.
- Report Any Issues: If you encounter any problems or delays during the transfer process, promptly report them to the international office for assistance and guidance. They are there to support you through any visa-related challenges.
Remember, while these are general guidelines, the specific steps may vary depending on the policies of your new school. Always refer to the instructions provided by the international office of your intended educational institution.
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F-1 SEVIS record transfer process
The F-1 SEVIS transfer process allows nonimmigrant students to maintain their original SEVIS ID and history when transferring to a new school. Here is a step-by-step guide to the F-1 SEVIS record transfer process:
Step 1: Notify the Designated School Official (DSO)
Notify the DSO at your current school (the transfer-out school) of your intention to transfer. Provide them with any address changes or other material changes. The DSO at your current school should use the remarks field in SEVIS to clarify your situation.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an F-1 SEVIS transfer, you must be pursuing a full course of study at the school you were last authorised to attend. Additionally, you must be accepted by another SEVP-certified school. F-1 students may only transfer to another F-1 SEVIS-certified school.
Step 3: Provide Required Documentation
Supply the DSO at your current school with the necessary documentation, including written confirmation of acceptance to the new school, a written request or permission to initiate the transfer, the SEVIS school code for the new school, and contact information for the new school's DSO.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer Process
Work with the DSO at your current school to initiate the transfer process. They will start the process by entering your information into the SEVIS system. The DSO at the new school (the transfer-in school) must also take the necessary steps to facilitate the transfer.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation
Once the transfer process is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new school will now have ownership of your SEVIS record, and your previous school will no longer have access to it.
Step 6: Obtain New I-20
Contact the new school's International Office to arrange how to receive your new I-20 form. If you are travelling abroad, ensure that you have the new I-20 before returning. Additionally, if you are on post-completion OPT, choose a transfer release date after you stop working.
It is important to note that the transfer process may vary slightly depending on the schools involved and their specific procedures. Always consult with the International Offices at both your current and new schools for guidance and to ensure that you are meeting all the necessary requirements and deadlines.
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Choosing a transfer release date
When choosing a transfer release date for an F1 visa, it is advised to contact a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Programs for guidance. This is because each student's situation is unique, and a DSO can provide specific answers to individual circumstances.
However, here is some general information that might be useful when choosing a transfer release date. For F-1 students wishing to transfer their record, it is important to indicate a transfer release date on their online Transfer-Out Form. The transfer process allows students to electronically move their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records and retain the same SEVIS identification number.
It is important to note that F-1 SEVIS records are only available to one school at a time. Therefore, once a SEVIS record is transferred, the previous school can no longer make any updates or changes to the student's F-1 record in SEVIS. Students will receive an email notification once the transfer is complete, which typically takes around 5-7 business days.
Additionally, students must report to their new school's international office before the program start date listed on their new Form I-20. For new initial students, it is important to request a transfer within 30 days of arriving in the United States. They must also report in person to the DSO at the school listed on their visa. DSOs are required to transfer the student's SEVIS record upon request, and individual SEVP-certified schools may have additional transfer policies to follow.
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Using a different university's I-20 to enter the US
International students with an M-1 visa are nonimmigrants enrolling in a technical programme at a vocational or other recognised non-academic institution, other than a language training programme. Students with an F-1 visa are nonimmigrants enrolling in academic programmes at universities, colleges, high schools, etc.
International students can transfer from one university to another, but they need to ensure that their SEVIS record is transferred. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is an important US government initiative that enables eligible students to pursue their academic goals in the country. Once accepted, the designated school official will send the student a Form I-20, which is a "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". This form is crucial for maintaining student status and must be presented at the port of entry to the US.
Students transferring from one university to another must contact the new school's international office to arrange to receive their new Form I-20. They should also report to the new school's international office before the programme start date listed on the new Form I-20. It is important to note that F-1 SEVIS records are only available to one school at a time, so students must indicate a transfer release date on their online Transfer-Out Form.
To use a different university's Form I-20 to enter the US, international students must follow these steps:
- Receive admission to a SEVP-certified school: International students must first gain acceptance into a SEVP-certified school in the US. This certification ensures that the school is authorised to enrol international students.
- Obtain a Form I-20 from the new university: After receiving admission, students will receive a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", from the designated school official at the new university. This form verifies that the student has been admitted to a SEVP-certified school and is eligible for nonimmigrant student status.
- Pay the SEVIS fee: Before entering the US, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. This fee is mandatory for all prospective F and M students and can be paid online or through Western Union Quick Pay. The SEVIS ID number on the fee receipt must match the SEVIS ID number on the Form I-20.
- Apply for a US student visa: With the Form I-20 and the SEVIS fee receipt, students can now apply for their US student visa (F or M) at a US Embassy or Consulate. A valid passport and proof of relationship may also be required. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the US but permits the student to seek permission to enter.
- Present the Form I-20 upon entry to the US: When entering the US, students must have their signed Form I-20 readily available. A US Customs and Border Protection officer will instruct the student to present this form at the port of entry. Students are allowed to arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed on their Form I-20.
By following these steps, international students can use a different university's Form I-20 to enter the US and maintain their student status. It is important to stay in communication with the international offices of both the previous and new schools to ensure a smooth transfer process and maintain compliance with visa regulations.
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