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Transfering from Another U.S. School

A benefit of the U.S. higher education system is that a student can choose from a variety of institutional types. If you are considering transferring from your current U.S. school to another U.S. school then you will need to maintain communication with both your current school and the school that you decide to transfer to. All SEVIS records are maintained in an electronically. Your current school is the only school that has access to your SEVIS record until you complete the transfer process.

Transfer Process:

1. After you have been fully admitted to Georgia State University and submitted complete financial documents to ISSS, you can request your SEVIS record to be transferred to Georgia State University.
2. The international advisor at your current school must complete a transfer clearance form to be submitted to International Services.
3. The immigration advisor will set a release date for your SEVIS record based on the last day of the semester in the current semester and the first day of classes at Georgia State. If you are traveling outside of the country between transferring from schools, you will need to request a new I-20 from Georgia State at least 2 weeks before your departure.  You will need the new (transfer pending) I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. legally.
4. Once your SEVIS record has been released from your current school they no longer have access to your SEVIS record. Georgia State will have the ability to update your SEIVS record and print a new I-20 for you upon registration for classes.

Deadlines/Time Considerations for Transferring Schools:

1. Transferring After Completion of Studies (Graduation) or OPT Period

You can only transfer your F-1 status from one school to another if you have maintained a legal status. If you are completing your studies or Optional Practical Training (OPT) period then you only have a 60-day grace period to fully complete the transfer process. The 60-day period begins at the end of the term in which you complete your studies or the day after the EAD card expires. The student must begin classes at the new school in the next possible semester and within 5 months of completion at the old school or the expiration of the OPT.

For example: If the student’s OPT ends on March 15th then the student must have fully completed the transfer process (a new I-20 issued) within the 60-day grace period (May 14th). The student must begin classes at the new school within 5 months of the time that the OPT expires. If the student fails to complete the transfer within 60 days or enroll in classes within 5 months then they will violate their F-1 status.

2. Transferring Before Completion of Studies (Graduation)

In order for a student to transfer from one school to another in the middle of their degree program, the student must have maintained their status until the transfer is complete.  The circumstances for each student vary significantly. For this reason, the student should meet with their immigration advisor to determine the timeline for completing the transfer within immigration laws. In every case, the student must be enrolled at the new school within 5 months of the last day of attendance at their old school.