Transferring schools as an F-1 student in the United States can be a smooth process if you meet the required criteria and follow the necessary steps. Here's an overview of what you need to know and do to ensure a successful transfer.

Eligibility Requirements for Transferring Schools

To transfer schools while maintaining your F-1 status, you must meet the following criteria:

• Bona Fide Student: You must be a genuine student actively pursuing a full course of study.

• New Course of Study: You must have been accepted into a new program at the transfer school.

• Intent to Pursue Full Course: You must intend to enroll in and complete a full course of study at the new school.

• Financial Ability: You must demonstrate the financial capability to attend the transfer school.

• Timely Transfer: You must begin classes at the new school within 5 months of either transferring out of your current school or completing your current program, whichever comes first.

For F-1 students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), the transfer must occur within 5 months of transferring out or by the end of the OPT period, whichever is sooner. You must also request the release of your SEVIS record to the new school no later than 60 days after completing your current program. Missing these deadlines can result in a status violation, requiring reinstatement.

The Transfer Process

To transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, follow these steps:

1. Notify Current DSO: Inform your current Designated School Official (DSO) of your intention to transfer. The DSO will set a transfer release date in SEVIS to send your SEVIS record to the new school.

2. Prepare Transfer I-20: On the release date, the DSO at the new school will prepare a transfer I-20 for you.

3. Notify New School DSO: Contact the DSO at your new school within 15 days of the start date listed on your transfer I-20.

4. Complete Transfer: The transfer is finalized when the new school DSO registers your SEVIS record, confirming your enrollment within 30 days.

Important Considerations

• Eligibility for Transfer by Notification: You must be pursuing a full course of study and not engaged in unauthorized employment. If you are out of status, you must be reinstated before transferring.

• DSO Authority: A DSO cannot refuse to transfer your SEVIS record if you are in status and have requested a transfer.

• Public School Restrictions: You cannot transfer to a public elementary school or publicly funded adult education program. Transfers to public secondary schools are allowed only if you pay for your education and attend for no more than 12 months. You must reimburse the public secondary school for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of education before the transfer.

Next Steps

Navigating the transfer process as an F-1 student can be complex. Ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements and follow the correct procedures is crucial to maintaining your status. If you have any questions or need personalized assistance, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to make your school transfer as seamless as possible and secure your academic future in the United States.