Lori Meadows
Transferring to a different university is a common occurrence for many students, and the process for international students is approachable, although it may require a few extra steps. In the US, for example, there are two types of transfer processes: the academic transfer, which includes admission and an evaluation of which credits will transfer to your new school, and the immigration transfer of your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to your new school. Students must maintain F-1 status at their current school by pursuing a full course of study until the transfer is complete. The process for transferring varies depending on the type of institution and the student's country of origin, and deadlines and requirements will differ depending on the university's policy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student type | F-1 students |
| Transfer type | Academic and immigration transfer |
| Transfer process | Electronically move Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records |
| Transfer requirements | Maintain F-1 status, pursue a full course of study, or engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) |
| Transfer timing | Begin the transfer application process four to six months before classes start |
| Transfer credits | Course evaluations and credit transfers may vary across universities |
| Transfer deadlines | Deadlines vary across universities |
| Transfer acceptance | Most US colleges and universities accept international transfer students |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the two transfer processes: academic and immigration
International students who wish to transfer to another university must understand the two transfer processes: academic and immigration. Both processes are essential to ensure a smooth transition to the new institution.
Academic Transfer Process
The academic transfer process involves the student's admission to the new university and the evaluation of their previous credits. This process must happen first, as it lays the foundation for the immigration transfer. Prospective students should start this process early, as it can take several weeks for course evaluations to be completed. Differences in academic systems between countries may result in some credits not being transferable, and there may be variations in how the GPA is calculated. Students should be mindful of application deadlines and ensure they meet all requirements.
Immigration Transfer Process
The immigration transfer process involves the transfer of the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) from one SEVP-certified school to another. This process is typically facilitated by the designated school official (DSO) at the transfer-out school and the DSO at the transfer-in school. The transfer release date is crucial, as it is when the student's SEVIS record is electronically released to the new school. Students should carefully choose this date, considering their academic needs, travel plans, work plans, and the projected program start date at the new institution.
Maintaining Status During Transfer
It is essential for students to maintain their legal immigration status during the transfer process. F-1 students must pursue a full course of study or engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) until the transfer release date. Students transferring from a university in their home country to a US university may need to apply for reinstatement with USCIS before transferring to maintain their status. Additionally, they should follow the instructions provided by the DSO at the transfer-in school to ensure the timely issuance of their I-20 form, which certifies their eligibility for F-1 academic or M-1 vocational student status.
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How to transfer SEVIS records
Transferring to another university can be a complex process for international students, and there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between the academic transfer and the immigration transfer. The academic transfer includes the admission process and an evaluation of which credits will be transferred to the new school. The immigration transfer involves moving the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the new school.
SEVIS is a system used by the U.S. government to maintain information on international students. When a student transfers to a new school, their SEVIS record must be transferred as well, allowing the student to maintain their original SEVIS ID and history. This process is typically initiated by the student's designated school official (DSO) at their current school and involves electronically moving the SEVIS record to the new school. The student must be accepted by another SEVP-certified school, and the transfer process must comply with federal regulations and policies governing F and M students.
To ensure a smooth transfer of your SEVIS record, there are several steps you should follow:
- Start the transfer process early: It is recommended to begin the transfer application process four to six months before classes start at your new university. This will help you avoid any delays or missing important deadlines.
- Notify your current DSO: Inform your current DSO of your intention to transfer and provide them with the necessary documentation, including written confirmation of your acceptance to the new school and a written request to initiate the transfer.
- Provide the necessary information: Ensure that you give your current DSO all the information they need to update your SEVIS record accurately, including any change of address and the contact information for the new school's DSO.
- Maintain your student status: Until the transfer release date, you must maintain your F-1 status by pursuing a full course of study or engaging in post-completion optional practical training (OPT).
- Contact the new DSO: Within 15 days of the program start date at your new university, be sure to register for classes and contact the new DSO to confirm your enrolment.
- Request an updated Form I-20: Once you have registered at your new university, ask for a Form I-20 that reflects your status as a continuing student and that your transfer has been approved.
By following these steps and working closely with both your current and new DSOs, you can effectively transfer your SEVIS record and continue your studies at your new university.
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Requirements for international transfer students
International students intending to transfer to a different university in the United States should be aware of the two transfer processes: the academic transfer and the immigration transfer. The academic transfer includes admission and an evaluation of which credits will transfer to the new school, while the immigration transfer involves moving the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to the new school.
- International transfer students are classified as international applicants who have graduated from high school and were or are currently enrolled in another college or university for at least 12 semester hours following high school graduation.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (on a U.S. 4.00 scale) based on high school grades is required.
