Can You Transfer from One University to Another While on an F-1 Visa?

✅ Yes, you can transfer schools while on an F-1 visa as long as you follow the proper SEVIS transfer process and maintain your status.

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🔹 Steps to Transfer to a New University on an F-1 Visa

1️⃣ Get Accepted to a New SEVP-Approved School

✔ Apply and receive an admission offer from a new SEVP-certified institution.
✔ Obtain the new school’s SEVIS code for your transfer request.

🔍 How to check if a school is SEVP-approved?
Check the SEVP School Search Tool.

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2️⃣ Notify Your Current School (DSO) & Request a SEVIS Transfer

✔ Inform your Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school about your intent to transfer.
✔ Provide the acceptance letter from your new school.
✔ Complete any transfer-out forms required by your current school.
✔ Choose a SEVIS transfer release date (must be before your new school’s start date).

📌 Important:

• DO NOT terminate your F-1 status before transferring.

• DO NOT let your SEVIS record become inactive (your transfer must be completed before your current school’s grace period ends).

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3️⃣ Receive Your New I-20 from the New School

✔ Once the SEVIS transfer is complete, the new school will issue you a new Form I-20.
✔ Sign the new I-20 and complete the school’s check-in process.

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4️⃣ Start Classes at the New School on Time

✔ You must start classes in the next available term (within 5 months of the SEVIS transfer).
✔ Report to the DSO at your new school to activate your SEVIS record.

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🔹 Key Rules & Considerations

🔸 Do I Need to Pay the SEVIS Fee Again?

❌ No. Your SEVIS record transfers, so you don’t need to repay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

🔸 Can I Transfer After Completing My Program?

✅ Yes, but you must request the transfer during your 60-day grace period.

🔸 Can I Transfer While on OPT?

✅ Yes, but your OPT ends on the SEVIS release date (you cannot continue working on OPT after transferring).

🔸 Do I Need a New Visa If I Transfer Schools?

❌ No, if your F-1 visa is still valid. Your visa remains linked to your SEVIS record.
✅ Yes, if your visa has expired and you plan to travel outside the U.S. before returning.

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🔹 Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚨 DO NOT drop classes or stop attending your current school before your SEVIS transfer is processed.
🚨 DO NOT let your 60-day grace period expire (after program completion) before transferring.
🚨 DO NOT forget to report to your new school’s DSO upon arrival.

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🟢 Summary: Can You Transfer Schools on an F-1 Visa?

✔ Yes, as long as you follow the SEVIS transfer process.
✔ Apply & get accepted at a new SEVP-approved school.
✔ Notify your current school’s DSO & set a SEVIS transfer release date.
✔ Get a new I-20 from your new school.
✔ Start classes on time (within 5 months).

Would you like help with transfer documents, school selection, or visa concerns? 😊