S2 Blog: Initial, Transfer, or Change of Status? Picking the Right Student Type on Your Application

The single most consequential form error is picking the wrong student type. It determines whether the school transfers your existing SEVIS record (Transfer) or creates a new one (Initial or Change of Status), and getting it wrong can create status gaps or delay your admission. This article defines each clearly so you pick the right one.

Key Takeaways

Initial: You’ve never been an F-1 student before
Transfer: You’re currently an F-1 student and moving to a new school
Change of Status (COS): You’re in another status (H-1B, B-2, H-4) and switching to F-1
First-time international students coming directly from abroad
Former OPT students who let their status lapse (out of status before reapplying)
Students who were on a different visa (B-2, H-4) and never had F-1 status

Initial: First Time F-1 Student

You select “Initial” if you have never been an F-1 student before. This includes:

The school will: Create a brand-new SEVIS record for you.

What you need to provide: Your passport, transcripts, financial proof, and standard I-20 documents but NOT a prior SEVIS ID.

Approval timeline: Admission → I-20 issuance (typically 2–3 weeks) → You get your new SEVIS record.

Transfer: Currently an F-1 Student

You select “Transfer” if you are currently in valid F-1 status and moving to a new school. This includes:

Students finishing a master’s and enrolling in another master’s at a different school
Students in CPT at one school, enrolling in another school’s CPT program
Students on STEM OPT who are immediately enrolling in a new master’s program

Important: STEM OPT students are transfers, not “Initial.” Your SEVIS record from your master’s degree still exists; you’re moving it to a new school. Don’t select “Initial” or you break that connection.

The school will: Transfer your existing SEVIS record from your current school to the new school (takes 3–5 business days after you request it).

What you need to provide: Your passport, transcripts, financial proof, and your prior SEVIS ID. The SEVIS ID is on your current I-20.

Approval timeline: Admission → I-20 transfer request (one week before program start) → SEVIS record moves (3–5 days) → You’re good to go.

Important timing note: Request the SEVIS transfer about one week before your program starts, not months in advance. Requesting early creates an authorization gap.

Change of Status (COS): Currently in Another Visa Status

You select “Change of Status” if you are currently in a different status (H-1B, B-2, H-4, etc.) and want to switch to F-1. This includes:

H-1B holders who were laid off or want to pursue education
H-4 dependents who want to study and work
B-2 visitors who want to change to F-1 for a degree program
Anyone currently in a status other than F-1

The school will: Issue you an I-20 for a new SEVIS record, and you’ll file a Change of Status application with USCIS (Form I-539 for H-1B, or possibly USCIS form depending on current status).

What you need to provide: Passport, transcripts, financial proof, current I-94, and sometimes proof of current status (EAD, H-1B approval notice, etc.).

Approval timeline:

Admission → I-20 issuance (2–3 weeks)
Change of Status filing with USCIS (you or an immigration attorney files Form I-539)
USCIS approval (typically 1 month with premium processing; 2–3 months standard)
You cannot enroll in classes until COS is approved

Important: Don’t start classes before your COS is approved. Schools are strict about this.

How to Know Which One You Are

Ask yourself in order:

Are you currently in valid F-1 status? If yes → Transfer
Are you currently in any other visa status (H-1B, H-4, B-2)? If yes → Change of Status
Are you in no status (out of status, expired visa, just arrived)? → Initial

That’s it. If you’re not sure about your current status, ask your current DSO or GoElite consultant.

What Happens if You Pick the Wrong One

You pick “Initial” but you’re actually a “Transfer”: The school creates a new SEVIS record and doesn’t transfer your old one. You now have two SEVIS records (one old, one new), which is a status violation. Immigration may ask which one is “real,” and you’ll have a mess to clean up. USCIS might also flag this if you apply for H-1B later.

You pick “Transfer” but you’re actually “Initial”: The school asks for your SEVIS ID, you don’t have one, and they get confused. Usually caught early and corrected, but it delays your application.

You pick “Initial” but you’re actually “Change of Status”: The school issues an I-20 but doesn’t know you’re changing status. You file a COS application separately, but your files are mismatched. Could delay approval or create confusion.

You pick “Change of Status” but you’re actually “Transfer”: The school thinks you need USCIS approval and delays your I-20. You waste time on unnecessary COS paperwork.

Bottom line: Don’t guess. Confirm with your consultant.

Listing Prior Schools and SEVIS IDs

If you’re a transfer student or have been an F-1 student before (even if you’re temporarily in another status), you’ll likely need to list:

All prior universities you attended as an F-1 student
Your SEVIS IDs from those records (if you have multiple)
Dates of attendance

Why: USCIS and SEVIS need to see your full F-1 history to confirm you’re eligible for your current program and to avoid duplicate records.

How to handle it:

Get your prior SEVIS ID from your old I-20 or by emailing your prior DSO
List it accurately on the application
If you’re unsure, your GoElite consultant can help you find it