Transferring to a new school within the U.S. means transferring SEVIS

Transferring to a new school within the United States is a significant step for international students, often signaling a change in academic direction or a pursuit of new opportunities.

However, this transition also involves navigating the intricacies of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a critical component of maintaining legal status for international students in the U.S. International student who holds F1 visa will have his or her own SEVIS Record  (which can be understood as a student identity file). Before entering a new school, they need to transfer their SEVIS records to the new school.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding SEVIS transfers and the essential steps involved when transferring to a new educational institution.

Understanding SEVIS and Its Importance

SEVIS is an online system used by the U.S. government to track and monitor international students and exchange visitors throughout their stay in the United States. It facilitates communication between schools and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ensuring compliance with visa regulations and maintaining accurate records of students’ enrollment statuses and activities.

SEVIS Transfer Steps

When an international student decides to transfer to a new school within the U.S., they must initiate the SEVIS transfer process. Here’s how it generally works:

Step 1：Admission to the New School

First, secure admission to the new school and receive a new Form I-20 from the designated school official (DSO) at the new institution.

Sample: Acceptance Letter from your new school

**The SEVIS Code of the new school (usually written on the admission letter)

If the school has multiple campuses, each campus has a corresponding School SEVIS code. Take Trine University as an example:

Trine University-Detroit Campus 999 Republic Drive, Suite 200  Allen Park, MI 48101  School code: CHI214F10471005

Trine University-Phoenix Campus 326 E Coronado Rd, STE 108  Phoenix, AZ 85004  School code: CHI214F10471006

Trine University—Reston Campus 1881 Campus Commons Dr Reston, VA 20191  School code: CHI214F10471007

Step 2: Notify Current School

Inform the current school’s DSO of your intention to transfer. Provide them with a copy of the admission letter from the new school and request to initiate the SEVIS transfer process.

Step 3: Select the date of Transfer Out

The current school’s DSO will set a SEVIS release date, which is the date they will release your SEVIS record to the new school. This date should be coordinated with the start date of the new program at the new school and must not be later than the end of the Grace Period.

The old school will set a transfer date in the SEVP system of the USCIS. At that time, the status will be transferred to the new school on time. The transfer is completed instantly and will not cause a break in the status. Once the SEVIS is transferred, the current OPT status will be invalidated immediately, resulting in the loss of legal working status. You can only resume work after obtaining an I-20 with CPT work authorization from the new school.

During the gap between OPT and CPT or CPT and CPT, you need to apply for non-pay leave or rehire from your employer. You are not allowed to receive wages during the period without a work permit. If you need to apply for a seamless transition from OPT to CPT, you can contact  CISI for consultation.

How to write a non-pay leave letter?

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that due to my current immigration status transition, I am required to take a period of non-pay leave from [start date] to [end date].

During this time, I will not be able to perform any work duties or receive wages as per immigration regulations. I assure you that I am committed to maintaining open communication and will remain available to assist with the transition or to answer any questions that may arise.

I have reviewed the company’s policies regarding leaves of absence and believe this request aligns with the guidelines provided. Please let me know if there are any specific forms or procedures I need to follow to formalize this arrangement.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this period. I value my time with [Company Name] and look forward to returning to work once I am eligible to do so.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Step 4: SEVIS Transfer Confirmation (Optional)

On the SEVIS release date, the current school’s DSO will transfer your SEVIS record electronically to the new school. Once the transfer is complete, the new school’s DSO will have access to your SEVIS record and can issue a new Form I-20 reflecting your updated program and school information. After the designated transfer date, you can contact the new school by email to confirm whether SEVIS has been received. Generally speaking, once the original school successfully transferred a student’s SEVIS record out, the target school will definitely receive it.

Conclusion

Transferring to a new school within the U.S. involves navigating the SEVIS transfer process to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and maintain legal status. By understanding the steps involved and communicating effectively with designated school officials at both your current and new institutions, you can smoothly transition to pursue your academic and career goals in the United States. Remember, the DSOs are valuable resources who can provide guidance and support throughout the transfer process, ensuring a successful transition to your new educational environment.