Key Takeaways:
- Transferring an F-1 visa to a new school requires eligibility, notification to the current school, and choosing a transfer release date wisely.
- After choosing a new school, obtain an I-20 form and complete the transfer process by enrolling and reporting to the new school’s DSO.
- To maintain F-1 status, attend classes until the transfer release date, coordinate employment with DSOs, and keep clear communication.
Transferring Your F-1 Visa to a New School
If you’re an international student in the United States with an F-1 visa, you may find yourself in a situation where you need or want to transfer to a different university. Whether it’s for a different academic opportunity, personal reasons, or other considerations, the process is governed by specific immigration rules and procedures. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to make the transfer as smooth as possible.
Understand Your Eligibility
Before initiating a transfer, it’s essential to know if you’re eligible. Generally, to be eligible to transfer, you must:
- Currently be in valid F-1 status.
- Have been enrolled as a full-time student at the institution you were authorized to attend for one full academic semester or term (exceptions may apply for summer sessions).
- Intend to enroll as a full-time student at the new institution.
- Maintain a full course of study and attendance until the transfer is effected.
Notify Your Current School
The first step in transferring to a new school is to notify your current school’s International Student Office of your intent to transfer. You’ll need to do the following:
- Inform your current Designated School Official (DSO) about your decision to transfer and provide the necessary documentation that supports your intent to transfer.
- Request that your DSO enter the release date in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The release date is typically the last day of your final term at your current school, but it can also be a date during the summer or break periods if you are transferring between academic years.
Choose Your Transfer Release Date Wisely
The release date is critical because it affects your eligibility for on-campus employment and practical training. It is the date when your SEVIS record indicates you intend to begin classes at the new school. So, choose your transfer release date in consultation with your current and future DSOs to minimize any impact on your employment or studies.
Select a New School and Obtain an I-20
After deciding on your new school, you need to go through the regular admission process and be accepted. Once accepted, you’ll:
- Request a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” from your chosen institution.
- Your new school’s DSO will give you a new I-20 based on your SEVIS record, which they will be able to access after your current school’s DSO releases it.
- Confirm that all the information on the I-20 form related to your new program is accurate.
Complete the Transfer Process
To complete the transfer process:
- You must enroll in your new school in the next available session even if you’re authorized for a vacation at your current school. Failing to enroll could result in the loss of your F-1 status.
- Report to the DSO at your new school within 15 days of your program start date. The DSO should provide you with new reporting instructions as each institution may have slightly different procedures.
Maintain F-1 Status Throughout the Transfer
It’s crucial to maintain your F-1 status throughout the entire process. Here’s how:
- Keep attending all classes up until the transfer release date at your current institution.
- After the transfer is initiated, limit on-campus employment to the institution that currently holds your SEVIS record.
- If you’re working on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), be sure to coordinate with your DSOs to understand how transferring schools might affect your authorization to continue working.
Final Tips and Considerations
- Always keep clear communication with both schools’ DSOs to ensure you understand their specific transfer policies and timelines.
- Keep all forms and correspondence regarding your transfer in case they’re needed by either institution or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
For the official information regarding F-1 visa regulations and processes, you should always refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website or consult with your DSO.
Transferring between universities while on an F-1 visa is a process that requires careful planning and timely action. By understanding the procedures and keeping in close contact with the DSOs from both your current and future schools, you can ensure a seamless transition and maintain your immigration status in the United States.
So there you have it, folks! Transferring your F-1 visa to a new school may sound daunting, but with a little know-how and some careful planning, you can navigate the process like a pro. Just remember to notify your current school, choose your transfer release date wisely, obtain a new I-20 from your chosen institution, and complete the transfer process with a dash of finesse. And hey, if you want to dig deeper into visa-related topics, head over to visaverge.com for more helpful tips and tricks. Happy transferring!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: What are the eligibility requirements for transferring an F-1 visa to a new school?
Answer: To be eligible to transfer your F-1 visa to a new school, you must currently be in valid F-1 status, have been enrolled as a full-time student at your current institution for one full academic semester or term, intend to enroll as a full-time student at the new institution, and maintain a full course of study and attendance until the transfer is completed. Exceptional cases may apply for summer sessions. It is essential to understand and meet these eligibility requirements before initiating the transfer process to ensure a smooth transition.
FAQ 2: What should I do to notify my current school about my intention to transfer to a new school?
Answer: To begin the process of transferring to a new school, you need to inform your current school’s International Student Office. Take the following steps: 1. Notify your Designated School Official (DSO) about your decision to transfer and provide the necessary documentation supporting your intent to transfer. 2. Request that your DSO enter the release date in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is typically the last day of your final term at your current school or a specified date during the summer or break periods if transferring between academic years.
By following these steps, you ensure that your current school is aware of your transfer plans and can update your SEVIS record accordingly.
FAQ 3: What steps should I follow to complete the transfer process for my F-1 visa?
Answer: To complete the transfer process for your F-1 visa, follow these steps: 1. Choose your new school and go through the regular admission process. Once accepted, request a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” from your chosen institution. 2. Your new school’s DSO will issue a new I-20 based on your SEVIS record, accessed after your current school’s DSO releases it. Ensure that all information related to your new program on the I-20 form is accurate. 3. Enroll in your new school in the next available session, even if you have authorized vacation time at your current school. Failure to enroll may result in the loss of your F-1 status. 4. Within 15 days of your program start date at the new school, report to the DSO. Each institution may have slightly different reporting procedures, so follow the instructions provided by your new school’s DSO.
By following these steps, you can successfully complete the transfer process for your F-1 visa and ensure a smooth transition to your new school.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- True/False: To be eligible to transfer your F-1 visa to a new school, you must have been enrolled as a full-time student at your current institution for at least one full academic semester or term.
- Multiple Choice: What is the purpose of notifying your current school’s International Student Office about your intent to transfer your F-1 visa? a) To request an extended time period for your transfer process b) To discuss your reasons for transferring c) To provide the necessary documentation and set the release date in SEVIS d) To inform them about your vacation plans
- Short Answer: Why is it important to consult with your current and future Designated School Officials (DSOs) when choosing your transfer release date?
