Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the United States on an F1 visa are admitted to complete a specific educational program. If an F1 student wishes to change their major, they must obtain a new Change of Level I-20 to maintain their F1 visa status. This process involves working with the Designated School Official (DSO) at the current school to update their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. The DSO at the original school can no longer change the student's record once the transfer is initiated. The student must also ensure that they obtain their new I-20 within the specified time frame, which is typically within 60 days of the current program completion date or within 15 days of beginning the new program. Additionally, F1 students transferring to another school must report to the new school's international office before the program start date listed on their new Form I-20 and ensure that they have a valid Form I-20 as quickly as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 visa student transfer requirements | Report to the new school's international office before the program start date listed on the new Form I-20 |
| F-1 visa student transfer requirements | Fulfill OPT authorization end date as listed on the EAD card |
| F-1 visa student transfer requirements | Indicate a transfer release date on the online Transfer-Out Form |
| F-1 visa student transfer restrictions | F-1 SEVIS records are only available to one school at a time |
| F-1 visa student transfer procedure | Apply to USCIS for reinstatement before transferring |
| F-1 visa student transfer procedure | Abide by regulations governing F-1 students while USCIS adjudicates reinstatement |
| F-1 visa student transfer deadlines | Resume class attendance no later than five months after the last date of class attendance |
| F-1 visa student change of degree level requirements | Obtain a new Change of Level I-20 to maintain F-1 visa status |
| F-1 visa student change of degree level requirements | Enrollment in the new program must begin within 5 months |
| F-1 visa student change of degree level requirements | Obtain the new I-20 within 60 days of the current program completion date or within 15 days of beginning the new program, whichever is sooner |
| F-1 visa student change of degree level procedure | Check with an International Student Advisor to determine the exact date |
| F-1 visa student change of degree level procedure | Complete the Change of Level process in myIO |
| F-1 visa student change of degree level requirements | Provide proof of graduation in the current semester, admission to the new semester/year, and proof of financial support |
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What You'll Learn
F1 visa transfers
F-1 students who wish to transfer their record must fulfil the following requirements:
Transfer-Out Form
Firstly, the student must complete an online Transfer-Out Request Form. This will include ensuring that all financial obligations are taken care of, and that there are no outstanding holds on the student's record, such as library fees or mandatory insurance.
OPT Authorization
If the student is on OPT, they must obtain a new Form I-20 within 60 days of their current program completion date or within 15 days of beginning the new program, whichever is sooner. If the student decides not to complete OPT, the start date of the new program must be within 5 months of the requested SEVIS release date.
SEVIS Record
The student's SEVIS record will be transferred to the DSO at the new school on the transfer release date. The student must ensure that the DSO has all the information needed to update the SEVIS record. Once the SEVIS record is transferred, the previous school can no longer make any updates or changes to the student's record.
Form I-20
It is important for the student to obtain a new valid Form I-20 as quickly as possible, as the Form I-20 from the previous school will no longer be valid.
Timing of Transfer
The student must resume class attendance at the new school no later than 5 months after the last date of class attendance at the previous school. If the student's SEVIS record is terminated, they must report to the DSO at the new school no later than 15 days before the program start date for the next available term.
Reinstatement Application
The student must apply to USCIS for reinstatement before transferring to the new school and must continue to abide by the regulations governing F-1 students while the reinstatement is being adjudicated.
Overall, it is important for F-1 students transferring to a new school to carefully follow the required procedures and meet the specified deadlines to ensure a smooth transition and maintain their visa status.
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Maintaining F1 visa status
To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must take action to maintain legal status or leave the United States after completing your program of study. Here are some key points to remember:
Maintaining F-1 Visa Status:
- Full Course of Study: F-1 students must maintain a full course of study each term and make normal academic progress. This typically means enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each semester for undergraduate students and at least 8 credit hours for graduate students.
- Valid Passport: It is essential to have a valid passport at all times. If your passport expires while in the United States, contact your embassy to renew it and provide the updated information to the relevant office.
- Address Updates: You must update your address within 10 days of moving, even for temporary changes.
- School Attendance: Ensure that you attend the school listed on your visa and Form I-20. You must be registered in SEVIS within 30 days of the program start date and each academic term.
- Program Progress: Make normal progress toward your degree by completing your studies before the expiration of the program completion date on your Form I-20.
- Extensions and Transfers: Follow proper procedures for extensions, changes in educational levels, changes in programs of study, or transfers to maintain your Form I-20 validity.
- Grace Periods: Be mindful of the F-1 grace periods, which allow for a 30-day early arrival and 60 days upon completion of studies, or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Travel and Leaves of Absence: If you plan to travel outside the United States or take a leave of absence, speak with your DSO beforehand.
- Changes in Major or Degree Level: Discuss any changes in your major, program, or degree level with your DSO.
- Compliance and Fees: Ensure compliance with all financial obligations and clear any holds, including outstanding fees, before transferring to another school.
It is important to maintain your F-1 visa status by adhering to the regulations and seeking guidance from your DSO when needed. Falling out of status can have serious consequences.
