Savanna Hoffman
International students may want to change universities for a variety of reasons, such as changing their major, financial situations, or finding a more rewarding program elsewhere. Regardless of the reason, it is important to maintain valid student status throughout the transfer process. The process of transferring universities varies depending on the universities involved and the student's visa status. For instance, F-1 visa holders need to get accepted by a new USCIS-recognized school, obtain a new Form I-20, and coordinate with designated school officials (DSOs) to facilitate the transfer of their SEVIS record. Understanding the specific requirements and working closely with academic advisors can help international students navigate the transfer process successfully and ensure a smooth transition to their new university.
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa requirements
International students on an F-1 visa have the option to transfer to a different college or university while maintaining their visa status. However, there are specific F-1 visa requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure a smooth transfer. Here are the key F-1 visa requirements and considerations for international students wishing to change universities:
Maintain Valid F-1 Status: To be eligible for a transfer, you must maintain valid F-1 status. This means you should be in good standing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and your current school. Ensure that you have a valid Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which is issued by your current school.
Consult Your International Student Advisor: Before initiating any transfer process, it is crucial to meet with your international student advisor at your current school. They can guide you through the specific requirements and help you understand the implications of transferring on your F-1 visa status.
Obtain a New Form I-20: To transfer your F-1 visa to a new university, you will need to obtain a new Form I-20 from the institution you plan to attend. Contact the international student office at your new school and inform them of your intention to transfer. They will provide you with the necessary paperwork and instructions.
Notify Your Current School: You must officially notify your current school of your intent to transfer. Typically, this involves completing a transfer-out form and providing proof of acceptance at the new school. Your current school will then transfer the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to your new institution.
Meet Academic Requirements: To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must meet certain academic requirements. This includes maintaining a full course of study, making satisfactory academic progress, and ensuring that any changes to your course load or major are reported to the international student office.
Follow Transfer Procedures: Each college or university may have its own specific procedures for transferring international students. Make sure you carefully follow the transfer guidelines provided by both your current and new institutions. This may include deadlines for submitting transfer requests, providing necessary documentation, and ensuring a smooth transition of your student records.
By following these F-1 visa requirements and working closely with the international student offices at both your current and new institutions, you can successfully transfer to another college or university while maintaining your visa status. Remember to stay informed about any updates or changes in visa regulations and always seek guidance from your international student advisor when in doubt.
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Academic transfer
International students can transfer to another university, but the process and requirements vary depending on the country and institution. In the United States, for instance, international students on an F-1 visa are allowed to transfer to another university or program of study. To do so, they must first be accepted by a new USCIS-recognized school, which may involve taking English proficiency tests and college admissions exams.
Once accepted, the student must obtain a new Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status," from the new school. This form is essential for maintaining F-1 student status and must be signed by both the student and the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new institution. The student's DSO at their current school will work with the DSO at the new school to facilitate the transfer of the student's SEVIS record, which includes information about their enrolment and immigration status.
It is important to note that the timing of the transfer can impact the process. Students should aim to transfer within 30 days of their initial admission to the United States to avoid complications. Additionally, they must register for classes and contact their new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on their new Form I-20 to maintain their status.
International students should also be aware that transferring schools may affect their financial aid and the transfer of credits. Some colleges and universities offer financial aid only to first-year applicants, while others provide scholarships specifically for international transfer students. Furthermore, due to differences in academic systems, some credits may not transfer to the new school, and the student's GPA calculation may differ.
Overall, while transferring universities as an international student is possible, it requires careful planning and consideration of the specific requirements and implications of the transfer.
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Immigration transfer
International students in the United States who wish to transfer from their current university to another university in the country should be aware that the process can be confusing and complicated. However, transferring is a common practice, with approximately 2.2 million students transferring between universities in a year.
The process for immigration transfer of an international student's record involves the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The SEVIS is used to create the I-20 form, which is provided to international students when they are first accepted into a US university. The I-20 form is also crucial for transferring to a new university.
To initiate the transfer, the student must first be accepted by another USCIS-recognised, SEVP-certified school. The student must then notify the designated school official (DSO) at their current school of their intention to transfer and provide written confirmation of acceptance at the new school. The DSO at the current school, along with the DSO at the new school, will handle all the necessary paperwork.
It is important to note that the student must maintain their F-1 student status up until the transfer date. The transfer typically occurs 15 days before the program start date at the new university. Within these 15 days, the student must sign and submit their new I-20 form to the DSO at the new school, along with their new address. The new DSO then has 30 days to inform the old DSO and USCIS of the transfer.
Additionally, there are specific considerations for the timing of the transfer. If the transfer occurs in the middle of a semester, students must continue attending classes at their current university until the SEVIS release date. The SEVIS release date is when the student's SEVIS record is electronically transferred to the new school.
Furthermore, the transfer of credits between universities is an important aspect to consider. In many cases, the transfer of credits evaluation report may not be available before the start of the semester at the new university. This can create uncertainty about the number of classes transferred and the time it will take to graduate.
Overall, while transferring universities as an international student in the US can be complex, understanding the steps involved, including the immigration transfer of records through SEVIS and maintaining student status, can help ensure a smoother process.
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Student status
International students with an F-1 visa can transfer to a different university in the United States, but they must maintain their student status to do so. This means continuing to meet the requirements of their visa and ensuring that their Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) record is up to date.
The process of transferring universities as an international student involves several steps. Firstly, the student must gain acceptance at a new USCIS-recognised school. Each university has its own policies and application procedures, so it is important to research the requirements and timing of the desired transfer institutions. Once accepted, the student will receive a new Form I-20, also known as a "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status". This form indicates that the student has been accepted into a new program and will need to be signed by the student and the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new institution.
The next step is to inform the DSO at the current school of the intention to transfer. This includes providing written confirmation of acceptance at the new school and contact information for the new DSO. The DSO at the current school will then work with the DSO at the new school to facilitate the transfer of the student's SEVIS record. The SEVIS record contains important information about the student's visa status and any changes to it, such as transferring to a new university, must be reflected in the record.
It is important to note that the timing of the transfer can impact the student's visa benefits, including employment, travel, and I-20 validity. If the period between F-1 activities is longer than five months, the student's SEVIS record may not be eligible for transfer, and a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number may be required. Additionally, the student must register for classes and contact their new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on their new Form I-20 to maintain their student status.
International students should also be aware that transferring universities may result in changes to their work authorisation. For example, if a student had a work permit at their previous university, it will automatically be cancelled upon transfer, and they will need to apply for a new work permit at their new institution if they become eligible to work again.
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University policies
The first step toward transferring is to gain acceptance at a new, USCIS-recognized school. As application procedures vary, you will need to check with your desired universities regarding their requirements and timing. After acceptance, your new school will send you a new Form I-20, which confirms your eligibility for non-immigrant student status. You will then need to inform your current school of your intention to transfer and provide written confirmation of your acceptance at the new school.
It is important to note that the transfer of your SEVIS record, which covers your status as an international student, will depend on the timing of your transfer. If the period between F-1 activities is longer than 5 months, your SEVIS record is not eligible for transfer, and your new school must issue a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number. Your new school will gain access to your electronic SEVIS record and can create a new I-20 after the SEVIS transfer/release date.
Additionally, the transfer may impact your F-1 benefits, including employment, travel, and I-20 validity. If you had a work permit at your previous school, it will be automatically canceled upon transfer, and you will need to apply for a new one if you become eligible again.
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