Lana Oconnell
International students in the US have various reasons for transferring to a new university, including cost, dissatisfaction with their current institution, or a desire to attend a higher-ranked university. The process of transferring can be complicated and involves both academic and immigration considerations. Students must understand the application requirements, admission requirements, and transfer admission policies, which can vary across institutions. International students should also be aware of the English proficiency requirements and ensure they have the necessary credits to be considered a transfer student. The transfer process typically involves working with the designated school official (DSO) at the International Student Services Office (ISSO) to maintain legal status and facilitate the transfer of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the new school.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transferring schools | Applying to and enrolling in a college or university while attending a different college or university |
| Common types of transfers | Community college to a 4-year institution and 4-year institution to another 4-year institution |
| Transferring as an international student | Need to take English proficiency tests and any required college admission exams |
| Transfer process | Academic transfer (admission and evaluation of credits) and immigration transfer of Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record |
| SEVIS | A system used by the US government to maintain information on international students |
| F-1 students | Need to request their current school to transfer/release their SEVIS record (I-20) to their new school before beginning full-time studies |
| OPT/CPT | Student work authorizations that are cancelled on the transfer release date |
| Travel outside the US during transfer | Not recommended; if the transfer release date happens while out of the country, an updated Initial Form I-20 from the new school is required to re-enter |
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What You'll Learn
International students transferring from a university in their home country
It is recommended that students start the transfer process early, as course evaluations can take several weeks, and there may be differences in academic systems between the two countries. Students should also be aware of the application requirements for transfer students, which can differ significantly from first-year student requirements. Most universities will require international students to have completed specific English Composition classes to waive the English proficiency requirement, and some will also require a certain number of credits.
Once a student has been admitted to a new school, they can request their current school to transfer their SEVIS record so that the new school can issue an I-20 form, certifying the student's eligibility for F-1 academic student or M-1 vocational student status. The student should then report to the new school's international office before the program start date listed on the new I-20 form.
It is important to note that if a student travels outside the US during the transfer process, they will need an updated Initial Form I-20 from their new school to re-enter the country. Additionally, any student work authorization through their original school will be canceled on their transfer release date.
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English proficiency requirements for transfer students
International transfer students have several options to demonstrate English proficiency as part of their application to U.S. colleges and universities. While specific requirements vary across institutions, here are some commonly accepted English proficiency qualifications:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is a widely recognised English proficiency test accepted by many U.S. colleges and universities. The required minimum score varies across institutions, with some requiring a minimum score of 60, while others ask for 80 or higher.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS proficiency exam is another commonly accepted qualification. While specific score requirements may differ, achieving a satisfactory score on this exam can help international students demonstrate their English proficiency.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
The Duolingo English Test is also recognised by some U.S. institutions, with minimum score requirements ranging from 115 to 120, depending on the university.
SAT and ACT English Language Arts
Some universities may consider SAT and ACT English Language Arts scores as proof of English proficiency. For example, a score of 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts or a score of 31 or higher on the SAT Writing and Language test may be sufficient.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations
High scores on specific AP and IB English examinations can also demonstrate English proficiency. For instance, a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP English Language and Composition exam or a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Higher Level English exam (Language A only) may be accepted.
English Composition Courses
Some universities may waive the English proficiency requirement if you have completed certain English composition courses with satisfactory grades. For instance, receiving a grade of "C" or better in specific UC-transferable college English composition courses may be sufficient.
It is important to note that English proficiency requirements can vary significantly across U.S. colleges and universities. International transfer students should carefully review the specific requirements of their desired institutions, as they may differ from their current school's requirements. Additionally, some universities may offer waivers or alternative pathways to demonstrate English proficiency.
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Academic and immigration transfer processes
International students in the US may consider transferring schools for various reasons, including cost, feeling unprepared for a four-year university, or the school not being a good fit. Transferring universities in the US is more common than one might think, with approximately 2.2 million college students transferring between universities in a year.
Academic Transfer Process
The academic transfer process involves admission to a new school and an evaluation of which credits will transfer to the new school. International students should take English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, and any required college admissions exams before considering transfer options. They should also check with the institution they plan to transfer to regarding specific requirements.
