Instructions for Transferring to Another School as an F-1 Student (2024)

FAQs

How to transfer an F-1 visa to another school? ›

You must request your current school (UW) to transfer/release your F-1 U.S. government SEVIS I-20 record to your new school before you can begin full-time studies there. The U.S. government calls this process a “SEVIS transfer.” (It is different from an “academic transfer.”)

The current regulations do not require an F-1 student to complete a course of study at the school listed on the visa. Transfers and changes in programs of study for an F-1 student do not require adjudication. A student may transfer to any SEVP-certified school with an F-1 program that will accept the student.

Accept admission to one school. Ask your current school's Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Student Services Office (ISSS) to transfer your SEVIS record to your new school. Provide the DSO with any required paperwork such as your acceptance letter or contact information for your new school.

Acceptable Reasons to Transfer Schools While on an F-1 Visa

F visa holders must start out at the school listed on their school-issued Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." However, if you become dissatisfied with that school, you can change at any time and for any reason.

The five month rule refers to the termination of a student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months.

An M-1 student must apply to USCIS on an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539), for permission to transfer between schools.

The school transfer process can require a lot of paperwork from your old and new school. Getting a head start can reduce stress and keep you on track. Some common documents typically needed include: School application forms (if applicable)

US Immigration law states that individuals in the US for more than 180 days without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 3 years. Individuals in the US for more than 1 year without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 10 years.

How long does it take to transfer F-1? ›

Transfer Eligibility Requirements and Timing

F-1 students: we will have to transfer your record within 60 days of your I-20 end date or within 60 days of your OPT completion. Your courses (not orientation) at the new school must begin within 5 months of your I-20 end date or post-completion OPT end date.

F-1 students must request their current school (CCSF) to transfer/release their SEVIS record (I-20) to their new school before they can begin full-time studies at their new school.

Students or exchange visitors can request a transfer to for the I-901 fee payment made under a SEVIS ID by emailing FMJFEE.SEVIS@ICE.DHS.GOV with BOTH of their SEVIS IDs or by submitting a web transfer request via the website, www.fmjfee.com.

Under the new regulations, visitors, Temporary Graduate visa holders, and other specified visa holders currently in Australia are not eligible to apply for Student visas. However, student visa applications submitted within Australia before July 1, 2024, will proceed without being affected by these new rules.

F-1 students may only transfer to another F-1 SEVIS-certified school. F-1 students must work with their designated school officials (DSOs) to begin the transfer process. SEVIS transfers all related F-2 dependents with the primary F-1 students.

It is wise to have at least a three-day gap in between fee payment and the visa appointment. Payment of the fee is valid in the SEVIS database for a maximum of 12 months. Note: It can take from two to five weeks if paying by mail to process, so planning is essential, if this payment method is selected.

The rules require that students must have completed their course of study or have a work start date that is after the completion date of their course before they can switch to the Skilled Worker visa.