Transfer-Out Advisement
SEVIS Transfer-Out Request
Admission to a new school does not by itself authorize an international student in F-1 status to begin studying full-time at the new school.
You must request ISS to transfer/release your F-1 U.S. government SEVIS I-20 record to your new school before you can begin full-time studies there. The U.S. government calls this process a “SEVIS transfer”.
There are several benefits to a SEVIS transfer:
- You do not pay the $200 SEVIS fee again
- You can remain in the U.S. in between programs
- You maintain the same current SEVIS ID number (which may make you eligible for certain benefits at your new school earlier, such as CPT eligibility)
The U.S. government considers all the following examples to be possible “SEVIS transfer” situations:
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Completing a program at one school and starting a new program at a different school
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Currently studying at one school and deciding (before completing program) to change to a new school
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Currently doing OPT and starting a new program of study at a different school
Eligibility for a SEVIS Record Transfer
- You must currently be maintaining F-1 status
- You must have an offer of admission from a new school
- If you already graduated or completed OPT, you must still be within your 60-day grace period
The start of classes at your new school must be within 5 months of one of the following:
- Academic program completion at UTRGV
- Last day of enrollment at UTRGV (if not graduating from UTRGV)
- OPT authorization end date
- For students not completing OPT period, the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date
If the period between F-1 activities is longer than 5 months, your SEVIS record is not eligible for transfer. Your new school must issue a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number.
Instructions: Request Your SEVIS I-20 Transfer/Release from ISS
1. Gather the necessary information/documents to complete the SEVIS I-20 Transfer OUT Request form:
a. Offer of admission
b. “Transfer In” form from new school (if they require a “Transfer In” or “Transfer Eligibility” form)
2. Complete the SEVIS I-20 Transfer OUT Request form.
3. Allow 3-5 business days for ISS processing. Please note that after the transfer out date our office will no longer have access to your SEVIS record, so request a transfer only after your plans are certain.
4. You will receive an email confirmation of your SEVIS transfer/release from ISS. If you are registered for a future semester, don’t forget to withdraw and fulfill any financial obligations with the University before you transfer to your new school.
5. Contact the new school’s International Admissions office to arrange when and how to receive your new I-20.