This SEVP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is for designated school officials (DSOs) and provides information about how to transfer the record of an F-1 student from one Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school to another. The FAQ also provides information for DSOs when guiding students through the transfer process.
An F-1 student may transfer between SEVP-certified schools. Regulations governing school transfers are in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8). The transfer process is a way to electronically move Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records and retain the same SEVIS identification (ID) number for the student.
The SEVIS transfer process does both of the following:
Once the DSO at the transfer-out school releases the record to the transfer-in school, the DSO at the transfer-in school can enter information into the Draft Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." If the record was in Active status at the transfer-out school, the DSO at the transfer-in school can create an Initial record from the Draft record. The DSO may print a Form I-20 at this time. The DSO must register the student and set the record into Active status within 30 days of the program start date.
If the record was in Terminated status at the time of the transfer, the transfer-in DSO must populate the fields available in Draft before clicking the submit button. The record will remain in Terminated status and the DSO must recommend reinstatement and print a reinstatement Form I-20. The student must immediately file an application for reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unless the DSO or SEVIS put the student into Terminated status erroneously. In this case, the DSO may call the SEVP Response Center to request a data fix.
A DSO at a SEVP-certified school must transfer the SEVIS records for any F-1 student accepted at another SEVP-certified school. A DSO may not refuse to transfer the SEVIS record of any student accepted by another school certified by SEVP for reasons that include, but are not limited to, financial or business reasons. SEVIS records are government property. By signing the Form I-17, SEVP-certified schools agree to abide by federal regulations and policies governing F and M students. This includes complying with the school transfer procedures outlined in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8) and (m)(11), regardless of school policies. DSOs may not terminate the SEVIS status of any nonimmigrant student for the sole reason that a nonimmigrant student requested to transfer to another school.
Initial admission – The first admission to the United States by an F-1 student using a given Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ID number.
New Initial student – An F-1 student with an Initial Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record who recently gained admission into the United States.
Program start date – For initial students, the start of an academic or vocational program of study listed on the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
See 8 CFR 214.3(g)(iii)(C).
Transfer – The release of a student’s record in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System from one SEVP-certified school to another.
Transfer-out school – A school that holds the student record and starts the transfer process after the student notifies the designated school official of their wish to transfer.
Transfer-in school – The school that receives the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record upon the transfer release date.
Transfer release date – The date the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is deactivated from the transfer-out school and appears at the transfer-in school.