S4 Blog: After the SEVIS Release: Transfer I-20s, Registration and the Point of No Return

 Your current DSO sets a transfer release date in SEVIS. On that date your record moves to the new school, which can then issue your transfer I-20. DHS guidance says a transfer cannot be cancelled after the release date, and you must report to the new DSO within 15 days of the program start date. So confirm the deposit, financial clearance and the date before you ask for a release.

How a release works

1. You give your current DSO written proof of acceptance and the new DSO's contact details.
2. The two DSOs and you choose a release date, based on your academic needs, travel and work plans, and the new program start date.
3. On that date, the new DSO takes responsibility for your record.
4. The new school issues your transfer I-20.
5. You contact the new DSO and register within 15 days of the program start date shown on the new I-20.

You generally must begin the new program at the next available start date within five months of the transfer release date or your previous program completion date, whichever is earlier. Check your timeline with both DSOs.

Confirm these first

• Deposit paid.
• Financial documents accepted by the new school.
• Release date agreed with your consultant and both DSOs.
• A plan for work: see below. 
  
  

I-20 versions 

Your I-20 may be reissued when something changes: after the transfer, after registration and attendance are confirmed, and when CPT is authorized. Each new version replaces the last for current use, but keep every copy. Check your name, date of birth, school, program, level, dates and funding. If anything is wrong, ask the DSO to correct it, then sign the student section.

Work and leave without pay
If you are working under an existing authorization, SEVIS changes approved employment to end on the transfer release date. A transfer can end OPT employment authorization even if the card dates look valid. Plan for the gap between release and any new authorization. Tell your employer the exact window, and discuss unpaid leave. Do not work outside valid authorization. Any new CPT requires its own approval from the new school.

If something goes wrong

• Record moved but deposit unpaid: pay now or contact the school and your consultant the same day.
• Record moved but enrollment is blocked (for example by financial proof): contact your consultant and the school at once.
• Want to go back to your previous school: only possible if that school agrees to readmit you and issues a new I-20. This often means a new application and may be impossible once its term has started. Talk to your consultant first.

Next steps
Write down: deposit date, funds accepted date, release date, program start date, and the date you must report to the new DSO.

Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. Your DSOs and, where appropriate, a qualified immigration professional can address your case.