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.
Before starting full-time studies at your new school, request ISS to transfer/release your F-1 U.S. Government SEVIS I-20 record to your new school.
The U.S. government refers to this process as 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
- Your SEVIS ID number stays the same after transferring to a new school. Keeping it may allow earlier access to benefits like 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. Please allow 3–5 business days for ISS processing. Request a transfer only once your plans are certain, as we will lose access to your SEVIS record.
3. You will receive an email confirmation of your SEVIS transfer or release from ISS. If you are registered for a future semester, remember to withdraw and settle any financial obligations before transferring.
4. Contact the new school’s International Admissions office to arrange when and how to receive your new I-20.