A SEVIS transfer moves your official student record — and F-1 status — from one SEVP-certified school to another without leaving the US. Your SEVIS ID stays the same throughout.
When you move from one SEVP-certified school to another, your SEVIS record (not just your paperwork) transfers between the two schools' Designated School Officials (DSOs). This is the official, system-level process behind changing schools on F-1 status. (For the practical, student-facing checklist of what to actually do, see our I-20 Transfer guide.)
Any F-1 student moving from one SEVP-certified school to another — whether for a new program, a transfer within the same degree level, or advancing to a higher one.
You must intend to enroll in a full course of study at the new (transfer-in) school by the next available term, generally within 5 months of your transfer, whichever is earlier.
SEVIS transfer keeps your F-1 status and SEVIS ID continuous — you don't need a new visa stamp or to leave the country.
Any off-campus work authorization (CPT/OPT) tied to your prior school generally ends at transfer. To resume off-campus work, you need a new recommendation from your new school's DSO and, where applicable, a new USCIS application.
Coordinate a transfer release date with both DSOs carefully — once released, your prior school's DSO loses access to your SEVIS record, so timing matters.
You must report to your new school's DSO within 15 days of the program start date at the new school.
Written confirmation of acceptance from the new school, notification to your current DSO of your transfer intent, and a new Form I-20 issued by the transfer-in school once the transfer is processed.
SEVP
Every student's circumstances are different. Talk to Na Visa for general guidance, and confirm anything status-specific with your DSO or an immigration professional.
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