- Proof of English language proficiency is required. The specific requirements may vary, but applicants must generally demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised tests, prior education, or other approved methods.
- Submission of official college transcripts is necessary for admission.
- Photocopies of valid passport pages showing the applicant's photo, name, and birth date are required. If transferring from a US institution, a photocopy of the visa page is also needed.
- Application fees are typically required, and payment receipts may need to be submitted.
- Students must maintain their F-1 status by pursuing a full course of study or engaging in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) until the transfer release date.
- It is recommended to begin the transfer application process four to six months before classes start at the new university.
- Course evaluations and credit transfers can take several weeks, so starting the process early is crucial to avoid missing admissions deadlines.
- Some universities may not accept transfer students with more than two years enrolled at another college or university.
- Students transferring from accredited universities outside the US may need to undergo a foreign transcript evaluation or course-by-course evaluation to determine credit transfers.
- It is important to be aware of the transfer policies and deadlines of the specific universities involved in the transfer process.
The requirements for international transfer students can vary depending on the universities involved, so it is always best to consult the individual institutions for their specific guidelines and procedures.
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Differences between application processes for first-year and transfer students
The application process for first-year and transfer students differs in several ways. First-year applicants are typically high school seniors applying to college for the first time, with little to no college credit. They are evaluated based on their high school performance, standardised test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. On the other hand, transfer applicants have completed college coursework after graduating high school and are seeking to transfer institutions. While the transfer process is similar to the undergraduate application process, there are some key differences.
Transfer applicants must ensure their credits will transfer to their new school and count toward degree requirements. Colleges evaluate transcripts to determine which credits will be accepted, and a lack of transferable credits can result in delayed graduation or ineligibility. Additionally, transfer students may need to obtain an evaluation of classes taken at their previous institution, especially if transferring from a university outside the US. It is recommended to start this process early, as it can take several weeks.
The deadlines for transfer applicants vary more widely than those for first-year applicants. Many schools offer both fall and spring transfer admissions, with deadlines ranging from February to April for fall entry and October to November for spring entry. Transfer students should also be aware of enrollment deadlines and start gathering required documents as early as possible.
Financial aid is available for transfer applicants, but merit scholarships may be more limited. Transfer students often rely more heavily on federal aid, state grants, or external scholarships. It is important for transfer applicants to research potential schools, understand their transfer policies, and ensure their goals align with their target institution.
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Deadlines for transferring
Most US colleges and universities accept international transfer students, and it is generally easier to transfer from one university to another than to apply as a first-year student. However, some universities may not accept transfer students who have completed more than two years at another college. Additionally, some universities require transfer students to have completed a minimum of one semester of coursework.
Transfer students may have different admissions requirements, application deadlines, and decision notification dates than first-time applicants. It is important to research the policies of the universities involved and be aware of all relevant application and transfer schedules. The best time to begin the transfer process is as early as possible, with experts recommending applying several months in advance to ensure enough time to meet application requirements.
For international students on an F-1 visa, transferring to a different school involves a different process than for domestic students. In the US, transferring schools means applying to and enrolling in a new college or university while currently attending another institution. The transfer process involves electronically moving the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) from one SEVP-certified school to another. The student must maintain their F-1 status by pursuing a full course of study or engaging in optional practical training (OPT) until the transfer release date.
To summarise, the deadlines for transferring as an international student will depend on the specific universities involved. It is important to start the process early, be aware of the relevant deadlines and requirements, and allow enough time to complete the necessary steps for a successful transfer.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of transferring to another university as an international student involves the following steps:
- Finding a suitable university that accepts transfer students and ensuring you meet their minimum requirements, such as completing at least one semester of coursework.
- Submitting an application, which may include transcripts and other required documents, to the new university.
- Obtaining an evaluation of the classes taken at the previous university to determine credit transfers.
- Notifying the designated school official at the current university to initiate the transfer of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the new university.
It is important to consider that not all credits may be transferable, and the process can vary depending on the universities involved. It is advisable to start the process early and carefully choose courses that are more likely to be accepted for credit transfer.
It is recommended to begin the transfer application process four to six months before classes start at the new university. However, it is important to keep in mind the specific deadlines and requirements of the universities involved.
Transferring to a different school on an F-1 visa involves additional steps and considerations. It is important to maintain F-1 status by pursuing a full course of study or engaging in optional practical training (OPT) until the transfer release date. Additionally, the transfer of SEVIS records is required, and the new university will issue a new Form I-20 to certify the student's eligibility for F-1 status.
