F-1 Studying in U.S.
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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F-1 Studying in U.S.

      Studying in the U.S. - Transfer

      This article explains how to transfer schools in the U.S. while maintaining F-1 status.

      Below are steps for F-1 students to transfer to a new school in the U.S.:

      Step 1: Obtain an Admission Letter and New I-20 from the New School

      First, you need to receive an admission letter from the new school. After obtaining the admission, you must contact your current school to initiate the SEVIS transfer process.

      If you have enough time or just simply change your major, you can choose a traditional research school for the transfer.

      If you need to transfer urgently because you were dismissed from your previous school, it is recommended to apply for schools with multiple enrollment windows and short application processes.

       

      Step 2: SEVIS Transfer

      Once students decide to transfer schools, they need to contact the International Students Office at their current school to submit the SEVIS transfer form. This form requires the SEVIS Release Date and the new school’s code (can be found in the new school's offer letter).

      Depending on the school’s policy, some schools may take up to 15 business days to process a SEVIS transfer, while others can handle it immediately. To ensure your F-1 status is maintained, it is important to contact your DSO to understand your school’s policies and requirements for the SEVIS transfer.

      • Once the SEVIS transfer is complete, you will no longer be able to attend your current school. If you wish to stay at your current school until the end of the current semester, make sure the SEVIS Release Date is set for after your current semester ends.

      • "5-Month Rule": The gap between your studies must not exceed 5 months; otherwise, your SEVIS will be terminated. You will then need to obtain a new I-20 and regain F-1 status.

      • If you are using OPT or CPT, your work authorization will become invalid immediately after the SEVIS transfer. You may consider taking leave from your employer until your new school's CPT becomes effective.

      For information on the process of reinstating F-1 status, please refer to: How to Regain F-1 Status?

       

      Step 3: Obtain a New I-20

      After the new school receives the student's SEVIS transfer, it will issue a new I-20 after the SEVIS Release Date. Your F-1 status will be extended through this process.

      If you are outside the U.S. and your F-1 visa has expired, you can use the new I-20 to apply for a new F-1 visa and return to the U.S. to resume your studies.

       

      Important Notices

      Travel

      • It is not recommended for students to travel internationally during the SEVIS transfer period. If you must travel, consider the following options: (1) Delay the SEVIS Release Date so you can re-enter the U.S. with your current I-20; or (2) Travel after receiving the new I-20 from the new school.

      SEVIS Fee

      • You may need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again. Ensure this payment is completed before the program start date at your new school.