F-1 Student Transfer Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Step 1

Prepare Your University Application

Work with our Admissions Team to complete your documents. We will guide you and provide feedback to help you submit a strong application.

Complete Your Registration

Step 2

Receive Your School Acceptance

Receive your university acceptance letter and sign your Enrollment Agreement. Once completed, the transfer process can move forward.

Submit Your Documents

Step 3

Set Your Transfer Release Date

Coordinate with your current DSO to schedule the date your SEVIS record will be released and transferred to your new school.

Receive Acceptance

Step 4

Complete Your CPT Application Package

Work with our Career Support Team to submit your CPT documents and share your practical training preferences.

Finalize Enrollment

Step 5

Begin Your Academic Program

Attend orientation, begin classes, and take the next step in your academic and professional journey.

FAQ

What to Know Before Applying

An F-1 transfer student refers to anybody that is already in the United States under F-1 status who wishes to transfer from one SEVP-certified institution to another. By transferring, one does not obtain a new F-1 visa but will continue to hold F-1 status in the United States.

The transfer process is relatively simple for those who maintain active SEVIS. Consult with your current DSO to confirm whether you may be eligible for an F-1 transfer.

F-1 transfer students are generally able to join the next available intake. Upon registration, your Admissions Specialist will be happy to review the upcoming start dates and provide guidance based on your timeline.

No, F-1 transfer students must submit the same documents as any other applicant.

The Transfer Process

The transfer process is relatively simple for those who maintain active SEVIS! Upon acceptance into your program, you will be required to coordinate the release of your SEVIS record from your current institution to your new university. This is done by setting a transfer release date.

This refers to the date that your SEVIS record is released by your current institution and picked up by your new school. As long as you’re maintaining active SEVIS, you should be able to set your transfer release date to join your desired intake.

Important Considerations

  • The transfer release date must be set before the start of classes for your new program.
  • You must join the next available intake following the transfer release date.

You and the DSO at your current institution will agree on a date after you have been accepted to the new university. There are several factors involved in deciding a transfer release date such as when your current program finishes and the date your future program begins.

In general, no. F-1 students who have maintained status in the U.S. and are transferring to a new program are not required to make this payment again.

After the Transfer

The transfer is only finalized once you have completed the enrollment materials with your new university. After the transfer release date, you can check with the DSO from your transfer-out school to confirm that your SEVIS record has been released to your new school.

Form I-20s cannot be processed until the SEVIS record has been successfully released to the new institution. Normally, an I-20 will be issued in the days following the start of classes, and you may consult with your DSO for details on the status of your I-20 once your program commences.

F-1 students are typically afforded a grace period after their current program ends to transfer their SEVIS record to a new school. You should maintain valid F-1 status as long as your SEVIS transfer is properly coordinated.

Your transfer must be completed before the start of your new program. Work with your DSO to set an appropriate transfer release date that ensures your SEVIS record is transferred before classes begin at your new school.

CPT

CPT authorization is specific to each program. You may continue your practical training at your transfer-out school until your transfer release date. To participate in CPT under your new program, you will need to obtain authorization from your new DSO.

OPT

OPT authorization is not transferable between schools. A student’s authorization for OPT ends on the transfer release date. If the student wishes to complete their OPT, the transfer-out school must set the release date for after the OPT ends.

  • Keep in touch with your DSO
  • Allow yourself time to complete the admissions and transfer processes
  • Share your most recent Form I-20 with Hospitality Academy Admissions
  • Know when you’d like to start your new program – consider the program start date and your current program’s end date
  • Maintain active SEVIS!