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Transfer-out form
F-1 students who wish to change their major and transfer to a different school must complete an online Transfer-Out Form. This form is a crucial step in the process of transferring from one school to another for F-1 students. Here is a detailed guide on the Transfer-Out Form and the associated procedures:
Understanding the Transfer-Out Form
The Transfer-Out Form is a document that F-1 students need to complete when they intend to transfer from their current school to another educational institution. This form is typically submitted to the student's current school, indicating their desire to transfer out and providing necessary details for the transfer process.
F-1 Student Requirements for Transferring:
Before submitting the Transfer-Out Form, F-1 students must ensure they meet the following requirements:
- Financial Obligations: Ensure that all financial obligations to the current school are fulfilled. This includes settling any outstanding fees, tuition, or other financial commitments.
- Clear Holds: Remove any holds on the student's record, such as library fees or mandatory insurance holds.
- Future Registrations: If the student has already registered for future semesters, they should drop any classes they do not plan to attend after the transfer.
- SEVIS Record: F-1 students should understand that their SEVIS record will be transferred to the new school, and they must indicate a transfer release date on their Transfer-Out Form. The SEVIS record can only be accessed by one school at a time, and once transferred, the current school can no longer make updates or changes to the student's SEVIS record.
- OPT Authorization: If the student decides not to complete Optional Practical Training (OPT), the start date of the new program must be within five months of the requested SEVIS release date. OPT authorization will be immediately canceled once the SEVIS record is transferred.
Post-Transfer Procedures:
Once the Transfer-Out Form is submitted, and the transfer is approved, here are some important steps for F-1 students to follow:
- Contact New School's DSO: Within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new Form I-20, contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new school. The DSO will assist with updating the student's SEVIS record and issuing a new Form I-20.
- Register for Classes: Maintain F-1 status by registering for classes at the new school promptly.
- Obtain New Form I-20: It is crucial to obtain a new Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status") as soon as possible. This document is essential for maintaining valid F-1 status and will be issued by the DSO at the new school.
- Comply with Regulations: Adhere to all regulations governing F-1 students, as outlined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
By carefully following the instructions for the Transfer-Out Form and completing the necessary steps, F-1 international students can successfully change their majors and transfer to a different school. This process ensures a smooth transition and helps students maintain their legal status while pursuing their educational goals in the United States.
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Change of level I-20
F-1 students who wish to transfer their record must fulfil certain requirements. One important requirement is obtaining a new Form I-20, also known as a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is crucial for maintaining valid immigration status while studying in the United States.
The designated school official (DSO) is responsible for creating a new Form I-20 when a student changes their education level or transfers to a different campus within the same school. This process involves updating the student's SEVIS record to reflect the change in their academic program. The DSO uses the “Change Education Level” link or the “Update Program Information” function to make these adjustments.
To obtain a new Form I-20, students must submit their Change of Level Request through their MyISSS profile. They need to access the Requests & Documents section and select the Change of Level/Program icon. It is important to note that if a student is in their OPT period, their OPT authorization will be canceled on the first day of their new graduate program.
Students should be mindful of the timing of their requests. For instance, if a student is moving from OPT to a new program, they should request their Change of Level (COL) I-20 at least five business days before the first day of classes for the semester. Additionally, students must provide updated financial documentation issued within the last six months, demonstrating sufficient funds for at least three quarters of expenses.
It is also worth noting that F-1 students can maintain their status while transferring to a different school, but they must indicate a transfer release date on their online Transfer-Out Form. Once the SEVIS record is transferred, the previous school can no longer make changes to the student's record, and the new school will be able to produce a new Form I-20.
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OPT and F1 visas
F-1 students are international students who are enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program in the United States. They are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the United States for a specified period. The OPT is available both before and after the completion of their studies.
To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, F-1 students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. During this time, they can work for 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session.
Post-completion OPT is available for F-1 students after they have completed their studies. Students must work a minimum of 20 hours per week, either part-time or full-time. The initial post-completion period for which students can apply is 12 months, excluding any OPT time used pre-completion.
If an F-1 student has earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, they may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible, students must be employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program and have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT based on their STEM degree.
It is important to note that transferring to another school or beginning studies at a higher level will result in the automatic termination of OPT employment authorization. Additionally, F-1 students must maintain their student status and not work on a terminated EAD, as it will no longer be authorized for work in the United States.
When transferring to another school, F-1 students must fulfill certain requirements. They must report to the new school's international office before the program start date listed on their Form I-20. Additionally, they must ensure that their SEVIS record is transferred and maintain their F-1 status. The transfer release date is crucial, as it marks the beginning of the transfer process and the availability of the student's record to the new school.
In conclusion, F-1 students have the opportunity to engage in OPT, allowing them to gain practical work experience in the United States. However, they must carefully navigate the requirements and regulations associated with their visa status, especially when transferring between schools or degree levels.
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Frequently asked questions
An F1 student is a nonimmigrant, admitted to the United States to complete a specific educational program.
The F1 student will need to obtain a new Change of Level I-20 to maintain their F1 visa status. This process can be completed online and may require proof of admission to the new program.
F1 students must obtain their new I-20 within 60 days of their current program's completion or within 15 days of beginning the new program, whichever is sooner.
The student must report to the new school's international office before the program start date listed on the new Form I-20. They must also complete a Transfer-Out Request Form and ensure all financial obligations are met at the previous school.
The student must follow the steps for transferring schools, as well as obtain a new Correction of Level I-20 to reflect the change in the degree program.
