Transfer-Out

Overview

All our F-1 students who have been admitted to another U.S. institution, college or university must notify their ISS advisor to request a transfer of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to their new transfer-in school. Be aware that the SEVIS record can only be transferred to one school.

Documents Required

Please contact the new, transfer-in school for their SEVIS information, specifically, their name as listed in SEVIS, SEVIS School code, and fax number.

Copy of the Admission Letter to the New Transfer-In School: Do not provide the Transfer-Out form without a copy of the admission letter. The SEVIS record cannot be transferred without an admission letter to the new school.

The New Transfer-In School’s SEVIS Release/Transfer-In Form: Contact the new, transfer-in school to ask them to provide their form. Complete the sections of the form which the F1 student is required to complete. If the new, transfer-in school does not have a SEVIS Release/Transfer-In Form, it is not required.

Complete the Transfer-Out Form and submit it along with the required documents to International Student Services (S-310) at Santa Fe College or by email to your ISS advisor. An email will be sent to the student when the SEVIS transfer is complete.

SEVIS Transfer Release Date

Students who do not expect to graduate at the end of the semester in which the SEVIS transfer is requested: The SEVIS transfer release date will be on/after the last day of classes.
Students who expect to graduate at the end of the semester in which the SEVIS transfer is requested: The SEVIS transfer release date will be on/after the degree confirmation date, unless there is documented reason for an earlier release date. The SEVIS record must be transferred prior to the 60th day from the degree confirmation date.
Students on OPT/STEM OPT: The program start date at the new transfer-in school must be within 5 months of the transfer release date or the expiration of the OPT/STEM OPT card, whichever is first. The SEVIS record must be transferred prior to the 60th day from OPT/STEM OPT expiration date.
The new transfer-in school will be able to issue the new I-20 only after the transfer release date.
Students who wish to cancel the transfer of the SEVIS record must notify their ISS advisor at least 5-10 business days before the transfer release date; once the transfer release date occurs, ISS will no longer have access to the SEVIS record.

Students who are employed:

On-campus employment or CPT (on or off-campus): Employment must end on/before commencement.

OPT/STEM OPT: Employment must end on/before the transfer release date or the EAD card expiration date, whichever is first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request to transfer my SEVIS record after I have graduated or while on OPT?
You are eligible to request a SEVIS record transfer during the 60-day grace period following your program completion. If you are on OPT, you may request a SEVIS record transfer during your OPT period and within the 60-day grace period following your OPT expiration date.

How does my SEVIS transfer affect my on-campus employment eligibility?
You may only work on campus at the school that has access to your SEVIS record. Check with the international student advisor at your new school to verify employment eligibility.

How does my SEVIS transfer affect my OPT/STEM OPT?
You may request a SEVIS record transfer during your OPT period and within the 60-day grace period following your OPT/STEM OPT expiration date, provided you have maintained F1 status while on OPT/STEM OPT. Once your SEVIS record is transferred, you may no longer work. The remainder of your OPT/STEM OPT is void as of the SEVIS transfer release date/card expiration date, whichever comes first.

Can I stay in the US between programs?
You may remain in the US between programs if the following is true:

Your SEVIS record is able to be transferred in accordance to transfer regulations, and your new program starts within 5 months of your last day of attendance at Santa Fe College.

What if the new program start date is more than 5 months away?
If the period between programs is more than 5 months, your SEVIS record cannot be transferred and you must depart the US within your 60-day grace period. The new school must issue you a new Initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number. You must apply for a new F1 visa which will match your new SEVIS number; if the visa is approved, you may then re-enter the US no earlier than 30 days before your new program start date on your new Initial I-20.

How does my SEVIS transfer affect my travel plans?
If you will be traveling outside of the US, you should consider your travel plans when determining your transfer release date. Whichever school holds your SEVIS record at the time of your re-entry is the school whose I-20 you must have with you at the port of entry. It is important to discuss your travel plans with your international student advisor at the new school so that an appropriate transfer release date and new I-20 issuance can be coordinated to facilitate your travel.

Can I use my current F-1 visa even though I am changing schools?
As long as you have followed the proper transfer procedures and your SEVIS record is able to be transferred, you will be able to use your current, unexpired visa to re-enter the U.S. Even though the visa has your previous school’s name printed on it, as long as the SEVIS number is the same, you may use the same, un-expired visa.

Do I need to report to my new school’s international office?
Yes. You must report to your new school's International Office within 15 days of the program start date listed on your I-20. Different schools have different check-in procedures; check with the international student’s office at the new school for more information.