Savanna Hoffman
International students can transfer colleges multiple times, but the process and requirements vary depending on the country and institution. In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa can transfer to another college, but they must follow specific procedures, including updating their SEVIS record and maintaining their visa status. Transferring colleges may impact an international student's financial aid eligibility and the transfer of previously earned credits. Additionally, different colleges have varying English proficiency requirements and application deadlines for transfer students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for transfer | Unhappy with current institution, better experience elsewhere, financial situation changed, change in degree, change in specialisation, change in focus, school culture not a good fit, cost, not prepared for a four-year university, etc. |
| Application requirements | Online application, non-refundable application fee, GPA, high school transcripts, standardised test scores, English language proficiency test scores, etc. |
| English proficiency tests | TOEFL, TOEFLCBT, IELTS, iTEP, Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic |
| Transfer process | Apply to new colleges, request the Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Student Services Office (ISSS) to transfer the SEVIS record, provide acceptance letter and contact information for the new school, etc. |
| Credit transfer | All or most college credits can usually be transferred to the new school. |
| Financial aid | Some colleges give financial aid only to first-year applicants, not transfer applicants; some offer scholarships specifically to international transfer students. |
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What You'll Learn
International students can transfer between US colleges
There are a few key steps that international students should follow when transferring between US colleges. Firstly, they should apply to new colleges and/or universities in the US as transfer international students. It is important to note that transfer students may have different admissions requirements, application deadlines, and decision notification dates than first-time applicants. For example, the new school may have different English proficiency requirements for international student admissions. Therefore, it is recommended that students contact each school's international student services office for detailed information on their transfer policies.
Secondly, the student should ask their current school's Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Student Services Office (ISSO) to transfer their SEVIS record to the new school and provide any required paperwork, such as an acceptance letter or contact information for the new school. It is important to note that any student work authorization, such as OPT or CPT, obtained through the original school will be canceled on the transfer release date.
Additionally, international students should be mindful of timing when transferring between US colleges. A student with a Terminated SEVIS 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. Furthermore, a student must resume class attendance no later than five months after the last date of class attendance at the previous school.
Prospective international students may also choose to start their US education at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree. Community colleges often have lower academic requirements for admission, making them a good option for students who need to improve their GPA or test scores. Additionally, community colleges are often more affordable than four-year institutions, allowing students to save money during their first two years of study. Most credits earned at a community college are transferable to a four-year institution, and students can pursue the same or a different degree upon transferring.
Overall, while international students can transfer between US colleges, it is important to carefully research and understand the transfer process, including any differences in admissions requirements and timing constraints.
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English proficiency tests are often required for transfers
International students can transfer colleges in the US for a variety of reasons. Some colleges are very specialised and offer limited academic programs, so students may need to transfer to another college to finish their bachelor's degree. Others may find that the culture of their current college isn't a good fit for them, or they may want to transfer to a bigger university. International students can also transfer from a university in their home country to a US college.
There are several English proficiency tests that are widely accepted by US colleges and universities, including TOEFL, IELTS, and the Duolingo English Test. The Duolingo English Test is the least expensive option and offers the most fee waivers, although some colleges may not accept it and require additional proof of proficiency. Other tests accepted by some colleges include the ACT English Language Arts and the SAT.
It is recommended to take an English proficiency test one to two years before enrolling in a college program. Some colleges may require that the test is taken no later than December of the applicant's final year of high school. It is important to note that some colleges may also request an interview to determine English skills during the application review process.
In addition to English proficiency tests, international students may also need to meet other admissions requirements, such as a minimum GPA score, submitting transcripts from previously attended colleges, and providing letters of recommendation.
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F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record
International students on an F-1 visa in the US can transfer to a different school. This process is different from a domestic student transfer, so it's important to do your research before applying to new schools.
When an F-1 student transfers to full-time studies at a new school, their SEVIS record must be transferred to that new school. This allows the student's original SEVIS ID and history to be maintained. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a system that maintains information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States.
- Notify the Designated School Official (DSO): The student must notify the DSO at their current school's International Student Services Office (ISSO) of their wish to transfer. The DSO is responsible for initiating the transfer process.
- Provide Required Paperwork: The student should provide the DSO with any necessary paperwork, such as their acceptance letter to the new school or contact information.
- Transfer-Out School Initiates the Process: The transfer-out school is the school that currently holds the student's SEVIS record. They will start the transfer process by deactivating the student's record in SEVIS.
