Transferring to a new school in the U.S. as an international student can feel overwhelming. Between SEVIS records, I-20 forms, release dates, and strict deadlines, it’s easy for the administrative process to overshadow the excitement of starting fresh. But if you approach it step by step, the process is manageable—and the right preparation can make the transfer seamless.
This guide walks you through the essential steps for F-1 transfers, the timeline you can expect, and common issues that often trip students up. It’s meant to give you a high-level roadmap while ensuring you understand the practical realities of the process.
Why Students Transfer
International students transfer for a variety of reasons. Some want to save money by moving to a school with lower tuition or better scholarship opportunities. Others are focused on academic fit, seeking programs or faculty expertise not available at their current school. Career outcomes matter too: schools with stronger OPT opportunities or better post-graduation job placement can influence transfer decisions. Understanding your motivation is important because it shapes both your target schools and how you approach your application.
Pre-Transfer Considerations
Before you even apply, you need to make sure a transfer is feasible. You must be in valid F-1 status: maintaining full-time enrollment and complying with work restrictions. If you have fallen out of status, missed classes, or worked without authorization, a transfer may require reinstatement or even a new initial entry—both more complicated than a standard transfer.
Next, verify that your target school is SEVP-certified. This is crucial because only certified schools can issue an I-20 and legally accept F-1 students. It may seem obvious, but students occasionally apply to programs that cannot legally issue a new I-20, which makes the entire transfer impossible.
Finally, consider timing and deadlines. Transferring during a semester requires coordination to avoid gaps in your SEVIS record. Transferring right after graduation has a hard 60-day grace period to stay in status. If you are on OPT, your work authorization ends when the transfer release date arrives, so planning is critical.
Step 1: Admission to the New School
The first step is getting admitted. Your new school will request:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended
- Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Copies of your current immigration documents
It’s important to understand that academic admission and SEVIS transfer are separate processes. You might receive an acceptance letter based on your grades, but the school cannot issue a new I-20 until all documents are submitted. Think of admission as unlocking the ability to request your SEVIS transfer.
Step 2: Coordinating Your SEVIS Record
Once admitted, your new school will provide a Transfer-In Form and their SEVIS school code. You must submit these to the DSO at your current school, who holds your SEVIS record. The DSO is the only person who can “release” your record to your new school.
The transfer release date is critical. If you’re still enrolled, it should typically be set for the day after your current semester ends. If you’ve graduated, it must fall within your 60-day grace period. For students on OPT, your work authorization ends on the release date, so plan accordingly. Coordinating this date carefully prevents gaps in status and potential immigration issues.
Step 3: Receiving Your New I-20
After the release date, your new school can access your SEVIS record and issue a “Transfer Pending” I-20. This document is your official proof that the transfer is in progress. Verify all details carefully: name spelling, program start date, and financial information.
This I-20 allows you to travel if necessary. Unlike first-time students, you generally do not need a new F-1 visa stamp if your current one is valid. The Transfer Pending I-20 simply ties your status to your new school.
Step 4: Reporting to Your New School
Upon arrival, you must check in with your new DSO within 15 days of the program start. Many schools combine this with international student orientation. Bring all original documents. At this point, your SEVIS status will change from “Transfer Pending” to “Active,” and you will receive a final I-20 for continued attendance. Congratulations—you are now fully enrolled at your new school.
Timeline Overview
While each student’s process is unique, a typical F-1 transfer looks like this:
| Stage | Typical Duration | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-transfer planning | 1–2 weeks | Verify status, confirm target school is SEVP-certified |
| Admission | 2–6 weeks | Submit transcripts, financial documents, and immigration paperwork |
| SEVIS coordination | 1–2 weeks | Submit Transfer-In Form, agree on transfer release date |
| New I-20 issuance | 1 week | Receive and verify Transfer Pending I-20 |
| Reporting & enrollment | Within 15 days of start | Check in with new DSO, receive final I-20 |
Of course, this assumes that the process is 100% smooth. In reality, there are many things that can go wrong, and it's important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario which could mean months of work or losing visa / OPT if not handled properly.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Transferring as an F-1 student is straightforward when you plan ahead, but small mistakes can create big headaches:
- Misaligned release dates – can create gaps in status or interrupt OPT
- Incomplete documentation – missing transcripts or financial proof delays SEVIS transfer
- Failing to verify SEVP certification – some programs cannot legally accept F-1 students
- Assuming DSOs communicate – you are responsible for delivering forms and confirming the transfer
Being proactive is key. Keep digital copies of all documents, follow up with both schools, and track deadlines carefully.
Final Thoughts
A smooth F-1 transfer is about organization, timing, and communication. Your role is to coordinate between your current and new DSO, ensure all documentation is complete, and choose your transfer release date wisely.
Services like TransferBridge can help match students to transfer-friendly schools and guide you through the paperwork, making the process far less stressful. With careful planning, transferring is simply a well-managed administrative step on your academic journey, not a stressful obstacle.
