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Transferring 


  • SEVIS Transfer

    A SEVIS transfer is the process of moving your SEVIS record from your current school to a new school after you are admitted. Admission to a new school alone does not automatically allow an F-1 student to begin studies at another school. A SEVIS Transfer, if eligible, has several benefits:

    • You do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again.
    • You can remain in the U.S. in between programs if there is less than 5 months between the end of your current program and the start of your new program.
    • You maintain the same SEVIS ID number.
    • If your F-1 visa is still valid, you can continue to use it until its expiration date, even if your old school's name is on your visa.
    • You may travel in between programs and are not subject to the 30-day entry restriction (entering no earlier than 30 days before your program starts).
    A SEVIS transfer is recommended in the following situations:
    • If you graduate from a U.S. high school and plan to study at SBU (Transfer IN).
    • If you are a current student at another U.S. school and plan to continue studies at SBU (Transfer IN).
    • If you are a current SBU student and plan to continue studies at another U.S. school (Transfer OUT).
    • Former SBU students currently on Optional Practical Training (Post-Completion, STEM or Cap Gap) who plan to resume studies at another U.S. school (Transfer OUT).

    If you are a SBU student who has a valid SBU I-20 and you will continue studies in a new degree program at SBU, a SEVIS transfer is not needed. Instead, you will be issued a "Change of Education Level" I-20 after your admission is finalized . Follow the instructions detailed on our Change of Degree Level page to request you updated I-20 in accessVIS. Your change of education level I-20 must be issued before the end of your 60-day grace period.

     

  • Transfer-In


    Transfer-In

    International students who are admitted to Stony Brook University from another U.S. college, university, high school or language program in F-1 status may need a SEVIS Transfer.  This is the process of moving your SEVIS record from your current school to Stony Brook University after you are admitted.

    Admission alone does not automatically allow an F-1 student to begin studies at SBU.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • You must be maintaining F-1 status.
    • You must have an offer of admission from SBU.
    • If you already graduated or completed OPT, you must request the SEVIS transfer within your 60-day grace period.
    • The start of classes at SBU must be within 5 months of one of the following:

    - Academic program completion at your prior institution; 

    - Last day of enrollment at your prior institution;

    OR

    - OPT authorization end date (end date on EAD)

    • For students who are transferring before the end of their OPT, the start of classes must be within 5 months of the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date.

    If the period of time between F-1 activities is longer than 5 months, your SEVIS record is not eligible for transfer. You must receive a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number.

    Transfer-In Process

    Step 1: Speak to your current school
    Step 2: Request your new I-20
    Step 3: Submit the SEVIS Record Transfer Information eForm
    Step 4: Receive your I-20 from Stony Brook
    Step 5: Complete the New Student Check-in and Orientation process

    Important Note: Students who leave the United States between transfers must use Stony Brook University’s I-20 when arriving for inspection at the port of entry. Please keep all previous I-20s for intake procedures.

  • Transfer-Out


    Transfer-Out Students

    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.

    You must request that Visa and Immigration Services transfers or releases your SEVIS record to your new school before you can begin full-time studies there.

    Eligibility

    • 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 the academic program completion at SBU, the last day of enrollment at SBU (if not graduating from SBU), your OPT authorization end date, or for students not completing OPT period, the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date.

    Note: If the period of time 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.

    Important Considerations

    • You do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again.
    • You can remain in the U.S. in between programs.
    • You maintain the same current SEVIS ID number, which may make you eligible for certain benefits at your new school earlier, such as CPT eligibility.

    The U.S. government considers all the following examples to be possible “SEVIS transfer” situations:

    • Completing a program at one school and starting a new program at a different school.
    • Currently studying at one school and deciding (before completing program) to change to a new school.
    • Currently on your OPT period and starting a new program of study at a different school.

    How to Request a SEVIS Transfer

    If you've been admitted to another U.S. institution and wish to have your SEVIS record transferred, you must complete the "Transfer Out Request" in accessVIS.  

    Upload the following items and indicate your preferred SEVIS transfer release date:

    • Acceptance letter issued by the U.S. school or institution you wish to transfer to.
    • A receipt from Student Accounts showing all outstanding balances have been paid.
    • ‘Transfer In’ form from new school/program (if applicable).
  • Frequently Asked Questions


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the SEVIS transfer release date?
    What happens on the SEVIS transfer release date?
    Can I stay in the U.S. between programs?
    How does my SEVIS transfer affect my travel plans?
    Can I use my current visa even though I am changing schools?
    How does my SEVIS transfer affect my on-campus employment eligibility?
    Can I request to transfer my SEVIS record after I have graduated?
    How does my SEVIS transfer affect my OPT authorization?
    Do I need to report to my new school’s international office?
    Can I travel outside of the U.S. in between programs after my transfer-out date?