overview and definition
F-1 students who are maintaining their F-1 status may transfer from one DHS-approved school to another by following the transfer procedure. Students must submit a request to the International Student & Scholar Services office to transfer their SEVIS immigration record to the new institution to begin studies at the new school.
When to transfer Out
Current Student
If the student is a current student at the University of Utah, ISSS needs to maintain
the SEVIS record until the last day of the semester. Students will need to discuss
with the new school to find out when they need their SEVIS record transferred to receive
an I-20 from the new school.
Students must transfer before the start of the next semester or they will be expected
to be enrolled at the University of Utah.
Student Graduating
If the student is graduating, ISSS must release the student's SEVIS record within 60 days from the program end date on the I-20 or the record will auto-complete ending the student's F-1 status. If the record auto-completes, the student must either travel and re-enter the U.S. on the new school's initial I-20 or reinstate (if the new school is willing to support reinstatement).
On OPT
If the student is on OPT, they must understand that the OPT will automatically end on the release date they provide to ISSS. Students are no longer eligible to continue work on OPT after the transfer-out is processsed.
OPT Ended (Grace Period)
Students who have an OPT that has ended and are currently in their grace period must have ISSS release the SEVIS record within 60 days from the last day of OPT, or the record will auto-complete, ending the student's F-1 status. If the record auto-completes, the student must either travel and re-enter the U.S. on the new school's initial I-20 or reinstate (if the new school is willing to support reinstatement).
Travelling
If the student is planning to travel after transferring their SEVIS record, students must re-enter the U.S. on the new school's I-20.
5 Month Rule
- the initial start date on your new I-20 from the new institution must be within 5 months of the end of the course of study at the University of Utah, or within 5 months of the release date set by University of Utah, whichever is earlier.
- For students on OPT, the course of study must begin within 5 months of the end of OPT, or within 5 months of the release date set by the University of Utah, which is earlier.
Transfer Out Application steps
Login to UAtlas
Submit the Transfer Out Request e-form.
The student must submit the acceptance letter from the new school that states the start date of the program. If the new school provides a Transfer-In Eligibility form in pdf file, students will need to upload it to the e-form. If the new school has an online transfer-in form, students must use the international@utah.edu email address.
Students will need to choose their SEVIS record release date. The date can only be in the future. If students need to change the date after ISSS has approved the request, they must contact ISSS as soon as possible.
A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the request.
Processing time is within 10 business days.
Receiving the Approval Email
Once the Transfer Out Request is approved, the DSO will confirm with the student the
date the SEVIS Record will be released.
Canceling the Transfer Release Date
ISSS can cancel or change your transfer plans any time up until the release date arrives. After the release date arrives, we have no further control over your SEVIS record, and you will then have to work with the new school if you wish to change your plans.