International Students

Transferring a SEVIS Immigration Record

An F-1 student may transfer between SEVP-certified schools. The transfer process is a way to electronically move Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records and retain the same SEVIS identification (ID) number for the student.

Eligibility

In order for a student to request a transfer of their SEVIS immigration record, they must:

  • be maintaining F-1 status
  • have an offer of admission from an SEVP-certified school
  • still be within their 60-day grace period (for those that have graduated or have been granted Optional Practical Training {OPT})
  • begin classes at the new institution within FIVE (5) months of one of the following:
    • academic program completion at PCC
    • last day of enrollment at PCC (if not graduating from PCC)
    • OPT authorization end date
    • the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date (for students not completing OPT period)

Items to Note

  1. An SEVIS Coordinator will not release a terminated SEVIS record unless the transfer-in school agrees to accept the terminated record and assist the student in applying for reinstatement.
  2. A student’s SEVIS record is not eligible for transfer if the period of time between F-1 activities is longer than 5 months.
  3. A student may transfer out after the late-add date of a term, only if the start date of the transfer-in school is sooner than the end of that term (based on PCC academic calendar).
  4. The SEVIS release date generally coincides with the end of term date listed (based on PCC’s academic calendar).
  5. If the transfer-in school has a term that starts after a PCC term, a student needs to be enrolled full-time in their current term at PCC (except during a vacation term or term when a reduced course load is granted).

Procedure

  1. Student submits a/an:
    • admission letter from the SEVP-certified transfer school
    • Transfer Request Form
    • Insurance Termination Form
  2. Advisor releases the student in SEVIS for scheduled date arranged with student.

Processing Times

An applicant should allow 3-5 working days for processing of the authorization.

This page is maintained by the OISS SEVIS Coordinator.