Whether it's a change in academic interests, financial circumstances, or simply finding a better-fit program, F-1 students sometimes need or want to transfer between US universities. The good news: this is generally still possible. The important part is doing it correctly through the proper SEVIS process — a transfer done incorrectly, or without properly notifying both schools, can put your status at risk even if your intentions were reasonable.

The basic transfer process

  1. Get accepted at your new institution first. You need a genuine offer of admission before initiating a SEVIS transfer.
  2. Notify your current school's DSO of your intent to transfer and set a "transfer release date" — the date your SEVIS record moves from your current school to the new one.
  3. Coordinate with the new school's DSO to ensure your SEVIS record is properly received and a new I-20 is issued in your name.
  4. Report to the new school by the deadline on your new I-20 to maintain status continuity.

Why the DSO conversation matters so much

Your Designated School Official at both the current and new institution plays a central role in this process — they're the ones who actually action the SEVIS record transfer and confirm your continued status. Withdrawing from your current program without coordinating this transfer properly, or assuming it happens automatically, is one of the most common ways students accidentally fall out of status during a transfer.

Common mistakes that put status at risk

  • Withdrawing from the current school before the new school has confirmed admission and the transfer is properly scheduled
  • Missing the reporting deadline at the new institution after the transfer release date
  • Assuming a transfer is automatic once you've been accepted elsewhere, without actively coordinating with both DSOs
  • Not accounting for how a transfer interacts with any current OPT or CPT authorization, if applicable

Because immigration rules can shift

General SEVIS transfer mechanics have been fairly stable over time, but specific requirements and any additional rules introduced in 2026 should always be confirmed with your DSO and official government sources before you begin the process — don't rely solely on a general guide like this one for your specific timeline.

Last updated: August 1, 2026. Official source: Study in the States (DHS/SEVP).

Thinking about transferring universities? Our counsellors can help you plan the process correctly, or browse our USA destination guide to explore other options.