How to Transfer Your F-1 Program: Your Step-by-Step Guide and Document Checklist

Ready for the next chapter of your U.S. journey? Whether you’ve just finished a degree, are wrapping up your OPT, or simply found a program that better fits your goals, transferring your SEVIS record is the key to staying in status while you transition.

Moving schools might feel like a mountain of paperwork, but it’s a standard process that thousands of students navigate every year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, what documents you’ll need to gather, and how to avoid the common "status traps" along the way.

The 7 Steps to a Successful Transfer

1. Get Admitted to Your New School

The Process: To start your journey, you must apply to your new institution (School B) and receive an official admission or offer letter. At this stage, many schools will provide a Transfer-In Form. This is a specific document that must be completed by both you and the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school to facilitate the move.

Your Preparation Checklist: You will typically need to have the following documents ready for School B:

• Passport: A high-quality copy of your biographical page.

• Current F-1 Visa: A copy of your visa (Note: It is perfectly fine if the visa lists your previous school; it does not need to be from School B).

• I-94 Record: A printout of your most recent arrival/departure record.

• All Prior I-20s: Copies of every page of your current I-20 and any previous I-20s you have been issued.

• Financial Documentation: To issue your new I-20, School B requires proof of funding. This includes bank statements, scholarship letters, assistantship offers, or sponsor letters.

• Academic & English Proficiency Docs: Any transcripts, test scores, or English language certifications required by School B’s specific admissions policy.

• Completed Transfer-In Form: If School B uses a specific template, ensure all sections for the student and the current DSO are filled out.

2. Choose Your SEVIS Release Date with Your Current DSO

What Happens: You and your School A DSO will agree on a SEVIS release date (typically after your current term ends or an OPT milestone). You must continue maintaining your full-time status at School A until this date arrives.

You Provide:

• School B Admission Letter: Your official offer of enrollment.

• School B SEVIS School Code: Found on their Transfer-In Form or website.

• Release Details: Your desired release date and any upcoming travel plans.

• If on OPT: A copy of your EAD and current employment info (Note: Your OPT work authorization ends exactly on the SEVIS release date).

3. School A DSO Sets the Transfer in SEVIS

What Happens: Your record is officially scheduled to transfer out on your chosen release date. Until that date arrives, School A still has control over your record and can update or cancel the transfer if your plans change.

You Keep:

• Copies of your most recent I-20: Keep every page of your latest document from School A.

• Proof of status maintenance: Evidence (like transcripts or enrollment verification) showing you remained enrolled full-time through the release date.

4. The Release Date Arrives

What Happens: Control of your SEVIS record officially moves to School B. Their DSO now has the authority to access your file and issue your new I-20.

You Prepare (if not already provided):

• Updated Financial Documents: Any recent proof of funding School B requires to finalize your I-20 issuance.

• F-2 Dependent Info: If your family members are transferring with you, provide their passports and current I-20s to ensure their records move alongside yours.

5. Receive Your "Transfer-Pending" I-20

What Happens: School B will issue a new I-20 marked “Transfer Pending.” You will use this document for your official school check-in and, if you are traveling, for re-entry into the U.S. after the release date.

You Receive & Verify:

• Transfer-Pending I-20: Check that your name, SEVIS ID, program details, start date, and funding are all accurate.

• School B Next Steps: Review any instructions regarding orientation, immunization/insurance requirements, and upcoming tuition deadlines.

6. Report/Check-In to School B and Enroll Full-Time

What Happens: By your Program Start Date—and no later than 15 days after—you must physically or virtually check in according to School B’s specific process and enroll in a full-time course load.

Bring/Submit at Check-In:

• Identity & Status: Your passport, visa, and a printout of your I-94 record.

• Transfer-Pending I-20: All pages of the I-20 issued by School B.

• Contact Info: Your current U.S. address and phone number.

• School Requirements: Financial documents (if requested) and any required insurance or immunization proof.

• F-2 Dependents: Any relevant documents for family members transferring with you.

7. Receive Your "Continued Attendance" I-20

What Happens: Once you have checked in and enrolled as required, the School B DSO will register and activate your SEVIS record. They will then issue your new Continued Attendance I-20, which confirms your status at School B is now fully active.

You Keep:

• New I-20 (Continued Attendance): Keep this document safe for your personal records. You will need it for the Social Security Administration (SSN), the DMV, applying for future benefits, and obtaining future travel signatures.

Critical Timing Rules (Don't Miss These!)

• 5-Month Rule & Next Available Term: Your start date at School B must be the next available term or within 5 months—whichever is sooner—of your SEVIS release date or your program/OPT end date (whichever is earlier).

• 60-Day Grace Period: If you have completed your program or finished post-completion OPT, you have a 60-day window to transfer out and select a new start date within the 5-month limit.

• OPT Ends on Release Date: If you are on OPT, your work authorization stops immediately on the SEVIS release date. Plan your final work days with this in mind.

• Gaps Longer Than 5 Months: If your gap exceeds 5 months, you generally need a new "Initial" I-20 (new SEVIS ID). This usually requires repaying the I-901 SEVIS fee and, if your visa has expired, applying for a new one.

Travel During Your Transfer

You can stay in the U.S. during the gap between programs as long as you follow the proper transfer steps. However, if you plan to travel internationally and re-enter after your SEVIS release date, make sure you carry:

• Transfer-Pending I-20 from School B: This is valid for re-entry and, unlike an initial I-20, can often be used earlier than 30 days before your program start date.

• Valid F-1 Visa: Even if it lists School A, your visa remains valid for entry (visas are school-agnostic).

• Valid Passport and I-94: Required for inspection upon entry.

Your Master Document Checklist

Keep these organized in a digital and physical folder:

Common "Edge Cases"

• Terminated Records: If your SEVIS record was terminated for any reason, you cannot do a standard transfer. You will likely need "Reinstatement" or a "New Initial" entry.

• Changing Levels: Moving from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s is a transfer! The process is the same, but ensure your new I-20 reflects the correct education level.

• F-2 Dependents: Your family members must transfer along with you. Ensure School B issues new dependent I-20s for each F-2 family member when your new record is created.

• H-1B/Cap-Gap: If you have a pending H-1B petition, talk to a lawyer before transferring, as moving your SEVIS record can sometimes cancel your Cap-Gap work authorization.

Ready to Find Your Next Adventure?

Your U.S. journey is just getting started! If you’re still looking for that perfect "School B" to continue your studies and extend your stay, we’ve got you covered.