How to Transfer Schools as an F-1 International Student

Transferring schools in the U.S. as an F-1 international student is more common than you might think. Students transfer for many reasons -academic fit, program availability, location, cost, or personal circumstances. While the process can feel overwhelming at first, transferring schools on an F-1 visa is very doable if you understand the rules and follow the proper steps.

This guide breaks down how the F-1 transfer process works, what to watch out for, and how to stay in legal status throughout the transition.

Are F-1 Students Eligible To Transfer?

An F-1 transfer is not the same as applying for a new visa. Instead, it refers to transferring your SEVIS record from your current U.S. school to a new SEVP-certified institution. As long as you maintain your F-1 status, you typically do not need to leave the U.S. or apply for a new F-1 visa stamp (unless your visa has expired and you travel internationally).

You may be eligible to transfer schools if:

• You are currently in active F-1 status
• You have been admitted to a SEVP-certified school
• You are within your 60-day grace period after completing a program or OPT
• You have not violated F-1 status (such as unauthorized employment)

What is the Process for International Students Transfer Schools?

Step 1: Get Accepted to a New School

Before anything else, you must receive an official admission offer from the new school. The school must be authorized to enroll F-1 students. Once accepted, their international student office will issue instructions for starting the transfer process.

You do not need the new I-20 yet to begin the transfer, but you will need proof of admission.

Step 2: Talk to Your Current DSO

Your Designated School Official (DSO) plays a critical role in the transfer. You must notify your current school’s international office of your intent to transfer and provide:

• Your acceptance letter from the new school
• The SEVIS school code of the new institution
• Your desired SEVIS release date

The SEVIS release date is the day your SEVIS record officially moves from your current school to the new one. After this date, your current school no longer has access to your record.

Step 3: Choose the Right SEVIS Release Date

Picking the right release date is crucial.

• It must fall before your program end date or grace period ends
• It should allow enough time for the new school to issue your transfer I-20
• If you are currently enrolled, you usually complete the semester before releasing

Once the release date passes, you cannot change schools without starting over, so double-check your timeline.

Step 4: Receive Your Transfer I-20

After your SEVIS record is released, the new school can access it and issue a Transfer-Pending I-20 or Transfer-Complete I-20. Review the document carefully to ensure your name and date of birth are correct, the program start date aligns with your plans and the school name and SEVIS ID are accurate.

You must sign the I-20 and keep it for your records.

Step 5: Enroll and Check In at the New School

To complete the transfer, you must:

• Enroll full-time at the new school in the next available term
• Report to the new school’s international office upon arrival
• Provide any required documents (passport, visa, I-20, address update)

Failure to enroll on time can result in termination of your F-1 status.

Do You Need a New F-1 Visa to Transfer?

As long as your F-1 visa is still valid and you remain in the U.S. – the answer is generally no.

The only times you would really need to worry about this is if:

• Your visa has expired and you plan to travel internationally
• You changed to a significantly different education level (for example, undergraduate to PhD) and are advised to reapply

Your SEVIS ID typically stays the same during a transfer.

Transferring schools as an F-1 international student may seem complex, but it’s a structured process designed to give students flexibility. As long as you plan ahead, stay in communication with both schools, and maintain your status, the transition can be smooth.

If you’re considering a transfer, start early, keep copies of all documents, and always prioritize maintaining your F-1 compliance. A well-timed transfer can put you on a stronger academic and personal path without disrupting your time in the U.S.

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