Transfer Out
Learn about transferring the SEVIS record to a new school.
A student who is maintaining valid F-1 status may transfer from one SEVP-certified school to another. The transfer process electronically moves a student's SEVIS record while retaining the same SEVIS identification number and does not imply the transfer of academic records. A student who is completing or leaving their current program with confirmed arrangements to continue studies at another SEVP-certified U.S. institution and who wishes to retain their SEVIS number must complete the SEVIS transfer process.
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.
Graduating Student
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).
Students on OPT/STEM OPT
If the student is on OPT or STEM OPT, they must understand that the work authorization will automatically end on the release date they provide to ISSS. Students are no longer eligible to continue work on OPT/STEM 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).
Traveling
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.
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.
Submit the Transfer Out Request e-form.
The student must be fully admitted to the new school and submit an 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.
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.
Transfer Out - Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer release date you select depends on when student plan to start at the new school. In all cases, the student must continue to maintain F-1 immigration status until the transfer release date.
During an academic program - when a student transfers to another school in the middle of their program to complete their degree at another institution.
- The student can choose a transfer release date after the end date of the current semester, but before the start date of the next semester at University of Utah.
- On-campus employment must end on the SEVIS transfer release date.
After completing an academic program - when a student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and plans to begin a new program or degree at another school.
- The student can choose a transfer release date after the end date of the current semester, but not to exceed the 60 day grace period 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).
- The student is not allowed to work beyond degree completion date.
During Post-Completion OPT - Example: when a student has completed a program and is on OPT in the US, but will start a new degree program at another school before EAD card expires.
- The student can choose any date during OPT period, however if nearing 90 days of unemployment, the record must be transferred before 90th day of unemployment.
- The Student must stop must stop working upon their SEVIS release date.
- If transfer before EAD card expires, the student will lose any remaining days of OPT work authorization.
After Completing OPT and Currently in Grace Period
- The student can only select a transfer release date within their 60 day grace period.
- OPT employment must end on the end date of EAD card.
If you decide that you would like to be released at a different date, contact ISSS at least 10 business days before the SEVIS release date so that we may act accordingly.
If we do not hear from you before your SEVIS release date, your record will be transferred and you will need to contact your new school regarding any questions you may have about your SEVIS record.
Yes, you can transfer to a new school if you are currently on OPT, but be aware that your OPT will automatically end on the release date you provide to ISSS. You will no longer be eligible to continue work on OPT after the transfer-out process is completed.
If you request a SEVIS transfer with a release date before the end of the semester, you must maintain F-1 student status with full-time enrollment and are required to be physically present on campus until your SEVIS record has been transferred out.
If you withdraw from all classes before the release date. We must terminate your SEVIS record for Unauthorized Withdrawal or Unauthorized Drop Below Full Course.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations require all F-1 students to be enrolled in classes within 30 days of their first arrival in the U.S. Before arranging for a transfer, check that the new school’s start date is within 30 days of your U.S. arrival date. If yes, please speak with one of ISSS advisors as soon as possible and be prepared to submit the following documents to the ISSS office.
- A written request to transfer your I-20 in initial status
- Proof of admission to the transfer-in school
- U.S. address (even if temporary)
- Copy of your passport biographic page
- Copy of F-1 visa
- Copy of University of Utah I-20 with your signature on page 1
- Copy of I-94 electronic printout or copy of front and back of white card
No, ISSS cannot make changes to your class registration, including dropping or withdrawing your classes when you transfer out your SEVIS record. If you are enrolled for the current or future term, please first discuss your plans with your academic program advisor and consult the Office of the Registrar for information on registration policies and the tuition refund schedule.
Please note that after the add/drop deadline, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time at ISSS until the SEVIS transfer release date to maintain status.
You may stay in the U.S. in between programs/F-1 activities if the SEVIS record transfer procedures are correctly followed. If the period between programs is longer than 5 months, your new school must issue a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number. You must leave the U.S. within your 60-day grace period and re-enter no earlier than 30 days before your new program start date.