When international students change schools, most of the attention goes to the exciting part: getting accepted somewhere new. The paperwork that follows can feel confusing because it involves three parties: the student, the current school, and the new school. Each has specific responsibilities, and the process works smoothly only when everyone does their part at the right time.
This guest post breaks the process down by role, so you know exactly what you’re responsible for and what the schools handle for you.
What a SEVIS Record Transfer Actually Is
SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the U.S. government database that tracks F-1 students. Every F-1 student has a SEVIS record managed by a Designated School Official (DSO) at their school. A SEVIS transfer moves that record and responsibility for it from your current school to your new school without ending your F-1 status.
The Three Roles at a Glance
| Role | Main Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Student | Gets admitted, informs the current DSO, reports to the new school on time |
| Current school’s DSO | Agrees on a release date and releases the SEVIS record |
| New school’s DSO | Issues the new I-20 and completes registration once the student reports |
Role 1: The Student
You start and finish the process. Your responsibilities include:
- Getting admitted to a new SEVP-certified school.
- Notifying your current DSO and providing the new school’s information and your planned start date.
- Continuing to attend classes at your current school until the release date.
- Reporting to the new school after the transfer.
That last step is critical. According to Study in the States, the Department of Homeland Security’s student resource, you must register for classes and contact your new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on your new Form I-20.
Role 2: The Current School’s DSO
Your current DSO works with the new school to choose the transfer release date. Study in the States explains that this date is based on your academic needs, travel and employment plans, and the new program’s start date.
On the release date, the new school’s DSO gains access to your SEVIS record and the current school’s DSO no longer has access. That’s why timing matters: once the record moves, your current school can no longer update it. Agreeing on that date early is one of the most important steps in any SEVIS transfer.
Role 3: The New School’s DSO
After the release date, the new DSO takes responsibility for your record and can issue your new I-20, sometimes called a “transfer pending” I-20. When you arrive and enroll, the DSO completes your registration in SEVIS. Once that registration is done, your SEVIS transfer is complete.
Some schools publish clear transfer-in instructions. For example, A F International explains the documents it requests and how it coordinates release dates on its page about the sevis transfer process for students moving to its Pasadena or Westlake Village campuses.
Deadlines Everyone Should Know
- 15 days: Report to your new DSO and register within 15 days of the new program start date.
- Five months: Your new program generally must start within five months of completing your current program or your last day of attendance.
- 60 days: Students who complete a program generally have a 60-day grace period, but early withdrawal or a terminated record can change that.
- OPT: If you’re on OPT, employment authorization ends on the SEVIS transfer release date.
Missing any of these can complicate a SEVIS transfer, so mark them on your calendar.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Stopping classes too early. Acceptance at a new school doesn’t end your obligations to your current one. Keep attending until your DSOs advise otherwise.
Choosing a release date without checking the start date. Your release date and new program start date should work together. Confirm both before finalizing.
Traveling during the transfer. International travel while a SEVIS transfer is in progress can create problems. Talk to both DSOs before booking any trip.
Missing the reporting window. Arriving late at your new school can put your status at risk.
Not keeping copies. Save every I-20, your I-94, and all emails with both schools.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Start early so both schools have time to coordinate.
- Keep communication in writing and organized in one folder.
- Ask the new school exactly which documents it needs.
- Confirm when your new I-20 will be issued and how to receive it.
- Plan housing and transportation before your start date.
A well-planned SEVIS transfer is usually quick and uneventful. A rushed one can create stress and avoidable risks. This post is general information, not legal advice, so confirm details with your DSOs.
Conclusion
Transferring schools on an F-1 visa is a team effort. You handle admission, notification, attendance, and reporting; your current DSO sets and processes the release; your new DSO issues the I-20 and completes registration. Understand each role, respect the key deadlines, avoid common mistakes, and keep both schools informed, and your move to a new school can be smooth and stress-free.
