Deciding to transfer schools isn't just about your grades or your major—it's about your livelihood. If you're currently working on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), the transfer process adds a layer of complexity that keeps many students up at night: protecting your legal right to work.
We've walked tons of students through this at TransferBridge. We know that realizing your current university isn't the right fit is stressful enough without worrying about losing your job. But it happens all the time, and transferring is often the smartest move for your long-term career. The key is to make that move without accidentally tripping a wire that revokes your work authorization.
To do that, you need to understand the mechanism that controls it all: the SEVIS Release Date.
The "Kill Switch" for Your Work Authorization
Think of the SEVIS release date as the "off" switch for your current status. When you and your Designated School Official (DSO) pick this date, you are setting a hard deadline. At midnight on that date, your SEVIS record zaps over to your new school, your current I-20 becomes void, and your legal right to work vanishes immediately.
This is non-negotiable. You cannot work even a single hour past that date. Doing so is considered "unauthorized employment," which is a serious violation of your F-1 status that can lead to visa denials down the road.
Because this date is so critical, it affects CPT and OPT differently. Here is the high-level view:
| Feature | CPT (Curricular Practical Training) | OPT (Optional Practical Training) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Basis | Tied to a specific course at current school. | Tied to an EAD card and your degree level. |
| Transfer Impact | Ends immediately on the SEVIS release date. | Ends immediately on the SEVIS release date. |
| Can you "carry over" time? | No. New CPT must be approved by new school. | No. Remaining OPT time is forfeited. |
| Gap in Employment | Inevitable (Admin processing time). | Inevitable (Until new I-20/CPT/OPT is issued). |
If You Are on CPT...
You're looking at a temporary gap. Since CPT is tied to a specific course at your current university, you can't just take it with you. Once that SEVIS date hits, your current CPT ends. To start working again, you have to settle in at your new school, get your "Transfer Pending" I-20, register for classes, and apply for a brand new CPT authorization.
This transition always takes a little time. You'll need to prepare your employer for a mandatory blackout period—usually about 2 to 4 weeks depending on how fast your new school processes paperwork—where you legally can't perform any work.
If You Are on OPT...
The stakes are higher here because of the "use it or lose it" rule. If you transfer to a new degree program while you're still on your 12-month Post-Completion OPT, you immediately forfeit any time you haven't used.
For example, if you have 5 months left on your EAD card and you transfer today, those 5 months are gone forever. You can't pause them or save them for later. This applies to the STEM OPT extension as well. This makes the timing of your transfer crucially important; you don't want to accidentally walk away from months of valid work authorization if you don't have to.
(A quick warning for H-1B applicants: If you're on a Cap-Gap extension, a SEVIS transfer kills that protection immediately. Talk to a lawyer before you move, or you might jeopardize your petition.)
How to Time Your Move
The good news is that you have some control. Since you work with your DSO to pick the SEVIS release date, you can time it to minimize the hit to your wallet.
The trick is to avoid releasing your record too early. Just because you got accepted in May doesn't mean you need to transfer your SEVIS record in May if your new program doesn't start until August. Try to aim for the "sweet spot"—setting your release date as close to the start of your new semester as possible. This lets you keep earning a paycheck at your current job for as long as the law allows before you have to switch over.
Common Questions We Get
Can I keep working while the transfer is processing? No. The moment that SEVIS release date hits, strictly fast from working. You have to wait until your new school hands you the new authorization.
Does transferring reset the "One Year Rule" for CPT? Unfortunately, usually yes. Most schools require you to be a student for a full academic year before granting CPT. However, some graduate programs allow for "Day 1 CPT" immediately upon transfer. If reliable work authorization is a priority for you, let us know—we can help you find programs that offer this.
What do I do with my old EAD card? Keep it for your records, but it's basically just a souvenir now. It’s no longer valid for employment or ID purposes once the transfer goes through.
There is a lot to balance here, but don't let the logistics scare you away from a better opportunity. Transferring is a strategic step for your future. If you're worried about the timing or finding a school that supports your work goals, just reach out. At TransferBridge, we help students navigate this every day, entirely for free.