- Select Transfer Release Date: The transfer release date is the date when the student's SEVIS record is deactivated from the transfer-out school and becomes active at the transfer-in school. The student must choose this date carefully, especially if they plan to work on OPT (Optional Practical Training) before enrolling at the new school.
- Create Transfer-Pending COE (Form I-20): The transfer-in school must create a Transfer-Pending Certification of Eligibility (COE) or Form I-20. This form confirms that the student has been accepted into the new school and is eligible for transfer. The DSO from the transfer-in school must sign this form.
- Submit Form I-20 to USCIS: The student should submit the completed Form I-20 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the student has a pending reinstatement application, they must properly file for reinstatement with USCIS.
- Transfer of SEVIS Record: On the transfer release date, the student's SEVIS record is officially transferred to the new school, and they become responsible for the student's record. The student will keep the same SEVIS number and is considered a returning student.
- Obtain New "Transfer" I-20: If the student plans to travel abroad before starting at the new school, they must obtain the new school's "transfer" I-20 to re-enter the US.
It is important to note that students can only work on campus at the school that controls their SEVIS record. Additionally, authorization for OPT does not transfer, and students must complete OPT at the transfer-out school before the release date.
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Transfer students can pursue a new degree
International students can transfer colleges in the US for a variety of reasons, such as cost, personal or family reasons, or a desire to find a college that is a better fit. Transferring colleges can also help students save money on tuition and give them a better initial classroom experience. It is recommended that students start the transfer process early, as it can take several weeks to obtain an evaluation of the classes they have taken at their previous college.
It is important to note that due to differences in curriculum and course programs, transfer students may lose a significant portion of the credit hours they earned at their previous college. However, most colleges will allow transfer students to bring with them a certain number of credit hours, which can help them fast-track their graduation. Therefore, it is recommended that transfer students work with their new academic advisor to ensure they are enrolling in the correct courses and are on track to graduate.
Additionally, transfer students can typically apply for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study opportunities. However, merit aid may be more limited for transfer students, and they may need to have made satisfactory academic progress toward their degree to remain eligible for financial aid. When considering transferring colleges, it is important for students to reflect on their best learning environment and choose a college that meets their criteria in terms of transfer credit, cost, campus environment, academic programs, and student life.
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International students can transfer from community college
There are several benefits to this route. Firstly, community colleges offer international students an affordable option to study in the US. Students can save up to $61,000 by attending community college for two years and then transferring to a four-year college, compared to the expense of attending a private university for four years. Secondly, community colleges offer smaller class sizes, giving students more access to teachers and a better relationship with them. Thirdly, community colleges specialize in helping new immigrants transition to life and work in the US. Fourthly, starting at a community college can improve a student's chances of getting accepted to their university of choice.
International students intending to transfer from a community college should be aware of the following:
- The number of credits needed to transfer varies depending on the university and program. Generally, students will need to have completed at least 60 credits (two years of college) to be considered for transfer.
- Most colleges and universities in the US accept transfer international students, and many community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year schools.
- Applying as an international transfer student may affect eligibility for financial aid. Some colleges give financial aid to international students only if they are first-year applicants, while others offer scholarships specifically to international transfer students.
- Students should take classes that will transfer and regularly meet with their counsellor to stay on track with transfer requirements.
- Before considering any transfer options, international students should take English proficiency tests and any required college admissions exams.
- The transfer process for international students on an F-1 visa is different from that of domestic students.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no set limit to the number of times an international student can change colleges. However, the transfer process can be complex, and certain rules and regulations must be followed. Some colleges only allow students to transfer after completing two years, usually amounting to 60 credits.
International students may change colleges for various reasons, such as transferring to a higher-ranked university, seeking a better cultural fit, changing their degree, or due to changes in their financial situation.
The steps to transfer as an international student include: applying to new colleges as a transfer student, fulfilling English proficiency requirements, providing necessary documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.), and ensuring a smooth transfer of your SEVIS record to the new school.
Typically, most college credits earned at your previous institution can be transferred to your new college. However, this may vary depending on the academic systems of the colleges involved. It is important to check with both institutions to understand their specific policies.
Yes, applying as an international transfer student may affect your eligibility for financial aid. Some colleges only offer financial aid to first-year applicants, while others provide scholarships specifically for international transfer students. It is important to research the financial aid options at your prospective colleges.