International students can transfer from a university in their home country or from one US university to another. It is important to start the process early, as students will likely need to obtain an evaluation of the classes they have taken, which can take several weeks. Due to differences in academic systems, some credits may or may not transfer to the new school, and the GPA calculation may differ.
Transferring from a community college to a four-year institution is a common path for international students. Community colleges often have lower costs, accept students with lower GPAs and test scores, and offer similar general education classes as four-year institutions. Most credits from community colleges are transferable, and students can explore different subjects before committing to a four-year program.
Immigration Transfer Process
The immigration transfer process involves transferring the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the new school. The academic transfer must happen first, after which the student can request their current school to transfer the SEVIS record. The SEVIS is used to create the I-20 form, which certifies the student's eligibility for F-1 academic or M-1 vocational student status.
International students should work with the designated school official (DSO) at the transfer-in school to maintain their legal status and ensure the timely issuance of their I-20. They should continue attending classes at the transfer-out school until the SEVIS release date. If transferring in the middle of a semester, travelling outside the country is not recommended, as re-entry into the US will require an updated Initial Form I-20 from the new school.
During the transfer process, students should follow the instructions provided by the DSO at the transfer-in school, including any required paperwork such as providing their acceptance letter or contact information for the new school. After the transfer is complete, students should update their address in SEVIS and register for classes at the new school within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new I-20.
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Transferring from a US two-year community college
Understanding the Transfer Process:
The transfer process involves two main components: the academic transfer and the immigration transfer. The academic transfer includes the admission process and the evaluation of transferable credits from your community college to the four-year institution. It is important to note that not all credits may transfer, so choosing courses that are strategically transferable is crucial. The immigration transfer involves updating your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record and obtaining the necessary documentation, such as the Form I-20, to maintain your legal status as a student in the US.
Planning and Research:
Start by understanding your academic, career, and life goals. Map out the academic path required to achieve those goals and seek guidance from academic advisors. Research potential four-year institutions that align with your goals and financial aid needs. Understand the specific requirements, application processes, and deadlines for each institution. Some universities may have partnerships or articulation agreements with community colleges, making the transfer process smoother.
Choosing Transferable Courses:
When selecting courses at the community college, consult with your academic advisor to ensure that the credits will transfer to your desired four-year institution. Ask if the classes will be considered core courses or electives at the four-year university. By choosing your courses strategically, you can save time and money in your academic journey.
Applying to Four-Year Institutions:
Gather the required documents for your applications, which may include essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Some universities may have their own specific application process for transfer students, so be sure to review the requirements for each institution. It is recommended to start the application process early to meet deadlines and allow sufficient time for course evaluations.
Completing the Immigration Transfer:
Once you have been admitted to the four-year institution, request your current community college to transfer your SEVIS record to the new school. Work with the Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Student Services Office to complete your immigration transfer and maintain your legal student status. Obtain the necessary forms, such as the updated Form I-20, to finalise your transfer and ensure your eligibility to continue your studies in the US.
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Travel outside the US during the transfer process
International students transferring between US universities should be cautious about travelling outside the US during the transfer process. If a student's transfer release date from their original school occurs while they are out of the country, they cannot re-enter the US without an updated Initial Form I-20 from their new school. According to USCIS, it is best to avoid travel outside the country during the transfer process.
If travel outside the US during the transfer process is unavoidable, the student should contact their Designated School Official (DSO) at their new school. The DSO of the transfer-in school should cancel the reinstatement request on the student's SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20 to allow the student to return. The student must then return to the US within 15 days of the program start date on the new Form I-20.
Additionally, students should be aware that any student work authorization, such as OPT or CPT, provided by their original school will be cancelled on their transfer release date. This may impact their ability to work or undertake training during the transfer process.
To ensure a smooth transition to their new school, international students should maintain their legal status and carefully manage their SEVIS record and Form I-20 documentation. It is recommended that students consult with their DSO and international student services office for specific guidance on travelling outside the US during their transfer.
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